The climate of Budapest
Budapest is located at the heart of
Hungary with a prominent Köppen climate classification of Cfb, translating to a Marine west coast climate with a warm summer. This climate type is characterized by uniformly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The city is influenced by the special characteristics of the Carpathian Basin, introducing an additional variety to its climate.
Temperature profiles belong to a broad spectrum throughout the year, with an observable upward trend from winter low of -2.7°C (27.1°F) in
January to a summertime high of 28.8°C (83.8°F) in
August. An interesting trait following the temperature trend is the shift in humidity. Starting from an average relative humidity of 84% in January and reaching its lowest of 54% in August, humid conditions in Budapest decrease as temperatures rise.
Rainfall experiences significant variations annually, with the highest observation being 39mm (1.54") in
May and the lowest at 17mm (0.67") in
September. This demonstrates that Budapest experiences a relatively even distribution of rainfall throughout the year, contrary to cities with Mediterranean climates where rainfall is highly concentrated in winter months. However, there are more days of rainfall in May, with an average of 14.5 days, than any other month. It is also the month with the most abundant sunshine hours, countering the rainy days with 15.1 hours of daylight.
The cloudiest days appear in
November and
December, with cloud cover around 49%, while the sunniest period extends from
July to
October when cloud cover decreases to a mere 22%. The highest recorded wind speeds also contrast with this, occurring from
February to
March and peaking at 12.6km/h (7.8mph). This combined with a comparably high snowfall, predominantly in January with 70mm (2.76") over 8.3 days, showcases a cold, cloudy, and breezy winter in the Hungarian capital.
The best time to visit Budapest
Given the plethora of activities and tourist spots available in
Budapest, the timing of the visit depends largely on the type of experience one hopes to obtain. However, if weather and climatic conditions are primary considerations, the perfect period ranges from
May to
October. This interval assures warmer temperatures fluctuating between 11.1°C (52°F) and 28.8°C (83.8°F). Moreover, daylight extends to more than 12 hours per day, providing plenty of time to explore the city while maximizing the overall experience. Despite May being the rainiest month, the number of clear days outnumbers the rainy ones, offering a good balance between refreshing rainfall and clear skies.
The worst time to visit Budapest
Winter months in
Budapest, particularly from
December to
February, tend to be colder and darker. The average temperatures during these months can dip to below 0°C (32°F), and daylight is only about 9 hours. This period also marks the heightened occurrence of snowfall from 22mm (0.87") to 70mm (2.76"). The combination of cold temperatures, shorter days, and snowfall might not be ideal for tourists who wish to explore the city in a comfortable and conducive weather.
Spring weather in Budapest
Spring in
Budapest begins to usher in more warmth after the chilly winter. Average temperatures range from 1.9°C (35.4°F) to 11.1°C (52°F) from
March to
May. Despite the increasing warmth, Spring experiences an increase in rainfall, especially in May. However, the advantages of increased hours of sunshine and reduced snowfall might attract those looking for a milder weather experience.
Summer weather in Budapest
Forecasts for
June to
August state the arrival of summer warmth in
Budapest. The average temperatures vary from 17.7°C (63.9°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F), with the heat peaking in
July and August. The heat is often alleviated by modest rainfall, ranging between 20mm (0.79") to 36mm (1.42"). In terms of daylight, it offers the longest days of the year, from 15.1 hours in June to 15.5 hours in July.
Autumn weather in Budapest
Budapest's autumn displays a gentle transition from the sweltering heat of Summer to the frigid chill of Winter. The temperatures descend from 22.5°C (72.5°F) in
September to 9.7°C (49.5°F) in
November. As temperatures recede, rainfall remains modest, and daylight hours gradually diminish. Those in search of picturesque landscapes and moderate weather would find Autumn a delightful season to visit.
Winter weather in Budapest
Budapest's winter commences in
December with temperatures continually declining until
February, ranging from 3.4°C (38.1°F) to -2.7°C (27.1°F). Shorter daylight hours add to the winter's chill, with the shortest being 8.5 hours in December. Along with this, there is a substantial increase in snowfall, peaking at 70mm (2.76") in
January. Despite the cold, winter in Budapest can turn the city into a sparkling white wonderland, transforming it into an entirely different yet equally enchanting landscape.
Weather in January
Budapest,
Hungary kicks off the year with a blend of chilly temperatures and intermittent snowfall. Insight into this cold month reveals a high temperature of 1.9°C (35.4°F), low as -2.7°C (27.1°F), and substantial snowfall of 70mm (2.76").
Weather in January » Weather in February
February might still be a winter month but signals the start of a gradual transition towards spring. It experiences a slight rise in average temperatures, from
January's highs and lows to 4.7°C (40.5°F) and -0.7°C (30.7°F), respectively.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signifies the arrival of spring in
Budapest, with receding cold and emerging cherry blossoms. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the average high temperature to 11.1°C (52°F). The city starts buzzing with more outdoor activities, influenced by the additional daylight, and mild, pleasant weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With the continuance of spring,
April brings more warmth, extending from winter's dormancy towards the verge of summer fun. Toward the end of the month, the average daily high temperature reaches up to 17.7°C (63.9°F). The city witnesses lesser rainfall, quantity drops to 22mm (0.87"), which facilitates even more outdoor exploration.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May embodies the delightful junction where spring greets summer in
Budapest. Consequentially, the city warms up further to an average maximum temperature of 21.3°C (70.3°F). Despite being the rainiest month with 39mm (1.54") of precipitation, the city gleams bright with an approximate 15.1 daylight hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the summer season in
Budapest, drawing locals and tourists outdoors to soak up the sun. It peaks as one of the warmest months with an average maximum temperature of 25.5°C (77.9°F). The increased daylight hours, paired with a moderate 36mm (1.42") of rainfall, mark the city's lively festival season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the apex of summer in
Budapest, characterized by warm balmy days and lively nights. Its high temperature rises to 28°C (82.4°F), making it the second-hottest month of the year. This peak sunshine season accompanies increased activities by the river banks and the city's lush parks, crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the long daylight hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sustains the warmth of the summer, maxing out with the highest temperature of the year at 28.8°C (83.8°F). Yet, the city continues to bustle with vibrant summer festivals and outdoor activities. Despite the heat, the thermal baths and iconic Danube River offer refreshing dips to beat the sizzling temperatures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The arrival of
September ushers in the first signs of autumn in
Budapest. Having the least amount of rainfall, 17mm (0.67"), this month marks a transition from hot summer days to milder weather. Despite the shift, it is still warm enough to lounge by the Danube River or roam around the city's illustrious architectural sites.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October belongs to autumn in
Budapest, with noticeably cooler temperatures setting a beautiful prelude to winter. Compared to
September, there is a distinct drop in average maximum temperature to 15.9°C (60.6°F). See Budapest embellished in spectacular autumn colours, as the trees shed their leaves.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As autumn gives way to winter,
November presents the city in a poetic blend of fading fall hues and early winter whispers. The temperature continues to drop, with an average maximum temperature hitting 9.7°C (49.5°F). Photogenic landscapes transformed by falling leaves attract photographers and nature lovers alike.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December brings the full rage of winter to
Budapest. Conditions are at their coldest, with temperatures dipping to -1°C (30.2°F). Despite being the coldest month, it is also a month of celebrations and festive cheer, coloured by the brightness of Christmas markets and sparkling city lights.
Weather in December »