What's the best time to visit Hungary?
The best time to visit Hungary is between April and June, featuring warm yet comfortable weather and a variety of cultural events like the Budapest Spring Festival. This period provides a balance of pleasant temperatures, moderate hotel rates, and fewer crowds before the peak summer months, making it ideal for exploring Hungary’s attractions and festivals.
Hungry for a memorable trip? Learn the best time to visit Hungary with tips for going during the overall best, cheapest, and least busy time of year. We’ll also show you the worst time of year to go along with tips and frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your Hungarian adventure!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Hungary
The best time to visit Hungary is during the pleasant months of April, May, and June. During this time, you can expect moderate weather and lots of events and activities happening.
Tourists flock to Hungary from May to September, the peak season here, because this is when the weather is warmest and more conducive to sightseeing and outdoor activities like the thermal baths.
But from April to June, you’ll get the best of both worlds with warm temperatures that aren’t yet scorching (it’s hottest in July and August) and plenty of activities happening around the country.
High temperatures in April range from 59F to 62F, warming up to 68F to 71F in May and reaching highs of 74F to 77F in June. Talk about pleasant weather!
There is an increase in rainfall during this spring-early summer period, but you’ll still see clear skies much of the time and deal with precipitation no more than 9 rainy days or so out of the rainiest month (June).
We found rooms ranging from about $70/night to about $150/night during this peak tourism period, which really isn’t bad compared to other destinations in Europe.
Check out the Hollókő Easter Festival (Easter), Budapest Spring Festival (late April-May), Tihany Lavender Field & Festival (mid-late June). You can also plan to go to Hortobágy Equestrian Days, Sopron Early Music Days, and Miskolc Opera Festiva in late June!
Cheapest Time to Visit Hungary
The cheapest time to visit Hungary is generally from January to February, just after the holiday period ends and before temperatures start warming up.
Fewer tourists come to Hungary during this chilly, snowy time of year because conditions aren’t great for many of the activities and events Hungary is known for. Sightseeing is a lot less fun when it’s snowing nonstop and highs struggle to rise above 25F (January) to 40F (February) in different regions of the country.
But if you can handle the temperatures and frigid precipitation, you’ll reap the rewards with a much cheaper trip to this fascinating, historic country! We found rooms ranging from about $50/night to just over $100/night in Budapest during this period.
That can be a great bargain! You can always take advantage of the great indoor activities and attractions in Hungary, like museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants, to get out of the cold during this time of year.
Least Busy Time to Visit Hungary
The least busy time to visit Hungary is from September to October. However, it still offers pleasant temperatures and less rainfall during these times than the summer months.
If you’re not a fan of big crowds and the longer lines, limited room and restaurant availability, and higher prices that come along with them, visit Hungary during this time of year.
From September to October, Hungary experiences a dip in tourism as the peak summer months subside and give way to fall. You’ll enjoy temperatures that are still warm and pleasant – around 70F in September and 60F in October – with minimal rainfall totaling just 1.4″ to 1.9″ per month.
The wine region comes alive during this period, with the Budapest Wine Festival (early September) and Harvest Fest in Tokaj taking place in October filled with chances to taste local wine, jam, and coffee.
There are countless events that take place during September and a few in October as Hungarians celebrate the harvest season and one last outdoor hurrah before winter’s chill sets in.
If you like attending events while you travel to experience the local culture, these are great events to put on your itinerary.
But if you’re all about avoiding crowds and enjoying a low-key stay, you may want to avoid the wine region during this time of year and stick to Budapest and the countryside away from the north-east.
Worst Time to Visit Hungary
Overall, the worst time to visit Hungary is from December to February, as the coldest and snowiest period of the year here. There’s not much going on outside of holiday celebrations.
You’ll see highs in the 35F-37F range during this time of year, with snowfall ranging from 1.5″ to 3.4″ per month. It’s the snowiest time of year in Hungary, especially in the north.
That makes sightseeing and walking through the cities and countryside – many visitors’ main reason for going – less enjoyable or downright impossible.
Hungary does have some incredible holiday celebrations in December and January with Christmas- and winter-themed fairs and festivals taking place in public squares, parks, and in front of basilicas.
The period from December to February does include some of the cheapest months to visit Hungary (January and February), so that could be a bonus if you’re planning a budget trip.
But most travelers will find the cost savings isn’t worth the tradeoff with cold weather and poor conditions for sightseeing and spending time outdoors.
Things to Consider
Now that you’ve seen the best time to visit Hungary, you might be seriously considering planning a trip to this historic European country.
Here’s what you should consider before you start planning!
- Take a day trip or several. If you do stay in Budapest, you’ll have plenty of sightseeing and exploring to do in the city. But don’t miss the chance to take a few day trips! Eger Castle is about 1.5 hours away, the country town of Szentendre is about 40 minutes north, and the Gödöllő Royal Palace is about 40 minutes east. Other neat areas to visit are Esztergom’s huge domed basilica and nearby museum and Lake Balaton (the largest in Europe) about 1.5 hours southwest.
- Use public transportation to get around. Hungary is known for excellent public transit with trains, buses, trams, trolleys, and more to shuttle you around the different regions with ease. From getting to Budapest from the airport to taking day trips to different regions across the country, you’ll find many direct train routes and bus routes connect you to anywhere you want to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Figuring out the best time to visit Hungary is an essential step to take as you prepare for a trip, but don’t forget to check out the most frequently asked questions to learn more!
When is the best time to visit Hungary for warm weather?
The best time for warm weather in Hungary is during the summer months from June to August when you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and outdoor activities.
How is the weather in Hungary during the winter?
Hungary experiences cold and snowy weather during the winter, especially in December and January, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts but less suitable for outdoor sightseeing.
When is the peak tourist season in Hungary?
The peak tourist season in Hungary is during the summer months, from June to August, when the country attracts the most visitors due to its pleasant weather and various outdoor and cultural activities.
What is the cheapest time to visit Hungary?
The winter months, from December to February, offer lower prices for travelers, making it a budget-friendly time to explore Hungary, although you should be prepared for colder temperatures.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Hungary?
Overall, the best time to visit Hungary is between April and June. This mild, pleasantly warm period is when tourists start arriving in larger numbers as the peak season begins.
Try to avoid going during the chilliest, snowiest period – December to February – that puts a damper on sightseeing and opportunities to walk through the historic city of Budapest.
These are the best and worst times to go, but know that whenever your travel dates are, there’s always something to amaze you in the country of Hungary.From architectural wonders from centuries past to great food and nightlife, you’ll find that anytime you visit Hungary is a good time!