Benefits of Starting Summer Vacation Early or Late: An Examination
Starting summer holidays early versus late in Germany has distinct advantages regarding weather, traffic, leisure, and travel costs, mainly due to the staggered holiday system across federal states.
Advantages of starting summer holidays early (e.g., late June/early July): - Lower traffic and less crowded leisure spots: Early holidaymakers face fewer tourists on roads, trains, and at popular destinations since the bulk of families have not yet started their vacations, reducing jams and overcrowding. - More accommodation availability: Hotels and resorts tend to be less booked early in the holiday season, offering easier reservations and potentially better service. - Moderate weather: Early summer usually brings warm but generally milder weather in Germany and parts of Europe before the peak heat of late July and August, which some might find more pleasant for outdoor activities.
Advantages of starting summer holidays late (e.g., August): - Generally warmer and more stable weather: Late summer often offers the hottest and sunniest weather in Germany, preferred for beach holidays and open-air leisure activities. - Potentially fewer crowds post-peak: Some families starting vacations late might benefit from a quieter vacation period after the early and mid-summer rush, especially outdoors or at tourist sites. - More holiday choices aligned with school year start: Since the school year in Germany begins mostly from late July to early September, late holidays avoid clashing with school reopening and allow a full summer experience.
Travel costs: - Starting holidays early can sometimes mean lower travel prices because early July is generally outside the strictest peak season after school closes but before the biggest flood of holidaymakers. - Late summer travel, especially August, tends to coincide with peak demand, driving up prices for transport and accommodation, although very late August might see some seasonal price easing as schools near reopening.
The staggered holiday system in Germany balances these factors by distributing vacation periods across states, reducing nationwide traffic congestion, easing housing demand on tourist infrastructure, and smoothing the tourism industry's income over several months.
In summary, starting early provides benefits in lower traffic, easier travel logistics, and moderate weather, while starting late offers warmer, more stable weather but at the cost of higher traffic and prices. The federal structure intentionally spaces these breaks to mitigate the downsides of both extremes.
It is essential to consider other factors as well, such as the UV load, which reaches its peak in June and July but decreases in August and September, according to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). Additionally, blue-green algae blooms can occur in water bodies as the summer progresses, potentially causing health issues.
Ultimately, the choice between starting early or late depends on individual preferences and circumstances, but understanding these advantages and potential drawbacks can help make an informed decision.
- Early summer holidays can provide a more relaxed travel experience with lower traffic, less crowded leisure spots, and moderate weather, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize reduced congestion and milder temperatures.
- Delaying summer holidays until August may offer warmer, more stable weather, but travel costs might be higher due to peak demand for transport and accommodation, while the Crowds will be smaller post-peak, particularly at tourist sites and outdoors.
