Budapest in Autumn: Weather & 20 Best Things to Do (2025)

PLANNING TO VISIT TO BUDAPEST IN AUTUMN?

I’m originally from Budapest and Autumn is a pretty good time to visit the city!

If you like the Autumn vibes with falling leaves and not that many tourists around, then autumn is a good choice for you to visit Budapest.

The best things to do in Autumn in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, and warm up in the thermal baths. From mid-November, the Christmas markets also open up which can get you into the holiday vibes.

The average temperature in Budapest in Autumn is between 4-23 °C (39-73 °F). As the temperature is cold, it is good if you bring clothes that you can wear in layers. You can pack clothes like a warm coat, ankle boots, thick socks, jeans, jumper.

So, here is everything you need to know about visiting Budapest in Autumn, including the weather, what to wear, festivals and best things to do!

Budapest Weather in Autumn

Autumn in Budapest runs from September to November.

September is the beginning of autumn season in Hungary. The weather in the first half of September is still a lot like summer, so during that time you can still enjoy outdoor activities and relaxing by the pool.

From the second half of September, the weather starts to turn colder.

October is still a nice time in Budapest as it is not too cold and there is still some sunshine during the day. There can be some rain in October, but it usually only rains a little.

November is proper autumn season in Hungary, and the weather is cold and gloomy. The chance of snow in November is very low, as it usually snows in Budapest between January-February.

Budapest Temperature in Autumn

The average temperature in Budapest in Autumn is between 4-23 °C (39-73 °F).

The beginning of September is warm and can very much still feel like summer time. Then, from the second half of September it starts to gradually get colder.

If you visit Budapest in September, you can pack summer clothes for the day and a light jumper for the evenings.

As the weather turns colder in October, it is good if you bring clothes that you can wear in layers. Waterproof jacket and shoes are also handy, in case it rains.

The temperature is pretty cold in November, especially towards the end of November as the autumn turns to winter.

If you visit in November, it is good if you bring clothes that you can wear in layers. You can pack clothes like a warm coat, ankle boots, thick socks, jeans, jumper.

Is it Warm in Budapest in Autumn?

The beginning of Autumn, such as September, is still warm. Then it gradually starts to turn cold.

October is not too cold, but it is also not so warm. Then, November is cold with the average daytime temperature dropping to 10 °C (50 °F).

Does it Rain a Lot in Budapest in Autumn?

It does not rain a lot in Budapest in Autum but there can be some sporadic rainfall.

There is usually rainfall in Europe during autumn but it is not excessive rainfall. It is good to keep the rain in mind, especially when planning what to pack (e.g. waterproof jacket and shoes).

Is Autumn a Good Time to Visit Budapest?

Yes, Autumn is a good time to visit Budapest!

Autumn is shoulder season in Budapest and it is not as crowded as during the summer peak holiday season.

Autumn is a great time to visit Budapest if you are looking to visit at a time when the weather is not too cold yet and there are not that many tourists.

The best things to do in Autumn in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, and warm up in the thermal baths. From mid-November, the Christmas markets also open up which can get you into the holiday mood.

Crowds

Autumn is shoulder season in Budapest so there are still not that many tourists visit the city.

Most of the visitors come to Budapest during the summer or for the Christmas holidays, but autumn is generally not as busy.

The shoulder seasons in Budapest are Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May). They both offer mostly good weather and the city is not too crowded.

For the least busy time, January and February have the lowest number of visitors and best deals –  although it can get cold!

Prices

Autumn is shoulder season in Budapest, and the prices are not as high as during the peak summer or Christmas holidays.

During Autumn in Budapest, you can usually get some pretty good deals for hotels and holiday packages.

The prices for flights to get to Budapest is the highest during summer and Christmas, but you could catch some good deals for Autumn if you book it in advance.

The cheapest time to visit Budapest is between January-February. It is the coldest at this time in Budapest, but it is also the time when the least tourists come to Budapest – so you’ll be able to get good deals both for flights and hotels.

The Best Things to Do in Budapest in Autumn

1. GO SIGHTSEEING

Budapest is famous for its beautiful architecture and the River Danube that splits the city into two sides: Buda and Pest.

Exploring the historic sites is one of the best things to do in Budapest! The weather gradually turns cold in the autumn, so you should dress in clothes appropriate to the weather while exploring the city.

Many of the historic buildings are located along the River Danube and they are decorated with lights in the evenings. You should see the city both during day and night, as the city looks extra special with the lights on.

2. GO ON A RIVER DANUBE CRUISE

Going on a cruise on the Danube is one of the best ways to see Budapest. A river cruise is a great activity all year around and you can also book a cruise that includes traditional Hungarian music, food and drinks.

There are both day and night cruises, but the best time to go is in the evening so you can see the city decorated with lights.

The weather turns cold in Autumn, so it is cold on the outer decks of the boat. There is indoor seating area on the boats, but if you want to take the best photos, you will have to go out on the decks.

As it is cold, you should dress in warm clothes while you are on the cruise. It is warm inside the ship, but if you go on the outer deck, you will need a warm coat, hat and scarves.

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3. CHILL IN THE THERMAL BATHS

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths and one of the best things to do is to relax in the baths.

The thermal baths in Budapest are open all year around. The good thing is that the baths have both indoor and outdoor pools, so there is something to enjoy at any time of the year.

The weather turns cold in Autumn, so the warm water baths are the best at this time!

Two of the most popular thermal baths are the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath.

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The Széchenyi and Gellért Baths can be very touristy and crowded but there are some local baths that are not that busy.

If you want to relax in some less touristy baths, check out the Lukács Bath, Veli Bej Bath, Rudas, or Dandár Bath.

4. EAT HUNGARIAN FOOD

Trying the local cuisine is a must in any place you visit and you should not miss out on Hungarian food in Budapest!

Hungarian food is famous for the goulash soup and paprika powder but there is so much more to it than that. While in Budapest, you should try as many Hungarian dishes as possible.

To try traditional Hungarian food, you can also join a food tour in Budapest. The food tour gives you a chance to learn about Hungarian traditions and try delicious Hungarian dishes!

The food tours usually last around 2-3 hours and costs USD 65.

Hungary is also famous for its wine and if you want to do something fun, you can also go on a wine tasting tour in Budapest. The Budapest Wine Tasting Tours last 2 hours and costs USD 56.

🥘 Join a Budapest Food Tour or Hungarian Wine Tasting here!

5. HAVE FUN AT THE RUINS BARS

Budapest is famous for its nightlife, and most of the pubs and bars are on the Pest side of the city.

The weather turns cold in Autumn so from October and November onwards you will have to wear warm clothes. Nevertheless, despite the cold weather, there are many great parties even during Autumn in Budapest.

Budapest is famous for its “ruin bars” that are bars made with unique designs and decorations. The ruin bars have a cool atmosphere with funny furniture, like bathtubs for chairs, or even furniture stuck to the ceiling.

Szimpla Kert and Instant are two of the most popular ruin bars in Budapest.

6. WALK ALONG THE RIVER DANUBE

The weather turns cold in the Autumn, so you have to dress in layers to keep you warm. Nevertheless, exploring Budapest on foot can be done all throughout the year, just dress appropriately for the current weather conditions.

The River Danube splits Budapest into 2 parts: Buda and Pest. Along the Danube, you can see many famous buildings, so it is great to go on a walk.

Budapest is a walkable city and there are many attractions in the city centre that are in close walking distance to each other.

On the Pest side, you can walk along the Parliament, the Shoes on the Danube, or even walk to the Margaret Island.

From Pest, you can also cross the Chain Bridge and walk across to Buda. Once you cross the bridge, you can either hike up to the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, or take the Funicular.

The views along the river is pretty great, and if you go in the evening, you can also see the city decorated with lights.

For the best view of the Parliament, go to the Batthyány tér on the Buda side. From there, you can see the Parliament from across the river and it is the best place to take photos of the Parliament.

If you want, you can also join a walking tour in Budapest. The Walking Tours cover historic places such as the St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle, or the Parliament. The walking tours usually last between 1.5-4 hours, and costs USD 10-70.

➡️ Book a Budapest Walking Tour here!

7. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO SZENTENDRE

The weather can get cold and chilly in Autumn in Budapest, but it is still pretty nice to go on a day trip.

Szentendre is one of the best options for a day trip from Budapest. It is located 22 km from Budapest and can be reached by regular public transport.

Szentendre is a small town and it is famous for its cobblestone streets, architecture, and museums. It is a great place for a day trip from Budapest if you want to explore a small town near Budapest.

There is good public transport from Budapest to Szentendre. You can take a HÉV train from Batthyány tér (Budapest) to Szentendre if you want to go by public transport. If you prefer to go by taxi, there are many taxis in Budapest.

8. SHOP AT THE CENTRAL MARKET HALL

The Central Market Hall is one of the biggest markets in Budapest. It is open all year around and it is a great place to see a traditional Hungarian market.

They sell many different Hungarian delicacies, such as salami, pickles, spices, pálinka, wine and more!

The market has 2 floors, and there are restaurants on the second floor serving traditional Hungarian dishes.

Visiting the Central Market Hall is one of the unique things to do in Budapest as you can see what a Hungarian market is like, and you can also try various Hungarian dishes.

It is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs from Budapest, such as paprika, salami or pálinka!

9. GO ON A SEGWAY TOUR

A Segway tour is one of the most fun ways to explore Budapest!

The weather gradually turns cold in the autumn, so the best times to enjoy a Segway tour is in September and October. November might feel too cold for a Segway tour, but could still be fine if you dress in very warm clothes.

The Segway tours usually last around 1-2 hours and cover the most famous attractions in Budapest. You can also choose between tours that cover different parts of the city.

On the Pest side, you can explore the Heroes’ Square, Hungarian State Opera, Andrassy Avenue, or if you go on a tour on the Buda side, you can see places around the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion.

The number of people in a group on a Segway Tour is usually up to 14 people and it costs around USD 50-80 per person.

✅ Book a Segway Tour in Budapest here!

10. EAT STREET FOOD AT KARAVÁN

Karaván is located in District 7 in central Budapest. It is a heaven for open air street food lovers and there are around 10 food trucks that serve various food and drinks.

They have a wide variety of beer and cocktails for drinks. As for food, they have tasty burgers, Thai food, Mexican food and traditional Hungarian dishes (e.g. goulash, beef stew, lángos, Hungarian pancake), vegan food and more!

Karaván is open air, so the best time to visit when the weather is good. If you visit in September, it is still warm during the day. It might get a little bit cold in the evenings, so it is good if you have a jumper or a light jacket with you.

If you visit Karaván in October or November, make sure to wear warm clothes as otherwise, you will feel very cold.

11. WATCH A PLAY AT THE OPERA

The Hungarian State Opera is the perfect place to see a play in Budapest. There are usually famous plays on all around the year, such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake or Aida.

You should book the tickets well in advance as the tickets sell out pretty fast. The ticket to a ballet show is usually around HUF 17,000-45,000 (USD 45-115).

The tickets can sell out fast, so it is good to book it well in advance.

12. SEE A MUSEUM EXHIBITION

Budapest has lots of museums and exploring the different exhibitions is a good way to learn about Hungary’s history and culture.

The museums in Budapest are open all year around with various exhibitions.

Each museum have permanent exhibitions, with additional temporary exhibitions that change from time to time throughout the year.

13. VISIT THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE

The Great Synagogue in Budapest is the largest Syangogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. The Synagogue is impressive with beautiful design both inside and outside of building.

It is a good place to visit, if you want to learn about the history of Hungarian Jews. It is also emotionally heavy as you learn about the Holocaust victims.

The whole Synagogue is a complex of buildings, together with the Heroes’ Temple, Jewish Museum, Cemetery, and the Holocaust Memorial.

The Holocaust Memorial Tree is in the garden of Synagogue. It is weeping willow tree with metal leaves engraved with the names of Holocaust victims.

There is also the  Heroes’ Temple in the garden of the Synagogue. It is burial site of Jews who died during World War I. In the Hungarian Jewish Museum you can learn about Jewish heritage and traditions.

14. GO ON A TRIP TO LAKE BALATON

If you are spending 1-2 weeks in Budapest, you could check out other places in Hungary!

Lake Balaton is a popular place to visit during the summer and it’s mostly famous for its beaches and resort towns.

If you visit during the Autumn, the water is too cold to go swimming, but there are still many things to do. There are hiking routes and wineries at Balaton that are great to explore in the Autumn.

The best towns known for their wineries are Badacsony and Badacsonytomaj on the north side of the lake. You can even go for a wine tasting tour!

15. WATCH THE LIGHT SHOW AT LUMINA PARK

• Date: from end of October onwards

There is a light show in Lumina Park which is really magical in the winter. Lumina Park is located on Margaret Island in central Budapest, and it can be easily accessed by public transport.

The park is usually open from the end of October until the beginning of March each year.

It has over 200 installations not only for light, but also sound and videos. It is a great place to visit with friends and family and you can easily spend around here 1.5-2 hours.

During Christmas, they have special Christmas show that is also a great activity, especially if you are travelling with kids.

16. WATCH A HUNGARIAN FOLK DANCE SHOW

Watching a Hungarian folk dance show is great to see a traditional Hungarian dance performance, folk music and see the embroidery costumes of the dancers.

One of the best ways to see a Hungarian Folk Dance Show is on a river cruise on the Danube. The river cruises also include a dinner and you get great views of the historical buildings in Budapest in the evening time.

17. VISIT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS

• Budapest Christmas Markets Date: mid-November to 31 December

The Christmas Markets open in mid-November in Budapest and that make the last bit of Autumn more fun to be in Budapest.

If you want to ease into the Christmas vibes, than visiting the christmas markets, drinking mulled wine and eating Christmas food will get you there.

Two of the best Christmas Markets in Budapest are the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market and the St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Market.

They have mulled wine, traditional Hungarian food, concerts, activities for children, handicrafts, and light shows.

The Christmas markets in Budapest usually run from 15 November to 31 December/ 1 January each year.

18. RIDE THE TRAM LINE 2

You might not want to use public transport in Budapest for the whole duration of your trip, but if you decide to take public transport in Budapest, it should be the Tram Line 2.

Budapest has a good network of trams for getting around the city and Tram Line 2 is great to see the city’s main attractions.

Tram Line 2 starts from the Parliament and goes along the River Danube overlooking beautiful building and sights. It passes many tourist attractions and famous bridges.

As Tram 2 goes along the river, you also get to see over to the attractions on the Buda side of the city, such as the Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and the Citadella.

In December, some of the trams are even decorated with Christmas lights to get you into the festive season.

19. VISIT THE BUDAPEST ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN

• Budapest Zoo Opening Times: 9 am – 4 pm Everyday

The Budapest Zoo is located near the Heroes’ Square in the City Park. Visiting the zoo is a great activity for all ages, especially for families with kids.

There are over 1,000 different species of animals in the zoo, including bears, giraffes elephants, rhinos, tigers and lions. The zoo is spread out over a big area and it is easy to spend around 3 hours there.

Some enclaves for the animals are small, so don’t visit the zoo if you don’t like to see animals restricted to small spaces.

The information about animals is available in both English and Hungarian, so even if you don’t speak Hungarian, there is a text in English.

20. PARTY ON A BOAT

Budapest is famous for its nightlife and although there are parties all year around, it’s the best when the weather is good!

The weather is still warm in September, so the beginning of autum is still great to enjoy the nightlife.

There is a boat, A38, in Budapest that has been functioning as a music venue for over 20 years. It is very popular in Budapest as it has been a very unique place for a party.

A38 has both indoor and outdoor party area, and has many different events, live music and DJs playing there every night.

When the weather is cold, A38 has events in its indoor area, but when the weather is warm, A38 is cool for events on its outer deck.

Events in September

There are events in Budapest in September but it is usually a little bit more quiet than the summer months.

Nevertheless, every year there are still events going on in September. Some of the main events in Budapest in September is the World Press Photo Exhibition, Wine Festival at the Buda Castle, and a couple of beer festivals.

Events in October

Commemoration of 1956 Hungarian Revolution

Every year on 23 October, Hungary commemorates the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against the Russian Occupation. It is a national holiday, so almost all shops are closed on this day.

Lumina Park Light Show

Lumina Park Light Show takes place on the Margaret Island in Budapest. It usually runs from the end of October until March the next year.

Halloween

Halloween was not really celebrated that much 20-30 years ago in Hungary but in recent years it has become popular for kids to celebrate.

In the city center in Budapest, there are also some Halloween themed parties at the bar.

Events in November

All Saint’s Day

All Saint’s Day is celebrated on 1 November and it is a national holiday in Hungary. On this day, people go to cemeteries and light candles for their loved ones who have passed away.

As 1 November is a national holiday, on this day, the public transport operates on a less frequent schedule.

Christmas Markets in Budapest

The Christmas Markets in Budapest start every year from mid-November until the beginning of January.

Two of the biggest Christmas Markets in Budapest are the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market and the St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Market.

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, have mulled wine or Hungarian delicacies such as chimney cake, the Christmas markets are a must!

Tips for Visiting Budapest in Autumn

What to Wear in Budapest in Autumn

If you are visiting Budapest in Autumn, the best is to pack clothes that you can wear in layers. Depending on what to pack, also depends on when in Autumn you are visiting Budapest.

The first half of September is still much like summer time in Budapest, so you can wear summer clothes, like T-Shirts, shorts, skirt, sandals, sunhat and sunglasses. Also, best to have a jumper to keep you warm in the evenings.

Towards the end of September, the weather is a little bit colder. Thus, you should pack jeans, and clothes you can wear in layers. T-Shirts, jumpers or a light jacket comes handy.

The weather turns cold in October so in general, it is good to have clothes that you can wear in layers. You should wear clothes, like jeans, T-shirt, jumper, waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, and scarves.

The weather gets even colder in November so it is good to have clothes that you can wear in layers. You can pack clothes like a warm coat, ankle boots, thick socks, jeans, jumper, scarves, gloves.

Public Transport in Budapest

Public transport in Budapest mostly runs as usual in Autumn, except for a few days when there is a national holiday in Hungary.

Usually on national holidays the public transport runs on a less frequent schedule. National holidays in autumn are on 23 October and 1 November.

Otherwise, in general, the public transport in Budapest is well developed and affordable, and it is one of the best ways to get around the city.

The main modes of transport include the metro lines, buses, HÉV trains, trolley buses and there is even a public boat!

The younger people speak good English in Budapest, so if you need directions, you can always ask someone.

Taxis in Budapest

If you want some comfort or save time, you can also get a taxi in Budapest. There are four taxi companies in Budapest: City Taxi, Fő Taxi, Uber and Bolt.

All the taxis in Budapest are regulated under the same rules and fare. Even Uber and Bolt have the same taxi fares as the other Hungarian taxi companies.

Nevertheless, Uber and Bolt is easy to use through their apps. If you already have Uber or Bolt app downloaded on your phone, just log into the app once you are in Budapest and the location will update automatically.

Walking in Budapest

Budapest is walkable city and there are many tourist attractions that are located close to each other.

Autumn is a good time to explore Budapest on foot, although as autumn progresses, the weather turns colder and colder. If the weather is cold, make sure to dress in layers, and wear warm clothes so you don’t feel cold.

FAQs: Budapest in Autumn: Weather & Best Things to Do

Which months are autumn in Budapest?

The Autumn months in Budapest are September, October and November.

Autumn starts off as warm in September and then it gradually turns colder and colder.

Is October a good time to visit to Budapest?

Yes, October is a good time to visit Budapest!

The weather starts to turn cold in October, but there are not that many tourists in the city so it is a great time to explore Budapest.

The best things to do in October in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and see a Hungarian folk dance show or theatre play.

Is Budapest nice in the fall?

Yes, Budapest is nice in the fall!

Autumn is a great time to visit Budapest if you are looking to visit at a time when the weather is not too cold yet and there are not that many tourists.

The best things to do in Autumn in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, and warm up in the thermal baths. From mid-November, the Christmas markets also open up which can get you into the holiday mood.

What to pack for Budapest in October?

The weather starts to turns cold in October so, it is good to have clothes that you can wear in layers. You should pack clothes like jeans, T-shirt, jumper, waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, and scarves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Autumn is a pretty good time to visit Budapest!

If you like the Autumn vibes with falling leaves and not that many tourists around, then autumn is a good choice for you to visit Budapest.

The best things to do in Autumn in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, and warm up in the thermal baths. From mid-November, the Christmas markets also open up which can get you into the holiday vibes.

The average temperature in Budapest in Autumn is between 4-23 °C (39-73 °F). As the temperature is cold, it is good if you bring clothes that you can wear in layers. You can pack clothes like a warm coat, ankle boots, thick socks, jeans, jumper.