The climate of Salzburg
Recognized for its moderate temperatures,
Salzburg's climate falls under the Cfb classification on the Köppen climate scale. This categorization denotes a marine west coast climate, known for its warm summers. The city finds its geographical position in
Austria.
The overarching weather pattern throughout Salzburg represents a mix of distinct temperature changes coupled with considerable precipitation. As temperatures transition, lows range from -4°C (24.8°F) at the beginning of the year to a high of 13.5°C (56.3°F) approaching the middle of summer. High temperatures follow a similar upward trajectory starting at 3.2°C (37.8°F) in
January and peaking at 24.4°C (75.9°F) by
July. Following July, the temperatures commence a steady decline, coming full circle by
December.
Precipitation throughout Salzburg maintains a relatively constant presence. With the exception of a noticeable drop in rainfall between
October and
November, the city experiences year-round precipitation fluctuating between 55mm (2.17") and 158mm (6.22"). Snowfall persists predominantly from November until
March, with notable snowfall occurring between December and
February, whereas between
April and October, negligible snowfall is observed.
A notable feature of Salzburg's weather conditions is its daylight hours, which display substantial variation as the year progresses. Starting at 8.9 hours in January, daylight reach a peak of 15.9 hours by
June. Post-June, daylight hours decrease, culminating at 8.5 hours towards the end of the year.
The best time to visit Salzburg
Given the moderate temperatures and relatively stable weather patterns, the optimal time for visiting
Salzburg is from
June to
August. During this period, the city experiences its warmest temperatures, averaging between 22.2°C (72°F) and 24.4°C (75.9°F). Coupled with daylight peaking at 15.6 - 15.9 hours, visitors can anticipate ample sunshine for outdoor activities. Additionally, these months delineate the highest UV index of the year, ranging between 7 and 8, a fact that sun-seekers will highly appreciate.
The worst time to visit Salzburg
Visitors looking to avoid harsh winter conditions might want to steer clear of
Salzburg between
December and
February. During this period, low temperatures dip to between -4°C (24.8°F) and -2.5°C (27.5°F), and highs hover from 3.2°C (37.8°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). Furthermore, these months witness the heaviest snowfall, reaching up to 278mm (10.94") in December. The daylight also reaches its yearly low of 8.5 - 9.3 hours.
Spring weather in Salzburg
In
Salzburg, spring sets in
March and extends until
May. During this phase, temperatures undergo a significant transition. Lows gradually increase from 0.7°C (33.3°F) in March to 8.4°C (47.1°F) in May, while highs escalate from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) respectively. The onset of spring also marks the respite from snowfall, with virtually no snow recorded from
April onwards. Rainfall sees a steep rise, especially in May, which records a high of 115mm (4.53").
Summer weather in Salzburg
The summer months in
Salzburg, from
June to
August, bring about pleasant warmth. High temperatures stabilize from 22.2°C (72°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F), whereas low temperatures vary between 11.5°C (52.7°F) and 13.5°C (56.3°F). While rainfall remains fairly constant during this season, ranging from 151mm (5.94") to 158mm (6.22"), sunshine hours reach their peak, varying from 6.5 - 7.1 hours per day.
Autumn weather in Salzburg
Autumn, spanning
September to
November, sees a gradual drop in both high and low temperatures. From September to November, highs decrease from 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 7.8°C (46°F) while lows drop from 10.1°C (50.2°F) to 0.6°C (33.1°F). Rainfall begins to lessen in this period, with November marking a transition to snowfall, indicating the onset of winter.
Winter weather in Salzburg
Winter in
Salzburg, extending from
December to
February, is typically cold with substantial snowfall. Highs fluctuate between 3.2°C (37.8°F) and 5.6°C (42.1°F), while lows range from -4°C (24.8°F) to -2.5°C (27.5°F). Snowfall peaks in December at 278mm (10.94"), with snowfall days reaching a high of 13.1 days. Daylight hours are at their shortest, ranging from 8.5 to 9.3 hours.
Weather in January
January in
Salzburg,
Austria gets deep into the winter season, where snowy landscapes and frosty temperatures set the typical winter scene. The city experiences 240mm (9.45") of snowfall across 15.4 days and reaches a high temperature of only about 3.2°C (37.8°F) offset by a low of -4°C (24.8°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
By
February,
Salzburg's weather remains cold and snowy but has begun warming slightly compared to
January. In this transitional month, precipitation oscillates from rain to snow, with the latter still blanketing the city 239mm (9.41") across 11.7 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
March in
Salzburg presents a change from severe winter to the early onset of spring. With highs reaching around 10.4°C (50.7°F), the city experiences a marked decrease in snowfall to 217mm (8.54"), favoring rainfall as the dominant precipitation.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April denotes a more definitive shift to spring weather in
Salzburg. This month sees a noticeable rise in temperatures and a significant drop in snowfall—down to just 29mm (1.14") across 1.4 days. Daylight also becomes more plentiful during April, creating ample opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is indicative of
Salzburg's welcoming late spring and heralds the start of warm weather. Rainfall peaks in May with 115mm (4.53") over 12.1 days, demonstrating the city's shift away from snow. As the fauna of Salzburg becomes vibrant with blossoming flowers, the city becomes a hub for garden tours and other outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Salzburg represents the cusp of summer, with temperatures beginning to peak, marking a contrast to the cooler months of the year. With 155mm (6.1") of rain over 15 days, June initiates the city's wettest quarter, a distinct change from earlier weather patterns.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July claims the title as the warmest month in
Salzburg with temperatures reaching up to a comfortable 24.4°C (75.9°F). With 158mm (6.22") of rain during the month, it rivals
June as one of the two wettest months of the year. Despite this peak in precipitation, the month carries an allure for visitors as long days of sunshine and mild temperatures cater to all outdoor activities, from hiking to sightseeing. The temperatures reach their highest averages in July, with highs of 24.4°C (75.9°F) and lows of 13.5°C (56.3°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Salzburg's weather in
August sees a continuance of the warm and wet pattern similar to
July. August shares the same 24.2°C (75.6°F), making it a rival for the hottest month along with July. The weather remains suitable for a vast array of outdoor activities that capitalize on the long summer days, abundant daylight, and warm temperatures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Fall begins to make its mark on
Salzburg weather in
September. While temperatures remain fairly warm, there is a reduction in daylight hours and sunshine. September signifies the end of the peak tourist season with the change in weather, as it transitions from the warmth of summer to the cool embrace of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Salzburg in
October establishes the full onset of autumn, characterized by cool temperatures and shorter days. However, rainfall becomes less frequent during this time, reducing down to a year-round low of 73mm (2.87") for the month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Salzburg is characterized by the advent of winter, with temperatures dropping and days becoming increasingly shorter. The reintroduction of considerable snowfall begins in November, marking another transition period from autumn to winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December solidifies the grip of winter over
Salzburg weather with a sharp decline in daylight hours but an increase in snowfall, reaching up to 278mm (10.94") over 13.1 days. Being the month with the shortest daylight, it underlines the depth of winter.
Weather in December »