Best Time to Visit Hungary

January in Hungary

Hungary experiences cold winter weather this month. The average daytime temperature ranges between 2°C and 5°C. At night, temperatures can drop to -2°C. The capital city, Budapest, experiences maximum temperatures of around 4°C and minimums of around -3°C.

In addition, moderate precipitation results in common rain and snow. For instance, Budapest averages about 39 mm of precipitation over 12 days. Sunshine is limited in this region, with around 61 hours of sunlight throughout the month.

Things to do in January

• Attend the Budapest International Circus Festival. Many top circus performers worldwide, including acrobats, clowns, and jugglers, make this festival memorable.

• Experience the Transparent Sound New Music Festival. This contemporary music festival includes concerts, workshops, and interactive sessions, promoting new musical expressions and genres.

• Mark your presence at Vízkereszt (Epiphany), a religious festival celebrated on January 6th. It features church services and traditional customs, such as the blessing of water.

February in Hungary

February also brings cold winter weather. The average daytime temperature can fluctuate between 5°C and 8°C, while at night, it ranges from -2°C to -4°C. The average rainfall and snowfall are between 40 and 57 mm. In terms of sunlight, you can expect around 92 hours of mild sunny days throughout the month.

Keep an umbrella handy when travelling to Hungary in February, as you may encounter drizzles frequently.

Things to do in February

• Experience Busójárás in Mohács. The festival is characterised by men wearing frightening masks and costumes, parading through the town to scare away winter and welcome spring.

• Attend the Budapest Dance Festival. Enjoy contemporary dance performances from Hungarian and international artists. The event usually features workshops, concerts and discussions.

• Participate in Farsang, a festival similar to Carnival, celebrated with masquerade balls, parades, and traditional Hungarian music and dance. This event marks the period before Lent.

March in Hungary

March is a transition month from winter to spring, and the weather is unpredictable during this month. Average daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 13°C, and nighttime temperatures range from 0°C to 3°C.

Rainfall is moderate, averaging between 39 and 57 mm across different regions. The country enjoys approximately 137 hours of sunshine throughout the month.

March can be pretty chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, but it gradually warms up as the month progresses.

Things to do in March

• Attend National Day (March 15). It commemorates the 1848 Revolution against Habsburg rule with parades, speeches and cultural events across Hungary, especially in Budapest.

• Do not skip the Szentendre Spring Festival held in the beautiful town of Szentendre. This festival includes concerts, film screenings and theatre performances.

• Visit Eger. The place is known for its thermal baths and historic sites. You can enjoy the city's famous wine cellars this month and explore Eger Castle without the peak season rush.

Go on a drive to Hollókő. It is a UNESCO World Heritage village that hosts the Spring Festival, which celebrates traditional Palóc culture with folk music, dance and crafts.

April in Hungary

There is little difference in the weather between March and April. The daytime temperature ranges from 14°C to 19°C, while at night, it is around 4°C to 8°C.

Rainfall is moderate, with an average of 44–49 mm spread over approximately 7–11 days. Sunshine is fairly abundant, with around 180 hours of sunlight throughout the month. Overall, April is the best time to go to Budapest, Hungary and other surrounding regions to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.

We still recommend carrying a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and occasional rain showers.

Things to do in April

• Explore the Easter market, especially in Budapest. The market offers traditional crafts, foods and Easter decorations.

• Attend the Budapest Spring Festival. This cultural event features opera, ballet, classical music, jazz and theatre performances.

• April is an ideal time to visit Aggtelek National Park, home to the stunning Baradla Cave. The park’s flora and fauna begin to awaken, providing opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty.

Attend the Szeged Open-Air Festival. This festival in Szeged features open-air theatre performances and concerts.

May in Hungary

May has pleasant weather. The daytime temperature ranges between 21°C and 24°C, while at night, it drops to around 10°C to 12°C. Rainfall varies across the country but is usually between 63 and 94 mm. Sunshine totals around 234 hours. It is the perfect time to explore Hungary's natural and cultural attractions.

Things to do in May

• Love partying? Do not miss Budapest Beer Week. It features beer tastings, workshops and live music.

• Visit Balatonfüred on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. The town is known for its vineyards and historic architecture. It is great for leisure activities like fishing, swimming, and sailing in May. Do not miss the Tagore Promenade, named after Shri Rabindranath Tagore, who was treated in Balatonfüred.

• You can indulge in gastronomic delights at the Budapest Gourmet Festival in May. Held at Millenáris Park, this event showcases Hungary's top restaurants' culinary creations, street food, and wines.

June in Hungary

June marks the onset of summer. The daytime temperature can rise to 28°C, while at night, the temperature can drop to around 14°C. To your surprise, June is also among the wettest months. The average rainfall in the capital city is around 73 mm over 13 days. Despite the rain, you can expect about 251 hours of sunlight. This month is ideal for spending time in nature.

Things to do in June

• Join the Danube Carnival. This multicultural festival in Budapest features dance performances, parades, and music from different cultures to celebrate the diversity along the Danube River.

• Attend the Tiszavirág Festival. Held in Szolnok, this lively celebration highlights the distinctive mayfly species, Tiszavirág, with concerts, boat trips and environmental initiatives.

• Enjoy the Vénégy Festival. This cultural event in Vác showcases theatre performances, concerts and art exhibitions to promote Hungarian and Visegrád Group countries' cultural heritage.

• Visit Fishing on Orfű. A famous music festival near Pécs, it offers a mix of live music, fishing competitions and outdoor activities in a lakeside setting.

July in Hungary

The temperature rises a bit more this month, reaching 35°C during the day, while at night, it cools to around 16°C to 20°C. With average rainfall of 50–60 mm, precipitation is generally low. You can expect around 9 hours of bright sunshine daily. If you love road trips, this is the ideal month for you.

Things to do in July

• Attend Balaton Sound, held on the shores of Lake Balaton. This music festival also offers beach parties, boat rides and electrifying nightlife.

• Love racing? The Hungarian Grand Prix is the event for you, hosted at the Hungaroring near Budapest. This Formula 1 race provides a festive atmosphere.

• Drive to Nyíregyháza. This city in Eastern Hungary boasts a rich culture and history. You can visit the impressive Greek Catholic Cathedral, the colourful Main Square, and the Museum of Jewish Culture in the city centre.

• Spare a day to visit 3D Gallery Budapest to experience an interactive 3D exhibition. As a visitor, you can become a photographer, painter, editor, artist or choreographer in this immersive experience.

August in Hungary

Hungary enjoys warm summer temperatures, ranging from 27°C to 30°C during the day and 15°C to 17°C at night. Budapest typically experiences highs of around 29°C and lows of 16°C. The month is mostly sunny, with about 254 hours of sunshine and moderate rainfall of 57 mm spread over 11 days.

Things to do in August

• Attend St. Stephen's Day. Celebrated on August 20, this national celebration marks the founding of the Hungarian state. The day features parades, traditional music, and a dazzling fireworks show over the Danube River in Budapest.

• Attend the Sziget Festival. It is held on Óbuda Island in Budapest from August 7-12. This Europe's largest music festival boasts many international artists, covering genres from rock to electronic music.

• Go to the Debrecen Flower Parade on August 20. It features stunning floral floats, dance acts and cultural celebrations.

September in Hungary

Hungary transitions from summer to autumn this month. The average temperature ranges from 12°C to 23°C. Daytime temperatures are generally warm. Rainfall is moderate, with Budapest receiving about 61 mm over nine days. Sunshine is ample, with around 196 hours throughout the month.

The weather can vary slightly across different regions. For example, Sopron in the west might have cooler temperatures, averaging around 21°C.

Things to do in September

• Attend the National Gallop. This grand horse race is held in Heroes' Square, Budapest. The event celebrates Hungary's equestrian traditions with thrilling races, parades and traditional Hungarian cuisine.

• Go to the Budapest International Documentary Festival. This event features a selection of the best international and Hungarian documentaries and provides a platform for filmmakers to present their work and engage with audiences through discussions and Q&A sessions.

• In this pleasant month, visit Buda Castle in Budapest. This ancient castle was once the residence of Hungarian kings. Since its initial completion in 1265, the castle has undergone various transformations and is now noted for its Baroque architecture. It also houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Hungarian National Museum, offering beautiful city views from its position on Castle Hill.

October in Hungary

This month experiences a mild autumn climate. The daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 19°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to between 5°C and 8°C. Rainfall varies from 50 to 68 mm across the country, and the month enjoys about 140 hours of sunshine.

Things to do in October

• Enjoy Oktoberfest Budapest. This festival brings Bavarian traditions to Hungary with beer, traditional food and live music.

• Attend Sweet Days Budapest. It is a paradise for chocolate and sweet lovers, showcasing the best confectioneries from Hungary and beyond.

• Participate in the Bull's Blood Festival held in Eger. This festival celebrates the famous Egri Bikavér wine and features various wine tastings, traditional Hungarian food and cultural performances.

• Drive to Hévíz. It is home to one of the largest thermal lakes in the world. The water temperature, ranging from 24°C to 37°C, makes swimming pleasant.

November in Hungary

This month sees moderate precipitation. Daytime temperatures range from 9°C to 12°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 1°C. Rainfall is moderate, with about 47 to 69 mm of precipitation spread over 12 to 13 days. However, expect limited sunshine with mostly overcast weather. As the month progresses, expect more clouds and an increased chance of rain.

Pack warm clothing, including layers, a waterproof jacket, and accessories like hats and gloves, to stay comfortable in this chilly Hungarian month.

Things to do in November

• Attend St. Martin's Day on November 11. It is celebrated with feasts featuring goose dishes and new wine, marking the end of the agricultural year.

• Get a pass for the Budapest International Documentary Festival. The event is known for showcasing the best in documentary filmmaking from around the world, offering screenings, discussions and workshops.

• Visit the Budapest Jewish and Israeli Film Festival. This event highlights Jewish and Israeli culture through films, fostering understanding and dialogue.

• Go to the Budapest Art Market. This annual event in November features contemporary artists and galleries from around the world exhibiting their works.

**December in Hungary

Hungary experiences cold winter weather. The average temperatures range from a low of -2°C to a high of 3°C. Snowfall is common, adding a picturesque layer to the country's landscape, especially in northern regions. Rainfall is relatively low, averaging 34 mm for the month.

Daylight hours are short, with the sun rising around 7:30 AM and setting by 4:00 PM. Despite the cold, this is a festive time, with Christmas markets and holiday decorations brightening the cities. Some of the best places to visit in Hungary in winter are Margaret Island, Lillafured, Miskolctapolca and Aggtelek Karst.

Things to do in December

• Explore the Budapest Christmas Fair held at Vörösmarty Square. You can shop for traditional Hungarian crafts, try festive foods and enjoy live performances.

• Visit the Advent Feast at the Basilica, which takes place in front of St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest. The event features a charming Christmas market, an ice skating rink and light shows projected onto the Basilica's façade.

• Celebrate Luca Day on December 13th, a special occasion steeped in folk traditions to ward off evil spirits. One notable custom is planting wheat seeds, a practice believed to forecast the harvest for the coming year.

• Drive to Szilveszter to enjoy Hungary's New Year's Eve celebration on December 31st. You will be mesmerised by the street parties, fireworks and concerts.

Peak Season

Hungary’s peak season runs from June to August when the weather is warmest. These months are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, this time also brings the highest tourist numbers and accommodation rates.

Off Season

The off period in Hungary runs from November to March. Cooler weather and fewer visitors mean lower costs, making it an excellent choice for those travelling on a budget.

Shoulder Season

From April to May and September to October, Hungary enjoys shoulder seasons with enjoyable weather, reasonable prices, and fewer visitors. Spring (April-May) is known for its colourful flowers, and autumn (September-October) for its golden foliage.

The best month to visit Hungary depends on your preferences. If you are on a tight budget and dislike crowds, prefer the off-season. However, regardless of the month you travel here, make sure you are covered by travel insurance Hungary.

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What is the currency used in Hungary?

The currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand, though credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

What languages are spoken in Hungary?

The official language is Hungarian. While many people in the tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic Hungarian phrases can be helpful and appreciated.

What are the tipping customs in Hungary?

Tipping is customary in Hungary. The standard amount is around 10-15% of the bill in restaurants.

What is the time zone in Hungary?

Hungary is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is GMT+1. During daylight saving time, it is GMT+2.

What are some must-see attractions in Hungary?

Popular attractions include Budapest’s Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, the thermal baths, Lake Balaton and the historic town of Eger.