The best time to visit Vienna is April to June and September to October: 17 to 26 °C (63 to 79 °F) in the afternoon, parks in bloom or in autumn colors, and a cultural season in full swing. Summer is hot and lively, but check opera performance dates if that is your priority. Winter is cold, with two highlights: the Advent markets, from mid-November to Christmas, and the ball season, from January to carnival.
Vienna has a temperate continental climate: cold but rarely very harsh winters in the city center, hot summers, and moderate precipitation all year with a peak from May to July, as thunderstorms. The city can therefore be visited in any season; the choice depends mainly on what you want to do there and your tolerance for crowds.
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When to go to Vienna at a glance
- Ideal April, May, June, September, October
- Christmas markets from mid-November to Christmas depending on the market
- Opera and concerts check the Staatsoper’s performance calendar for your dates
- Warmest July (26.9 °C (80 °F) average high)
- Coldest January (4.2 °C (40 °F) in the afternoon, −0.1 °C (32 °F) at night)
- Budget January–February and November outside Advent
When to go to Vienna by priority
- Best weather: April to June and September–October, with 15 to 26 °C (59 to 79 °F) in the afternoon
- Cheapest: January–February and November, before the Advent markets open
- Fewest crowds: February and March, then November until mid-November
- Events: New Year’s Concert on January 1, ball season in January–February, Donauinselfest in June, Advent markets from mid-November to Christmas; check dates every year
Vienna: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, September, October
Vienna weather month by month
The table uses the normals for the city-center station (Innere Stadt), where most sightseeing takes place. On the outskirts and on the hills, nights are a little cooler.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.2 °C (40 °F) | −0.1 °C (32 °F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | Moderate (balls) | Moderate | ⚠️ Cold, ball and opera season |
| February | 7.0 °C (45 °F) | 1.1 °C (34 °F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | Low | Low → moderate | ⚠️ Cold but quiet |
| March | 11.0 °C (52 °F) | 4.0 °C (39 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | Low | Moderate | ⚠️ End of winter, changeable weather |
| April | 17.4 °C (63 °F) | 8.6 °C (47 °F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | ✅ Mild spring, parks in bloom |
| May | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 12.3 °C (54 °F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | High | Moderate → high | ✅ Terraces, Schönbrunn gardens |
| June | 25.7 °C (78 °F) | 16.4 °C (62 °F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | High | High | ✅ Long evenings, possible thunderstorms |
| July | 26.9 °C (80 °F) | 17.7 °C (64 °F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | Very high | High | ⚠️ Hot, check opera dates, open-air festivals |
| August | 26.6 °C (80 °F) | 17.5 °C (64 °F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | Very high | High | ⚠️ Hot, crowds, swimming in the Danube |
| September | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 13.8 °C (57 °F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | Moderate to high | Moderate | ✅ The best compromise |
| October | 15.0 °C (59 °F) | 8.9 °C (48 °F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Autumn colors, grape harvest |
| November | 9.5 °C (49 °F) | 5.0 °C (41 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | Low → high | Low → high | ⚠️ Gray, Advent markets at the end of the month |
| December | 4.7 °C (40 °F) | 0.7 °C (33 °F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | High (Advent, holidays) | High | ⚠️ Cold, Christmas markets |
Vienna’s seasons
Spring (April–May)
Highs rise from 17 °C (63 °F) in April to 21 °C (70 °F) in May. The gardens of Schönbrunn, the Belvedere and the Volksgarten bloom, and the terraces and courtyards of the MuseumsQuartier fill up. May is wetter than April (78 mm (3.1 in) versus 40 mm (1.6 in)), in the form of showers.
- Pros: ideal temperatures for walking, opera season under way, Prater and Heurigen reopening
- Cons: Easter and Ascension weekends in high demand, weather still changeable in April
Summer (June–August)
June to August are the warmest months (26 to 27 °C (79 to 81 °F) average high) and the wettest, with late-day thunderstorms. Heat waves can push the thermometer well beyond the averages. People swim in the Alte Donau or on the Donauinsel, and music spills into the streets: a music film festival in front of City Hall, open-air concerts.
- Pros: long evenings, swimming in the Danube, free open-air events
- Cons: heat, crowds and prices at their highest; check opera performance dates before booking
Autumn (September–October)
September keeps 22 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon, with fewer people than in summer; October drops to 15 °C (59 °F). The cultural season is in full swing, the grape harvest enlivens the vineyards of the city and the Wachau, and the parks take on their autumn colors.
- Pros: the best compromise between weather, crowds and cultural programming
- Cons: days getting shorter, cool evenings from October
Winter (November–March)
It is 4 to 5 °C (39 to 41 °F) in the afternoon in December–January and around 0 °C (32 °F) at night, with possible snow. From mid-November to Christmas, the Advent markets set up in front of City Hall, at Schönbrunn, on Maria-Theresien-Platz or in the Spittelberg. After the holidays, the ball season is in full swing until carnival. January and February, outside the balls, are the cheapest months.
- Pros: Christmas market atmosphere, warm cafés and museums, low prices in January–February
- Cons: cold, short days, crowds and high prices on Advent weekends
Vienna compared with other cities
Vienna is the driest large city in Austria: the Alps, to the west, receive much more rain, especially in summer. For a tour of the country, see our page on when to go to Austria, which compares Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz.
When to go to Vienna by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| City break and sights | April to June, September–October | Book Schönbrunn online |
| Opera and classical concerts | Check the calendar for your dates | Check the Staatsoper’s performance dates for July–August |
| Christmas markets | Mid-November to Christmas | Come on a weekday to avoid the crowds |
| Viennese balls | January–February (until carnival) | Evening dress required |
| Wine and Heurigen | May to October | Grape harvest in September–October |
| Swimming in the Danube | June to August | Donauinsel and Alte Donau |
| Budget | January–February, November outside Advent | Lowest hotel prices |
Events in Vienna
| Period | Event | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic | Check ticket allocation on the Vienna Philharmonic’s official website |
| January–February | Ball season, including the Opera Ball | Check dates every year |
| Spring | Vienna Marathon | Check the date on the official website |
| June | Donauinselfest, free music festival on the Danube Island | Very heavy crowds |
| July–August | Music film festival in front of City Hall | Free screenings in the evening |
| Mid-November to Christmas | Advent markets | Opening varies by market |
Vienna month by month
January: the coldest month (4 °C (39 °F) in the afternoon). New Year’s Concert on the 1st, then ball season. Low-priced hotels outside the major balls.
February: cold and quiet, still paced by balls until carnival. A good month for museums, cafés and opera on a budget.
March: 11 °C (52 °F) in the afternoon, changeable weather. The first terraces reopen on sunny days; crowds still low.
April: 17 °C (63 °F), one of the driest months. Parks in bloom, Easter markets. Book early for Easter weekend.
May: 21 °C (70 °F), terraces and gardens at their best. A few showers. A very pleasant month, with busy holiday weekends.
June: 26 °C (79 °F) and long evenings. Donauinselfest. Thunderstorms possible late in the day; crowds rising.
July: the warmest month (27 °C (81 °F) on average, more during heat waves). Open-air festivals, swimming in the Danube; check opera dates.
August: hot and very busy. Plan on an air-conditioned hotel and sightseeing early in the morning.
September: 22 °C (72 °F), crowds falling, cultural season in full swing. Our favorite month for a first stay.
October: 15 °C (59 °F), autumn colors, grape harvest in the city’s vineyards. Good weather-to-price ratio.
November: gray and cool (9.5 °C (49 °F)). The Advent markets open from mid-November; before that, prices are low.
December: cold (5 °C (41 °F)), Christmas markets and Advent concerts. Weekends and holidays in very high demand: book early.
When to book your trip to Vienna
For Advent, New Year and spring weekends, book accommodation 2 to 4 months ahead. For the Vienna State Opera, book seats ahead; standing room tickets are sold exclusively on the day of the performance, from 10:00 a.m., according to the Staatsoper’s official site (wiener-staatsoper.at, checked 11 November 2026). For a weekday stay outside events, a few weeks is generally enough.
Planning your trip to Vienna
- Entry requirements: rules depend on your nationality; see the entry requirements for Austria before you travel.
- Currency: the euro.
- Health: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026) lists tick-borne diseases among the health risks in Austria, and says UK travelers need a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare, which is not an alternative to travel insurance.
- Safety: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), crime levels are generally low, but petty crime, particularly pickpocketing, is higher in big city centers and city parks after dark; the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated September 10, 2026) also advises watching for pickpockets on public transportation and in bus or train stations.
- On the ground: for what to see, where to stay and the budget, see our Vienna travel guide.
Remember travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Vienna?
September and May offer the best balance: 21 to 22 °C (70 to 72 °F) in the afternoon, reasonable crowds and the opera season under way. April, June and October are also good choices.
Is it cold in Vienna in winter?
Yes: in January, the average high is 4.2 °C (40 °F) and the average low −0.1 °C (32 °F) in the city center (1991–2020 normals). Snow is possible, but rarely lasts in the city.
When are the Vienna Christmas markets?
The main Advent markets generally open between mid-November and late November and close around Christmas, some just after. Check the dates of each market before you go.
Can you go to the Vienna Opera in summer?
Check the Staatsoper’s performance calendar for the dates of your trip, as summer programming can differ from the rest of the year. In summer, the city also offers open-air concerts and screenings.
Does it rain a lot in Vienna?
Moderately: 34 to 82 mm (1.3 to 3.2 in) per month. The wettest months are May, June and July, as thunderstorms; February and April are among the driest.
Is August a good time to visit Vienna?
Yes for open-air festivals and swimming in the Danube, but it is hot (26.6 °C (80 °F) on average, more during heat waves), opera dates should be checked and prices are high.
Our sources
- Climate normals: 1991–2020 normals for the Vienna-Innere Stadt (city center) station, Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG, now GeoSphere Austria)
- Health and safety information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Austria (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Austria country information (travel.state.gov, last updated September 10, 2026). Standing room tickets: Vienna State Opera ticket information (wiener-staatsoper.at), checked 11 November 2026
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
See also: Austria travel guide, where to go in May, where to go in December, and our other destinations in Europe.
