Climate of Budapest

Budapest’s climate is humid continental. Summers are hot and winters cold, dry, but relatively short. Discover the best time of year to visit Budapest.

The Danube River runs through Budapest, which means that the city’s climate is humid continental. The high level of humidity also means that the temperatures in summer seem warmer and in winter, they seem colder.

In general, temperatures in Budapest are a little higher than in Prague with, on average, more annual rainfall.

Winter in Budapest

Hungary’s capital city has very cold winters. During the bleakest months, in January and February, the average temperatures are between 29°F (-1°C) and 34°F (1°C), but it can get as low as -14°F (-25°C). The average highs are between 34°F - 40°F (1°C - 4°C).

After summer, the rainfalls are strongest in winter, which sometimes come down as snow showers.

Summer in Budapest

It can get quite hot in summer. The average temperatures in July and August are 69°F (20°C), but the city suffers from several heat waves with highs of over 86°F (30°C). Although the humidity levels are usually lower during the warmest months of the year, it can get quite unbearable during the hot spells. In summer, there are also various wet periods and rain is most frequent at this time of year.

Best time to visit Budapest

If you want to avoid the excessive heat and freezing cold, we recommend visiting Budapest in May or September. You’ll be able to walk around in short sleeves during the day and at night, you’ll need a warm jacket.