Budapest is well known for being fun, affordable, and packed full of beautiful scenery, which is all the more true in winter. From the famous spa baths to the biggest ice rink in Europe, we're covering all the best things to do in Budapest in winter.
December is a good time to visit Budapest where you can find pleasant Christmas Markets. Buildings and bridges that are lit and look amazing during the night. How cold is Hungary in December? In December, the average temperature is not more than 1-degree celsius.
In spring and fall — May, June, September, and early October — travelers enjoy fewer tourist crowds and milder weather. This is one of the best times to visit Budapest. However, it's also prime convention time (especially September), when hotels tend to fill up and charge their top rates.
I think 3 nights / 4 days in Budapest is a good amount of time to experience many of the main attractions. Obviously, longer would be better, but I'm going to show you the exact 4 day Budapest itinerary we followed that includes a mix of the must-sees and a few hidden gems.
A padded goose down jacket or a dense, woollen number is your best bet. Pack a couple of thick jumpers for layering underneath; on the frost-sprinkled streets it might be below freezing, but dipping in and out of Budapest's myriad museums and elegant cafes, you'll soon warm up.
48 Hours in Budapest | Everything To Do This Winter
What are the coldest months in Budapest?
January is statistically the coldest and dullest month with average daily highs of 2.8 Celsius and a mere 2 hours of daily sunshine. If you need to warm up then try some traditional Hungarian Goulash soup.
There is no truly significant difference in weather between Budapest and Prague, but Prague tends to be, on average, around 6 degrees Fahrenheit colder with rainfall around 1 inch less than Budapest, which lies some 280 miles farther southeast.
Budapest is quite affordable when compared to other European cities. On average, you can expect to spend around 15000 HUF (Hungarian Forint) per day, which includes meals, transportation, and sightseeing. If you opt for budget-friendly options, you could manage to bring down your daily costs even further.
Depending on your needs and taste, the minimum budget you need for visiting Budapest is €35-€50 including all meals of the day and at least one attraction. From here the limit is the sky as the city is offering luxurious accommodation, dining and sightseeing options.
Prague is generally considered more picturesque than Budapest, thanks to the many medieval buildings that are still standing today. Particularly around the historic city center surrounding the Old Town Square. Prague is smaller and has an intimate charm that Budapest doesn't have.
Basically, Hungary has a continental type climate and experiences generally temperate conditions. Winters are cold across the whole country, colder than in the UK in fact. It snows often in Hungary. By contrast, summers are very pleasant, indeed very hot!
Budapest shows its charm best in spring and early autumn, though most tourists visit the city in summer. Winter in Hungary is rather cold and grey, but you'll find plenty indoor attractions and things to do. So our city has something for you in all four seasons.
British Airways and low-cost carriers Ryanair, Norwegian Air, easyJet and Wizz Air all fly direct to Budapest from London, with flights taking off from four airports in the capital: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN) and Stansted (STN).
Winter in Budapest is a magical time of year. From snow-capped sightseeing to soaking in thermal baths and ice skating on the city's frozen lakes, here's how to get the best out of Budapest this winter. Budapest may be most famous as a summer destination, but the city in the snow is a sight worth travelling for.
Budapest weather in December is very cold with some light snowfall towards the end of the month. The continental climate is characterised by this type of weather, so it shouldn't be much of a surprise that the region also experiences some rainfall over the month.
Where to head for festivities, feasting and fireworks. Budapest is always worth a visit; the city is packed with things to do, see, eat and drink, as well as a whole host of spas thanks to its location on a thermal-springs hot-spot. Spending Christmas in Budapest promises an extra level of fairy-tale excitement.
Food prices in Budapest are cheap so you should seek out as much local Hungarian food as possible. Hungarian food consists of hearty soups, stews, goulash, all sorts of meat, seasonal vegetables, fruits, fresh bread, dairy products, and cheeses—it will fill you up!
The Hungarian capital is one of the best-value cities to travel to in Europe. The cost of food and drink is consistently low and as Hungary doesn't use the euro, the exchange rate in Budapest is also strong. As well as being cheap, there are plenty of things to see and do to make your trip go with a swing.
Both attract plenty of tourists during the summer months and are bustling with life. If you prefer to spend a holiday exploring a larger and busier city, Budapest is a better pick. But if you'd like to have a relaxing time surrounded by charm and history, Krakow should be your choice.
Budapest and Vienna are both beautiful cities that attract millions of tourists every year. Budapest is known for its pre-war architecture, thermal springs and vibrant nightlife. Vienna, on the other hand, is known for its cultural institutes, coffee houses and diverse food scene.
North of Hungary is definitely a good direction to head after Budapest. Gyor is a lovely baroque town on te north of the country. The most beautiful is the town hall, as it looks like a castle. I loved that there are so many fountains in the old part, so beautiful and refreshing during summer.
South winds and breezes coming from the Atlantic often bring warmer weather to the region in winter, helping to keep temperatures from falling below freezing towards the end of the month. Budapest weather in January is very cold with an average temperature of -1°C with lows of -3°C.
