Spring is a brilliant time to visit Europe. As the continent shakes off cool winter days there’s a sense of excitement in the air as locals return to enjoying their morning coffee on plaza terraces, and markets overflow with spring asparagus and strawberries. Spring in Europe is the season when life feels more vibrant – it’s a perfect sweet spot between the busy summer crowds and icy winter days. As the days get longer and gardens bloom there’s nowhere better to be – here’s our top 10 cities to explore this spring in Europe.
When is spring in Europe?
Spring in Europe typically runs from March to May, but it doesn’t arrive everywhere at once. Southern European cities like Seville, Malaga, Palermo, Naples and Lisbon start warming up in March, with café terraces already in full swing. Central Europe – think Vienna or Prague – start to wake up around April. And by May, even alpine spots like Lucerne are shaking off winter. Depending on where you go, you can expect daytime temperatures between 12–22°C (54–72°F), longer daylight hours and a soft spring light that makes photographs all the better.
10 best cities for spring in Europe
Vienna
If you think Vienna is all chandeliers and fancy cake forks, then visit in spring when it loosens its collar. From April to May, daytime temperatures hover between 15–22°C (59–72°F), ideal for walking the Ringstrasse. You can expect the formal gardens at Schönbrunn Palace to be in bloom, and Belvedere’s lawns are picnic-ready. Easter markets pop up across the Austrian capital in parks and palace courtyards, and locals start to reclaim the Danube Canal for after-work drinks. With summer tour groups yet to peak, you’ll find shorter queues at the State Opera and space to linger in museums.
Budapest
In Budapest in spring you can expect 14–23°C (57–73°F) between April and May, which is warm enough for days exploring outdoors, but still cool enough to justify sinking into thermal baths. Margaret Island’s cherry blossoms usually peak in April, and the Budapest Spring Festival brings a calendar of concerts and cultural events to the Hungarian city. Climb up to Fisherman’s Bastion in late afternoon for clear views over the Danube, then walk the Chain Bridge and explore ruin bars before they get packed with summer crowds.
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Lucerne
While Lucerne is one of the cooler spots on this list – with spring days in April and May ranging from 10–18°C (50–64°F) – the beauty here is the contrast. Look around and you’ll see Switzerland’s snow-caped peaks and green alpine meadows. Hiking is back on the cards with these picturesque mountain backdrops that are almost too gorgeous to be real. Lake Lucerne’s boat services resume full schedules too, making it easy to pair the medieval Chapel Bridge with a cruise or a cogwheel ride up Mount Pilatus.
Florence
It’s warm enough for gelato yet cool enough to climb the 463 steep steps of the Duomo without (too much) regret. Florence in spring is gorgeous, with stunning spring light and temperatures settling between 17–24°C (63–75°F) by April and May. Wisteria drapes over stone walls, the Boboli Gardens come into full color, and Easter (Scoppio del Carro) brings a centuries-old fireworks event to Piazza del Duomo. Coming early means you’ll beat the summer crush – think shorter waits at the Uffizi and more space on the famous Ponte Vecchio.
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Paris
🎶 “I love Paris in the springtime…” 🎶 It’s a season for long walks along the Seine or through one of the city’s gorgeous gardens, like the Jardin du Luxembourg. Parisians return to terraces the moment the sun appears – with daytime temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F) from April to May – and suddenly the city feels alive again after a cool, rainy winter. While you can take advantage of shoulder season crowds at icons like the Eiffel Tower or Musée d’Orsay, be sure to leave space to flâneur about the cobbled streets and markets of this great French city.
Seville
If you like it hot, head south to Seville. By May, temperatures range from 20–28°C (68–82°F) – that’s hot, hot, hot if you’re on the streets exploring the sights. Time your travels to catch two major events – Semana Santa’s elaborate Holy Week processions, followed by the exuberant Feria de Abril, a colorful week of flamenco, fairground lights and late-night dancing. Otherwise, stroll the Real Alcázar’s gardens, spend time in the Plaza de España admiring the tiles and join the locals gossiping outside tapas bars. By July Seville sizzles, so go in spring for more pleasant days in Spain.
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Amsterdam
The Netherlands in springtime is all about tulips! The country’s colordul tulip season peaks at nearby Keukenhof Gardens (roughly late March to mid-May), while King’s Day on 27 April turns the entire city into a good-natured, orange-clad street party (with a touch of chaos!). April and May bring temperatures of 11–18°C (52–64°F), crisp enough to need at least a light jacket, but balmy enough for long canal walks and days outdoors. If you want to tick off major sights – like the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House – it is a touch easier in this shoulder season before summer queues surge.
Please select a tour.Prague
Prague’s gothic drama meets soft spring light this time of year. Easter markets fill Old Town Square with painted eggs and wooden stalls. And in May the Prague Spring International Music Festival begins, drawing world-class orchestras to the Czech Republic’s capital. With temperatures back to around 13–20°C (55–68°F), beer gardens start to reopen along the Vltava, and the city’s parks, like Petřín Hill, turn green again.
Lisbon
Head to Lisbon in May to see the main avenues awash with purple jacaranda trees in bloom. By April, temperatures in the Portuguese capital sit comfortably between 18–24°C (64–75°F), with Atlantic breezes keeping things fresh (especially after dark). Spring is ideal for climbing Alfama’s steep lanes without midsummer heat, or visiting miradouros (viewpoints) for a sunset aperitivo.
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Edinburgh
It takes a while for the ancient Scottish capital to warm up, with temperatures hovering around 9–15°C (48–59°F) between April and May. As spring creeps in you’ll start to get longer days, giving you more time for sightseeing. Cherry blossoms frame the Meadows, Arthur’s Seat is hikeable (without that winter mud!) and the Royal Botanic Garden starts to gain color. Visitor numbers are far lower than during August festival season, meaning easier access to Edinburgh Castle and a more relaxed Royal Mile wander. You’ll certainly want a coat, but it won’t be too brisk.
FAQs about spring in Europe
What to wear in Europe in spring?
Spring packing is all about layers – and a little optimism. Mornings will likely be brisk, especially in cities like Edinburgh or Prague, while afternoons in Florence might call for sunglasses and a T-shirt. Think in layers – so light knits, a jacket, comfortable walking shoes (cobbles are not forgiving), and a compact waterproof jacket or umbrella (just in case). Europeans tend to dress smart-casual, so leave the gym gear behind. Use a scarf to add a chic touch and long with warmth as needed!
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Is there ‘Spring Break’ in Europe?
Europe doesn’t do Spring Break quite like the American movies suggest. Schools will have Easter holidays, with dates varying by country – usually that falls sometime between late March and April. If you travel during this time, expect busier museums and family-friendly attractions in places like Amsterdam and Paris – but not an all-night party takeover, and definitely no foam parties.
That’s our list of the best cities to visit this spring in Europe. Anywhere else we should add to this list? Leave a comment…