Europe
Hungary
When to visit Hungary

When to go to Hungary

When deciding when to visit Hungary, consider the weather, crowd levels, and the destinations you plan to visit. Generally, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit, particularly if your main goal is sightseeing. April, May, September, and October are optimal, with an enticing mix of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, a wonderful time for scenic walks by the Danube. In the spring you’ll enjoy colorful wildflowers while fall’s grape harvest makes it ideal for wine enthusiasts. While summers are quite warm, they’re great for music festivals and sailing. Winter is cold but you’ll enjoy low-season prices and a tranquil atmosphere.

Hungary season-by-season

With its varied climate, Hungary is truly an all-year-round destination. Below is an overview of climate season-by-season.

Spring

Spring brings cherry blossoms, wildflowers, food festivals like the Rosalia and Gourmet Food Festival, and much more manageable crowds and shorter lines at attractions as compared to summer. April and May are sweet spots with warm temperatures although you’ll want to bring a rain jacket as you’re likely to experience some precipitation. There’s sure to be plenty of sunshine for sightseeing or relaxing in an outdoor cafe in Budapest, while accommodation rates won’t be as high as during the peak season.

Summer

Summer is the peak season, June through August, bringing temperatures that average around 80 degrees, ideal for spending time at Lake Balaton and enjoying the beauty of Tihany’s lavender fields. It can be a bit too warm for hiking, but days spent kayaking, relaxing on the lake’s beaches, or kayaking the Danube are ideal. The Sziget Festival showcases the booming art and music scene in Budapest and visitors can join in the celebration of St. Stephen’s Day which includes music, dancing, and fireworks. The downside is that prices will be at their highest and it can be difficult to avoid the crowds.

Autumn / Fall

Early fall is similar to summer but soon the weather will be quite pleasant for enjoying the country’s main attractions and the crowds will start to thin. Mid-September through mid-October is particularly ideal for sightseeing, while hiking through the forests and nature parks brings dazzling views of autumn’s brilliant hues. This is also the grape harvest season with towns like Eger, Tokaj, and Viallny offering fabulous wine-tasting opportunities. Buda Castle hosts the Budapest International Wine Festival too.

Winter

Winter is the low season, meaning you can take advantage of significantly lower costs when it comes to airfare and accommodation, particularly outside of the holidays. That said, Christmastime can be magical and you’ll find some fantastic Christmas markets for doing your holiday shopping. In Budapest, you can glide across the ice at the largest outdoor rink in Europe. Some hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses close for the season but if you stick to the larger cities there will be no issues.

Conclusion

With four distinct, diverse seasons, Hungary offers a wide range of experiences throughout the year. Why not start your own adventure by deciding what interests you the most? You might love warm summers with days at the lake, the magic of winter, or perhaps spring or fall without the tourist crowds is what entices. No matter what you’re looking for and what season you plan to visit, you can be sure a trip to Hungary will be a memorable one.

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