Why the spring months are the best for short-term car rentals

Short-term car rental is no longer bought "according to the price list" - the price is now influenced by demand, fleet occupancy, location and seasonality. This is why spring is often the best compromise for individuals: fewer people travel, the offer of cars is wider and prices are more favorable than during the summer peak. In the article, we will explain what exactly seasonality and dynamic pricing mean, show specific data from Slovakia and the EU and add practical advice on how to choose the date, category and insurance so that you pay as little as possible.

What is seasonality in car rental (and why it matters)

Seasonality = fluctuations in demand throughout the year

Seasonality in car rental is the natural fluctuation of demand and prices in individual months. The simplest rule is: when demand increases, so does the price - and vice versa.

The most common reasons for seasonality:

• Holidays and school holidays (especially July-August)
• Weather and tourist season (warmth = more trips)
• Big events (festivals, sports events)
• Business cycle (spring and autumn = more business trips)

Dynamic pricing

Modern car rental companies (including PAYLESS) use dynamic pricing, i.e. they change the price in real time according to the market.

What typically goes into the price:

• fleet occupancy (how many cars are available)
• rental term and length
• pickup/return location
• vehicle category and equipment
• competition and local situation (e.g. holidays, events)

Practical consequence: the same car can have a different price on different days – even within the same week. [S2

Data: When is the “peak” in the EU and how Slovakia fits into it

EU: Summer is clearly the strongest

Eurostat shows that travel in the EU is highly seasonal. In 2024, July and August together accounted for 31% of all overnight stays in EU accommodation establishments (a good proxy for demand for travel – and therefore for cars). August was the strongest (16%), followed by July (15%). [S1]

Distribution of overnight stays in the EU (share in year, 2024):

• January 4.5%
• February 4.9%
• March 5.9%
• April 6.5%
• May 9.0%
• June 10.5%
• July 14.9%
• August 16.4%
• September 10.1%
• October 7.5%

For an individual, this means: if you plan a similar trip in April/May instead of July/August, you are usually going “off-peak”.

Slovakia: spring is more balanced than summer

According to Eurostat, Slovakia has a milder seasonality than many seaside destinations – but even here summer is the strongest.

Distribution of overnight stays in Slovakia (share in year, 2024):

• January 6.2%
• February 7.5%
• March 7.0%
• April 6.0%
• May 8.1%
• June 9.0%
• July 13.1%
• August 13.7%
• September 8.2%
• October 8.2%

Spring is typically a period when demand increases (especially May–June), but does not yet reach summer peaks. [S1]

Why Spring is Often the Cheapest Choice (7 Specific Reasons)

1) Spring is the “shoulder season” – outside of the extremes

Many travel platforms describe March and early spring as a transitional period between winter and summer, when you can find cheaper rentals than in the high season. [S3]

2) More cars available = better prices and selection

When demand is high in the summer, cheaper categories sell out first. In the spring, there is usually:

a wider selection of categories (economy, compact, station wagon, SUV)

a higher chance of an automatic/specific model

fewer “last-minute” surcharges

3) Less competition in the destination

During peak periods, tourist demand meets business trips and local events. In spring, it is easier to get:

better pickup time

faster process at the branch

available accessories (child seats, navigation)

4) Less risk of “only expensive cars remaining”

During high demand, the cheapest cars are gradually rented, and the more expensive categories remain on offer. This is one of the main mechanisms why you see higher average prices in summer.

5) Insurance and accessories can be handled more sensibly

During peak times, people are more likely to buy more expensive packages “at the last minute”. In spring, you have more room to compare:

• deductible vs. additional insurance
• deposit limits
• tire and window coverage

6) More promotions, coupons and “early deals”

From the perspective of car rental companies, spring is the ideal time when it pays to motivate customers with promotions and benefits (especially before the summer season). Watch for campaigns, newsletters and limited offers.

7) Trend: Shifting travel outside of summer

Europe is known for its strong summer seasonality, and travel companies are trying to strengthen the “off-peak” months. This supports better prices outside of summer (spring/autumn) and in rentals. [S5]

Comparison of solutions: spring vs. summer vs. winter for short-term rentals

Spring (March–May): best value for money

Good for: city breaks, weekend trips, family visits, first trips, business trips.

Pros:

• often cheaper prices than summer
• broader selection of cars
• less stress from sales

Cons:

• variable weather (consider higher suspension/winter equipment depending on the region)

Summer (June–August): highest demand

Good for: vacations, road trips, longer routes.

Pros:

• long days, good weather

Cons:

• highest prices in the season, especially in June and July
• higher risk that only the more expensive categories remain
• greater pressure to book early [S4]

Winter (January–February): often cheap, but with exceptions

Good for: city trips, business trips, short trips.

Pros:

• January is the cheapest month of the year in some data

Cons:

• holidays and ski destinations can increase prices [S6]

Practical guide: 10 ways to save on your rental this spring

1) Be flexible (even by 24 hours)

With dynamic pricing, moving the date by 1 day can change the price significantly.

2) Try an alternative pick-up time

Practical market experience: morning and late peak times tend to be busier. In spring, it is worth comparing 2–3 time slots.

3) Compare the category, not the specific model

If you need a “city car”, economy/compact is often enough. For a family, it is more efficient to deal with a station wagon or compact SUV than a large SUV.

4) Look at the price per day vs. the entire rental

Sometimes a 4-day rental works out better than a 3-day one (due to price ranges). Always compare the total amount.

5) Take advantage of the long weekend

Public holidays in spring (Easter, May 1, May 8) can increase demand, but outside of major holidays they are still often more profitable than summer dates.

6) Book early, but watch the price

With dynamic pricing, it makes sense to have a reservation “as insurance” and at the same time watch if the price improves.

7) Check the deposit and card limits

A deposit is a common standard. Check in advance:

• blocking amount
• credit requirement vs. debit card
• which reduces deductibles (insurance packages)

8) Choose insurance based on risk, not fear

• shorter city trips: often a reasonable deductible is enough
• longer routes/street parking: consider a lower deductible or extended coverage

9) Look for add-ons that make a big difference

The biggest “value” add-on for families is typically a child seat (safety and comfort). For mountain trips, it’s more likely a higher chassis/4×4.

10) Evaluate alternatives – sometimes it’s worth renting even if you own your own car

Investment perspective for individuals:

• if you were to go on a long trip in your own car, count the wear and tear (tires, oil, service, depreciation)
• if you only need the car for a few days, renting can be cheaper than “keeping” a second car in the household

Trends 2025–2026: what will push prices (and why it works in favor of spring)

AI and increasingly accurate dynamic pricing

The development is moving towards more accurate pricing according to:

• micro-location (airport vs. city center)
• day of the week
• demand in a specific category

For the customer, this means: flexibility and early booking are even more important. [S2]

Strong summer seasonality persists in Europe

Europe is among the regions where travel is seasonal (summer is the busiest). Therefore, it is logical that prices in summer are “pulled” up by demand. [S5]

Travel shift to “shoulder season”

More people are planning trips outside of extreme heat and outside of holidays. This trend increases the attractiveness of spring and autumn – and at the same time creates more competitive offers in these months.

The most common mistakes that cause people to overpay in the spring

Booking at the last minute (especially before the holidays)

Choosing an unnecessarily large category “just in case”

Not considering the deposit and card type

Ignoring the terms (kilometer limits, one-way fees, fuel policy)

Buying insurance without comparing (too expensive combination)

FAQ: People Also Ask

1) When are car rentals the cheapest during the year?

They are generally cheaper outside the summer peak (spring/autumn, often January). However, it always depends on the destination and occupancy.

2) Why are car rentals significantly more expensive in the summer?

Summer is the period of highest demand (holidays, holidays). With dynamic pricing, the price naturally increases when available cars run out quickly.

3) Is it worth booking a car in the spring in advance?

Yes - this gives you a wider selection and often a better price. It is also worth monitoring the price to see if it changes.

4) Is it cheaper to rent a car for more days?

Sometimes yes. Prices are often calculated in bands (e.g. 3 vs. 4 days). Always compare the total amount, not just the price "per day".

5) How do I know if the offer is really a good deal?

Compare: total price, deposit, deductible/insurance, fuel terms and limits. A good deal is one that has a good price-terms ratio.

Summary / TL;DR (3–5 points)

Spring is often the most affordable because it is outside the summer peak and demand is lower.

Prices are now driven by dynamic pricing – flexibility in terms of dates and categories can save tens of euros.

Data from both the EU and Slovakia show that July–August are the strongest months for travel; spring is more balanced.

Book early, monitor the price, compare insurance and conditions (deposit, fuel, limits).

Investment: renting for a few days can be cheaper than using your own car for a long trip (wear and tear) or keeping a second car.

Keywords and entities (used + related)

Main KW: seasonality, prices, rental, short-term rental, car rental

Related KW and entities: dynamic pricing, dynamic pricing, car rental, PAYLESS, demand, fleet occupancy, summer season, shoulder season, spring, summer, winter, Eurostat, travel in the EU, Slovakia, overnight stays, deposit, deductible, insurance, vehicle category, SUV, economy, compact, roadtrip, holidays, Easter, May 1, May 8, reservation, last-minute, one-way fee, fuel policy

Conclusion

If you want to rent a car for the best price, spring is often the ideal time: demand is not yet at its summer peak, the choice is wider and thanks to dynamic pricing you can save real money with flexibility. Check the date, category, deposit and insurance - and set your reservation so that you pay for what you really need.

Want to see current prices and availability? Check the PAYLESS offer, compare categories and book a car in advance - spring is perfect for this.