When is the best time to visit Budapest?

22.07.2024 - 18:14 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 22, 2024 • 5 min read

With scorching hot summers and sub-zero temperatures in winter, the version of Budapest you experience depends entirely on the season.

City life spills outdoors onto restaurant terraces, green urban oases and even Danube beaches in the warmer months, while the chillier times of the year are more about culture and coziness. In between are the blossom-filled spring and the hiking-friendly months of fall.

No matter when you come, though, you’ll always find something wonderful to do in Budapest. If the weather is too damp for a hike through the Buda Hills, just head to one of the city's many incredible museums. When it's too snowy for walking, jump into a thermal bath and feel your troubles melt away. Here’s a guide to the best times to visit Budapest throughout the year.

The warm summer from May to September is the time to come if you enjoy festivals. It's also the peak season for tourism, bringing high temperatures and higher prices. Beer lovers should plan a visit in May for Budapest Beer Week, where 60 Hungarian microbreweries team up with guest breweries from the Czech Republic and Germany in pubs, bars and other venues across the city.

Although June welcomes in the summer, it can be wet, with regular summer showers and storms. But that doesn’t stop the crowds coming out. To mark the summer solstice, many of Budapest’s museums open their doors from 6pm until the early morning hours for the annual Night of the Museums. The Danube Carnival also attracts big crowds at the large stages celebrating folklore and dance.

School ends for the summer holidays in July and many locals head down to Lake Balaton to escape the heat, while international visitors crowd into Budapest. Plan your trip for the first weekend of July to enjoy Budapest Pride – a week of LGBTIQ+ cultural events and parties, plus the famous annual Pride Parade. The Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix usually happens toward the end of the month and is a very busy time.

If you’re traveling to Budapest in August, book accommodations, flights and event tickets well in advance – this is Budapest’s busiest month, with festivals and events galore. The Sziget Festival, the city's most famous party, is in mid-August. Hungary’s biggest national holiday, St Stephen’s Day, comes on August 20 – be sure to watch the spectacular firework display from the Danube Banks.

The warm weather lingers into September. It’s a pleasant month as the sunshine is plentiful but it's not too hot and some great events are going on around town. The Budapest Wine Festival in the Castle District has delicious Hungarian wines from around the country. Sip a glass while enjoying the amazing views. The Jewish Cultural Festival celebrates the significant contribution of