Best time to go on an Austria winter vacation

It's winter, it's Austria and most vacations take place at altitudes of around 1,000m. So think cold and dress accordingly.![]()

The best time to go on a winter vacation in Austria is January to mid-March, when there’s snow already on the ground and more can fall at any time. Most trips base themselves in Tyrolean villages, typically around 1,000m up, so it’s cold. Average daytime temperature in winter is around -5°C, though it can fall as low as -15°C with around 8 to 10 hours of daylight. Throughout winter there are periods of clear bright weather and in February and March it can become surprisingly warm in the sun. But don’t rule out the chance of a stormy day.
Innsbruck Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
-7
0
46
FEB
-6
2
45
MAR
-3
6
52
APR
0
10
66
MAY
4
14
100
JUN
8
18
120
JUL
10
20
133
AUG
9
19
124
SEP
7
17
82
OCT
3
12
57
NOV
-2
5
59
DEC
-6
1
49
Our Austria winter Vacations
Tyrol winter walking vacation in Austria
Winter walking from the northern banks of the biggest lake in Tyrol
From
US $1779
8 days
ex flights
Christmas markets vacation, Central Europe
Indulge the senses by exploring the best of the festive market scene
From
US $1955 to US $2215
8 days
ex flights
Snowshoeing in Austria, East Tyrol
Snowshoeing in the Austria Osttirol with mountain guide
From
€1025
8 days
ex flights
Snowboard and yoga vacation in Austria
Snowboard and Yoga in a remote location in the Austrian Alps
From
€995 to €1295
7 days
ex flights
Austrian winter walking vacation
Winter activities from a stunning Alpine retreat.
From
€995 to €1295
7 days
ex flights
Austria snow shoeing vacation
Guided snowshoe walking and winter activities in the Alps
From
€995 to €1295
7 days
ex flights
THINGS TO DO ON AN AUSTRIA WINTER HOLIDAY
Things to do in Austria in winter
Things not to do in Austria in winter
Our top Austria winter Vacation
Tyrol winter walking vacation in Austria
Winter walking from the northern banks of the biggest lake in Tyrol
From
US $1779
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2023: 4 Feb
2023: 4 Feb
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Austria winter or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

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AUSTRIA WINTER HOLIDAYS TRAVEL ADVICE
Claire Ouditt from our activity vacation experts Exodus knows Austria well, and has advice on packing, eating and trying cross country skiing:
Thoughts on what to pack
“Layers are the key! Especially for active trips where you might start off feeling quite cold but then warm up and later cool down again. Having many layers enables you to adjust as needed. I would also recommend shoe grips such as Yaktrax to wear over your shoes. These are particularly great if you are winter walking, but actually they have saved me from some potentially bad falls just walking around town when the pavements get icy in cold temperatures.”
Tips on tasty food to try
“There is so much… it is hard to choose! Apfelstrudel of course is a must. And I think Kaiserschmarren is also something to have for lunch, not for dessert; these are sweet pancakes, but they tend to be huge! I am a big fan of Groestl as well, especially when having lunch in a mountain hut: onions, potatoes, bacon, all fried up together. It is deliciously filling. Finally, I personally love a Jaegertee (hot tea with rum and spices) to warm up after a day outdoors.”
Advice on cross country skiing for the first time
“If you are a newcomer to cross country skiing, Austria is a great place. Make sure to book on the right grade (i.e. a beginner’s week). Cycling can be a good preparation in terms of fitness and so can cross trainers at the gym. You don’t need to be extremely fit to take up cross country skiing, just have a reasonable level of fitness (it will make your whole body work out) and a little bit of coordination!”Snowshoeing tips
Tom Wilkinson, showshoeing expert at our adventure specialists, Exodus:
“If you can walk, you can snowshoe. There are of course techniques and tips for going up and down, and through deeper snow, but really this is the winter sport that anyone can do. With snowshoes a beginner can access places usually reserved for red hot off piste skiers – and you’re far less likely to crash into a tree! Aside from thinking you’ll be using tennis racquets (modern snowshoes are sleek and light), people can forget that if you’re walking in deep snow, walking in single file means the person at the front does all the work breaking the trail, though good etiquette is to take turns doing that!”
“If you can walk, you can snowshoe. There are of course techniques and tips for going up and down, and through deeper snow, but really this is the winter sport that anyone can do. With snowshoes a beginner can access places usually reserved for red hot off piste skiers – and you’re far less likely to crash into a tree! Aside from thinking you’ll be using tennis racquets (modern snowshoes are sleek and light), people can forget that if you’re walking in deep snow, walking in single file means the person at the front does all the work breaking the trail, though good etiquette is to take turns doing that!”