01Verdict
When to go, in short
Budapest is a city of thermal baths, ruin bars and river views, and it works in every season for different reasons. Spring and early autumn are the sweet spots: April to June and September to early October bring mild weather, outdoor terraces and manageable crowds. Summer is hot, with the Sziget festival and St Stephen's Day on 20 August the peak of both crowds and prices. Winter is cold and often foggy, but steaming outdoor pools at Széchenyi in the snow and the Christmas markets make December atmospheric, and January and February are the cheapest months of the year.
The baths are the constant: Széchenyi and Gellért open daily all year, and the outdoor pools at Széchenyi are the winter highlight. Public holidays on 15 March, 1 May, 20 August, 23 October and 1 November close shops, and most museums close on Mondays. The Parliament tour sells out online days ahead in season. For the best weather without the peaks, take late May or September.
02Weather
Budapest weather by month
04Compare
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Daylight | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budapest in January | 4 °C / 39 °F | -2 °C | 10 | – | 8.9 h | quiet | Mixed |
| Budapest in February | 8 °C / 47 °F | 0 °C | 12 | – | 10.3 h | quiet | Mixed |
| Budapest in March | 13 °C / 55 °F | 3 °C | 10 | – | 11.9 h | moderate | Good |
| Budapest in April | 18 °C / 64 °F | 7 °C | 8 | – | 13.6 h | busy | Excellent |
| Budapest in May | 22 °C / 71 °F | 11 °C | 12 | – | 15.1 h | busy | Good |
| Budapest in June | 28 °C / 82 °F | 16 °C | 11 | – | 15.9 h | busy | Good |
| Budapest in July | 29 °C / 84 °F | 18 °C | 10 | – | 15.6 h | very busy | Good |
| Budapest in August | 29 °C / 84 °F | 17 °C | 8 | – | 14.3 h | very busy | Good |
| Budapest in September | 24 °C / 75 °F | 13 °C | 10 | – | 12.6 h | busy | Good |
| Budapest in October | 17 °C / 63 °F | 8 °C | 9 | – | 10.9 h | moderate | Excellent |
| Budapest in November | 10 °C / 49 °F | 3 °C | 9 | – | 9.3 h | quiet | Mixed |
| Budapest in December | 5 °C / 41 °F | 0 °C | 8 | – | 8.5 h | moderate | Good |
08Pick a month