It is not longer a matter of debate. This April, May, June, August and September saw Europe experience its hottest temperatures since weather records began being recorded in the 1890’s. The rise in daily temps is in keeping with the rise across Europe of greenhouse gas levels. This is leading many of the best travel consultants in the United States to take a new look at recommending off-season travel to their most valued clients. 
The prime weeks of the European season have traditionally been in early June and the entire month of September. July and August were always extremely hot – so hot in fact, that an increasing number of residents of France, Italy, and Spain, leave their homes and close their businesses during the month of August.
Now, top advisers are suggesting that their clients, with scant interest in European beach experiences, visit Europe in April or the first half of May. October, prone to rain after the 15th of the month, is suddenly appearing on radar as an appropriate time to go. Yes, there will be a greater chance of rain, but that is more than offset by comfortable walking weather and half the number of tourists one would encounter during the summer months.
Tourism boards have no interest in advising travelers of potentially uncomfortably warm summer months with accompanying draught conditions. But the facts would seem to dictate that Americans bound for Europe need to take a serious look about exactly when they want to travel.
The Mona Lisa smiles because she lives in a constant state of air-conditioning. During your walks through Paris you won’t be so lucky.
