Hello all,
Is there a preference for travel in Central Europe concerning weather conditions or other concerns? We are retired and typically travel in the shoulder seasons. Our concern is the large geographic area covered and weather variations. Any insight will be appreciated.
I would say spring will be a lovely time to tour Central Europe. I went on the RS Best of Poland tour in mid-May last year and enjoyed mild temperatures in the 70's. I think we had some sprinkles in Torun but no where else. I met up with a friend in Krakow who was on the Central Europe tour as our tours converged in Krakow. It was May 30, Corpus Christi Day and we met at an outdoor cafe on the huge square to watch the procession. She didn't say the weather was rainy or cold so I assume it was nice as I experienced in Poland. She and her husband loved this tour!
Hi Judy, I was just looking at that tour yesterday! I went on the Best of the Adriatic tour in 2023 during the month of June. That tour also went to the beautiful Plitvice Park, briefly stopped in Rovinj (looking forward to photographing it during different times of the day), and Lake Bled. Our weather was perfect the entire trip. I don’t mind warm weather & remember it being hot while we were Dubrovnik - our last location south of this tour itinerary. So May should be a nice time to go.
I would avoid the week before and after Easter, as you'll find Europeans on holiday then. Whatever your choice,
have a wonderful trip.
In October 2022, I traveled that exact route -- starting in Prague and ending in Lake Bled, Slovenia, 15 days later. Shoulder season, which is my overall preference, was the perfect time to travel in Central Europe. We spent a lot of time traveling between towns in six countries, but I never grew weary of it. I enjoyed seeing the miles go by, especially in northern Slovakia, western Croatia and southern Slovenia. We did experience significant weather variations. In Krakow, Poland, it felt like Russia -- cold and winter like; in Croatia, it felt like summer. However, those two points were the extreme of weather. Most of the time, it was in the 60s -- with some 50s and 70s in there -- during the day, perfect for travel.
For an average high at 55F or better in Bled (i believe it will be your coolest stop) you would need to travel between 15 April and 15 October. The Prague to Budapest region is not a particularly wet area, but somewhat dryer in October than in April. Bled is equally wet in the Spring and Fall.
If the tour takes you to Budapest the week before or after Easter, don't worry about too many tourists. Not an issue here. Could be a problem in Prague, don't know, but Prague is always a mess.
My favorite time of year here is September and October.
Thanks everyone for their insightful responses. We still have not decided but are leaning toward fall.
We went last year around Sept 20. Had one rainy day. All other days were pleasant. I did buy hat at a local market one day because my ears were cold.
Went fall '24. Beautiful weather, but there were storms in much of Europe during that time, with flooding of many areas. The storm was truly unusual I love fall travel.
Thanks for all the replies. We will probably go in the fall. Haven't pulled the plug yet, but will soon.
I am booked for this tour, next fall, so thanks for the info.
Just booked this tour for 2026 fall so really appreciate the answers!
