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Summer in Eastern Europe

June, July, and August in Popular Destinations

By , About.com Guide

Most travelers plan their visit to the countries of Eastern Europe during the summer months of June, July, and August. Destination cities see their warmest weather, summer festivals and events attract crowds, and the days are at their longest. Summer travel to Eastern and East Central Europe requires some advanced planning because tourist numbers are at their peak, but the extra effort will ensure an enjoyable trip with a minimum number of unpleasant surprises.

Eastern Europe in June

Early June travelers may feel the remnants of a spring chill, especially in the morning and in northern cities. Many summer festivals kick off during the month of June and continue for a month or more. Be sure to take advantage of the fine weather to enjoy cities’ green spaces.

Eastern Europe in July

The weather heats up in July, and celebrations such as the Budapest Summer Festival and the Prague Folklore Days give visitors cultural events to look forward to. Warm evenings are perfect for sunset strolls and relaxing conversation on outdoor patios.

Eastern Europe in August

As summer begins to wrap up in August, many cities feature music festivals from a wide variety of genres. Though queues can be long for the most popular attractions, sightseeing is pleasant under August’s sunshine. Events and, to a lesser degree, weather, will vary depending upon what city or country you choose to visit during summer. Check out the following summer destination guides to help you plan your trip during June, July, or August.

Summer in Russia

Unless you have a strong tolerance for chilly or downright bitter weather, summer is the best time to travel to Russia. Russians love their summer weather and have established some traditions around the hottest months of the year, including escaping the city’s oppressive heat and relaxing in parks with snacks, drinks, or ice cream. In addition, major attractions will observe their longest hours of operation. Consider travel to Moscow or St. Petersburg in summer--or elsewhere, for example the Golden Ring, if you’re feeling adventurous.

Czech Republic in Summer

Prague in summer swells with tourists, who enjoy exploring Charles Bridge, Old Town Prague, Prague Castle, and other attractions. This season is also a great time to view Prague from above, as the colors of the city under the summer sun are at their most vibrant.

Summer in Poland

Warsaw in summer enjoys traditional festivals, such as Wianki and Juwenalia. In addition, Warsaw’s parks and gardens see the most use, with city dwellers crowding green spaces to rest in the shade of leafy trees and surround themselves with carefully tended flower beds.

Krakow in summer shows all visitors an entertaining time with highly anticipated festivals, including the International Festival of Jewish Culture, the Folk Art Fair, and music festivals spanning centuries and style genres. Explore the grounds of Wawel Castle, relax on Main Market Square, see the dragon on the banks of the Vistula River, or take a carriage ride through the historic district.

Summer is a time for boat tours, excursions to attractions outside the city, ice cream, cool drinks, and cultural experiences. While most people travel during the summer because they want to enjoy the warm weather, sometimes the sun can get too intense. In those situations, it is important to follow tips for staying cool so that your experience will be free of illness or exhaustion. Be sure to get plenty of rest at night, stay hydrated, and where sunscreen or other sun protection! You can always pop into an air-conditioned museum when the day is at its warmest and emerge an hour or two later to do more outdoor sightseeing.

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