Austria
The best time to visit
When to go to Austria
Go in summer, June to September, for hiking, the lakes and the cities, or in winter, December to March, for skiing and Christmas markets. The quiet shoulder seasons are mild and cheaper.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Vienna. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Sep.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hard cold.
In short
The year at a glance
Austria has two clear peaks, and the month ratings track Vienna. Summer brings warm, long days for the imperial cities, the lakes of the Salzkammergut and hiking in the Alps, while winter turns the mountains into one of Europe's great ski regions.
Spring and autumn are quieter and milder, good for the cities and the wine country without the crowds, though the high mountains can be caught between seasons. Vienna and Salzburg sparkle in December for the Christmas markets.
Month by month
Austria month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Vienna.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 37 mm | Avoid 18 | Cold and dry. |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -1°C / 30°F | 39 mm | Avoid 28 | Cold and dry. |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 46 mm | Good 54 | Cool and dry. |
| April | 15°C / 59°F | 6°C / 43°F | 45 mm | Ideal 79 | Cool and dry. |
| May | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 64 mm | Ideal 92 | Mild with a little rain. Vienna hotels in May |
| June | 23°C / 73°F | 14°C / 57°F | 72 mm | Ideal 89 | Warm with a little rain. |
| July | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 69 mm | Ideal 91 | Warm with a little rain. |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 61°F | 66 mm | Ideal 92 | Warm with a little rain. Vienna hotels in August |
| September | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | 52 mm | Ideal 97 | Mild and dry. Vienna hotels in September |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 38 mm | Ideal 75 | Cool and dry. |
| November | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 46 mm | Good 44 | Cold and dry. |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 45 mm | Avoid 24 | Cold and dry. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Vienna and Salzburg
Lovely in late spring and summer, at their best in December for the Christmas markets. Winters are cold.
Tyrol and the Alps
Summer for hiking and the lakes, December to March for the big ski resorts of Innsbruck and St Anton.
The Wachau and wine country
Beautiful in late spring and at the autumn harvest, with terraced vineyards above the Danube.
Go for
Best time to visit Austria for
Cities and culture
May to September for Vienna and Salzburg, with warm days and a full calendar of music and festivals.
Skiing
December to March in Tyrol and the western Alps, with the most reliable snow at altitude.
Hiking and lakes
June to September for the Salzkammergut lakes and the Alpine trails in full flower.
Christmas markets
Late November through December, when Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck glow with stalls and mulled wine.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Alpine summer, July
Lakes, wildflower meadows and open mountain trails across the country.
Christmas markets, December
Vienna and Salzburg fill their squares with festive stalls and lights.
Hard cold
Nov to Feb.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Austria
Compare hotels and rentals around Vienna, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions