Hungary can be visited in any season, but the months of March through May, and September and October are arguably the best. Everything is open and you’ll find sunny skies, comfortable temperatures — additionally, the weather is warm enough to enjoy outdoor walking tours, though you might need a warm jacket in March. You’ll also encounter far fewer visitors than you will during the warmer months.
The temperature increases June through August, as do the crowds. It’s still a lovely time to visit, but you’ll have to navigate many other visitors. November and December fill the country with Christmas festivities and markets, though Christmas week does get busy.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Hungary
Visiting Hungary in November - February
In November and December, Christmas festivities fill cities and towns alike with markets, decorative lights, and celebrations. You can shop for trinkets and gifts, sip mulled wine, and enjoy Hungarian Christmas treats like beijgli (a roll traditionally filled with walnuts or poppy seeds), zserbó (layered cookies made of walnuts, jam, and shortbread), and fatörzs (a Yule log cake). You can also visit the City Park Ice Rink, one of the oldest ice skating rinks in Europe, or take in the particular pleasure of an outdoor hot thermal spring in winter.
January and February are cold and sometimes snowy, and many of the sights and hotels are closed — we don’t suggest visiting during these months.
Visiting Hungary in March - May
This is one of the best times to visit — all the hotels and attractions are open, the skies are sunny, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy outdoor tours, though you might need a warm layer earlier in the spring. Few other visitors come during this time, so you won’t have to contend with crowds.
Events & Festivals
- The village of Hollókő in northern Hungary marks the holiday with live music, dance, and traditional costumes.
- The town of Kalocsa celebrates the country’s beloved pepper with traditional folk art, performances, cooking competitions and plenty of food and drink for visitors to taste.
Visiting Hungary in June - August
The summer months are still a wonderful time to visit and you’ll enjoy warmer (but not hot) weather, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s °C (70s °F), and only a slight increase in rain. The crowds do get thicker, however, with visitors from across Europe and North America.
Events & Festivals
- Held by Lake Balaton, this small festival marks the blooming lavender fields with a flower show, folk displays, hikes, and birdwatching events in the surrounding countryside.
- A three-day weekend festival in Budapest, craftsmen, artists, and street performers celebrate Hungary’s folk art with plenty of traditional foods and drinks incorporated.
Visiting Hungary in September - October
This is an excellent time to visit Hungary. Summer crowds disperse leaving the country quieter. At the same time, you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures and (mostly) sunny skies, though the chance of rain does increase slightly toward the end of the month.
Events & Festivals
- This festival near Lake Balaton takes visitors back to the 19th century with traditional costumes, artistry, and culinary exhibitions that reflect the country’s Reform Era.
Hungary Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budapest | 36°F 1" | 41°F 1" | 52°F 1" | 63°F 2" | 72°F 2" | 77°F 3" | 81°F 2" | 81°F 2" | 73°F 2" | 61°F 2" | 46°F 2" | 37°F 2" |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Hungary, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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