I did my IMCR very soon after the PPL, and had some sessions cancelled because the freezing level was too low. I also had several instances of trace or light icing, but none that caused any worry.
I'm with bookworm - who I know flies regularly around Europe, under IFR, in singles and twins. There will be times that the cold plus the cloud will mean "no flying" unless you have deicing equipment, but those times are relatively few.
Given a choice, I would do the IMCR in Spring or Autumn - there is more likely to be some cloud around, so less need to wear the hood or foggles. Mind you, this summer has been pretty IMC most of the time...