What is the best time to visit Europe?
“Europe in the fall is one of travel’s best-kept secrets.” – Nancy Deane, Owner of The Deane’s List, an affiliate of FORA Travel (@toastncandy) 🤫 We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Pack your cozy sweaters and comfortable walking shoes – the off-season might just be the best time to visit to Europe. While everyone else is fighting summer crowds or bundling up for winter weather, savvy travellers are discovering that autumn offers the perfect sweet spot for exploring European countries. 🍂
“Want fewer lines, better tables, more time with guides? Fall is when advisors shine. We can unlock experiences that simply aren’t available mid-July. It feels like Europe has been waiting just for YOU.” – Tammy Murphy, Travel Advisor at VIP Travel Experience (@viptravelexperience)
Don’t just take our word for it… Top travel advisors, like Nancy Deane and Tammy Murphy, are spilling the tea on why this shoulder season is when Europe truly shines and what the best places to visit are in the fall.
TLDR
Photo: Roberta in Rome for Flytographer. Brianna and partner capture memories in October on a couples photoshoot at the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
1. Enjoy Fewer Crowds, More Service and Better Weather
Let’s be honest, summer in Europe can feel like you’re in a tourist theme park rather than experiencing authentic culture. But fall? That’s when the magic happens. ✨ “Most luxury hotels offer complimentary upgrades or promotions when the occupancy drops. Service levels are higher because staff are not overwhelmed.” – Mandy McKaskle, Founder & Luxury Travel Advisor at Creosote Journeys (@creosotejourneys)
“We love Europe in the Fall for so many reasons! Not only is it a perfect time to take advantage of stunning Fall colors in picturesque locations like Tuscany, Istria, and the South of France, but it’s also an opportune moment to visit top cities and coastal villages with fewer crowds but equally amazing weather as the summer months.” – Angela Isherwood, Owner of Olive and Atlas Travel (@oliveandatlastravel)
The shoulder season brings cooler temperatures that are perfect for sightseeing without the sweltering heat. You can actually enjoy walking through Rome’s cobblestone streets or exploring Dubrovnik’s historic old town without melting into a puddle. 🥵 And those picture-perfect moments in Santorini or Lake Como? You won’t have to worry about dozens of other tourists being in the background of your shot, either.
“Europe in the fall is unhurried, beautiful, and less crowded. It’s the best time to avoid crowds, extreme heat, and a great way to enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations without the summer rush.” – Anna Fishman, Owner of Olegana Travel Boutique (@oleganatravelboutique)
This time of year offers what many consider the best months for European travel. The peak season chaos has died down, but the weather is still warm enough in southern Europe to enjoy outdoor dining and those golden hour walks through Tuscany or Provence.
Photo: Mattia and Maria in Lake Como for Flytographer. Maddie and partner celebrate their anniversary in October with a couples photoshoot in Bellagio.
2. Celebrate Europe’s Harvest Season
“Layer your experiences and take advantage of harvest seasons across different regions. Think Germany for Oktoberfest, Burgundy for Wine Experiences and ending in Portugal or southern Spain for extended warm weather.” – Mandy McKaskle, Founder & Luxury Travel Advisor at Creosote Journeys (@creosotejourneys)
From Oktoberfest celebrations spreading beyond Munich into Austria and other parts of Germany, to truffle festivals in Italian hill towns, fall brings out the best of European food culture. Portugal’s Douro Valley comes alive with grape harvests, while Scotland celebrates whisky season. Even Northern Europe gets in on the action – this is when you’ll find the coziest Christmas markets starting to appear in Vienna, Brussels, and Amsterdam. 🎄
“In Italy, the country is bursting with local sagre this time of year. Sagre are festivals centred around the seasonal foods and harvest time. You’ll find our favourites such as truffle, chestnuts, and wine (of course!) in the Fall.” – Angela Isherwood, Owner of Olive and Atlas Travel (@oliveandatlastravel)
The best part? These aren’t tourist traps designed for visitors – these are genuine local celebrations where you’ll experience authentic European culture. The energy of the season is a big reason why the best time to visit Europe is in the fall.
Photo: Marina in Munich for Flytographer. Kyle and family capture memories in September with a multigenerational family photoshoot during Oktoberfest.
3. Live Like a Local (Not a Tourist)
Here’s where fall travel really wins – you get to see how Europeans actually live, not just how they perform for summer visitors. 🎭
“Why fall? Summer’s frenzy gives way to make more space for you at museums, in markets, even on cobblestone alleys. Seasonal menus pivot to truffles, chestnuts, and Burgundy reds. Locals reclaim their rhythms, and you’re not watching a tourist performance, you’re part of life.” – Tammy Murphy, Travel Advisor at VIP Travel Experience (@viptravelexperience)
This is the perfect time to really immerse yourself in the travel experience. Restaurant tables that were impossible to snag in July? Suddenly available. That museum in Paris or Florence you wanted to explore? No more hour-long lines. Even popular destinations like London, Madrid, or Edinburgh feel more authentic when locals are going about their normal routines instead of navigating summer crowds. This local perspective is one of the main reasons why the best time to visit Europe is in the fall. 🍽️
“Fall in Europe is the sweet spot: the heat has eased, harvest festivals are in full swing, and hotel rates haven’t yet climbed for the holidays. You get local energy without peak season crowds.” – Virgi Schiffino, Managing Partner at Lux Voyage (@luxvoyage)
Photo: Mary in Paris for Flytographer. Ramon and family celebrate a birthday in October with a family photoshoot along the Seine and by the Eiffel Tower.
4. Visit These European Destinations This Fall
Italy
You know that the best time to visit Europe is the fall, but where should you go for the ultimate fall experience? Italy in the fall is basically perfection on a plate (literally). The summer months bring oppressive heat and tourist season chaos, but early fall transforms the country. “From late September through November, Italy takes on a slower, more authentic rhythm. The crowds have thinned, the temperatures are mild, and the entire country comes alive with harvest festivals, golden landscapes, and seasonal delicacies.” – Belkys Pastor, Founder of Distinct Vacations (@distinctvacations) 🍝
Tuscany becomes particularly magical during this time of year! “Umbria especially shines with fewer crowds, harvest-time magic, and crisp golden light over hillside olive groves. October brings truffle season in full swing at spots like Vocabolo Muscatelli, where owners Cathi and Fred throw intimate winery dinners and share the countryside charm of their property, creating the perfect setting for slowing down. I love pairing a few nights in Umbria with the elegance of The Place in Florence, where the city feels calmer, the light is softer, and you can explore without the summer crowds. It’s also the ideal time for a family photo shoot – use that golden hour glow to capture beautiful memories and get ahead on your holiday card planning.” – Nancy Deane, Owner of The Deane’s List, an affiliate of FORA Travel (@toastncandy)
For food lovers, Piemonte offers something special. “One of our favourite Fall experiences is to visit Piemonte, Italy for the infamous Alba Truffle festival to taste the elusive (and expensive!) white truffle. An immersive way to experience this rich delicacy is to go truffle hunting with a local expert and their dog!” – Angela Isherwood, Owner of Olive and Atlas Travel (@oliveandatlastravel)
Venice and the Italian lakes of Northern Italy are also particularly stunning during this season! “Lake Como and Lake Garda in the fall are serene and stunning. While summer brings tourists and yachts, fall is peaceful and reflective. The mountains begin to change colour, and the lakefront towns are ideal for slow strolls and waterfront dining. It’s a dreamy time for romantic getaways and relaxation surrounded by natural beauty.” – Belkys Pastor, Founder of Distinct Vacations (@distinctvacations) 🏔️
Photo: Flytographer in Tuscany. Katie and partner celebrate their anniversary in September on a couples photoshoot in Capannelle.
The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region becomes a traveller’s dream during the fall months. You still get that warm weather and sunshine, but without the high-season intensity. ☀️
“We are partial to Mediterranean destinations in the Fall as many of them offer warm weather and plenty of sunshine reliably through October. By the time the end of September / early October is here, places like Portugal, Spain, the Greek islands, and all across Italy and France shine. Almost everything is open, the sun is still sparkling on the sea or the vines, and the cities are totally pleasant for strolling while not being stifling (from either heat or crowds!).” – Angela Isherwood, Owner of Olive and Atlas Travel (@oliveandatlastravel)
Greece particularly shines during this time: “October in Greece means warm seas, sun-drenched afternoons, and tables you don’t have to fight for. It’s Santorini without the spectacle. Crete, without the chaos.” – Tammy Murphy, Travel Advisor at VIP Travel Experience (@viptravelexperience) 🇬🇷
Photo: Stathis and Christina in Santorini for Flytographer. Jody and partner celebrate a birthday in October on a couples photoshoot in Fira Village.
Portugal
Portugal’s fall season is absolutely magical, especially in the Northern wine country. “Portugal’s Douro Valley shines in October when the terraces glow crimson and you can still cruise the river in crisp sunshine, pairing each port tasting with just-pressed olive oil.” – Virgi Schiffino, Managing Partner at Lux Voyage (@luxvoyage) 🛥️
Beyond the famous Douro Valley, Portugal’s coastal regions and historic cities take on a completely different character in fall. Lisbon and Porto become infinitely more walkable without the summer heat, and you’ll find locals returning to their favourite outdoor cafes and markets after the peak tourist rush. The Atlantic coast still offers pleasant temperatures for seaside strolls, while the country’s numerous festivals celebrating everything from chestnuts to new wine create an authentic cultural immersion that’s hard to find during busier months.
Photo: Luis in Porto for Flytographer. Jordan and partner celebrate their engagement in September with a couples photoshoot at Ribeira do Porto.
Croatia
Croatia transforms completely once the tourist season winds down. “Once the cruise ships leave, Croatia is all YOURS, stone valleys, seafood taverns, island hikes.” – Tammy Murphy, Travel Advisor at VIP Travel Experience (@viptravelexperience) ⛵
The Croatian islands become particularly magical during this time of year. Without the summer ferry crowds and packed beaches, you can truly appreciate the stunning Dalmatian coastline and crystal-clear waters at a leisurely pace. Fall is also when Croatia’s wine regions come alive with harvest activities, and the cooler temperatures make exploring cities like Dubrovnik and Split much more enjoyable. You’ll find better restaurant availability, more personalized service, and the chance to experience Croatia as the locals do – relaxed, unhurried, and focused on quality over quantity.
For something truly special, head to Istria: “For something less expected, head to Istria, Croatia. White truffle season starts in mid-September, and medieval hill towns like Motovun feel almost cinematic in the golden light.” – Virgi Schiffino, Managing Partner at Lux Voyage (@luxvoyage) 🏰
Photo: Valentina in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Amy and partner celebrate their engagement in October on a couples photoshoot along the Dubrovnik Sea Walls.
Slovenia
Sometimes the best travel experiences come from unexpected places. Slovenia becomes particularly enchanting during fall: “Europe in the fall feels like a little secret – beautiful weather and a slower pace after the peak of summer crowds. Slovenia is a favourite of mine – its lakes and alpine villages are absolutely magical, and the leaves turning and fall is the perfect time to explore their wine country or cozy up in Ljubljana. The Goriška Brda Wine region is a dream – don’t miss an olive oil tasting while you’re there – plus canoeing on the Kolpa River and hiking in the Julian Alps. The dreamiest little hotel in Ljubljana is Zlata Ladjica, and their restaurant will leave you swooning. For such a small country, Slovenia packs in so much beauty, culture and charm. It truly feels like a hidden gem, especially in the fall!” – Haleigh Scott, Owner of Next Exit Travels (@nextexittravels) 💎
What makes Slovenia particularly special in the fall is how accessible everything becomes. Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj transform into serene, mirror-like reflections of the changing alpine scenery, perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots without fighting crowds. The country’s compact size means you can experience mountain hikes, wine tastings, and city culture all in the same day. Plus, Slovenia’s fall harvest season brings incredible local produce to restaurants and markets – think pumpkin oil, fresh mushrooms, and seasonal game dishes that showcase the country’s farm-to-table culture at its finest. 🌾
Photo: Mankica in Ljubljana for Flytographer. Julie and partner capture memories in October on a couples photoshoot in the Old Town.
Capturing Europe in the Fall
The experts have spoken, and they’re all saying the same thing: The best time to visit Europe is the slow season of fall, when magic really happens. Whether you are ready to plan your fall photoshoot or figure out the best places to take photos in Tuscany because we have convinced you to experience the harvest season, you’ll be well on your way to making magical memories, too. ✨
“Plan ahead with a trusted travel adviser that can suggest the best way to explore the must-see destinations on your wish list. We have access to truly authentic, local experiences like a cooking class in a winery, or lunch in a private chef’s home that are not available to the general public on travel booking sites. We have the relationships and contacts to make your next trip unforgettable and tailored to your preferences.” – Anna Fishman, Owner of Olegana Travel Boutique (@oleganatravelboutique)
Fall truly is the best time to visit Europe. You get the perfect combination of pleasant weather, authentic local experiences, fewer crowds, and better prices, all while having a great time. So skip the peak season madness and winter months’ cold weather – book a local photographer to capture your memories and discover why this is considered the best time of year for European adventures. Your future self (and your Instagram feed) will thank you. 📸
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