Hungary is a lovely country with a rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. If you’re thinking about visiting Hungary, you might be wondering when the ideal time to go is.
The good news is that Hungary can be a great destination year-round, depending on your interests and preferences.
However, the most optimal time to visit Hungary is from April to October. During these months, the weather is mild to warm and there is plenty of sunshine, making it a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the different seasons in Hungary and provide some tips on the best time to visit based on your interests and what you want to see and do during your trip.
About Hungary
Hungary is a Central European country surrounded by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
The population of the country is around 9.8 million people. Budapest is Hungary’s capital and the country’s largest metropolis. Other important cities are Debrecen, Miskolc, and Szeged.
Hungary’s landscape is diversified, with the Great Plain dominating the east and the Carpathian Mountains dominating the west. Other prominent tourist destinations in Hungary include Lake Balaton, Széchenyi’s hot springs, and the Tokaj wine area.
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Climate in Hungary
Hungary has a Temperate Climate. The summers are hot and the winters are cold.
Average temperature
Spring in Hungary (March-May) brings mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from 12-23°C (53-73°F) and average lows ranging from 4-13°C (39-55°F).
During the summer months (June-August), Hungary experiences warm weather, with average highs ranging from 27-29°C (81-84°F) and lows averaging around 16-18°C (61-64°F).
In autumn (September-November), temperatures start to cool down, with average highs ranging from 10-23°C (50-73°F) and average lows ranging from 4-13°C (39-55°F).
Winter in Hungary (December-February) is generally cold, with average highs ranging from 4 to 7°C (39-45°F) and average lows ranging from -1 to 0°C (30-32°F).
Number of monthly rainy days
As you can see in the graph below, the number of rainy days in Hungary tends to be fairly consistent throughout the year, with most months having around 7-9 rainy days on average.
The rainiest months in Hungary are generally May and June, with an average of 9 rainy days per month.
The rest of the year tends to have slightly fewer rainy days, with an average of 7 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
During the winter months, the number of sun hours in Hungary is relatively low, with January and December having an average of 61 and 51 sun hours, respectively.
The amount of sunlight increases significantly as the year progresses, with the summer months of June through August having the highest number of sun hours, with an average of 251, 279, and 254 sun hours per month, respectively.
Seasons in Hungary
In Hungary, the four seasons are spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Spring (March to May)
During the spring season (March, April, and May), Hungary experiences pleasant weather with mild to warm temperatures.
The average maximum temperatures range from 12°C (53°F) to 23°C (73°F), and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 137 to 234, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
However, it is important to note that the weather in Hungary can be unpredictable at this time of year, and there may be occasional rain showers. The average number of rainy days per month ranges from 7 to 9.
The weather conditions in spring in Hungary can be described as ranging from tolerable in March, good in April, and great in May. It is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 12°C / 53°F | 18°C / 65°F | 23°C / 73°F |
| Min temperature | 4°C / 38°F | 8°C / 47°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 137 hours | 180 hours | 234 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 7 days | 7 days | 9 days |
| Weather conditions | Tolerable | Good | Great |
Summer (June to August)
In summer (June, July, and August), Hungary experiences warm to hot weather with plenty of sunshine.
The average maximum temperatures range from 27°C (80°F) to 29°C (83°F), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and beach weather.
There is also an ample amount of sunshine during these months, with an average of 251 to 279 sun hours per month. The average number of rainy days per month ranges from 7 to 9.
The weather conditions in summer in Hungary can be described as great. It is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy warm weather and plenty of sunshine. Just be sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear in case of rain, and remember to use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 27°C / 80°F | 29°C / 83°F | 29°C / 83°F |
| Min temperature | 16°C / 61°F | 18°C / 64°F | 18°C / 64°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 251 hours | 279 hours | 254 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 9 days | 7 days | 7 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
In Hungary, the weather in autumn (September, October, and November) is pleasant with mild to cool temperatures.
The average maximum temperatures range from 23°C (73°F) to 10°C (50°F) and the average number of sun hours per month ranges from 196 to 68. The average number of rainy days per month ranges from 6 to 8.
The weather conditions in autumn in Hungary can be described as ranging from great in September, good in October, and tolerable in November. It is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy mild weather and see the changing of the leaves.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 23°C / 73°F | 17°C / 62°F | 10°C / 50°F |
| Min temperature | 13°C / 56°F | 9°C / 47°F | 4°C / 39°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 196 hours | 140 hours | 68 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 6 days | 5 days | 8 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Good | Tolerable |
Winter (December to February)
In the winter months (December, January, and February), Hungary experiences cold weather with limited sunshine.
The average maximum temperatures range from 5°C (40°F) to 7°C (44°F), while the average minimum temperatures range from 0°C (32°F) to -1°C (30°F).
There is also a limited amount of sunshine during these months, with an average of 51 to 92 sun hours per month. The average number of rainy days per month in winter ranges from 7 to 8.
In general, the weather conditions in winter in Hungary can be described as bad. It’s not the most appealing experience to visit Hungary at this time of the year.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 5°C / 40°F | 4°C / 39°F | 7°C / 44°F |
| Min temperature | 0°C / 32°F | -1°C / 30°F | 0°C / 32°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 51 hours | 61 hours | 92 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 7 days | 8 days | 7 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit Hungary weather-wise
If you’re planning a trip to Hungary 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 generally 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, Hungary is an ideal destination for outdoor activities.
If you prefer milder temperatures and a bit fewer crowds, the spring and autumn months of April and October are great times to visit. The weather is typically pleasant during these months, with milder temperatures than in the summer.
Best time to visit Hungary for sightseeing
The best time to visit Hungary for sightseeing is during the spring and autumn months from April to May and from September to October.
During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it a great time to explore the country’s landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.
These months also tend to experience lower tourist traffic, which might make it easier to visit popular attractions and landmarks without having to wait in line for a long time.
If you are planning to visit Hungary during the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect warm, sunny weather and longer days, which can be ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
However, these months are also the busiest and most popular time for tourists, so you can expect higher prices and more crowded attractions. Also, the very hot temperatures may make the sightseeing experience tiresome for some people.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, and hot temperatures, consider visiting Hungary during the shoulder season in spring or autumn.
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