travel careers website, Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, Registered Office: Audley Travel Group Limited, The New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 9SX, 2023 Audley Travel | Registered in England: 3190720, Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years. How is driving in Germany, Austria & Switzerland? The outside of the stadium was lit up in red as we were entering and there was a great atmosphere inside. Lucerne is a beautiful spot this time of year and a good place to go if you want less chance of being caught in a rain shower. the entire country has a lot to offer, from the lakes in the lowlands to the Alps; popular places can get crowded. Day 1 Vienna - The Contemporary Capital of Austria Vienna is a vibrant city that embodies the best of Austria's illustrious past and looks optimistically towards the country's future. If you want to go too, you can book your tickets here. The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to see and do. Hallstatt town and lake are the absolute most shocking objections in Austria. The best time to visit Switzerland is between April and October, though winter sports enthusiasts may prefer December to March. Very traditional stuff. Munich is known for its beer and Oktoberfest, the annual celebration. The best time to visit Switzerland is between April and October, though winter sports enthusiasts may prefer December to March. delivers presents to the children. Zurich is the financial capital of Switzerland, a very expensive city. Performances at this annual music fest range from the symphonic to the baroque. Destination Expert for Lucerne, Zug, Brunnen Level Contributor 19,497 posts 286 reviews 389 helpful votes Barring the odd storm, its nearly always hot and sunny oppressively so, sometimes, meaning the best place to be is in the cooler air of the high mountains. December marks the transition to winter. Best time of year to visit Europe - Switzerland Forum It's cold and days are short. Munich is a nightmare to drive in so I would suggest parking on the outskirts of the City and getting public transport in. Get your free Destination Decider now! Theres also some theater, art, and dance to enjoy in a big celebration of the citys cultural side. Nowhere does it better than Lucerne, who put on an Easter Festival that goes on for ten days. Since the season is short and just genuinely keeps going two months (April and May), most energetic outside aficionados exploit it by making a beeline for the mountains, picnicking close to lakes and finding modest communities brimming with history and legacy. Let's dig into the best time to visit Switzerland. When is The Best Time to Visit Switzerland? - The World Pursuit She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. The Best Destinations to Celebrate the Holiday Season 2023! And the countryside is also starting to come alive with wildflowers as the snows begin to melt. Theres often entertainment, as well. December and January are the coldest, but not the wettest, months of the year. Basel is a popular spot to visit this time of year; theres less rain, moderate temperatures, and lower prices outside the peak of tourist season. Day 4: Travel from Budapest to Vienna, see Vienna. The wine and fruit harvests dominate the autumn months of September to November and from December to February, youll find snow, cold and winter sports. There are ample opportunities to ski or snowboard in the lofty Alpine peaks, where you can admire the snowy mountainscapes. It all begins on December 6 when Samichlaus (guess who?) Winter in Austria begins in November and goes on until March, with temperatures routinely in the short due to the closeness to the Alps. Speaking of which, this is the peak season for hitting the slopes, as many European schools have a week-long holiday during February. The Best Time to Visit Germany - TripSavvy Also Read: Honeymoon In Vienna: Best Things To Do And Places To Stay. Geneva, with some of the highest temperatures in the country in July, is a great idea. Best Time to Visit Switzerland | Climate Guide | Audley Travel UK Meanwhile, dedicated trails for winter walking, cross-country skiing and tobogganing mean winter isnt just for powder hounds. Re: best time to visit Switzerland 16 years ago Save Do you want to know the best time to visit Switzerlan OR the time when hotel rooms are cheap and there are few tourists? Winter should set in during the second half. Best Time to Go to Germany by Rick Steves The final stop is returning to Frankfurt to catch your flight or continue to your next destination. Most visitors aim to enjoy the warm, sunny weather that. Youll find plenty of other visitors, both international and local, but the crowds are bustling rather than pressing. Barring the odd storm, it's nearly always hot and sunny - oppressively so, sometimes, meaning the best place to be is in the cooler air of the high mountains. We booked our tickets with get your guide. It always feels warmer in the sun, right? But you have the option to enter and get a guided tour here. This guide will help you chose your next European holiday destination based on your budget. Plus, youll get lower prices than during peak season and fewer people. This is the best time to visit Switzerland for you - MySwissAlps.com November, December and April can be attractive too. Darker traditions abound, too: visit theLtschental for its parade of fearsome, mask-wearing Tschggtta, and the Valais village ofEvolne for a carnival dominated by fur-clad monsters and giant straw-people. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. Except if you have a particular motivation to visit in summer, avoid the high season and rather visit in spring or fall when costs are somewhat lower, the temperatures are in the teenagers, and the traveller season has either not started off or is simply beginning to dial back. Held in Zurich, this is when a straw effigy of winter (called Bgg) is burnt, symbolizing the start of spring. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers. Your email address will not be published. November, however actually a piece of pre-winter and can be freezing, with temperatures in the low single digits. 10 Most Instagrammable Spots In Austria-Promising An Awesome Vacay! Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. A number of food events are also worth exploring, including two in theSwiss Jura: thetruffle market in Bonvillars, and theFeast of St Martin in Porrentruy, where you can fill your belly with as much pork as you can eat. Have good and bad times across six culminations with dazzling all encompassing perspectives over the snowcapped tops. By Rick Steves In Austria, the "tourist season" runs roughly from May through September. I remember looking up everywhere I went because the buildings were so big. You can expect long queues and tight groups for attractions like the World Heritage Skywalk, the well-known review stage 350-metres over the lake and town. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you find my content useful, you are free to buy me a coffee here :). Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages. The cities and villages blossom with Christmas markets, bringing lights and festivities each December. Practical tips for travelling to Austria, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice. The Best Time to Visit Switzerland - Santorini Dave I think a good starting and ending point on the road trip through Germany, Austria & Switzerland is Frankfurt as it has a major international airport with flights arriving from all over the world (Frankfurt Airport or FRA), so it is a good option if you are coming by plane. Day 1: Arrive in Budapest. Read More. Best Time to Visit Germany by Month | Enchanting Travels Well, when it comes to the best time to go to Switzerland, weve got you covered with our month-by-month weather guide for Switzerland and even some of the best Swiss festivals to expect when you are there. There are a lot of clouds, people. Its also possible to fly into Milan, Frankfurt, Munich, and Lyon and travel right into Swizlernad. Hearty visitors there to see the cultural sights will find good value at hotels, thin crowds and cityscapes transformed by the snow. Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. Austria is dazzling in summer, as the green valleys sprout in wildflowers and the clear perspectives over the Alps are a photographic artists fantasy. Its definitely one of the best times to go to Switzerland. 2022 - www.wandererlane.com. Plan your trip around your preferred activities and ideal budget and youll find your own best time to experience this ever-changing country. Seller of Travel Ref. Known as Alpabfahrt (or Dsalpe), this Swiss festival is literally when the cows come home. 3 Day Berlin Itinerary: The Best Spots in Berlin. We went at the start of November and driving through the Black Forest was stunning with the multi-coloured leaves surrounding us. Or possibly even Lugano. What is the best time of year to travel to Germany, Austria & Switzerland? After the peak of summer, September sees much cooler temperatures than previous months. It's just after the summer high season, so it's no longer crowded. Best Times to Visit Vienna | U.S. News Travel Where to eat Top 6 restaurants in Hallstatt. Our specialists can advise you on all the destinations you can currently book with us. best time to visit Switzerland - Switzerland Forum - Tripadvisor You might even catch an Alpabzug, the annual procession of flower-bedecked cows as theyre led out of the mountains to milder grazing areas for the winter. As Switzerland heads towards winter, the temperatures plunge to an average of 5C; nights are around 2C but can possibly be lower. 14 things to know before going to Switzerland, The 11 best places to visit in Switzerland, What you need to know before traveling to Zrich, 7 interesting places around the world that will pay you to move there, The worlds most powerful passports for 2021 have been revealed, Brexit is bringing major changes for British travelers heading to Europe in 2021, These are the worlds most expensive countries to live in. The average temperature in Zurich has clambered up to 9C, and there are more sunny days to look forward to. High altitudes can see frigid temperatures, with temperatures reaching minus ten after dark! Snow turns the Alps into a playground for winter sports, including ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing. However, its rarely too sweltering or biting to enjoy the region, making it a year-round destination. The Lake Lucerne and Lake Thun areas offer plenty of hiking and sightseeing options in this season. Tens of thousands of visitors turn up for this event, culminating on Easter Sunday. Spring begins to arrive in Switzerland in April. Theres still not a whole lot of sunshine blessing the Swiss land either, with only about four hours a day, and a lot of clouds to contend with. All regions recommended for summer high season are still wonderful now, but so are the lake areas recommended for October. Best Time to Go to Austria by Rick Steves And dont miss Swiss National Day, August 1, a national holiday in Switzerland. You can buy it in petrol stations or online. Zurich has an average of 2C, with highs that can climb up to 6C if youre lucky. With more than 300 suggestions for destinations across Europe and the best time of year to experience them, this book is the ultimate trip planner for every month of the year. Join in the celebrations by havingbrunch on a farm (booking ahead is essential), watching a city fireworks display or enjoying the wine, raclette and entertainment in any town or small mountain village. There are more crowds than in other seasons, but these are less overwhelming than those youll find in destinations like France or Italy. Skiers and snowboarders love the long groomed slopes and off-piste terrain of big-name resorts such asZermatt, Verbier and Laax, but with a lift in almost every mountain village, Switzerland has something for all levels and budgets. The weather can still be pretty mild in October, although this is fall and it might as well be chilly. Visiting Switzerland in shoulder season brings its own advantages. This is the time of year to enjoy the hearty food and drink of Switzerland inside, preferably next to open fire. Though even in September and June youll notice that many people are still traveling Switzerland and prices are still not at their lowest. Find more information on the Austrian vignette toll sticker, In Switzerland, you need to have a vignette too. But, I would suggest to spend no more than one day here. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. Best Time to Visit Croatia | Climate Guide | Audley Travel US Many lower hiking trails will still be open, but you have to carefully check the conditions. Some days can actually be too hot for some activities, like city trips. Day 7: Drive from Vienna to Prague, visiting Cesky Krumlov on the way. That said, its a fantastic time to rent a car in Switzerland and take a road trip to see the fall colors! When is the Best Time to Visit Switzerland? Unless youre on aski holidayor its Christmas/New Year this is could be low season in Switzerland for you. And dont be surprised if the evenings are still chilly. Austria in March Is March A Good Time to Visit Austria. 11 days / from 3445 USD Exclusive trip to Prague and Austria Explore the main highlights of Central Europe: fascinating Prague & historical Cesky Krumlov, the highlights of Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria and then further on to Germany - get in the Disney spirit at Schloss Neuschwanstein. Summer has started. In the mountains, its comfortable and not too hot perfect for hiking and enjoying the sweet swiss outdoors. On October 5 (sometimes), the residents of Lugano usher in the fall with local food, chestnuts, music, and a lot of wine. Also Read: Austria in October- All About Weather, Places, Things to do and Travel Tips! Lets dig into the best time to visit Switzerland. 9 Most Scenic Train Rides In Europe to Experience in 2023, 7 Best Hotels in Austria for a Sensational Stay this 2023, 10 Offbeat Places to Visit in Vienna, Austria in 2023, 10 Best Places to Visit in Salzburg, Austria, European Countries Indians Can Travel Right Now, Top 10 souvenirs to buy in Austria on your vacation, 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in Austria To Visit For a Soothing Experience. This is the itinerary for you. ct intro final View All Trips January In the warmest months of June, July and . The higher the mountain and larger ski resortthe . Between these two seasons, youll find months with lighter crowds, and cool daytime temperatures that become chilly in the evenings. Switzerland's summer "tourist season" runs roughly from May through September, though in mountainous areas, it doesn't start until sometime in June. Well, its not just classical: jazz and other forms are represented as international players take to the stage. There are plenty of reasons to travel to Switzerland. Pass roads start to close for winter in October. Temperatures hang around freezing, but its still common to enjoy crisp blue skies and bright sun reflecting off the snow. The average temperature sits around the mid-teens; dont be surprised to experience daily highs of only 22C. This is a good time for winter sports and cosy city trips. However, summer's hospitable climate also. Need help incustomising the Austria itineraryfor your trip? Day 6: Vienna. This translates to thinner crowds, meaning the hotels offer good value. Austria vs Switzerland - which one should you visit for your Alpine Why wouldnt you want to plan a trip to Switzerland? Because these times are mutually exclusive. This is a customary Austrian encounter that you shouldnt miss, regardless of whether you cant move. July also sees much fewer cloudy skies than other months; theres less wind, less rain, and just that better quality, warm Central European weather that makes this part of the world pretty amazing. Autumn is the best time to do this trip. On every fourth Monday in November, theres the Zibelemrit or Onion Market in Bern. If your visit to Switzerland will include a bit of everything, then the months between April and June are your best choice. Comment below your thoughts or experiences. In fact, 21 days are affected by showers great or small throughout October. These conditions are ideal for boating and swimming in the blue waters around the islands. Zermatt is open all year round for skiing. Here's what you need to know before you go. Temperatures begin to rise in February and March, but these months tend to see more rain and snow at altitude. A fun music festival that occurs throughout March and April, the Interlaken Classics Music Festival is a gathering of international orchestras and soloists. We are 55+ years relaxed leisure travellers and love the nature like mountains, lake views, beautiful architecture etc. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | Create Your Own Itinerary. Another frigid and wintery month in Switzerland, the average temperatures run between -0.8C and 5C, but lows can be freezing (-10C). We only got one meal in Switzerland and waited until we were over the border in to Germany to get our breakfast the next morning. Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. On August 1, its Swiss National Day. Come in May for blossoming trees, the start of the swimming season (many outdoor pools open in mid-May) and the very enjoyablecaves ouvertes/cantine aperte (open cellars) weekends in the vineyards ofGeneva,Vaud,Valais,Neuchtel andTicino. As well as this, it is a good base to go hiking in the black forest. Cable cars and cogwheel trains that were closed in low season will be operational again. By the end of the month you can enjoy the first signs of fall when leaves start to color. Despite the cold weather and snow, December is often one of the busiest months in Austria thanks to the wealth of Christkindlmarkts. Days are sunnier at the beginning of the month, but theres more rain and clouds towards the end (boo). Terms of Service | Privacy, See Switzerland's main holidays and festivals, See my recommended itinerary for Switzerland. It's still low season until mid-December. The summer months are hot but not sweltering and offer ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. Best Time to Visit Switzerland 2023: All-Season Guide - Thrillophilia Theres a nationwide average temperature of 11C, and things are basically starting to get even more chilly in the mountains and at higher altitudes. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. While we were in Munich, we went to see a Soccer match at the Allianz Arena. That is if you dont want a dreamy winter mountain escape. From Freiberg, we joined the Bundesstrabe 500 or B500 around the location of Fuhrer Hauptquartier Tannenberg. Buy the one that lasts 1 year (that is the one you need) and it will cost about 35. Its not the best time to go to Switzerland, but hiking is still viable, especially around lake areas like Geneva. But I wished we stayed in Baden Baden as it looks to be a better option. Best Time to Visit Austria | Climate Guide | Audley Travel CA Stalls strung with festive lights pop up in cities and towns across the country, selling seasonal food and drink, as well as Christmas gifts. December early March are the best times for pow. As well as this, we climbed the main tower and got a 360 view over Frankfurt. So, be sure to stop along the way, there are areas to pull in and go for a stroll up the mountain and take in the scenery. Your plans will determine when is the best time of the year to visit Austria. The summer months are hot but not sweltering and offer ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. Packing tip: Pack layers of clothing - Dutch weather is . 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Enjoy the snow in the Upper Engadine, Zermatt or the Jungfrau region. If you want to avoid the crowds, autumn . November to February is likewise ball season-the sort where you dance waltzes, not the lively kind-with more than 500 balls occurring in the city. In addition to the side, the sky stays blue, and the air is loaded up with the smell of blooming knolls. A white Christmas is not a guarantee, although still common in the high mountains. With many of the mountain lifts still open and the weather remaining balmy well into the month, September is perfect for hiking or biking. December is a good time to visit Christmas markets, and for city trips. It was a very worthwhile experience and I would highly recommend it. Regardless of when youre visiting, Austria will not disillusion yet a few months are especially staggering and worth an outing. Austria has hot summers, with temperatures in the early-to-mid seventies, and cold winters of around 32F to 37F. This very Alpine festival takes place in Alpine villages across the country; it features yodeling, farmers markets, brass bands, and more. Things are getting chilly in November, although anything is possible, ranging from mild days to snow. When you get to the top, there is a place selling hot drinks, we paid 5 each for a coffee and you get to keep the cup (they are proper cups with a picture of the castle on them). Experienced climbers can discover both short and significant distance trails, including numerous day climbs like the Long Trlweg climb, which requires a few days and requires stay in one of the high cabins. Scenic train rides, for example, can be done all year round, and spring is actually a good time: you can watch the remains of winter as well as green valleys. If you want to enjoy winter sports in the Swiss Alps, January and February are the best months to visit. Nighttime temperatures can drop to a pretty cold 10C. Probably the best spot to visit in Austria in April and May in the Lienz Dolomites. Here is the complete information about the best time to visit Austria. With the mountain lifts closed, and many hotels too, villages can be sleepy and the weather unpredictable. However, its rarely too sweltering or biting to enjoy the region, making it a year-round destination. The best month to visit Switzerland is September. October is cold. The Best Time to Visit Switzerland for Weather, Safety, & Tourism The weather is generally pleasant and allows for all activities except winter sports. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. That being said, we last visited Switzerland in August, and although it was insanely expensive, we had perfect weather the whole time. The best times to visit Switzerland for ideal weather are June 4th to September 9th based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Cozy coffee houses have provided space for philosophers and artists to share their ideas over a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee since the 18th-century. Bus travel is also easy in Switzerland and your Swiss Travel Pass will work on them too! There are a lot of cloudy days, a lot of rainy days, not a whole lot of sunshine, and even some snow starts falling in mountainous places. The best time to visit Amsterdam - Lonely Planet I was delighted with myself when I could get a pretzel the size of my head for 1 for my breakfast and beer that was under 4. So, on the way to Freiburg, we got to see areas of the black forest. Book ahead for a dorm bed in a Swiss Alpine Club cabin simple hostels strung across the Alps in glorious locations or stay in one of the grandes dames of the Swiss mountains, such as theRigi-Kulm Hotel aboveLake Lucerne or theBerghotel Schynige Platte overlookingInterlaken, two of the countrys longstanding mountain hotels. When to Go to Germany Nrnberg's annual Christmas market starts the Friday before the first Sunday in Advent and lasts through the Christmas season. There is still plenty to do and see, but you need to prepare and check timetables beforehand. The best time to go to Switzerland - Lonely Planet The mild weather in spring and fall brings mild crowds. Lausanne is an awesome spot in June. In spite of the fact that Hallstatt gets vacationers throughout the entire year, March to May is the best ideal opportunity to visit assuming you need to stay away from the groups. We paid a visit to the Nuremberg Castle and walked by the City Walls. Even though temperatures are starting to creep up, the average temperature across the country is 6C (with lows of around 1C). While the rest of Europe is ushering in spring, Switzerland is still very much stuck in winter. Travel Troops Global Private Ltd. 2023 all rights reserved. April can sometimes see a late flurry of winter weather. travel careers website, Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, All prices are in USD unless otherwise stated, CST#2117258-40 | Fla. Summer is all about outdoor activities such as hiking. May can still be icy in Switzerland compared to other European destinations but average temperatures still waver between 10C and 17C.