{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Europe in the Fall

Ah, it's finally Fall. Autumn is not only my favorite season for apple cider, hay rides, and all things pumpkin here in the States, it's also the best time to visit Europe. Smaller crowds, better weather, and different tourism options are all reasons you should be booking flights to Europe in September and October.

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Considering visiting Europe in the Fall?

Paris in Fall (SPC)

"When is the best time to visit Europe?" is one of the questions I'm asked most frequently by people eager to jump "across the pond." My answer is 100% always:

"If you can, visit in the Fall. The later in October you go, the better!"

For many people, summer is the best time to travel, and I completely understand - kids out of school, often slower loads at work, and "better" weather. But, if you can swing it, I highly recommend waiting a couple months and traveling in the Fall. As we'll discuss, there are several, perhaps surprising reasons, that Fall in Europe will surpass your expectations. After a high-level discussion about why Fall is the best time to visit Europe, I'll walk you through 7 can't-miss destinations you need to put on your "Fall in Europe" bucket list!

{2025} Frequently Asked Questions about Fall in Europe

When is the best time to visit Europe?

I won't bury the lede. It's Fall. Hands down.
​There are so many benefits to visiting Europe when it's not peak season. The other "shoulder season," Spring, is great, but rain is more frequent, and especially in the UK and Northern Europe, you're more likely to have some pesky clouds lingering to cool things off and bring a dreary look to your pictures.

What's the weather like in Europe in Fall?

Am I allowed to say perfect? The average temperature in Paris in September is 71/55 with only 7 days of rain. Can you ask for more than that? A crisp breeze, sunny clear skies, and very little chance of needing that umbrella! I'm not really sure you could ask for more! Definitely warm enough to be comfortable walking around, but cool enough that you might need a jacket and you won't be suffering in the sweltering heat. Even if you do have to wait in an outdoor line, heck, it might even be nice to be outside and you won't be chugging water like a Freshman at a frat party. Nice weather adds a boost to your experience and also removes one of the major complaints/difficulties that people have during summer.

Is Europe crowded in the Fall?

September and October are "shoulder season" in Europe, meaning that the tourism is slumping off, but isn't quite yet the dead of winter. Unless you're hitting Germany's Octoberfest, visiting Europe during shoulder season means significantly smaller crowds (oh, friends, I've been in August).

Along with those much, much, much smaller crowds come so many benefits, beyond just generally being able to hear yourself think! Shorter wait times, occasionally cheaper prices (though this hasn't been hugely the case in my experience), more accessible experiences, and, my personal favorite, more friendly and relaxed staff, who aren't just drowning in tourists. Who doesn't want to be alone in a gallery at the Louvre? I literally had that experience during a night opening last October. I was even able to take a picture of Mona Lisa without getting shoved, trampled, pushed, kicked, or yelled at.

Are the tourist sights closed by Fall in Europe?

Nope! ​One of the best parts of visiting Europe in fall is that the sights haven't closed down, so you can essentially see any non-seasonally dependent thing you could have seen in the height of summer.

{2025} 7+ Stunning Places to Visit in Europe in the Fall

Let's walk through a few of my favorite Fall destinations in Europe, working our way across the continent, starting in the U.K.

Explore incredible ruins in Edinburgh, Scotland

Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh in September

There's nowhere I've enjoyed exploring in the Fall as much as Scotland. Scotland's capital, with its incredible fortified stone city centre and impressive, looming castle is a must-see for an autumnal European tour. Stroll the Royal Mile, discover the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its stunning, ruined Abbey, sip some whisky in a pub on a chilly afternoon, or a take a day trip to St Andrews, the birthplace of golf.

Search for Nessie in the Scottish Highlands

Glen Etive, Scottish Highlands (SPC)

From the stunning, murky depths of Loch Ness to the quietly devastating expanse of Culloden Moor, the Scottish Highlands are at their most moody in the late Scottish fall. Don your tweed and discover everything the Highlands have to offer. Learn everything you need to know about getting to The Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh: Exploring the Scottish Highlands without a Car.

Hear the leaves crunch under your feet in Père Lachaise

Per Lachaise in October (JSB)

A cozy city break to Paris in the Fall is a Paris with smaller crowds, cooler temperature, gorgeous Fall foliage....oh and lower prices! You can't ask for more than that. My 30th birthday trip to Paris was one of my favorite European trips I've taken. Learn everything you need to know about an autumnal trip to Pere Lachaise!

Sample delicious beer on the Rhine in Strasbourg

Strasbourg, France in October (JSB)

A wonderful ​day trip from Paris, or a great home base to explore the region, Strasbourg is a must-see in autumn in France. Take a cruise down the Rhine, explore stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, and experience all Alsace's fusion of German and French culture has to offer. With a metro population of around 800,000, Strasbourg is one of four capitals of the European Union, and houses a number of governmental functions.

Discover Rome without the crowds

Rome (SPC)

While Rome likely doesn't top the list of Fall sights in Europe for most people, I'd argue that it should, as the weather in Rome is lovely even into early November, and you can get a lot more exploring done when the sun isn't beating down.

Wander the winding streets of Florence with a cool breeze

Florence, Italy in September

A mention of exploring the stunning birthplace of the Renaissance conjures not just images of my favorite city in Italy, but also ​a sunny historic town roasting in the Tuscan sun and filled to the brim ​with exhausted tourists. In September and October, you can quickly remove two of those Florentine 'drawbacks' and walk where the Medici walked, fairly unimpeded by crowds. 

Want to explore even more? Tour wine country and explore the rolling hills of Tuscany, with vineyards offering sweeping views of the Italian countryside that makes my favorite wine.

Indulge in Bavaria

I put Germany last on the list, because it is generally the first place people think of visiting this time of year. Crisp pilsners, fall foliage, and, of course Oktoberfest in ​full swing, Germany is the place to visit in the Fall.

​With the caveat, of course, that my strictures on small crowds certainly would not apply if you attend Oktoberfest. As a crowd hater, I have not had the pleasure, but my husband has, and he's not sure I can handle it. If you're interested in attending next year, don't forget that Oktoberfest actually takes place largely in September. This year's 190th Oktoberfest is winding down this week.

{2025} Fall in Europe Travel Essentials

Thanks for stopping by!

Related: {2025} The8+ Essentials You Need to Pack for Fall in Europe

Thank you so much for helping me plan your trip to Europe! There's nothing I love more than helping Americans discover Europe. From planning to to packing and finding the right restaurants, I've written about it all.
​And it's all here - no paywalls, just free advice! Bon voyage!

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