Backpacker in Rome
Most first-time travelers visit Europe during the summer months (roughly mid-June to late August). On the plus side summer is packed with cultural events, the weather is warm and the days are long. During summer most public transport networks are in full operation, a definite plus in places like Scotland, Ireland, Greece and the Scandinavian countries.
The bad news is that, during summer, you will battle heavy crowds in major cities, prices will be higher and the weather can be sweltering, especially in southern Europe.
The worst month of all is August, when millions of European families and holiday-makers hit the road, clogging beach towns, ferries and trains like sardines.
Avoid traveling during this month if at all possible, or bypass the over-crowded tourist haunts and head instead for the semi-somnolent towns and cities.
When it comes to crowds and high prices, the general rule of thumb is that June is better than July, and July is better than August. Depending on your itinerary the best times to visit Europe are late May/early June and September, when the crowds thin, prices drop and the weather is still good.
