Best Time to Visit Hungary

Located in the heart of the European continent with influences from western Europe, Russia and Asia, Hungary offers dozens of intriguing destinations to explore. To make the most of your time in this diverse country, you’ll need to know the best time to visit.

Generally, the best time to visit Hungary is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, with the weather often pleasant, while tourist crowds are minimal or even non-existent. The high season coincides with summer, bringing the highest prices of the year and the greatest number of visitors. If you come during the winter, you can expect lots of rain and snow, with many attractions shut down, although there will be few visitors and it’s a great time for a budget-friendly visit.

The daytime temperatures in April and May range from the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, making this season especially comfortable for sightseeing. There will be few crowds, which means you can explore even the most popular landmarks in Budapest with waiting in long lines, but you will need to carry an umbrella and light rain jacket. Spring is also a great time to visit the countryside with wildflowers in bloom.

It’s unlikely to be miserably hot in the summer, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 83 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit in June, July and August. This is the time to swim in Lake Balaton’s calm, shallow waters, and to see the vast fields of lavender in bloom in Tihany. The downside is that this is the peak season with prices significantly higher, especially in Budapest, and the crowds will be at their thickest of the year, meaning you’ll need to book airfare, accommodation and tickets well in advance.

September and October bring gorgeous fall foliage, blanketing the landscape across Hungary with reds and yellows, particularly in the Matra and Buuk hills, while summer crowds have dissipated. Fall is the grape harvest season, ideal for visiting Tokaj and Eger, where one can sip some of the world’s finest wines. Early to mid-autumn is arguably the best time of year to visit, as this period doesn’t see as much rainfall as spring. Temperatures will be pleasant, with daytime averages ranging from the upper 50s to low 80s, with lower numbers as the season progresses. As prices drop now, this is another good time to come for those with a tighter budget.

Winter is low season, with few visitors in Hungary now. This is when to visit if you want to take advantage of the lowest costs of the year, and few crowds, although many attractions will be closed, and in smaller villages and towns, accommodation may be hard to find. The weather is generally characterized as dreary – in November and February you’re bound to see quite a bit of rain and grey skies. In December and January, it can be bitterly cold, although the average daytime temperatures range from above freezing, at 37 degrees, to the low 50s Fahrenheit. By bundling up, you can enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Hungary, and if it gets too cold out, there are plenty of museums and castles to explore, along with the fabulously relaxing hot thermal baths. There are around 100 of them in the capital city alone, including the Rudas Turkish Baths which date back to the 16^th century.

The Christmas holidays are a wonderful time to be in Budapest, with lots of festivities and one of the top Christmas markets in Europe.