Best time to visit Austria

Have you been thinking of a trip to Austria, but not sure when the best time to go is?

If so, you’ll be pleased to know that the best time to visit Austria is from April to October.

With the mild temperatures and longer days of the spring and summer seasons, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore.

In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at why these months are the best time to visit Austria and provide some tips to help you plan your trip.

About Austria

Austria is a country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.

The country has a population of about 8.9 million people, with the capital city of Vienna.

Austria is known for its stunning landscapes, which include the Austrian Alps and the Danube River. The Alps occupy more than 60% of the country’s total area and are home to many ski resorts and hiking trails. The Danube, which flows through the country from west to east, is the second-longest river in Europe and is a popular destination for river cruises.

In addition to its natural beauty, Austria is also known for its rich cultural legacy. It has a long history of classical music, with famous composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss II, and Ludwig van Beethoven having been born or lived in the country.

Climate in Austria

Austria has a Temperate Climate with four distinct seasons.

The country experiences cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers.

Average temperature

In Austria, during the spring months (March-May), temperatures start to warm up, with average highs ranging from 10 to 21°C (50-70°F) and average lows ranging from 3 to 6°C (37-52°F).

In the summer (June-August), Austria experiences warm weather, with average highs ranging from 24 to 27°C (75-81°F) and average lows ranging from 14 to 16°C (57-61°F).

Autumn (September-November) brings cooler temperatures, with average highs ranging from 8 to 21°C (46-70°F) and average lows ranging from 3 to 12°C (37-54°F).

The winter months (December-February) are generally cold, with average highs ranging from 3 to 5°C (37-41°F) and average lows ranging from -2 to -1°C (28-30°F).

Average temperature in Austria by month
The average low and high temperatures in Austria by month

Number of monthly rainy days

In Austria, the average number of rainy days per month ranges from 10 to 15 across the year.

The rainiest are the autumn months of October and November with 11 rainy days per month.

The driest tend to be the spring season with an average of 8-9 rainy days per month.

Average number of rainy days in Austria by month
The average number of rainy days in Austria by month

Number of monthly sun hours

The sunniest months in Austria are May, June, July, and August, with an average of 235-263 sun hours per month.

The shortest days are in November, December, January, and February, with an average of 52-100 sun hours per month.

Average number of sun hours in Austria by month
The average number of sun hours in Austria by month

Seasons in Austria

Austria has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Spring (March to May)

Austria in spring
Austria in spring

During the spring season (March, April, and May), Austria experiences pleasant weather with mild to warm temperatures.

The average maximum temperatures range from 10°C (51°F) to 21°C (70°F), and the average number of rainy days per month is 13.

The average number of sun hours per month ranges from 140 to 238, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The weather conditions in spring in Austria can be described as tolerable in March, good in April, and great in May. It is the right time to visit if you want to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

SPRINGMARAPRMAY
Max temperature10°C / 51°F16°C / 61°F21°C / 70°F
Min temperature3°C / 37°F6°C / 42°F11°C / 51°F
Monthly sun hours140 hours190 hours238 hours
Monthly rainy days13 days13 days13 days
Weather conditionsTolerableGoodGreat

Summer (June to August)

Austria in summer
Austria in summer

In summer (June, July, and August), Austria experiences warm weather with high temperatures.

The average maximum temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 27°C (80°F), and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 235 to 263. The average number of rainy days per month is 13-14.

The weather conditions in summer in Austria can be described as great throughout the whole season. It is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy warm weather and a wide range of outdoor activities.

SUMMERJUNJULAUG
Max temperature24°C / 75°F27°C / 80°F26°C / 79°F
Min temperature14°C / 57°F16°C / 61°F16°C / 60°F
Monthly sun hours235 hours263 hours250 hours
Monthly rainy days14 days13 days13 days
Weather conditionsGreatGreatGreat

Autumn (September to November)

Austria in autumn
Austria in autumn

In autumn (September, October, and November), Austria experiences pleasant to cool weather with decreasing temperatures.

The average maximum temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) to 8°C (46°F), and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 180 to 66. The average number of rainy days per month is 10-14.

The weather conditions in autumn in Austria can be described as great in September, good in October, and bad in November. It is still a good time to visit if you enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but it is important to be prepared for rain and bring appropriate clothing.

AUTUMNSEPOCTNOV
Max temperature21°C / 70°F15°C / 59°F8°C / 46°F
Min temperature12°C / 53°F7°C / 45°F3°C / 37°F
Monthly sun hours180 hours133 hours66 hours
Monthly rainy days10 days13 days14 days
Weather conditionsGreatGoodBad

Winter (December to February)

Austria in winter
Austria in winter

During the winter season (December, January, and February), Austria experiences cold temperatures and generally bad weather conditions.

The average maximum temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) to 5°C (41°F), and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 52 to 100. The average number of rainy days per month is 14-15.

The weather conditions in winter in Austria can be described as bad throughout the season. It is still a good time to visit if you enjoy cold wetaher and winter sports.

WINTERDECJANFEB
Max temperature4°C / 38°F3°C / 37°F5°C / 41°F
Min temperature-1°C / 31°F-2°C / 29°F-1°C / 30°F
Monthly sun hours52 hours70 hours100 hours
Monthly rainy days15 days15 days14 days
Weather conditionsBadBadBad

Best time to visit Austria weather-wise

If you’re planning a trip to Austria and looking for the best weather, the best time to visit weather-wise is typically from April to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, ranging from mild to warm temperatures.

If you’re looking to soak up the sun and enjoy warm weather, the summer months of June, July, and August are the perfect time to visit. With its warmest temperatures and longest days, Austria is an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and sightseeing.

If you prefer milder weather and fewer tourists, the spring and autumn months of April-May and September-October are ideal. The weather is usually nice throughout these months, with temperatures that are lower than in the summer.

Autumn is also a great time to explore Austria’s numerous festivals and markets.

Best time to visit Austria for sightseeing

Belvedere Palace, Vienna, Austria
Belvedere Palace, Vienna, Austria

If you’re planning a trip to Austria and want to make the most of your sightseeing, it’s best to visit Austria during the spring or autumn months of April, May, September, or October.

During these seasons, the weather is pleasant and mild, making it a great time to explore the country’s landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.

Additionally, these months tend to see fewer tourists, which means you might be able to avoid crowds and long lines at popular attractions.

If you’re planning to visit Austria during the summer months of June, July, or August, you can expect warm, sunny weather and longer days. This can be an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing, but it’s also when Austria tends to be the busiest and most expensive. The high temperatures during this time of year may make sightseeing less enjoyable for some people.

If you want to avoid the crowds and hot temperatures, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. If you’re looking for warm weather and long days, the summer months might be the best choice for you.

Best time to visit Austria for snow and skiing

The best time to visit Austria for snow and skiing is from December to February. During these months the Austrian Alps receive plenty of snow and the conditions are typically at their best during these months

However, if you prefer warmer temperatures and longer days, you might want to visit later in the ski season for example in March or April.

See more guides about Austria

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