What is Europe’s shoulder season? The not-so-simple answer is that it depends on where you are going. In fact, the real key to European shoulder season travel is knowing when it actually occurs in your destination. Many travelers hear “shoulder season” and assume it means anytime after summer. But that’s a mistake because shoulder season varies by destination, and mistiming it can leave you stuck with more crowds and higher prices than you would have encountered in summer.
The situation is often pretty ironic. Many travelers book September trips to cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice precisely because they think they are avoiding the heat and summer crowds, and as a result September is actually a peak month in these cities. So the crowds are even worse and it’s still pretty hot.
While it’s not the cheapest time to visit Europe (that would be January to early March), the shoulder season is often the best time to travel to Europe. But you have got to get the timing just right. Even just a few weeks can make a world of difference. For example, the Greek Islands are a dream in May, especially mid-to-late May. Ferries are running, restaurants are open, and the islands are lively but not overrun. It’s even typically warm enough for a brisk swim at the beach. But show up too early, in March for instance, and you’ll find shuttered shops and ghost-town vibes. So getting the timing right is everything. It’s about hitting that sweet spot when the infrastructure is up and running but the tourist wave hasn’t crashed in yet.
That’s why doing your research—or talking to someone who truly knows the destination, like Go Real Travel—is crucial.
With that in mind, here are our expert recommendations:
Southern Spain in April to Early May & Mid-October to November
Visiting cities like Seville, Granada, and Ronda during the shoulder season means you can actually experience cultural landmarks like the Alcázar or Alhambra without needing to book a slot weeks in advance (although booking in advance is always highly recommended for these particular attractions). The weather is typically warm, but not scorching. In the spring the orange trees are in blossom, and in the fall the markets are filled with fresh produce from the countryside. Indeed, the warm spring and fall weather means traveling to southern Spain during these months is like taking a summer trip with slightly cooler weather and less crowds. And you can safely stretch your dates a little further into the off season, as Southern Spain is one of the best places in Europe to travel in November.
Central Europe (Prague, Vienna, Budapest, etc) in Early November
From about October 20th to November 10th, there’s a narrow window where the crowds vanish, hotel rates drop, and you may still catch crisp, golden fall weather and trees decked out in colorful leaves. But traveling to Central Europe in November is a bit of a gamble though. You might get rainy, grey skies and cold weather. But luckily there’s a fool-proof backup: grand art nouveau cafés, amazing castles and palaces, and fascinating museums can all be enjoyed from the indoors.
The Alps in Late September to Mid-October
Late September to mid-October is a great time for nature lovers to visit regions like Austria’s Salzkammergut, Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, or Germany’s Bavarian Alps. Summer vacationers are gone, fall color is peaking, and the hiking trails are still snow-free. Most of the cable cars are still operating, making it perfect for active travelers who love scenery without crowded summer trails or ski-season prices. In many Alpine villages you can also experience beer festivals or the Almabtrieb, which are cattle drives where elaborately decorated cows are brought in from their summer pastures. You’ll get a taste of traditional culture and a chance to hang out with the locals.
Final & Most Important Tip: Mindset Matters
Even with all the right planning, shoulder season travel means accepting a bit of unpredictability. If you expect postcard-perfect weather every day, you’re likely to be disappointed. But if you go expecting rain or chilly weather you’ll enjoy it more if you do get good weather. In reality, there’s no time of the year when you are safe from unpredictable weather. For instance traveling in summer can mean wildfires, heatwaves, or long queues under a punishing sun.
The bottom line is that getting shoulder season right is about research and expectations. You’ll get lower prices, better access, and a more authentic experience, but it only works if you know exactly when and where to go, and only if you go with the right attitude. Need some help? That’s what we’re here for! You can tell us about your trip plans here and we’ll help plan your trip.