When Are Ticks Most Active?
The European tick (Ixodes ricinus) becomes active when ground temperatures consistently exceed 7°C. In practice, that means:
| Month | Activity level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January-February | Minimal | Possible on warm days above 7°C |
| March | Low-moderate | Activity begins in southern and central Europe |
| April | Moderate-high | Spring peak begins |
| May | Peak | Highest nymph activity — smallest ticks, hardest to see |
| June | Peak | High temperatures, dense vegetation |
| July-August | Moderate | Activity drops in hottest weeks; remains high in forests |
| September | Second peak | Cooler temperatures trigger renewed activity |
| October | Moderate | Decreasing toward November |
| November-December | Low | Active on mild days in some regions |
Risk by Country
Germany
One of the highest tick densities in Europe. Ticks carrying Borrelia (Lyme) are found across the country. TBE-risk areas include Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia, Saxony, and parts of Lower Saxony. The Robert Koch Institute updates TBE risk maps annually. Season: March through November.Sweden
Tick populations have expanded northward significantly in the last decade. Risk areas now include the entire south coast, all of the islands (Gotland, Öland), and the eastern coast up to the Stockholm archipelago. TBE vaccination is recommended for regular outdoor activity in risk areas. Season: March through October, year-round near the coast in mild winters.Netherlands
High Borrelia prevalence — studies show roughly 20% of ticks in the Netherlands carry Lyme-causing bacteria. Wooded areas, dunes, and heathland (Veluwe, Utrechtse Heuvelrug) have highest density. TBE risk is low but present in some border regions. Season: March through October.Austria
Both Borrelia and TBE are widespread. Austria has one of the highest TBE incidence rates in Europe. Most forested areas carry risk. TBE vaccination is strongly recommended for outdoor activity. Season: March through November.Finland
Tick populations expanding northward. Southern coastal areas and archipelagos have highest density. TBE vaccination recommended for the Åland Islands and coastal areas. Season: April through October.Denmark
Borrelia-carrying ticks found across the country. No TBE vaccination generally recommended but isolated TBE cases occur in forested areas. Bornholm has high tick density. Season: April through October.Poland
High tick density throughout forested regions. TBE risk in northeastern regions (Podlaskie, Warmia-Masuria) and mountain areas. Season: April through October.France
Ticks present across most of the country. Alsace has particularly high TBE risk. Season: March through November in the south.Czech Republic
Significant TBE burden. Bohemia and Moravia both have risk areas. TBE vaccination strongly recommended for outdoor activity. Season: March through October.Where Are Ticks Found?
Ticks do not live in open fields or on treetops — they wait in transition zones between vegetation types:
- Grass edges along paths and forest tracks
- Leaf litter in deciduous woodland
- Hedgerows and scrubland
- Tall grass near water
- Garden borders with woodland nearby
They are most concentrated at ankle to knee height, which is why the calf and ankle are the most common bite sites for walkers.
What Is TBE and Should I Vaccinate?
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral brain infection transmitted by ticks in central and northern Europe. Unlike Lyme disease, there is an effective vaccine.
If you regularly spend time outdoors in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden, or Finland — especially in forested or rural areas — TBE vaccination is worth discussing with your doctor. The vaccine requires two doses initially and a booster after one year.
There is no vaccine for Lyme disease or Alpha-Gal Syndrome, which is why physical protection matters throughout the season.
How to Protect Yourself During Tick Season
The basics: cover up, check yourself after every outing, and remove any ticks promptly.
For regular outdoor activity during peak season, full-body coverage is the most reliable approach. The Tix Bug Shield Suit worn over regular clothes seals every entry point — cuffs, ankles, wrists, neckline — so ticks have no path to skin.
For lighter outings where full-suit coverage isn't practical, the Tix Calf Shield seals the ankle gap where most bites happen on walkers and hikers.
After any time outdoors, a tick check takes two minutes. The common bite sites: behind the knees, groin, armpits, hairline, behind the ears. Remove any ticks promptly with a proper tick tool — see our step-by-step tick removal guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does tick season start in 2026? In central Europe (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic), expect activity from late March. In Scandinavia, late April. Southern France and the Netherlands can see ticks as early as March. Are ticks active in winter? Not in freezing conditions, but in the mild winters becoming more common across northern Europe, ticks can be active on days when ground temperature exceeds 7°C — including in January and February in some coastal areas. Is tick risk higher in forests or open areas? Forests and woodland edges are highest risk. Open farmland and beaches are low risk. The danger zone is anywhere vegetation transitions — forest edges, hedgerows, path margins. Do I need TBE vaccination if I'm hiking in Germany? The Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccination for regular outdoor activity in rural Germany, particularly in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and other designated risk areas. Check the RKI's current TBE risk map for your destination.Related guides: How to Remove a Tick Safely | Alpha-Gal Syndrome: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself | General Outdoor Insect Protection