Europe’s weather changes substantially between September and December, and a single continent-wide temperature range is not useful for packing. Compare the cities on your route: southern Spain can still be warm in September, while northern cities cool earlier. The monthly tables below show daytime highs, night-time lows and rainfall for four contrasting destinations.
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When is autumn in Europe?
The Met Office’s meteorological autumn runs from 1 September to 30 November in the Northern Hemisphere; December is winter. Astronomical autumn runs from the September equinox to the December solstice, so its dates differ. For travel planning, check your destination and dates rather than relying on the season’s name.
How to read the weather tables
Figures are historical monthly averages, not forecasts: high and low mean average daily maximum and minimum temperatures, and rain is the monthly total. They do not show temperature extremes or the chance of rain on a particular day. The four cities are examples, not a complete picture of Europe.
Sources checked 24 September 2026: the Met Office’s 1991–2020 records for London Heathrow and Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden No. 2, and AEMET’s 1981–2010 records for Madrid Retiro and Barcelona Airport. The periods and station settings differ; airport readings may differ from city-centre conditions. Temperatures are rounded to one decimal place and rain to the nearest millimetre.
September in Europe Weather
September weather in Europe can still feel summery in southern cities, while northern destinations need warmer layers. In the examples below, average daytime highs range from 16.9°C in Edinburgh to 26.4°C in Madrid. This is a city comparison, not a temperature range for the whole continent.
| City | High / low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | 20.2 / 11.6 | 50 |
| Edinburgh | 16.9 / 9.7 | 55 |
| Madrid | 26.4 / 15.4 | 22 |
| Barcelona | 26.0 / 17.4 | 81 |
Pack light daytime clothes, a jumper or light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof layer. Check the forecast before packing beachwear or planning a mountain walk.
Places to visit in Europe in September
Rome and Florence suit art and history trips, while coastal destinations may still work for an outdoor holiday. Popular places can remain busy, so do not assume September means empty attractions.
Destinations to consider in September include:
- Italy: Rome and Florence, renowned for their historic landmarks and world-class art.
- Spain: Barcelona for city sights and the coast, or inland Madrid for museums and neighbourhood walks.
- France: Paris, a timeless city of romance and culture, and Provence, famous for its scenic countryside.
- Germany: Berlin, a hub of history and modern culture, and Bavaria’s picturesque landscapes.
- Greece: Santorini and Athens, known for stunning Mediterranean views and ancient sites.
- Croatia: Dubrovnik, with its exquisite coastline and old town charm.
- Portugal: Lisbon and Porto, celebrated for their unique atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
October in Europe Weather
October weather in Europe depends heavily on your route. Barcelona averages a daytime high of 22.1°C, compared with 13.4°C in Edinburgh. Warmer does not necessarily mean drier: Barcelona’s October rainfall average is higher than London’s in these records.
| City | High / low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | 15.8 / 8.8 | 65 |
| Edinburgh | 13.4 / 6.7 | 76 |
| Madrid | 19.4 / 10.7 | 60 |
| Barcelona | 22.1 / 13.5 | 91 |
Bring layers and rain protection, with shoes that remain comfortable when wet. Keep an indoor alternative for longer outdoor days, and check seasonal ferry and attraction schedules before booking.
Places to visit in Europe in October
Choose cities with a mix of indoor and outdoor sights. Autumn colours vary with location and conditions, and coastal services may reduce as the season ends.
Destinations to consider in October include:
- Italy: Rome and Venice for galleries, historic buildings and city walks.
- Spain: Seville and Granada, known for their beautiful architecture and lively traditions.
- France: Paris remains a favorite, and the Loire Valley charms visitors with its autumn vineyards.
- Germany: Munich and the Bavarian Alps; check Oktoberfest’s exact dates and mountain conditions before planning around either.
- Greece: Athens and Crete for historic sites; check local forecasts and seasonal opening hours.
- Croatia: Split and Hvar for coastal towns; check ferry timetables and seasonal closures.
- Portugal: Lisbon and the Algarve region, where mild temperatures enhance outdoor exploration.
November in Europe Weather
November weather in Europe is cooler, with a bigger need to plan around chilly mornings and short days. Barcelona’s average high is 17.3°C, while Edinburgh’s is 9.9°C. Mountain and far-northern destinations can be much colder than these city examples.
| City | High / low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | 11.5 / 5.3 | 67 |
| Edinburgh | 9.9 / 3.8 | 65 |
| Madrid | 13.5 / 6.3 | 58 |
| Barcelona | 17.3 / 8.6 | 59 |
Pack a warm outer layer, with gloves and a hat for colder destinations. Put outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day and check local sunrise and sunset times; museum visits and cafés can fill a wet afternoon.
Places to visit in Europe in November
Cities with museums, galleries and good public transport are practical November options. Christmas markets may not start until late November or December; check the organiser’s dates rather than planning around the whole month.
Destinations to consider in November include:
- Italy: Rome and Venice, where indoor museums and historic architecture shine.
- Spain: Madrid and Barcelona for museums, food and city walks.
- France: Paris for museums, or Alsace if your dates match its Christmas markets.
- Germany: Berlin and Cologne, where cultural attractions and festive events begin.
- Greece: Athens and Thessaloniki for archaeological sites and museums, with indoor options for wet days.
- Croatia: Zagreb for a city break; check the Advent event dates if markets are your priority.
- Portugal: Lisbon and Porto, ideal for mild weather explorations and cozy cafes.
December in Europe Weather
December is winter in Europe, but it is not freezing everywhere. Barcelona averages 14.3°C by day and 5.7°C at night; Edinburgh averages 7.3°C and 1.6°C. These averages do not rule out cold snaps, and snow is not guaranteed in any of the cities listed.
| City | High / low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | 8.8 / 3.1 | 57 |
| Edinburgh | 7.3 / 1.6 | 67 |
| Madrid | 10.0 / 3.6 | 51 |
| Barcelona | 14.3 / 5.7 | 40 |
Choose your coat and footwear for the destination and forecast, not the month alone. Alpine trips need a separate mountain-weather check. Confirm Christmas and New Year opening hours, transport timetables and market dates before fixing your itinerary.
Places to visit in Europe in December
Choose a December destination for its attractions and events, with weather as a separate consideration. Festive streets do not guarantee snow, and ski conditions need checking at the resort rather than in a nearby city.
Destinations to consider in December include:
- Italy: Rome and Venice, known for their Christmas lights and festive traditions.
- France: Paris, famous for its elegant holiday decorations, and Strasbourg, renowned as the “Capital of Christmas.”
- Germany: Munich and Nuremberg, hosting some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
- Austria: Vienna and Salzburg for concerts and festive streets; snow in the cities is not guaranteed.
- Switzerland: Zurich and Lucerne for city stays, with separate trips to mountain resorts if conditions suit.
- United Kingdom: London, with its dazzling holiday displays and seasonal events.
- Czech Republic: Prague, enchanting visitors with its historic charm and Christmas atmosphere.
