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Best time to visit Hungary

Work out the best time to visit Hungary with our temperature and rainfall charts, whether you’re partying in Budapest or birding in Bükk, then read on to learn about activities to try and experiences to enjoy here, from cycling to wine tasting. We also have tips from our experts on how to make the most of Hungary.

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Best time to visit Hungary

Hungary follows a typical, Central European, continental climate. Think cold in winter, toasty in summer, spring showers and damp autumns.

Winter can be cold in Hungary, dropping to -3°C in January. Bird watching holidays still run then, but for non-twitchers the best time to visit Hungary is spring and early autumn, when it’s mild. July and August are hottest, at between 15-25°C – not too hot for a cycling holiday, especially if you pedal out in the early mornings. If you’re only heading to Budapest, though, avoid these midsummer months, when it’s flooded with tourists. Most rain falls in spring, particularly May, but showers are a feature of summer, too, so take an umbrella. December and January offer Christmas markets and the chance of snow.

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Hungary Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

-3

FEB

-1

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

-1

When to go to Hungary, month by month

Not many people would choose to stick around during Hungary’s sub-zero January...apart from bird watchers. Wishbones of geese winter here, plus owls and eagles (including magnificent eagle owls) are easier to spot on leafless lookouts. February rings in woodpeckers a-pecking everywhere from Budapest parks to the frosty forests of the Bukk Mountains. April is blossom season – and boy, do they bloom. Castle and Gellert Hills in Budapest bulge with cherry blossom trees. A perfect match for the side dish of grey, chilly rain showers. The blossom season is unpredictable, so it’s best not to book your flight by them. Treat them as a (pretty spectacular) bonus. May is one of the best times to be in Hungary, as the rains (partially) recede and the temperatures warm. The coach tours and river cruises haven’t quite picked up pace yet, either, making it a good time to be on the Danube. Budapest’s Fozdefeszt celebrates Hungarian beers and street food for three days in June. Solid weather and long days make midsummer good conditions for cycling, too. July and August are the hottest months of the year, averaging at 25°C, with the odd jump to towards 30°C. The Danube Cycle Path is at its busiest, thanks to the summer holidays, although many say the pint-sized peddlers add to the gleeful vibe. Kelly Reid, from our holiday company Exodus Travels, says: “During the height of summer, there can be quite hot temperatures, so people should be prepared for this. If you plan to cycle, make sure the trip is a mix of cycling, culture and seeing other sights as well, so you aren’t on the bike all day every day!” The crowds in Budapest and on the Danube scale down in September and October – as do the temperatures. The forests and vineyards in rural Hungary turn autumnal. November and December is Christmas market season. It’s busy, but it’s also incredibly atmospheric. Hit the small town markets to avoid the crowds of Budapest.