Best Time To Go Interrailing (Europe) 2022 Guide: MUST-READ!

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Looking for the best time to go interrailing? You’re in the right place! In the following post, I break down the BEST times to travel to Europe and how to make the most out of your trip!

So, you’re looking at interrailing Europe? Yay!

You’re in the right place. I’m so obsessed with interrailing that I have a whole interrailing hub on my blog. It really is the easiest and cheapest way to see the best in Europe.

If you’re in the final stage of buying your interrail pass and wondering when to actually begin your interrailing trip, I’ve rounded up all of the information you’d ever need to know about when to go interrailing according to budget, weather, countries and activities.

But first, if you’re on a budget whilst interrailing Europe, it’s really important to buy your interrailing pass in advance. I explain all of this in my post here, and you can buy your pass here!

Not sure if you want an interrail pass or just individual tickets? Check out my Is the Interrail Pass Worth it? An Honest Review (2022) for all the latest information!

So, when is the best time to go interrailing? Let’s get started!

Not sure which backpack to buy for interrailing Europe? Read my post to find the best backpack for you!

🗺️ Travelling Europe? I love interrailing so much that I’ve created a whole interrailing section on my blog. If you’re considering it, grab your interrailing pass!

🗺️ Travelling Europe? Book your interrailing pass here!

**I also have blog posts on interrailing Spain, France, Italy and Switzerland.**

The Best Time To Go Interrailing: A Summary

When is the best time to go interrailing?

There is no one answer to the question of the best time to go interrailing.

It all depends on what you’re looking for in your trip.

If you want to avoid the crowds, then shoulder season – the time between high and low season – is a great time to travel.

Prices are also typically lower during this time.

However, if you’re hoping to experience some traditional festivals or events, then you’ll need to do some research to find out when they’re taking place.

There are also certain times of year when weather conditions are more favourable – for example, if you’re hoping to hike or enjoy outdoor activities in Switzerland, or have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, summer may be the best time for you to travel.

Ultimately, there is no wrong answer when it comes to when the best time to go interrailing is – it all depends on your preferences and what you’re hoping to get out of your trip.

But, I have explained the best times to go interrailing as best as possible to suit your needs.

Not sure which backpack to buy for interrailing Europe? Read my post to find the best backpack for you!

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

The cheapest time to go interrailing

There’s no denying that interrailing can be a great way to see Europe. But it can also be a bit of a pricey trip, especially if you’re planning on doing it during peak season!

So when is the best time to go interrailing in terms of cost?

Firstly, if you’re looking to interrail Europe on a budget, check out my recent post: How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022).

But it all depends on when you book your tickets. If you’re flexible with your dates, you can often snag some cheaper seat reservations by travelling outside of peak season.

For example, summer is generally the most popular time to go interrailing, so you’ll usually find that tickets are more expensive then.

However, if you’re willing to travel during shoulder season (ie. spring or autumn), you can often get some great deals.

Of course, there are other ways to save money on your interrailing trip too.

For example, booking your hostels in advance can often help you to get a better rate.

However, if you interrail outside of peak Europe months (summer, June-August), you are going to save more money. Interrailing during these months means accommodation and activities will be higher, as schools are out and the locals are all holidaying!

🗺️ My world travel must-have: The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab yours here. 🚰

When is the best time to go to Europe?

Europe is a hugely diverse continent. Whilst some countries will be covered in snow, others will have packed beaches and sunbathers. It’s important to do your research before you plan your interrailing trip.

The general rule of thumb to remember is that summer for Europeans is between June and August.

With the everchanging weather and global warming, summer now also lasts way into September, but prices are a bit lower because schools are back. Meaning September is a great time to interrail Europe.

However, if you’re looking for that true European experience, you’re going to want to be in the sun and making the most of the weather.

Yes, you’ll pay a premium price, and experience long queues and busy tourist hotspots, but you’re getting the best of Europe in the sun.

Let me break down the seasons a little further.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

Winter in Europe

Europe in the winter is an amazing experience – if you know how to dress for it, that is!

From my own personal experience, I would say interrailing in winter would be a great way to save money and still see Europe at its finest (especially because Europe is big on celebrating Christmas!)

Yes, it can be cold – but that’s half the fun!

You get to bundle up in all your layers and wander around some of the most beautiful cities in the world without having to worry about getting too hot.

And, best of all, there are so many great winter festivals going on throughout Europe at this time of year – from Christmas markets to New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Don’t write off Europe in the winter!

NOTE: Daylight hours are short and most countries experience wet, cold and even snowy winters. Dress appropriately!

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)

Autumn in Europe

Autumn in Europe is getting hotter year by year, making it one of the best budget times to interrail Europe.

The leaves start to change colour, the air gets a little crisper, and the whole continent just comes alive!

It’s the perfect time to go interrailing, whether you’re looking to explore new cities or visit old favourites.

And best of all, there are often great deals to be had on flights and accommodation, because local schools are back and you won’t have as many locals on holiday.

NOTE: Autumn is generally warm in Europe but there can be more rain and wind than summer.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!

Spring in Europe

One of the best times to go interrailing is in the spring.

The weather is starting to get warmer, making it ideal for exploring all the different European cities.

Plus, there are plenty of festivals and events taking place during this time of year.

So whether you’re into music, art, or food, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do.

And of course, let’s not forget about all the gorgeous flowers that are in bloom during springtime! European cities look even more beautiful when covered in blossoms.

NOTE: Spring is generally quite warm in Europe. Again, expect some rain, but days are becoming longer and brighter.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

Summer in Europe

Summer is, of course, one of the best times to go interrailing.

If you’re looking for a traditional European summer, interrailing is the way to go about it.

The weather is beautiful, the days are longer, and there’s just something about being in Europe during the summer that makes it extra special.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when travelling during peak season.

Accommodation and transport can be more expensive, and popular tourist destinations can be more crowded than usual.

But with a little planning, you can try to avoid these pitfalls and have an amazing time.

NOTE: Summer temperatures will range from country to country in Europe. Be sure to research beforehand. And the trains can get pretty hot whilst interrailing!

You don’t necessarily need hiking boots, but I wore mine whilst interrailing. It made the walk a lot easier and I was much more stable, plus they helped me with other walks in Europe. You can buy my favourites here.

What is interrailing?

If you’re thinking of doing some serious European travel, then you might want to consider interrailing (or a Eurail pass).

Interrailing is when you buy a pass that allows you to travel by train all around Europe.

It’s a great way to see a lot of different places without having to worry about how you’re getting around.

Plus, it’s really flexible – you can decide where you want to go and when you want to go there.

You can jump on night trains, save money, cover long distances and catch direct trains all over Europe.

Most people interrail to see Europe’s most popular cities. There are different passes such as the global pass, on and the one country pass.

And best of all? Interrailing can be done on a budget!

Whether you want to enjoy long evenings spent wandering, take advantage of free walking tours, sample awesome nightlife, enjoy Europe’s major cities by foot, relax and enjoy a windy train ride or do as much city sightseeing as possible, you CAN interrail on a budget.

And it doesn’t have to cause all the stress – interrailing is even perfect for a weekend break or a whistle-stop tour.

Start by buying your interrailing pass, then research destinations and use my posts to choose your advance planning routes and the most popular train routes.

Other interrailing information

I’m so obsessed with interrailing that I’ve created a whole hub on my blog! Check out some of my favourites here:

• How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)
• Interrailing Switzerland: Route, Itinerary and Guide
• Interrailing Spain: Travel Spain By Train
• Interrailing France: Travel France By Train
• Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
• Is the Interrail Pass Worth it? An Honest Review (2022)
• Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
• What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
• 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe

If you’re still booking flights, I recommend checking lastminute.com for the latest deals. Recently, we were able to save £50 on our flights just by booking through Last Minute!

Best Time for Sightseeing in Europe

Let’s be honest, there aren’t ANY times of year where there are no tourists.

Tourists are going to be sightseeing throughout the year in Europe.

However, spring is one of the best times to go sightseeing in Europe, because it can be just that tiny bit quieter, yet the weather still holds out and you’re less likely to get rained on.

Not only are the days longer, but the weather is also milder, making it ideal for spending time outdoors.

The cities are in full bloom, and there are plenty of festivals and events to enjoy.

Best of all, spring is before the peak tourist season, so you can avoid crowds and save money on travel costs.

If you can’t make it in the spring, autumn is another great time to visit. The leaves are changing colour, and the weather is cool and crisp.

And while there may be more tourists around, you can still find deals on accommodation and activities.

So whether you’re looking for a bargain or a sunny day, consider sightseeing in Europe in the spring or autumn.

Busiest Time to Visit or Interrail Europe

With so much to see and do in Europe, it’s no wonder that millions of people visit each year.

However, if you’re planning a trip to Europe, you’ll need to take the time of year into account.

The summer months are when the majority of tourists travel, which means that prices for accommodation and airfare are at their highest.

August is when the majority of schools break for summer, so the locals will also be rushing to get their summer holiday in.

Also, most festivals take place during the summer months, so be sure to research these well in advance.

Weather in Europe

Weather in Europe can be interesting!

I mean, you never know what you’re going to get.

We had a 40-degree heatwave in England the other day, and that’s never, ever happened. Weather can change quickly, and you’re likely to experience all four seasons in a day in some places.

The weather in Europe is generally quite mild. But, it does vary from country to country.

If you’re interrailing southern Europe, expect hot summers and long days. Or interrailing Scandinavia in winter? Pack your ski boots!

In some of Central and Eastern Europe, winters are freezing with lots of rain and chances of snow. Summers are hot, and winters are cold. Pack wisely!

The Best Time to go Interrailing: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! The best time to go interrailing, with some handy pointers to help you to decide.

Still unsure about when to go interrailing? Contact me on Instagram or let me know in the comments below!

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

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