Summer gets all the attention when it comes to European travel.
The long days. The outdoor dinners. The beach clubs. The energy of cities at their busiest.
And there’s certainly nothing wrong with a summer trip. But when clients ask me about the best time to visit Europe, I often tell them to consider something they may not have thought about: shoulder season.
September and October can be some of the best months to travel, particularly if you’re looking for a more relaxed, comfortable, and personal way to experience Europe.
Here’s why.
What Makes Shoulder Season So Appealing?
Shoulder season is that sweet spot between a destination’s most visited time and its slow season.
In Europe, that often means spring and fall.
For many travelers, shoulder season travel in Europe offers the opportunity to enjoy the same incredible hotels, restaurants, cultural sites, and experiences without navigating the busyness of peak summer.
It doesn’t mean you’ll have Rome entirely to yourself or walk through Santorini without another person in sight. But you may have a little more room to enjoy it. And to me, that’s the real appeal.
Let’s start with the obvious: weather.
Summer in Europe can be wonderful, but it can also be really hot. And when you’re spending your days walking through cities and touring historic sites, extreme heat can change how much you enjoy the experience.
By September and October, temperatures are often more comfortable in many parts of Europe. Of course, weather varies dramatically by destination, which is why there isn’t one universal answer to the question, “When is the best time to visit Europe?”
The right month depends on where you’re going.
But one of my favorite things about luxury travel to Europe in the shoulder seasons is that the destinations themselves begin to change.
Summer holidays wind down. Locals return to their normal routines. Harvest season arrives in wine regions. Restaurants shift their menus. Landscapes begin to take on their fall colors.
You’re experiencing the destination during a different chapter.
Italy
Italy is a perfect example.
If you’re considering the best time to visit Italy without crowds, September and October deserve a serious look.
You can combine the major cities with the countryside, explore wine regions during harvest, and build an itinerary around food and seasonal experiences.
And while popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast still attract visitors, the overall experience can feel very different from the height of August when towns like Positano and Capri are filled with visitors.
United Kingdom
If you love Fall colors, visiting the United Kingdom in September or October is ideal.
The Scottish Highlands and the English Countryside are beginning to take on their autumn character, the temperatures are cooler, and it’s an ideal time for scenic drives, historic estates, castle visits, distillery tours, and cozy evenings by a fire.
Greece
If you’re looking at the best time to visit Greece, September can be a particularly attractive option.
The sea is still warm, summer’s most intense heat begins to ease, and you can combine island time with cultural experiences without building the entire trip around the peak summer season.
The important thing is knowing which islands work best for the way you want to travel and particular dates you’re going. Greece has many wonderful options.
Is Shoulder Season Actually Cheaper?
Sometimes.
But I wouldn’t make that the reason you choose it.
As more travelers discover the advantages of shoulder season travel, September and October aren’t exactly hidden secrets anymore. The best hotels and most sought-after experiences can still book quickly, and rates don’t automatically drop just because summer is over.
Instead, I think about value.
- Could you stay somewhere longer?
- More likely to be upgraded to a better room?
- Add a private guide or experience?
- Build more flexibility into your itinerary?
- Spend your travel budget on the things that matter most to you?
That’s a much more useful way to think about shoulder seaon travel than simply asking, “How much can I save?”
So, When Should You Visit Europe?
There’s no single best time to visit Europe.
If you love the energy of summer, go in summer. If you’re looking for ski season, Christmas markets, or a particular festival, your timing may be dictated by the experience.
But if what you’re after is comfortable weather, seasonal experiences, fewer crowds, and a little more flexibility, I’d absolutely consider September or October.
Shoulder season isn’t about traveling when Europe is less interesting. It’s about choosing a time when you may be able to experience it in a different way.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a trip unforgettable.
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick is the founder and CEO of The Shameless Tourist, a luxury travel agency specializing in bespoke, culturally immersive itineraries worldwide. She is a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor and Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist, recognized among the top travel experts globally.
Known for her firsthand destination knowledge and trusted global partnerships, Kaleigh regularly travels to vet hotels, guides, and experiences—ensuring her clients receive seamless, highly personalized journeys with exclusive access. Her expertise has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and many other publications.
