The best time of year to go to Europe is autumn – here are 5 reasons why fall stands tall.
We were feeling a little hungry and thirsty, so we decided to pop into the idyllic Café ‘t Smalle in Amsterdam. This highly Instagrammable café is usually overrun with tourists, but we were able to snag a coveted spot right on the canal. The server was friendly, and soon we had a hot plate of Bitterballen in front of us and cool glasses of beer in hand.
I looked around at the scene in the early evening light. Streetlights were just coming on, people were lingering, and I was happy I wore a sweater. Then, it suddenly dawned on me: Fall is the best time of year to go to Europe.
Even if it means your appetizer gets a bit colder a bit quicker, that’s all the more reason to order more!
Fall is the best time of year to go to Europe, and here’s why:
When I say fall, I’m talking about the window from early September through mid-November. This is the range I’ve found to be the best time of year to go to Europe. Now, if you’re trying to get to a specific event or seasonal activity, that might change things. But in general, when I’m planning a trip, I almost always eye this range of dates. I truly believe it is the best time of year to go to Europe, and here are 5 reasons why:
1: More predictable weather
The top reason why fall is the best time of year to go to Europe is that the weather is more predictable. That’s not to say it won’t rain or be finicky at times, but overall, it’s easier to prepare for. If you’re visiting Western Europe (think France, Germany, Spain), you’ll encounter mild temperatures that are fairly consistent throughout your stay.
You’ll still get some warm days, especially in September and even into October, but the temperatures are generally mild, and the weather is calm. This means instead of sweating your rear end off and wondering if you put on enough deodorant, you’ll be much more comfortable walking from place to place.
The cooler temperatures also give you more lodging options! Many travelers limit themselves to places with air conditioning when visiting Europe in the spring and summer. When you’re heading over in cooler temps, you can turn off that filter in your search and embrace the cool night air… and the occasional symphony of sirens.
Even though the weather is better, it’s still Europe, so expect some rain. But sometimes, it’s predictable and can create incredible scenes. On a recent trip, it rained around 4 o’clock for three consecutive days. My wife was worried it would ruin a photo shoot we had arranged, but the rain moved out at the same time as the two nights before, and we got some great shots!
2: Your fall packing list will be more versatile and better looking
The clothes you pack for a trip to Europe in the fall are more versatile, easier to style, and overall better looking. You can embrace your inner Parisian and pull off effortless layers without worrying about having a heat stroke by noon!
You won’t find a ton of gym shorts and t-shirts on Europeans walking in some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, even in the heat of summer. So, when you visit in the hotter months, you’ll end up wearing a lot of pants if you want to fit in. Without going into detail, this can lead to some swampy situations.
But in the fall, this constraint is off. Sweaters, pants, jackets, and scarves make for fun layering opportunities, helping you look more European while not overheating. Stick to the principle of packing light and choosing pieces that work well together. If you do, you’ll be able to mix and match your layers for any situation and always look fantastic.
3: Smaller crowds and manageable lines make fall the best time of year to go to Europe.
If you’ve ever gone on vacation to a popular destination in the summer, you know the crowds I’m talking about. This is especially true in Europe, now more than ever. As more people travel overseas, the crowds have become increasingly hectic, and the tourist crush can get overwhelming.
The easiest way to avoid this? Save your trip for the best time of year to go to Europe: autumn! You’ll encounter fewer people, which leads to other desirable outcomes.
Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Rijksmuseum, or the Galleria dell’Accademia (where the statue of David is displayed) almost always require advance planning. I’m not saying you should wait until the day of to book these, even if you’re visiting in the fall. But if you have time to fill in your itinerary, and you’re traveling in the fall, you can often find tickets to popular sights and museums on short notice. Many times, you’ll luck out and score tickets to something unexpected.
Fall also makes it easier to get reservations at restaurants. If you’re hoping to dine at Michelin-starred spots like Frenchie or Septime, fall is your best bet. Plus, outdoor seating at cafés will be more accessible, allowing you to take your pick for prime people-watching views!
4: More events to choose from
Between major concert tours, top sports leagues, and plenty of local events, fall is the best time of year to go to Europe if you want a variety of entertainment.
If you’re a sports fan, especially of soccer, fall is ideal. All the major leagues, like the Bundesliga, French Ligue 1, Serie A, and La Liga, are in full swing. Unlike in summer, when you’d only tour stadiums, in fall, you can experience the excitement of a live match.
Fall is also great for live music, as the festival season ends and big tours return to Europe’s major concert venues. Keep an eye on your favorite artists, or check out someone who rarely tours near you. If they have a fall date in Europe, you’ve got a perfect reason to build your trip around it.
Additionally, fall offers unique local cultural events. Perhaps Oktoberfest in Munich is on your bucket list, or you want to stumble upon festivals like the Alpine Transhumance in Switzerland and France. You might even sample wine from Paris’ only remaining vineyard at the Montmartre Harvest Festival.
5: Fall travel gives you a chance to head indoors
This might sound odd, but bear with me. Even though fall weather is mild, it can get chilly enough to encourage indoor dining.
At first, this bothered me because I love sitting on patios and people-watching. But dining indoors offers an entirely different experience. Many restaurants have beautiful, often historic interiors you might not otherwise appreciate. Sitting inside gives you the chance to take it all in.
Plus, it can lead to memorable interactions. One of my favorite moments in Amsterdam came from sitting inside a sparsely crowded bar. My wife and I made fast friends with the bartender and owner, who recommended an incredible jazz club.
Had we stayed outside, we might have missed out on those personal connections—and the bar’s funny policy that the cats of Amsterdam must fit on a barstool, or they go on a diet!
So head indoors when visiting Europe in the fall. Take an opportunity to sit at the bar and chat with the bartender, or ask your server their favorite spots nearby if it’s not too busy. You never know what you’ll learn.
Fall is the best time of year to go to Europe, and it’s the time I’ll keep returning to again and again.
Those 5 reasons scratch the surface of why I think Fall is the best time of year to go to Europe. It’s the season I tell my friends when they ask for my advice, and it’s the season I look to first when planning a trip for myself. But hey, don’t tell too many people our secret ok? We don’t want it getting too crowded!
So how about you? Have you visited Europe in the fall? What did you like about it? Or, what do YOU think is the best time of year to go to Europe? Let me know in the comments!