15 reasons to visit Strasbourg outside the holiday season

New England is the international star when autumn rolls around. However, if you happen to find yourself in Europe in September or October, the leaves in this part of France are spectacular and rival those across the Atlantic.

Admittedly not guaranteed — nothing ever is weather-wise in this region — but much better than the colder months. Fall is still quite pleasant, without being too hot.

Or hot spiced wine, famously sold at every Christmas market across the continent. However, you don’t need to wait for the peak holiday season to enjoy the tasty drink. In Strasbourg, vendors begin to sell it as early as the first week of November — without the lines of Christmas market stalls!

Fall is "shoulder season" for a lot of Europe, and while the leaves changing are nice, the best part is the drop in prices. From hotel rates to excursions and train deals, if you can hold off until everyone is back in the office or at school, your wallet will thank you!

It’s hard to believe with how dark and cold the days can be as early as mid-November, but winter doesn’t begin until a few days before Christmas. So, if you can wait out the popular season in the “Christmas Capital of France," you can still enjoy a cozy and festive feel without insane prices and crowds. Also, as a bonus, there’s a greater chance of snow in January and February.

Again, Strasbourg doesn’t see over-tourism outside of December. If you can avoid the holidays, you generally won’t feel claustrophobic. However, if you’re searching for a quiet city break or just want to soak it all in alone, post-Christmas wintertime will be your best bet to enjoy the city at your leisure sans crowds.

For similar reasons listed above for emptiness during this season, the prices from accommodation to food to activities will be the lowest you’ll ever see in the city.

Strasbourg may be known for one holiday in particular, but that doesn’t mean other ones aren’t a great excuse to visit. The deals won’t be as good nor the prices as low for La Nouvelle Année, but it’s still a great time to visit and enjoy the festive spirit. 

Spring in this part of Europe is certainly spectacular, if a bit later than the rest of the continent. However, if you hold off your visit until about mid-April, you’ll see residents bask in the promise of warmer (and longer) days. It’s still advisable to bring a light jacket and umbrella, but nowhere near the forecasts for February.

Flowers bloom everywhere in the spring, which is why it may just be my favorite season in Strasbourg. The already vibrant town becomes awash in the additional color (and fragrance) — even more rewarding after winter's long, cold days.

The French love a good cafe and brasseries terrace. Although, this far north, outdoor seating tends to be few and far between for the months preceding March. Once the temperatures rise a bit, it almost feels like a whole new city with the changing landscape of restaurant seating.

Similar to fall, shoulder season also applies to spring, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices without the emptiness of low season.

The only time of the year the weather is guaranteed to be nice — if hot and sunny is your preferred climate. However, with the ever-changing climate, some might say July and August in Strasbourg are just a bit too hot and humid.

Not as impressive as the spring color, but enough of a reason to check out the town. Just come before late July — when most wither up in the heat.

This is relative to other parts of Europe and France during the summer. Europeans flock to the beaches during hot months, leaving cities like Strasbourg with more breathing room than usual. However, don’t expect emptiness like January and February.