The perfect month? Your feedback requested.

Assuming you're not forced to travel during the summer vacation period because of school age children: Avoid the heat, crowds, and higher cost of July and August, as you already said, and also exclude June for similar reasons. May and September start looking very good--they're not shoulder season anymore, but significantly fewer crowds and heat, and pretty darn good weather (on average) almost anyplace in western Europe. April and October start getting dicier on the weather (I know, many of us including me have had wonderful experiences in April and October, I'm just talking generalities here). But later April can be great in Italy. In general, May or September have my vote. But avoid the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends because of US domestic air travel on those dates.

I'd largely agree with Kent, though I have traveled happily and successfully in June as well. I can really only speak for Western Europe though, not really sure what May, June and September would look like to the North or East.

I have to include a suggesstion for late NOV./ early DEC. We love to travel during that time period. Yes, weather is not as "perfect" but we have enjoyed Scotland, England, Wales and Austria during that time. We love the Christmas markets and local flavor opportunites they bring. Think about the purpose of your travel... Shopping, culture, etc.-- the best opportunities for those are often in months you might not think about. I'd bet very earyl spring would be the same.

My trips always ending up being in September or October partly because of work deadlines... The month of September is actually my favorite time to travel to Europe because it's less crowded and everything is sill open (especially seasonal areas - beaches, lakes) but the weather is still good all over - just a little rain and not too cold in the UK, Netherlands, Austria, etc... I try factor Labor Day into my travels as it gives me another day for my trip without increasing the business days that I am gone. I have never had an issue leaving for a trip the Friday or Saturday before Labor Day. Maybe I've just been lucky with my flight schedules...

April or October is best. Not too warm except in Italy/Spain. Europeans have great heat but A/C is expensive so limited in use and they have no idea what ice is. November and March are cheaper for airfare and usually hotels and in most countries still nice enough to sit outside like the locals w/o freezing to death to show off. December & January usually means more stuff closed and COLD.

I actually prefer the colder months for traveling to Europe for a few reasons. One, lines are often much shorter to non-existent, so even though museums and tourist sights have reduced hours, you can move through them much more efficiently. Two, I find it easier to hide my valuables (moneybelt, camera) under a coat. Three, I hate hot weather because I sweat like a fiend. Four- WINTER SPORTS IN THE ALPS!

I agree with Kent. However, I think you also should take into account the type of business you're in. My sis & I have been kicking around the idea of starting our own business and taking a month off for travel is something we've thought of as well. One time of year may be better to take off than another part -- business starts to slow down &/or pick up at certain points. Retail picks up around the holidays, landscaping or contracting in the spring and summer months, accounting or tax based at tax time -- they're all different.

I would say May or June. However last year I spent most of June in England and it rained all the time!!!! (unusual for June there) so you never know.

I also love January right after the Christmas holidays...you get a taste of Christmas at off-season prices and the museums, etc. are not crowded, the sales are on and you not roasting to death. It's a wonderful time for the theatre, ballet and opera and the galloping hordes of tourists are absent for the most part.

Hi Roxanne,
The best month depends on where you want to go. June, July, and August are hot and crowded in many parts of Europe, but they are the best times to be in Scandinavia. You don't want to be in Scandinavia in December or January as you'll only have a few hours of daylight. Since you're planning to do multiple trips over a number of years to different places, I would say September, then May, April and October.

I would pick May. The weather has warmed up. Everything is green. The days are getting long. May is usually one of the dryest months of the year. Lines are shorter. I only need reservations rarely. Prices are good for lodging and airfare.

You are also ahead of the tourist season, meaning locals' patience hasn't been completely taxed yet. My dumb questions are more likely to be met with a smile than exasperation.

May or September, weather is good, less kids and a few less tourist.

Greg

My favorite months are October and November. I have had nice weather in London, Paris and most of Italy at this time. I also love January and early February in Paris, particularly because of the lack of tourist crowds. I would never travel to European cities in the summer months.

Consider mixing it up if possible, September is great for Mediterranean Countries and Beach, April and May are great for Spring things in most of Northern Europe, even February/March can be good for cities like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Prague.