The climate of Debrecen
Geographically located in
Hungary,
Debrecen is classified as a marine west coast climate with warm summers, according to the Köppen climate classification. This system, recognized internationally, defines Debrecen's climate based on the town's monthly temperature and rainfall averages.
The average high temperature ranges from a cool 1.7°C (35.1°F) during winter months to a warm 29.3°C (84.7°F) in the heat of summer, presenting clear seasonal variations. Nightly temperatures also vary significantly; dipping as low as -2.8°C (27°F) during winter and rising up to 16.8°C (62.2°F) in summer. Furthermore, there is evident fluctuation in relative humidity throughout the year, with higher levels in the winter months (85%) and lower levels during the summer (56%).
Rainfall in Debrecen is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with an increase noticed during the range from
May to
June. Days of rainfall also have a similar pattern, with the highest occurring from
April to June. Noticeably, snowfall occurs only from
November to
March, with the highest accumulation in
January and it ceasing completely from April to
October.
Brightness varies, evident in the fluctuating daylight hours, peaking at 15.9 hours in June and at its shortest with 8.5 hours in
December. Similarly, sunshine hours also have a prominent peak during summer months with a maximum of 11.6 hours in
August.
The best time to visit Debrecen
One might suggest the best time to visit
Debrecen is between
May to
September. The weather is at its most appealing during these months, as summer offers long daylight hours, ranging from 15.1 to 15.9 hours and maximum sunshine hours peaking at 11.6 in
August. Along with warm temperatures from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F), expect lower humidity relative to the rest of the year. This period is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring what Debrecen has to offer.
The worst time to visit Debrecen
January could be considered the least favorable month to visit
Debrecen, as the weather conditions during this month can be rather harsh. The average high temperature barely exceeds 1.7°C (35.1°F) and the night time temperature can drop down to as low as -2.8°C (27°F). Combined with the highest snowfall of 78mm (3.07") and 6.8 snowfall days, this makes outdoor activities and travel more challenging.
Spring weather in Debrecen
Spring in
Debrecen, between
March and
May, witnesses a significant increase in temperatures, with average highs increasing from 10.8°C (51.4°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F). Spring also sees an increase in the amount of daylight, from 11.9 to 15.1 hours, and a similar pattern in the number of sunshine hours. Humidity levels start to drop, and the rainfall measures up to 110mm (4.33") from March to May.
Summer weather in Debrecen
During the summer months,
June to
August,
Debrecen experiences its highest temperatures with an average high hovering around 28°C (82.4°F) and lows of around 16°C (60.8°F). Daylight hours peak in June at nearly 16 hours, and there is an abundance of sunshine, averaging about 10 hours per day. Rainfall during this season, especially in June, measures a significant 122mm (4.8"), and relative humidity averages a comfortable 62.3%.
Autumn weather in Debrecen
Autumn, between
September and
November, is characterized by a gradual decrease in temperatures, with average highs descending from a comfortable 23.5°C (74.3°F) to a cooler 10.5°C (50.9°F) by the end of November. Daylight hours decrease from 12.6 to 9.3 hours, and sunshine hours also follow a similar trend. Autumn sees a relatively moderate 79mm (3.11") of rainfall during these three months.
Winter weather in Debrecen
Winter, from
December to
February, sees the coldest temperatures, dipping between an average high of 4.6°C (40.3°F) and a low of -0.8°C (30.6°F).
Debrecen experiences the shortest amount of daylight, sunshine, and the highest relative humidity during this season. With 78mm (3.07") of snowfall in
January, it's a winter wonderland for snow lovers. However, the harsher winter conditions may not be suitable for everyone, with reduced visibility down to 8km (5mi) in December.
Weather in January
A distinct chill descends on
Debrecen,
Hungary as
January is typically the coldest month of the year, with high temperature of 1.7°C (35.1°F) and low of -2.8°C (27°F). This winter month is noted for frequent snowy days, but not a significant amount of daylight.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The short, crisp days of
February provide a gradual transition out of the harsh winter. There is a notable uptick in temperature, with a high of 4.6°C (40.3°F), while the snowfall drops sharply to 48mm (1.89") when compared to
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in the first hints of spring in
Debrecen, despite the occasional chill still in the air. Daylength steadily increases, totaling an average of 11.9 hours, a noticeable rise from
February. Concurrently, the rainfall rises slightly to 27mm (1.06"), leading to more precipitation days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the definitive arrival of spring, with days growing longer and warmer.
Debrecen experiences an impressive leap in temperatures, with a high reaching up to 17.7°C (63.9°F). Patios begin to buzz with activity as locals relish the opportunity to bask in the abundant sunshine.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings with it a true feel of spring, with balmy days and cool nights. The land is teeming with greenery, while blossoms color the city landscape. Catering to outdoor activities, bright daylight stretches across most of the day. Despite this, it also sees the highest yearly rainfall amount, a significant increase to 54mm (2.13") from
April.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is idyllic with long sunny days and warm temperatures, signifying the onset of summer in
Debrecen. Daylight extends to a healthy 15.9 hours giving ample time for sightseeing and open-air events. Residents enjoy the outdoors, flocking to parks and gardens - a testament to the city in full bloom.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
High summer sets in
July with the hottest month of the year, peaking at 29.3°C (84.7°F). Cloud cover is significantly reduced to 27%, due to less rainfall compared to the previous month. People throng the city's open spaces, basking under clear skies and enjoying languid days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues
July's pattern of warm weather, with the heat subdued marginally. The long sultry days encourage a flurry of outdoor activities in
Debrecen. Despite being a summer month, rainfall decreases to a low of 22mm (0.87"), ensuring mostly dry conditions.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The welcoming allure of autumn begins to make an appearance in
September. While there is still plenty of sunshine, the high temperature decreases to a more manageable 23.5°C (74.3°F). The month retains remnants of summer charm, but also prepares for a cooler future.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees the full onset of fall, with a noticeable drop in temperature and a rich display of autumn colors.
Debrecen basks in the glow of changing leaves, while cool winds start setting in. Light rainfall does happen, adding a certain freshness to the air.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Debrecen marks a significant transition into the colder months with a high temperature averaging at 10.5°C (50.9°F). The daylight hours continue to decrease, signaling the approach of winter. However, the city's beauty doesn’t wane with the change in weather.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in the first taste of winter in
Debrecen, with nighttime temperatures often dipping below freezing. Notably, the snowfall begins to ramp up to 42mm (1.65"), littering the cityscape with its first winter white. Days are considerably shorter with the approach of the winter solstice.
Weather in December »