Budapest in November: Weather & 15 Best Things to Do (2025)
PLANNING A TRIP TO BUDAPEST IN NOVEMBER?
I’m originally from Budapest and while the weather is cold in November, it is not proper winter yet.
If you like the autumn vibes with falling leaves and less tourists around, then November is a good time for you. The Christmas markets also open from the mid-November, so it is a good palce to start to get into the holiday spirit.
The average temperature in Budapest in November is between 4-10 °C (39-50 °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.
The best things to do in November in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and go to the Christmas markets.
So, here is everything you need to know about visiting Budapest in November, including the weather, what to wear, festivals and best things to do!
Budapest Weather in November
November is proper autumn season in Hungary, and the weather is cold and gloomy.
There can also be a little bit of rain in November, but it usually doesn’t last long. The chance of snow in November is very low, as it usually snows in Budapest between January-February.
In November, the days are shorter and gets dark in late afternoon. The sun usually sets around 4-4:30 pm.
Budapest Temperature in November
The average temperature in Budapest in November is between 4-10 °C (39-50 °F).
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 Budapest Cold in November?
Yes, Budapest is cold in November. The daytime temperature is around 10 °C (50 °F) and there can be occacional rainfall.
The average night time temperature drops to 4 °C (39 °F) in November. Thus, evenings are cold in Budapest and you should prepare with wearing warm clothes, coat and boots.
Does it Snow in Budapest in November?
There is a very low chance of snow in Budapest in November.
20-30 years ago there used to be snow in November but as the weather patterns are changing, it now mostly snows in January-February.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Budapest?
Yes, November is a good time to visit Budapest if you don’t mind the cold and want to visit Budapest at a time when it is not too crowded with tourists.
November is shoulder season in Budapest, and there are not as many visitors as during summer or the Christmas holidays.
The Christmas markets start around 15 November every year, which make the second half of November more exciting.
The best things to do in November in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and go to the Christmas markets.
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Crowds
November is during the autumn shoulder season in Budapest when there are less tourists in the city.
November is a good time to visit Budapest if you want to visit at a time when there are not many tourists.
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.
Prices
November is shoulder season in Budapest, and the prices are lower during this time.
The prices for hotels are higher during the summer and Christmas, but in November you can still catch some good deals.
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.
Hotels in Budapest
📍 Budget Hostel: Maverick City Lodge
📍 Mid-Range Hotel: D50 Hotel
📍 High-End Hotel: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Best Things to Do in Budapest in November
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 is cold in November so you should dress up in warm clothes 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.
Top 5 Attractions in Budapest:
- Hungarian Parliament
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Buda Castle
- Heroes’ Square
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
2. VISIT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The Christmas Markets open in mid-November in Budapest and that makes the second half of November much more fun to be in Budapest.
November is still not that crowded in Budapest and if you want to start to get 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.
3. WARM UP 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, including November. 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 is cold in November, so it is a great time for the warm water baths! They also have outdoor warm water baths which can be fun when it’s cold outside.
Two of the most popular thermal baths are the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath.
✅ Get a Full Day Pass to Széchenyi Thermal Bath here! (Rated 4.3/5 ⭐ on 16,293 Reviews)
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. TRY 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 known 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.
Some of the most popular Hungarian dishes are:
- Goulash soup
- Pörkölt (beef or pork stew)
- Stuffed cabbage
- Lángos (deep fried dough with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It’s more like a snack)
- Chimney cake (dessert)
- Hortobágyi pancake (crepe filled with meat)
- Cherry soup
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 cost USD 56.
🥘 Join a Budapest Food Tour or Hungarian Wine Tasting here!
Best restaurants in Budapest for Hungarian food:
5. 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 in the evening lights.
The weather is cold in November, so it is cold on the outer decks of the boat. There are indoor, heated seating areas on the boats, but if you want to take the best photos, you have to go out on the decks which might feel cold.
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 need a warm coat, hat and scarves.
✅ Book a Cruise on the River Danube here! (Rated 4.6/5 ⭐ on 31,530 Reviews)
6. WATCH THE LIGHTSHOW AT LUMINA PARK
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.
7. SEE A MUSEUM EXHIBITION
Escape the cold and gloomy November weather, and 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.
Some of the best museums in Budapest are:
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Museum of Ethnography (‘Néprajzi Múzeum’ in Hungarian)
- House of Terror
- Hall of Arts (or Palace of Arts, it is called ‘Műcsarnok‘ in Hungarian)
- Ludwig Museum
- House of Hungarian Music
- Hungarian National Museum: learn about the history of Hungary
- Budapest History Museum: inside Buda Castle, learn about history of Hungary
8. 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 costs around HUF 17,000-45,000 (USD 45-115), depending on the seat you book.
It is very popular in Budapest to watch theatre shows when the weather turns cold, so you should book your ticket well in advance.
9. 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!
10. 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 is cold in November so you will have to wear warm clothes but it should not stop you from enjoying Budapest’s nightlife.
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.
11. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO SZENTENDRE
The weather is cold and chilly in November in Budapest, but it is still nice to go on a day trip. I once visited Szentendre in January and although it was cold, it was still fun!
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.
12. VISIT THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE
The Great Synagogue in Budapest is the largest Synagogue 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.
13. WALK ALONG THE RIVER DANUBE
The weather is cold in November, so you have to dress in warm clothes to keep you warm outside. Nevertheless, exploring Budapest on foot can be done anytime, you just have to dress appropriately for the 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 cost USD 10-70.
🚌 Join a Hop-on Hop-off Tour to relax while exploring Budapest!
14. 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.
15. 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.
Events in Budapest in November
- All Saint’s Day: 1 November
- Lumina Park Light Show: from end of October to March every year
- Christmas Markets: 15 November to 31 December/1 January every year
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.
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.
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 November
What to Wear in Budapest in November
The daytime temperature in Budapest in November is around 10 °C (50 °F), so when packing for Budapest, it is good to have clothes that you can wear in layers.
You should pack clothes like a warm coat, ankle boots, thick socks, jeans, jumper, scarves, gloves.
The average night time temperature drops to 4 °C (39 °F) in November. Thus, evenings are cold in Budapest and you should prepare with wearing warm clothes, coat and boots.
There can also be some sporadic rains, so good to have an umbrella and waterproof shoes to withstand the rain.
Public Transport in Budapest
Public transport in Budapest mostly runs as usual in November. 1 November is a national holiday in Hungary, so on that day the public transport runs on a less frequent schedule.
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 and there are many tourist attractions that are located close to each other.
The weather is cold in November so you should dress up in warm clothes (in layers) to keep you warm while you are out exploring the city.
Some of the best places to explore on foot in Budapest are:
- Route 1: Deák Ferenc Square – St. Stephen’s Basilica – Shoes on the River Danube – Parliament – Margaret Island
- Route 2: Deák Ferenc Square – cross the Chain Bridge – take the Funicular to Buda Castle – Buda Castle – Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church
- Route 3: Fisherman’s Bastion/Matthias Church – Buda Castle – Gellért Hill/Citadella – Gellért Thermal Bath
- Route 4: Opera – House of Terror – Heroes’ Square – City Park + Vajdahunyad Castle – Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Budapest Monthly Guides
Not sure about visiting Budapest in November? Check out my Budapest monthly travel guides!
Budapest Seasonal Guides
Want to visit Budapest at another time? Check out my Budapest seasonal guides!
FAQs: Budapest in November
Is November a good time to go to Budapest?
Yes, November is a good time to visit Budapest if you don’t mind the cold and want to visit Budapest at a time when it is not too crowded with tourists.
The Christmas markets start around 15 November every year, which make the second half of November more exciting.
The best things to do in November in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and go to the Christmas markets.
What is happening in Budapest in November?
There are not that many events in Budapest in November but there are a few events that make the second half of November a pretty good time to visit.
The Christmas markets in Budapest open from mid-November, so it is a great time to start to get into the festival vibes. The Light show in Lumina Park is also open during November, which is pretty cool.
In general, there are many activities you can do in Budapest at any time of the year, including river cruises, thermal baths, museum exhibitions and sightseeing.
What time does it get dark in Budapest in November?
The days are shorter in November as the weather turns from autumn to winter. It usually starts to get dark in the afternoon, with the sunset between 4-4:30 pm.
Will it snow in Budapest in November?
There is a low chance of snow in Budapest in November. There can be small chance of snow but only snow that melts away quickly.
The most chance of snow in Budapest is between January and February.
What do you wear in Budapest in November?
The weather is cold in November in Budapest so in general, 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, weather is cold in November but it is not proper winter yet.
If you like the autumn vibes with falling leaves and less tourists around, then November is a good time for you. The Christmas markets also open from the mid-November, so it is a good palce to start to get into the holiday spirit.
The average temperature in Budapest in November is between 4-10 °C (39-50 °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.
The best things to do in November in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and go to the Christmas markets.
Hungary Trip Planning
✈️ Book Flights to Hungary:
Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner or Kiwi.com!
🏠 Book Hotels for Hungary:
Booking.com: best budget, mid-range and luxury hotels.
Hostelworld.com: best for cheapest hostels!
(P.S: The best areas in Budapest are District 5 and 6, right in the city center)
🥘 Book Activities for Hungary:
Book the best activities, tours and day trips on GetYourGuide and Viator. There is everything from river cruises, thermal baths and walking tours to food tours and pub crawls!
🎒 Get Travel Insurance for Hungary: Be on the safe side and get the SafetyWing Travel Insurance – one of the most affordable international travel insurances!
💳 Get Your Travel Cards: Wise and Revolut have travel cards that you can top up with multiple currencies. They have great exchange rates and you can easily use them for payments in shops and restaurants worldwide.
✅ Check out my complete list of travel resources to plan your trip!
Hungary Quick Guide
How to get from the Budapest Airport to City Center?
The 3 easiest way to get from the Budapest Airport to the city center is by taking the airport shuttle bus, taxi, or pre-booking a private transfer.
For more information, check out how to get from the Budapest Airport to city center here.
Should I get a Hungarian SIM card?
If you don’t get free roaming in Budapest, then the best thing to do is to get an Airalo eSIM for Hungary.
They have packages for 7, 15 or 30 days and the prices are affordable.
Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Hungary?
Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Hungary, including apps for booking taxis, using public transport, ordering food, or translating.
Check out my list of the most useful apps in Budapest for travellers.
What is the currency in Budapest? Can I pay by cash or card?
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
You can use both cash and cards in Budapest. Card payments are widely accepted all over Budapest and it is only the small shops or street vendors that take only cash payments.
Is the public transport good in Budapest?
Yes! The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and affordable.
The main modes of transport in Budapest are the metro, buses, HÉV trains, trolley buses and there are even public boats!
If you want to save some time or comfort, taking a taxi is a good option. When booking a taxi in Budapest, you can either hail a regular taxi or book one through a taxi app (Uber or Bolt).
Can I drink tap water in Budapest?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Budapest (and all across Hungary).
The tap water goes through a strict water treatment process in Hungary which makes it safe to drink for everyone.
Do they speak English in Budapest?
Yes, people speak good English in Budapest, especially the younger generation.
The older population may not speak English that well, so if you have to ask for information, the best is to approach someone who is younger.
In most tourist places, hotels, restaurants and bars, the staff has a good level of English, so you will get by easily.
