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Best Time to Visit Budapest

Budapest is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. The city is bustling with festivals and events during these seasons.

 

High Season in Budapest

Summer (July-August) is the high season in Budapest. The city is crowded with tourists, and prices for accommodation and attractions are higher. However, you can enjoy outdoor events, like the Budapest Summer Festival and Danube Carnival.

aerial photography of buildings viewing bridge and sea during daytime
Bence Balla-Schottner @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Budapest

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the shoulder seasons in Budapest. The weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds compared to summer. It's a great time to explore the city's attractions and attend cultural festivals.

Low Season in Budapest

Winter (November-March) is the low season in Budapest. The weather is cold, but you can experience the city's festive atmosphere during the Christmas markets. Prices for accommodation and attractions are lower, and there are fewer tourists.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Budapest over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Budapest in Spring

Spring in Budapest is a beautiful time with blooming flowers, mild temperatures, and various festivals like the Budapest Spring Festival.

cathedral during daytime
Kate Kasiutich @ Unsplash

Budapest in Summer

Summer in Budapest is warm and vibrant. Enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and take a refreshing dip in the thermal baths.

Budapest in Autumn

Autumn in Budapest is characterized by cool temperatures, colorful foliage, and cultural events like the Budapest Wine Festival.

Budapest in Winter

Winter in Budapest is cold but magical. Explore the Christmas markets, soak in thermal baths, and enjoy ice skating in City Park.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Budapest for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Budapest in January

→ -6 to 1 °C (22 to 33 °F)

January in Budapest is cold, but you can experience the festive atmosphere of the New Year celebrations and enjoy ice skating in City Park.

Budapest in February

→ -5 to 4 °C (24 to 38 °F)

February in Budapest is still cold, but you can warm up in the thermal baths and explore the city's museums and galleries.

fisherman's bastion in Budapest during daytime
Emma Fabbri @ Unsplash

Budapest in March

→ -3 to 7 °C (26 to 45 °F)

March in Budapest marks the arrival of spring. The weather starts getting milder, and you can attend the Budapest Spring Festival and St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Budapest in April

→ 3 to 15 °C (38 to 58 °F)

April in Budapest is beautiful with blooming flowers, pleasant temperatures, and various cultural festivals like the Budapest Spring Festival.

Budapest in May

→ 9 to 19 °C (49 to 67 °F)

May in Budapest is the beginning of summer with warm temperatures. Enjoy outdoor activities, visit the thermal baths, and attend the Budapest Summer Festival.

Budapest in June

→ 17 to 28 °C (62 to 82 °F)

June in Budapest is warm and vibrant. Explore the city's attractions, attend outdoor concerts and festivals, and take a boat cruise on the Danube River.

Budapest in July

→ 18 to 28 °C (64 to 83 °F)

July in Budapest is the peak of summer with hot temperatures. Experience the Budapest Summer Festival, enjoy outdoor dining, and relax on the beaches of the Danube.

brown concrete building near body of water during daytime
Ervin Lukacs @ Unsplash

Budapest in August

→ 19 to 29 °C (66 to 84 °F)

August in Budapest is still hot, perfect for enjoying the outdoor events and festivals like the Danube Carnival and Sziget Festival.

Budapest in September

→ 12 to 21 °C (54 to 71 °F)

September in Budapest is the beginning of autumn with mild temperatures. Explore the city's attractions, attend cultural events like the Budapest Wine Festival, and enjoy autumn foliage.

Budapest in October

→ 6 to 15 °C (43 to 59 °F)

October in Budapest is characterized by cool temperatures and colorful foliage. It's a great time for sightseeing, visiting thermal baths, and attending the Budapest Marathon.

Budapest in November

→ 1 to 8 °C (34 to 46 °F)

November in Budapest is cold, but you can experience the city's festive atmosphere with the start of the Christmas markets. Enjoy warm mulled wine and traditional Hungarian dishes.

Budapest in December

→ -4 to 2 °C (26 to 35 °F)

December in Budapest is cold and magical with the Christmas markets. Shop for unique gifts, try local delicacies, and soak in the thermal baths to warm up.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Budapest for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Budapest offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Choose a centrally located hotel for easy access to attractions and public transportation.

brown and white concrete building during night time
Gabriel Miklós @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Budapest has an efficient public transportation system including metro, trams, and buses. Purchase a travel pass for unlimited travel or use a contactless card. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.

Budapest Airport

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the main airport serving Budapest. It is located about 16 km southeast of the city center.

Airport to City Center

You can reach the city center from the airport by taxi, airport shuttle, public bus, or the airport train. The airport train is the fastest option.

Is Budapest Safe?

Budapest is generally a safe city to visit. However, it's always advisable to take precautions against petty theft and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.

According to the Global Peace Index, Hungary ranks 18th among all countries in the world in 2023. Hungary achieved a score of 1.51 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Budapest

The best time to visit Budapest is during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

Best Budapest Visit Length

A minimum of 3 days is recommended to explore the main attractions of Budapest. However, you can easily spend a week or more to fully experience the city and its vibrant culture.

Must-See Attractions in Budapest

Some must-see attractions in Budapest include the Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and a cruise on the Danube River.

Budapest Nightlife: What to Do

Budapest is stunning at night with illuminated landmarks and vibrant nightlife. Take a night cruise on the Danube, explore ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter, or enjoy a classical music concert.

Getting Around Budapest Efficiently

Budapest has an efficient public transportation system including metro, trams, and buses. It's easy to get around the city using a travel pass or a contactless card. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for convenience.

Budapest 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day by exploring the historic Buda Castle and enjoying panoramic views from Fisherman's Bastion. Visit Matthias Church and the Hungarian Parliament Building. In the evening, relax at a thermal bath.

  1. Buda Castle
  2. Fisherman's Bastion
  3. Matthias Church
  4. Hungarian Parliament Building
landscape photo of bridge with lights
Dan Freeman @ Unsplash

Day 2

Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Pest. Visit Heroes' Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, and St. Stephen's Basilica. Take a boat cruise on the Danube River in the evening.

  1. Heroes' Square
  2. Vajdahunyad Castle
  3. St. Stephen's Basilica
  4. Danube River

Day 3

Visit the Great Market Hall and sample local delicacies. Explore the Jewish Quarter and visit the Dohány Street Synagogue. End your day with a visit to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

  1. Great Market Hall
  2. Jewish Quarter
  3. Dohány Street Synagogue
  4. Széchenyi Thermal Bath