What is the best time to visit Hungary? If you’re trying to decide when to go to Hungary, you should know that this Central European country is a beautiful place to visit year-round.
However, certain destinations shine more than others in different seasons. For example, Lake Balaton is a quintessential summer getaway, while the wine region of Tokaj is best visited in the fall during the harvest.
Hungary’s captivating capital city, Budapest, is lively and delightful no matter what time of year you go, but depending on what you’re looking for, one season may be better than another for your visit, so it’s always good to know the best time to visit Hungary.
For example, December is a fun and festive time to visit Budapest and see the city decorated for Christmas, but it can also be very cold, and the days are short.
We’ll take a look at the best time to visit Hungary, season-by-season, along with a breakdown of the weather and which destinations are best to visit depending on the time of year.
An Overview of Hungary’s Climate & Weather
Hungary has a continental climate, which means the country has very hot summers and very cold winters. There’s a lot of variation in temperatures by season, and Hungary experiences all four seasons.
Summers can be extremely hot. Precipitation is highest in the months of June, July, and August, and afternoon rainstorms are common. That said, overall, summers aren’t too humid.
Spring and fall tend to be milder across the country, making both seasons an ideal time to visit if you’re looking for the best weather. In particular, May and September are great months to travel around Hungary, with average highs in the low seventies.
The coldest stretch of the year in Hungary is November through March, when winter temperatures commonly plummet below freezing.
Best Time To Visit Hungary: A Season-By-Season Guide
When should you visit Hungary? Below, we’ll take a look at each season in Hungary to help you decide what the best time of year is for your trip based on weather and what your interests are.
Why Visit Hungary in The Spring (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Hungary. After the long months of winter, spring finally ushers in warmer weather, longer days, and beautiful blooms. It’s also a quieter time to visit popular destinations like Budapest before the summer crowds arrive.
Spring Weather & Climate in Hungary
March can still be quite chilly throughout Hungary, with average daytime temperatures in the low fifties, dropping significantly in the evening. Although the worst of winter is over, you’ll still want to bundle up when visiting Hungary in March.
Winter fully gives way to spring in April, when the countryside starts to come alive with spring flowers and Budapest’s parks and outdoor cafes start filling up again. You can expect average daytime highs in the mid-sixties in April, meaning you can comfortably explore without being cold all the time.
Things really start warming up in May, with temperatures creeping into the low seventies. In late spring, days are getting longer with summer right around the corner, yet it’s still not too hot, thus ideal for outdoor activities.
May is an excellent time to visit Hungary if you’re looking for warm, mild weather, although pack an umbrella because you might experience a few rainy days.
Advantages of Visiting Hungary in The Spring
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Hungary during the spring, particularly the second half of April and all of May, is the pleasant weather. Although the weather isn’t as bad as in some Southern European countries, summers in Hungary can still be sweltering, and you can avoid the heat by visiting in the spring.
It’s the perfect time of year for strolling down the streets of Budapest, taking a cruise on the Danube River, admiring the cherry blossoms near Buda Castle, or soaking in one of Hungary’s famous thermal baths.
Spring is also a quieter time to visit Hungary. Tourism really ramps up in the summer, but the spring season is still an off-peak time of year to visit most destinations across the country.
Best Places To Visit in Hungary in The Spring
Budapest is a perennial favorite, and it is enchanting to visit in the spring – or any other time of the year. This city really shines as winter melts away into spring. The Budapest Spring Festival, a two-week arts and culture festival, is a major highlight of visiting at this time of year.
You can also enjoy al fresco dining or the nightlife at Budapest’s lively ruin bars. The city has a fun and vibrant atmosphere in the spring, further enhanced by the cherry blossoms and other flowers in bloom.
The city of Pecs is another great destination to visit in the spring. Located about two and a half hours south of Budapest, Pecs is near the border with Croatia and known for its Mediterranean-style architecture. Named a European Capital of Culture, Pecs also boasts fascinating ancient ruins.
Why Visit Hungary in The Summer (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Hungary. In particular, the months of July and August are the peak season as they see twice the number of visitors as any other month of the year.
The country never feels overcrowded, though, not even in the high season. Budapest is a large city, and the rest of Hungary is full of underrated gems.
Summer Weather & Climate in Hungary
June is pleasant and warm, but generally not too hot, especially in the first half of the month. You can expect daytime temperatures in the high seventies, with mostly sunny skies and some afternoon rain showers that usually don’t last for long.
Things really start to heat up in July, when the average daytime high is in the mid-eighties. During the hottest part of the afternoon, you might want to spend your time indoors, like visiting a museum in Budapest, or taking it easy, like swimming or relaxing lakeside in Lake Balaton.
The same goes for August, which also sees regular highs in the mid-eighties, although things do cool off a bit once the sun goes down.
Advantages of Visiting Hungary in The Summer
June is perhaps the best month of summer to visit Hungary due to the milder weather you’ll experience, especially in the first two weeks of the month. Although July and August can be very hot, there’s no denying that summer has an electrifying atmosphere, especially in Budapest.
Throughout the city, you’ll see people dining outdoors with friends, having picnics at a city park, or relaxing along the banks of the River Danube. Summer is a time for festivals, like the Sziget Festival in Budapest, one of the largest music festivals in Europe.
Best Places To Visit in Hungary in The Summer
Lake Balaton is one of the top summer destinations in Hungary. This gorgeous lake, located just an hour south of Budapest, has long been a popular getaway for locals, but it’s just now becoming popular with international visitors, too.
You can visit Lake Balaton on a day trip from Budapest, or spend a few days there to relax and soak up the beauty of nature. The lake is a popular destination for water sports, like kayaking, paddle boarding, or windsurfing.
You can also settle in for the afternoon at one of Lake Balaton’s beaches, or stroll along the waterfront promenade in a charming town like Balatonfured or Tihany.
Tihany, in particular, is known for its picturesque historic abbey overlooking the lake, and its lavender blooms in late June and early July.
Aside from Lake Balaton, Budapest is also a great destination to visit during the summer. There’s always something going on, like outdoor concerts, food festivals, theatre and dance performances, and more.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Budapest and visit a more under-the-radar city, Eger is also an excellent place to go in the summer. This historic city with stunning Baroque architecture and thermal baths is lively and charming during the summer months.
Why Visit Hungary in The Fall (September to November)
Fall is a great time to visit Hungary for nice weather, beautiful landscapes with scenic fall foliage, and a relaxed atmosphere. Budapest is marvelous in the fall, and so is the Hungarian countryside. It’s also an excellent time of year to visit if you’re interested in wine, with the harvest happening in wine regions like Tokaj.
Fall Weather & Climate in Hungary
September can still feel like summer in Hungary, with sunny and warm weather. The average daytime highs in September are often in the low seventies, making early fall the best time to visit Hungary if you still want to enjoy nice weather that isn’t too hot.
Things start cooling off in October, with average temperatures dropping to the low sixties. This is also the month you’ll typically see the best fall foliage across Hungary.
In November, you can expect even cooler temperatures as fall transitions into winter, with average daytime temperatures in the high forties, dropping to the thirties at night. If you visit in November, you’ll want to dress very warmly, but you can still avoid the worst of winter weather.
Advantages of Visiting Hungary in The Fall
There are quite a few advantages to visiting Hungary in the fall. The summer crowds have dispersed, the weather is starting to cool off, and the country is covered in the vibrant hues of fall foliage.
As there’s no shortage of fantastic historic sites and popular attractions, you can spend a full day sightseeing before heading to a cozy restaurant for a hearty bowl of goulash in the evening.
Fall is also wine season in Hungary, with cultural events like the Budapest Wine Festival and the Bull’s Blood Festival in Eger. It’s also the perfect time of year to visit Tokaj, Hungary’s most famous wine region.
Best Places To Visit in Hungary in The Fall
One of the top places to go in Hungary in the fall is Tokaj. Located two and a half hours from Budapest, this wine region is the most famous in Hungary. It’s known for its sweet white wines like Tokaji Aszú, which was nicknamed The Wine of Kings by King Louis XIV of France.
The wine harvest season begins in September and lasts through October. The town of Tokaj itself is a lovely place to visit, positioned on a scenic riverfront and filled with colorful cobblestoned streets.
There are many wineries right in town. Every October, the Tokaj Harvest Festival brings the town to life with traditional costumes, street processions, and plenty of wine.
Other destinations, like Budapest and Pecs, are also ideal to visit during the fall months. These cities are beautiful, drenched in shades of red, orange, and gold fall foliage at this time of year.
You can also visit Lake Balaton in the fall. Although some of the restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels around the lake are seasonal and close after the summer, fall is a wonderful time to visit the lake if you’re looking for peace, solitude, and scenic views.
Why Visit Hungary in The Winter (December to February)
If you can brave the cold, winter is a wonderful time to visit Hungary, especially if you want to experience the Christmas festivities. Like most other Central European countries, Hungary is big on Christmas markets, and you’ll see them pop up all across the country.
Budapest is famous for its extravagant Christmas markets and holiday decorations, giving the whole city a festive atmosphere.
Winter Weather & Climate in Hungary
Winter in Hungary is very cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing in December, January, and February. Snow is also common in the winter months. But as long as you come prepared and dress for the weather, the winter cold doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying Hungary.
In December, you can expect average temperatures in the high thirties. January is the coldest month, with the average temperature dropping a few more degrees, while February is slightly less frigid, with many days in the low forties.
Advantages of Visiting Hungary in The Winter
Although it’s cold outside, Hungarian food was made to keep you warm during the winter season, with many delicious, hearty comfort dishes like goulash, lecho (vegetable stew), or chicken paprikash. Visiting during the winter is the best way to appreciate Hungarian cuisine.
It’s also a good time of year to visit the capital, Budapest, if you’re interested in art, history, and Hungarian culture. The city has tons of incredible museums, meaning you can easily spend hours immersing yourself indoors and escaping the cold weather outside.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Hungary in the winter is the Christmas season. For the whole month of December leading up to Christmas, there’s a festive atmosphere. Budapest goes all out for Christmas, making it a fantastic time of year to visit.
Although December sees a big uptick in tourism, the months of January and February are much quieter, making these the best months if you want fewer crowds.
Best Places To Visit in Hungary in The Winter
Budapest is a gem any time of year, including in the winter. The elegant capital city of Hungary is incredibly beautiful in the winter, even when it’s covered in ice and snow. And once again, Budapest’s Christmas markets and holiday decorations are a major draw for visitors in the winter.
Throughout the month of December, the city is transformed into a holiday wonderland. Some of the largest Christmas markets are located in Vorosmarty Square and in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, but you can also find smaller ones around the city.
Christmas markets are the perfect place to do your holiday shopping or enjoy a delicious treat like a traditional chimney cake.
Outside of the Christmas season, Budapest is still a great place to visit, even in January and February. There’s no better time to soak in one of the city’s thermal baths like Szechenyi or Gellert, warm up in Budapest’s eclectic ruin bars, or find refuge in the coziness of the Great Market Hall than the low season.
Visit Hungary Any Time of Year With JayWay
Now that it’s easier for you to pick the best time to visit Hungary, it’s time to start planning your journey to this authentic and unspoilt country in Central Europe.
You’re not alone in this. Our expert trip planners can’t wait to craft the perfect Hungary itinerary for you or even an adventure across the highlights of the best Central European countries. Get in touch, and your next dream trip awaits!
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s passionate about travel and storytelling, a combination that makes her ideal for her role as our content manager.