Over the last ten years, travel has seen a major boom. With so many people visiting popular destinations and cities across Europe during peak season, cities have cracked down on tourists with higher taxes, limitations during peak season, and more. This has lead to me to deciding the best time to travel is shoulder season.
Crowds can get overbearing, long lines mean seeing fewer attractions, high costs, and popular restaurants are impossible for reservations. Now, imagine experiencing shoulder season in Europe and bypassing those things. Let’s talk through how to take advantage of the best time to visit Europe!
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What is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season refers to the time at any destination between peak numbers of people are visiting and off season when there are very few visitors.
And look, we all know that European summer has such a vibe, but let’s also be real… Is it a vibe when you’re standing in line in Santorini for a photo op with 50 people in front of you? I don’t think so.
Instead, why not do the same but with fewer crowds? That is what shoulder season in Europe is like! You can have an almost identical experience but with fewer crowds and better prices.
When is Shoulder Season in Europe?
Shoulder season in Europe is generally considered the months of April, the first half of May, the second half of September, October, and November for the Mediterranean.
Off season would be January through March (and November for many northern regions). The further north you go, the sooner off-season starts due to colder temperatures. I visited Denmark last winter during off-season, and it was really lovely actually but very cold.
Peak season in Europe is the second half of May through early September and December due to Christmas markets. This is the time when you’ll see the highest prices and most crowds.
Why is Shoulder Season the Best Time to Visit Europe?
In my opinion, shoulder (and off) season is the best time to visit Europe for many different reasons. Below are the top reasons I think that shoulder season in Europe is perfect.
1. Fewer Crowds
By visiting Europe in shoulder season, you’ll inevitably encounter fewer people, lines, and crowds, especially in major tourist spots like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and Santorini.
I’ve been to Santorini in April and the Amalfi Coast in October, as well as in summer. While there are still plenty of people there in shoulder season, it is nothing compared to July.
You get a more relaxed, authentic vibe. It’s easier to get into museums, restaurants, and attractions without long waits.
2. Better Prices
Flights and accommodations tend to be significantly cheaper during shoulder season. While on the Amalfi Coast in October, we got a hotel within walking distance of the harbor for $150 a night; the same hotel in summer was over $360.
Why do you find deals? Since it’s not peak demand, prices are lower. You’ll find deals on hotels, tours, and even car rentals, no matter the destination.
3. Great Weather
While it won’t be as warm, the weather is generally mild and pleasant—warm enough to enjoy outdoor cafes and sightseeing but not sweltering.
Many European destinations get to scorching temperatures in the summer, and many places don’t have air conditioning. Visiting when it isn’t as hot is much better in that regard!
Perfect for walking tours, hikes, wine tastings, and coastal views, many destinations in southern Europe, like Greece, Spain, and Italy, are still warm enough to lay on the beach. You can still swim, eat, and wear summer clothes well into October in these regions. I’ve done it myself, and it was so nice!
4. Local Life Feels More Local
Unlike in peak summer, many locals in touristy cities leave for vacation themselves. In shoulder season, the cultural energy feels more balanced and genuine. Off season is when people tend to want to be cozy at home so that things will be even less crowded, but I think shoulder season is a nice medium.
I also find customer service and the tourism industry to be the friendliest this time of year. There’s less stress, and fewer people are visiting.
5. Seasonal Perks
Visiting in shoulder season has the perks of special events happening!
Spring brings blooming gardens like Schonbrunn in Vienna or Versaille in Paris, vineyard buds in Tuscany, and more sunshine than winter all around.
There are destinations known for their blooms, and people visit just for that reason; I wouldn’t consider those to be shoulder season destinations since they are peak travel times. Places like the Netherlands for the tulips are places to keep in mind as they peak during spring.
Fall means wine harvest festivals, autumn colors in the countryside, and rich seasonal foods. Gorgeous forests in places like around Munich, Germany, or Duro Valley, Portugal, are beautiful in fall.
Considerations for Traveling in Europe During Shoulder Season
We talked about all the perks, but we can’t leave out the considerations and potential downsides of visiting Europe in the shoulder season because, of course, there are always positives and negatives for everything! Here are some of the downsides.
1. Variable Weather
The weather is less predictable in shoulder season. While it can be sunny and warm, there’s also a chance for rain, and cooler evenings are common everywhere. You should pack layers, bring a waterproof jacket, and have a backup plan if it gets rainy!
On our trip to Greece, we spent a rainy day in Mykonos. While it was sunny and warm in Santorini, Mykonos was pretty chilly. We were glad to have a backup plan!
2. Reduced Hours & Closures
Some beach towns or mountain resorts begin to shut down in the fall or haven’t fully opened yet in early spring. The timing for your trip and research before visiting will be important!
Additionally, certain attractions or ferries may have limited hours or be closed completely (especially on Sundays or in rural areas).
For example, we visited the Amalfi Coast in late October, and certain resorts and attractions were starting to close already. We were still able to do most things, but we did experience some attraction closures!
3. Daylight Changes
Days start getting shorter in fall—plan your activities earlier in the day. The days start to get longer in spring but are still shorter than in summer. With some additional planning, you will still be able to do plenty.
Plus, it’s a good time to embrace cozy evenings in wine bars or cafes. We love a cozy night in a European cafe.
4. Shoulder Season ≠ No Crowds
While it’s quieter, popular cities like Paris or Rome still have a steady flow of visitors. It’s not ghost town empty—just more manageable. Keep your expectations in check, as you will still be in lines, etc.; it just won’t be as bad!
Logistics to Consider:
- Flights: More affordable, but fewer direct options. Be flexible with routes/times.
- Trains: Still frequent and reliable; consider a Eurail pass if traveling a lot.
- Events: Fall and spring are full of local festivals, harvest celebrations, and food events—worth planning around!
Essentials for Traveling to Europe in Shoulder Season
Note that weather in Europe varies greatly in shoulder season depending on what part of the continent you are visiting. Below is general guidance, but do check the weather carefully before your trip!
- Light layers + a warm outer layer
- Scarf (I love HappyLux’s travel wraps)
- Waterproof shoes or boots (especially in the UK, northern Italy, etc. I love my Chelsea Chaco boots for this!)
- Power adapter (Europe uses Type C or F plugs, 220V)
- Packing Cubes (stay organized and bring clothes that can be layered/worn multiple ways)
Best Places in Europe to Visit During Shoulder Season
- Italy: Art, food, wine, and dreamy countryside
- Spain: Tapas, architecture, beach-to-city blends
- Germany: Fall leaves, castles, beer
- France: Romance, wine, small villages
- Greece: Island hopping, history, sunsets
- Portugal: Wine, surf, affordable coastal life
- Slovenia: Nature, lakes, hidden gems
- Austria: Mountain towns, music, gardens
- Croatia: Coastal towns, national parks
- The Netherlands: Tulips (spring), bikes, artsy cities
- Switzerland: Mountains, trains, chocolate
- Iceland: Landscapes, waterfalls, Northern Lights
You’ll love shoulder season in Europe! It’s well worth taking advantage of the best time to visit Europe. I hope this post gives you the inspiration and guidance you need to start planning the perfect trip!
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