2 min summary Best time to visit Map & highlights Budapest The Danube Cycling Bird watching Tips Responsible tourism

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.

Home\Europe\Hungary

When to go to 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 vacations 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 vacation, 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.

Call us for the best time to go to Hungary

Our Hungary Vacations

Hungary Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

-3

FEB

-1

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

-1

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Hungary or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

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 vacations, although many say the pint-sized peddlers add to the gleeful vibe. Kelly Reid, from our vacation 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.

More about Hungary

Hungary travel guide

Discover how to make the most of your time in Hungary, the land founded in the early Middle Ages by the Magyars.

Hungary map & highlights

Read all about the where to go in Hungary, from glittering Budapest (out of high season, mind you) to the wine hills around Eger.

Cycling vacations in Hungary

Cycling vacations to Hungary lift the veil that often sits between tourists and their host countries.

Bird watching in Hungary

Go on a bird watching vacation in Hungary, and you’ll find yourself in the company of over 400 species.

Things to do in Budapest

Budapest is just starting to feel its first bruises from overtourism.

Things to do along the Danube

The Danube is your easiest route into the great plains, unknown vineyards and castle towns that live outside Budapest.

Hungary travel advice

We’ve spoken with our vacation specialists to get some Hungary travel tips – including what to expect from the Danube Cycle Path, how cash is king in the countryside, and why the Schengen Agreement might just be the best thing since sliced bread.