Best time to go to Europe
The best time to visit Europe depends upon your itinerary as the geography is diverse across the continent. May through to the end of September is generally the preferred time period.
Eastern Europe tends to experience very cold winters, especially in inland areas. This is a pretty time to visit and many Eastern and Central European cities and towns hold traditional Christmas Fairs complete with decorated trees and festive entertainment. This region enjoys pleasant warm summers and inland regions can be very hot in July and August, coinciding with the busiest periods. May, June and September are recommended due to the pleasant temperatures, though with fewer crowds.
The Greek mainland and islands are very hot and dry in July and August. August is the preferred travel month for French, Italian and Spanish holiday makers, making road conditions busy, hotel availability limited and the beaches crowded. The shoulder months of May, June and September are infinitely more comfortable and generally less expensive.
The weather in France varies from region to region, from very cool in the north to very hot in the south, dependent upon season. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with temperatures comfortably warm in most regions. Long daylight hours make June an attractive month to visit, as long as the midsummer crowds are avoided. July and August are particularly hot in the south, and the beaches and hotels of the French Riviera can be busy and expensive. During the second half of July and August, the French take their vacations and so roads are busy and many businesses close. Winters can be cold in the north, though the south enjoys relatively mild temperatures and crowd free towns and cities, perfect for a city break or peaceful rural retreat.
Spring is particularly pretty throughout Europe as the temperate climate awakens the flora of the region. Wet winters result in green springs and the mountains and plains come alive with blossom and flowers. The Netherlands is noted for its fine bulb fields which are at their best in April and May.
Events in Germany
Opernplatz Festival
20th - 29th June 2012 (annual)
Frankfurt am Main
Every summer sees the square in front of the beautiful opera house filled with visitors. The event offers a wide selection of culinary delights, from the traditional frankfurter sausage to delicious international food. The square also showcases a variety of entertainment including music acts.
International Beer Festival
3rd - 5th Aug 2012 (annual)
Berlin
A weekend of tasting beers from more than 80 countries around the world, a great opportunity to become a beer connoisseur. The Berlin International Beer Festival is hosted at the famous beer mile Karl Marx Allee and also offers live entertainment, music and a vast selection of delicious food.
Events in France
Agen's Chocolate Festival
March 2012 (annual)
Agen
Indulge yourself tasting the exquisite selection of fine confectionery available at the chocolate festival (Journées Chocolat et Gourmandise). An ideal opportunity to purchase Easter gifts. The event also holds a variety of workshops to keep children entertained.
Lille Piano Festival
17th - 19th June 2012 (annual)
Lille
Organised by the National Orchestra, the festival will showcase famous international pianists at the venues Theatre du Nord and Gare Saint Sauver.
Events in Austria
Vienna Festival
11th May - 17th June 2012 (annual)
Vienna
Throughout the month of May, Vienna will come to life with a variety of entertainment including music, theatre and film. Set in beautiful surroundings it is an ideal opportunity for visitors to capture the essence of this cultural city.
Events in Czech Republic
Bohemian Carnival
26 Feb - 8 Mar 2012 (annual)
Prague
The historical event that dates back to the medieval period was traditionally a celebration where people would feast leading up to Lent. Nowadays, not only are there culinary delights to experience, but a variety of events from art exhibitions to parties hosted in the city.
Events in Switzerland
Art on Ice
17 Feb 2012 (annual)
St. Moritz
An enchanting experience with a small audience of 500, watching international ice skating professionals perform to live music on the frozen lake, with a stunning background view of the snow topped mountains. Art on Ice also takes place in Zurich and Lausanne on other weekends during the month.
Events in The Netherlands
Art Rotterdam
9 - 12 Feb 2012 (annual)
Rotterdam
The international art fair presents 75 galleries from various countries that will present their works of art. Activities such as performances, lectures and workshops take place throughout the 4 days, and there are programmes organised to keep children entertained.
Floriade World Horticultural Expo
5 April - 7th October 2012 (annual)
Venlo
See, feel and experience nature at Floriade 2012. Each day will feature a cultural programme of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world and more than 100 exhibitors will pay tribute to horticulture in the 5 unique zones of the park.
Events in Belgium
Ommegang Festival
3rd - 5th July 2012 (annual)
Brussels
The colour and magic of the annual Ommegang Festival fills the streets of Brussels. An expression of riches and glamour, the procession from Sablon Church to Grand Place commemorates a celebration in honour of Charles V in 1549. Visitors from the world over will come to experience the spectacle and be entertained by folklore, combating knights, falconry and other games and entertainment, amidst the setting of a medieval vilage, created for the occasion.
Events in Greece
Athens Fashion Week
17 -21 April 2012 (annual)
Athens
Ever increasing in popularity and recognition, Athens Fashion Week is held at the Technopolis. The official fashion week in Greece sees fashion lovers and celebrities attend to watch the catwalk shows and other events available such as music and visual arts.
Events in Hungary
Budapest Spring Festival
16th - 26th March 2012 (annual)
Budapest
The biggest event in Budapest hosts a range of cultural entertainment from film screenings to jazz and orchestral concerts.
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