Each year, millions of American tourists choose European destinations for their annual vacation to experience the varied climate, culture, and gastronomy that the continent is famed for.
There are pros and cons to visiting at different times of year. It depends on the country and what you want out of your vacation — the weather, cultural events and festivals, and cost are all factors to consider.
Thanks to the ever-increasing availability of transatlantic flights, Americans visit Europe throughout the year. However, some periods remain more popular than others.
U.S. citizens planning to spend holidays in Europe can do so without a visa, however, from 2025, they’ll first need to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver for themselves and their families.
How the Academic Year Affects Travel from the US
Annual leave is generally taken to correspond with the academic calendar. American families make the most of spring, summer, and Christmas school and college breaks to go abroad.
As the seasons in America line up with the European year, the most common times to travel are:
- Spring break: March- April (depending on the date of Easter)
- Summer break: mid-June to late August/early September
Where To Go in Europe During Spring Break?
After a long, cold winter, many Americans head to Europe during Spring break in search of warmer weather. In 2019, just under 1.4 million US citizens traveled to Europe in the month of April.
Although the exact dates vary year by year, depending on when Easter falls, many European destinations guarantee spring sunshine.
March and April are great months to visit Mediterranean countries, sightseers can enjoy pleasant temperatures and avoid the hottest summer months, perfect for exploring cities comfortably.
In addition, tourist hotspots are generally quieter in spring than during the summer, so the largest crowds can be avoided.
From March to May, Americans visiting the Netherlands can see the annual tulip bloom, particularly impressive at Keukenhof Gardens, whilst Barcelona is another popular spring break location.
Traveling to Europe in Summer
The most popular time of the year to go on vacation is during summer. Generally, American schools break up mid to late June and return towards the end of August or early September.
For parents with children, this is the most convenient time to take a trip abroad and there are numerous family-friendly destinations in Europe. Summer is also generally a quieter period for many businesses and therefore a good time for employees to make the most of their annual leave.
Data shows that June and July are the most popular months for Americans to visit Europe, each month registering over 2 million U.S. arrivals in 2019.
There are many reasons to go to Europe in summer: favorable weather, extended hours of daylight and stunning beaches to name just a few.
Where to go on vacation in Europe in July?
Boasting 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beautiful islands, Greece is an unmissable destination. Holidaymakers in Greece during summer can make the most of the child-friendly beaches of Naxos, traditional taverns in Mykonos which open late into the night, and the romantic island of Santorini.
Other top European destinations for Americans include France, Italy, and Germany.
Is December a Good Month to Visit Europe?
Whilst spring and summer are the most popular times of the year for Americans to travel, more people are going overseas for the festive season. In 2017, the U.S. recorded 6.4 million plane trips at Christmas, the highest number since 2004.
As well as getting the opportunity to experience different cultures and traditions, some Americans choose to go abroad out of peak times to enjoy inexpensive flights and less crowded cities.
There are some excellent places to visit in Europe in Winter, in fact, some destinations are at their best during the colder months.
Which European country is best at Christmas?
Lapland, in Finland, is the home of Santa Claus and is a magical place at Christmas time. With a chance to take a reindeer sleigh ride and meet Father Christmas himself, it’s perfect for a festive family getaway.
Keen skiers can find some of the best slopes in Austria, including the world-renowned Innsbruck. The tradition of aprés-ski at European ski resorts is an added attraction.
U.S. travelers with an approved ETIAS can visit all the countries mentioned above using the same visa waiver which is multiple-entry and valid for 3 years. Furthermore, the ETIAS application is fully online and the majority are approved within minutes.
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