Hello - my teenage daughter is in school so we can only travel in the summer. We're taking a three week trip: Czech Republic, Germany, Italy (but not down south to Rome), Switzerland. My daughter does not do well in heat, and I'd like to avoid crowds as much as possible in that time frame. Should we travel the first three weeks of July, or the last three weeks of August? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks -
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32746 posts
It is flip a coin at this point a year away. Nobody knows what sort of a year next year (next year or 2017?) will be. Rain all summer like last year or forest fires? It is unpredictable.
And the whole countries you have named vary within themselves. It can be fog in Bremen and hot in Frankfurt.
Both groups of 3 weeks can vary a lot.
Perhaps have plans for what to do if it gets too hot where you are?
As far as crowds, again, if you are in the tourist hotspots it will be crowded, no question.
One small straw to clutch is that many European schools don't break up for the summer until mid July. But then again, there are plenty of North American, Chinese, and Indian tourists to fill the gap.
I'm sorry I couldn't be more help...
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Unfortunately there is no good answer to your question. It is the height of summer travel for north Americans and most of the world. The crowd level difference will be minor. And same for temperature. You might have a slight possibility of less heat in late August than July but the difference could be very narrow to non-existent. If you have to avoid heat, then stay as far north as you can.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
Judy,
I can't offer any concrete reasons for my suggestion, but my choice would the first three weeks of July. Either way it's going to be hot and crowded, but probably more so in August especially in Italy. I've seen a few reports here on the Forum that it's also been hot this year in the Dolomites, so being in the north may not provide any benefits.
Posted by
Green Bay
20085 posts
Much of Europe goes on holiday for the month of August. But July can be just as hot. Weather varies as much there as it does here. They had a hot July this year, but then it cooled off toward the end. Who knows?