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Best Time to Visit France, Italy, and Greece

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Monastery of Roussanou at sunset in Meteora, Greece

Meteora, Greece

The best time to visit France, Italy, and Greece is in spring and early summer, and again in fall, primarily from April to June or September to October.

The perfect time to visit the countries depends on your preferences and goals. The experiences you wish to have can range from sipping wine in a medieval town or lounging on a beach, indulging in the cuisine of a famous culinary region or wandering through a museum gallery in search of a masterpiece.

By combining France, Italy, and Greece, you can uncover remarkable myths and legends or embrace natural splendors that sweep from dramatic coastal cliffs to sprawling olive groves. Uncover the past, indulge in the present, and experience the right times to accentuate your trip.

Overview
  1. Best Time to Visit for Sightseeing
  2. Best Time for Wine
  3. Best Time for Beaches
  4. Best Time for Family with Children
  5. Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners
  6. Best Time for Spring & Summer Activities
  7. Best Time for Fall & Winter Activities
  8. Book for the Best Time to Visit France, Italy, and Greece

Best Time to Visit for Sightseeing

View of Eiffel Tower during Autumn in Paris, France

Paris, France

Best Months: April • May • June • September • October

The best time for sightseeing in France, Italy, and Greece is April to June and September to October. The spring to early summer, as well as the early fall months, offer the best weather across the countries, while also promising fewer crowds in even the most heavily visited destinations.

Spring and fall erupt with color from Paris to Rome, Athens to Nice, while also providing mild temperatures in which you can explore incredible ruins, sample famous cuisine, indulge in the offerings of endless wineries, or witness the timeless masterpieces on display in world-famous museums for a well-rounded trip.

Italy, Greece, and France have mild climates, with spring and fall offering a nice overlap for the best months to visit.

Best Time for Wine

Wine cellar in Bordeaux, Italy

Bordeaux, Italy

Best Months: March • April • October • November

The best time to visit France, Italy, and Greece for wine is from March to April and October to November. The spring and fall seasons create lavish natural canvases away from the peak crowds of summer, while also possessing cooler days.

While the harvest in September is a festive time of year in France, the hive of activity can often lead to difficulties getting appointments at different wineries. By touring vineyards and wineries in spring and autumn, you can indulge in the landscape, embrace local flavor, and possibly meet local vintners.

France, Italy, and Greece have culinary culture intertwined with their history, exemplifying the best of a Europe food and wine tour and hosting a number of the fabulous food and wine destinations in Europe.

Best Time for Beaches

Elafonissi beach on Crete Island, Greece

Crete Island, Greece

Best Months: May • June • September

May to June and September are the best times to visit France, Italy, and Greece for beaches. The early summer months provide growing warmth across the Mediterranean coastal regions, as the beaches and resort areas open once more before the summer crowds arrive.

The early fall offers another shoulder month for continued sun, Mediterranean warmth, and fewer crowds, as locals and international travelers return home after the peak summer season. By traveling in May, June, or September, you have the best opportunity to enjoy the diverse and charming coasts at your own pace, with access to some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches.

Best Time for Family with Children

Mother and daughter portrait in Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy

Best Months: May • June • October • December

May to June, October, and December can give you the best time to visit France, Italy, and Greece for a family trip.

Each season offers a different possibility in which you can indulge in the landscape, history, heritage, and culture, with the summer months of May to June providing beach opportunities and warmer weather; the autumn bringing warm days, cool nights, and vibrant colors; and winter immersing you in the authentic ambiance of the holiday season.

The shoulder months of May, June, October, and December also have fewer crowds, so your family can embrace the highlights or travel off the beaten path as you prefer.

Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners

Couple enjoying the view in Santorini Island, Greece

Santorini Island, Greece

Best Months: May • October • December

The best time to visit France, Italy, and Greece for couples is in May, October, and December. Each season can give you a distinctive romantic ambiance in the form of warm summer weather, colorful autumn landscapes, or vibrant winter holiday ambiances, without the large crowds of the peak summer months.

When traveling in May, October, or December, you can escape to the charming coastline, embrace medieval towns as the leaves change, or bask in the timeless wonders of authentic traditions across France, Italy, and Greece.

Best Time for Spring & Summer Activities

Cirque de Mafate during Summer in France

Cirque de Mafate, France

Best Months: April • May • June

April to June are the best months in spring and summer to visit France, Italy, and Greece. The days begin to warm and open opportunities for exploring the landscape or discovering the culture at your pace, without the crowds these countries tend to experience in the peak summer months.

The beaches shimmer with Mediterranean light, vineyards open their doors to visitors, and trails meander through the untouched landscapes for unforgettable spring and summer activities you can enjoy during your trip.

Activities: Hiking • Cycling • Wine tours • Sailing • Cliff diving • Beaches • Seasonal cooking class

Best Time for Fall & Winter Activities

Skier in Dolomites mountains, Italy.

Dolomites, Italy

Best Months:  October • December • January

From integral seasonal cuisine to vibrant holiday markets, visiting France, Italy, and Greece in October, December, and January can unveil an entirely new perspective on the best time to visit for your preferences.

With pristine, snow-covered slopes to ripening olive groves, friendly winemakers to forest floors hiding robust truffles, your trip to France, Italy, and Greece in October, December, and January lets you enjoy the cool weather and smaller crowds. This makes every day unique and brimming with possibilities, including Christmas markets in Italy, traditional winter beauty in France, and surprising December allure in Greece.

Activities: Skiing • Snowboarding • Truffle Hunting • Holiday markets • Meeting winemakers • Olive harvest • Cooking classes with seasonal ingredients

Book for the Best Time to Visit France, Italy, and Greece

Lavender Field in Provence, France

Provence, France

Whether looking to discover the wonders of ancient life or eager to delve into the splendors of nature, ready to watch an island sunset or interested in reveling in a view of the Eiffel Tower, you can bask in the simple pleasures and opulent beauty of France, Italy, and Greece on a customizable tour.

From charming medieval towns to lavish chateaux, world-famous museums to romantic getaways, you can find inspiration for your trip with our France, Italy, and Greece tours.

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