Europe: where to go on a trip depending on the month of the year

📌 Read in : Français (French)

Holidays are on the horizon, and the age-old question might be popping into your mind: where should you go? Europe offers a plethora of unique destinations. This often makes choosing a spot quite challenging. As a result, many tend to travel to familiar places, either due to a lack of inspiration or for comfort. That’s a shame. At Destination(s) Europe, we’ve combed through the events calendar of every country on the continent to offer you fresh getaway ideas. So, where should you head to in January, May, or September in Europe? Here are our month-by-month suggestions.

Travelling in January: from the Monte Carlo Rally to the Northern Lights Festival in Norway

January, the first month of the year, might not seem ideal for travelling. Yet, it’s sprinkled with events that might just tempt you to book those flights. Some ideas:

• In Monaco for the Monte Carlo rally | Monaco
• In Glasgow for the Celtic Connections | United Kingdom
• A Ronse for the Ronsese Bommelfeesten | Belgium

Details and other suggestions 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in January

Travelling in February: from the Carnival of Venice to that of Dunkirk

February is undoubtedly carnival month in Europe. The Venice Carnival is globally recognised, but we have a soft spot for Dunkirk’s more festive version. Other spots to consider:

• In York for the Jorvik Viking Festival | United Kingdom
• In Nice for Carnival | France

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in February

Travelling in March: from Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day to Seville’s Holy Week

March signals the onset of spring, though not always sunny days. It might still be best to stay indoors, perhaps in a pub for St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re after sunshine, Southern Europe is the place. Some ideas:

• In Seville for Semana Santa | Spain
• In Paris for Fashion Week | France
• In Ostend for the Dead Rat Ball | Belgium

Details and other suggestions 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in March

Travelling in April: from Sant Jordi in Barcelona to the Zurich Spring Festival

In April, the days noticeably lengthen, amplifying our desire to explore Europe. As spring truly blossoms, we’re eager to embrace it. So, where to go?

• In Barcelona for the Feast of Sant Jordi | Spain
• In Edinburgh for the Beltane Fire Festival | United Kingdom
• In Zurich for the Spring Festival | Swiss

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: best places to visit in Europe in April

Travelling in May: from Madrid’s San Isidro to the Cannes Film Festival

May brings with it extended weekends. With good weather usually on the cards, wanderlust kicks in. How to make the most of these long weekends? Here are a few suggestions:

• In Brighton for the Brighton Festival | United Kingdom
• In Madrid for the Festivities of San Isidro | Spain

Details and other ideas 👇

Events and festivals: best places to go in Europe in May

Travelling in June: electro music in Barcelona or gastronomy in Dublin?

June, heralding the start of summer, is rich with festivals and celebrations. From music to delicious food, art, and dance, there’s something for everyone. A few recommendations:

• In Krakow for the Festival of Jewish Culture | Poland
• In Lanark for Lanimer Day | United Kingdom

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in June

Travelling in July: from the San Fermin celebrations in Pamplona to the Montreux Jazz Festival

By July, summer is in full swing. Southern Europe is bustling with events under the generous sun. Some events to consider:

• In Tomar for the Festival of Plateaus | Portugal
• In Avignon for the Avignon Theater Festival | France

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in July

Travelling in August: a Tomatina in Spain or a Carnival at Nothing Hill?

In August, events mostly unfold outdoors. From wacky costumes to street performances, there’s plenty to experience. Some getaway ideas:

• In London for the Notting Hill Carnival | United Kingdom
• In Malaga for the Feria de Augusto | Spain
• In Budapest for the Sziget Festival | Hungary

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in August

Travelling in September: from Venice to San Sebastian, the start of the school year is cultural

As summer wanes and autumn beckons, September still offers numerous reasons to travel across Europe, especially for film enthusiasts. For instance:

• In Deauville for the International American Film Festival | France
• In Venice for the Mostra | Italy
• In Savonlinna for the Savonlinna Opera Festival | Finland

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in September

Travelling in October: cinema in Vienna or jazz in Cork?

With the days shortening, indoor entertainment becomes appealing again. Europe offers a host of such events. Fancy a film in Vienna? Here are some other ideas:

• In Frankfurt for the International Book Festival
• In Cork for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in October

Travelling in November: horseback riding in Portugal or playing scare in England

As the year-end approaches and autumn takes hold, November, with its public holidays, is perfect for a European getaway. Here are events that could be your next travel excuse:

• In Golegã for the National Horse Fair | Portugal
• In London for Guy Fawkes Night | United Kingdom

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in November

Travelling in December: a magical end of the year from Lyon to Edinburgh

Rounding off the year in style is easy in Europe, especially as Christmas approaches. From magical to mystical, events abound. A quick overview:

• In Edinburgh for the Hogmanay | United Kingdom
• In Copenhagen , for the extraordinary Tivoli Christmas Market | Denmark
• In Lyon for the Festival of Lights | France

Details and other ideas 👇

Festivals, events: where to go on a trip to Europe in December

Our annual list of European travel destinations by month is now complete. If you have more suggestions, do let us know. We’ll add them to the respective months.