Budapest Holiday Weather Overview
Budapest lives up to everything its reputation suggests - historical fascination, cultural extravagance, and entertainment galore. Renowned throughout Europe as the continent's premier tourist destination, Budapest overshadows even the likes of Paris, Prague, and Rome is many unforeseen ways. The beautiful Danube River divides the city into two primary areas - Buda and Pest.
'Buda' is the name given to the hilly western banks of the Danube, and boasts several major landmarks. The most prominent sites in Buda are Margaret Island, Castle Hill attractions, old Citadella and the Rock Church.
Pest (pronounced 'Pesht') is the eastern plains region of Budapest, sprawling from the banks of the Danube River. A majority of Budapest's citizens live in this area, close to an array of exciting attractions, including Andrassy Avenue, Millennium Underground Railway, Vajdahunjad Castle, and Heroes Square. Buda and Pest are linked via several famous bridges, such as the illustrious Liberty Bridge.
When is the best month to visit Budapest?
Waiting for the weather in Budapest to be its most comfortable often dictates when tourists visit the city, and for good reason. Budapest weather is most favourable for tourism during spring (March to May). However, the summer month of June and autumn months of September and October also offer mild days with less rainfall that the summer season. Several festivals, including the spring festival, are hosted in Budapest during March and April, making these months an ideal time to visit.
Climate in Budapest
Like most Central and Western European cities, Budapest weather in winter (December to February) is accompanied with heavy snow and very cold temperatures. The city is blanketed with snow across several weeks each year, so caution is advised when driving. Summer months (June to August) can bring about mild to high temperatures of around 27°C; however, it is not all that uncommon for summer days to edge over 30°C.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, experiences a temperate and transitional climate.
Summer in Budapest
During summer, from April till August, Budapest remains hot. The average maximums climb to 20 ºC while the low stands at mid-teens. July with more than 27 ºC and 276 hours of sunshine is considered as the hottest and sunniest month of the year. June, on the other hand, is the wettest month when Budapest receives more than 70mm of precipitation. Although temperature seems somewhat unpleasant, it is one of the best seasons to visit Budapest.
Winter in Budapest
From December till February, Budapest goes through a bitter and cold winter with the average low of – 2 ºC. On the other hand the regular high hardly reaches 3 ºC. January is the coldest month of the year when temperature stands around -4 ºC. December sees not more than 1.5 hours of sunshine per day. During this season the city receives frequent, yet light, snowfall. Tourists try to avoid visiting the capital city of Hungary during this season.
Autumn and spring in Budapest
Autumn is called mean ‘old woman’s summer,’ or Indian summer in Budapest. The season remains sunny with clearer skies with somewhat variation in temperature. During this time the average high temperature fluctuates between 16-18 ºC. On the other hand, spring, like the previous season, features typical pleasant climate like other cities of Europe.
What to pack and wear in Budapest?
With temperatures during winter dropping to below freezing on most days, it is important for tourists to remain warm. Bringing plenty of warm clothes, not to mention shoes for walking through snow, is recommended. The weather in Budapest, although quite mild on most days, requires the use of hats, sunglasses and other sun protection during summer.
Best months to visit Budapest?
September and May are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Budapest. The weather averages gathered from Budapest weather forecast and Budapest weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 23°c and average of 231.1333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Budapest?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around -2°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Budapest?
May and June receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 76.03mm.
Travelling to Budapest? Check out our Weather averages of Budapest to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Budapest section.