Does it Snow in Budapest? (& 5 Best Snowfall Places Near Budapest)

I am originally from Budapest, and my friends always ask me this one thing about winter in Hungary: “Does it snow in Budapest?” The short answer is that yes, it does snow in Budapest!

Many years ago, Budapest used to receive much more snow than in recent years, but, it still snows some every winter. The most chance of snow in Budapest is around January-February, but sometimes it can also snow in March.

If you are visiting Budapest in winter, some of the best snowfall places near Budapest is in Dobogókő, Kékestető, Mátraszentistván, Eplény and Visegrád. These places are great for a day trip from Budapest and can be accessed easily.

Winter in Hungary

Winter in Hungary typically runs from December to February.

The weather in Hungary in the winter starts to become colder and it receives less daylight. Thus, winter in Hungary is generally characterised as cold and gloomy.

There is still sunlight during the day, but generally, it starts to turn dark around 4 pm in the afternoon.

There is good central heating in Budapest, so once you are inside your hotel or accommodation, you can warm up your place using the heater. When you are outside, just make sure to wear layers, winter coat, hat, gloves and boots and you will be fine.

When is Winter in Hungary?

There are 4 seasons in Hungary: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Winter runs from December to February and it is the coldest time of the year in Hungary.

Seasons in Hungary:

How Cold Does it Get in Hungary?

Winter runs from December to February in Hungary and they are the coldest months during the year.

The average temperature during winter in Budapest is between -3°C to 4.7°C (26.5°F-41°F).

The coldest month of the year in Budapest is January, with average temperature between -3°C to 1.9°C (26.5°F to 35.5°F) .

Budapest monthly temperature chart.
Budapest Temperature Chart (source: Weather Atlas)

Does it Snow in Hungary?

Yes, it generally snows in Hungary between January and February, sometimes it even snows in March.

Many years ago Hungary used to receive a lot of snow in December and you would have snow during Christmas. However, the weather patterns have changed over the years and now there is very little chance of snow during December.

Sometimes, it snows a little in December but it is more like a light snow that comes and melts straight away.

Which Month Does it Snow in Hungary?

It usually snows in Hungary between January and February, sometimes also in March.

Hungary used to receive snow in December many years ago, but as the weather patterns are changing, in recent years there is less and less chance for snow in December.

Does it Snow a Lot in Hungary?

Many years ago, it used to snow a lot in Hungary but over the years, it has snowed less and less.

It has also become more unpredictable of when and how much snow is going to fall each year.

There used to be a lot of snow in December, however, in recent years, it usually snows a little in January and February, and sometimes even in March or April.

Does it Snow in Budapest?

Snow at the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary.
Snow at the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest

Yes, it does snow in Budapest! The most chance of snow in Budapest is between January and February, and sometimes even March.

December has not received much snow in recent years. Sometimes, there is a light snowfall in Budapest in December but it does not last long and melts away quickly.

Winter in Budapest

Winter in Budapest is between December to February, which are the coldest months of the year.

The average lowest temperature in Budapest during winter is around -4 °C to -5 °C, but it usually does not get colder than that.

The nights are the coldest, but there is central heating in Budapest that keeps you warm while you are inside.

Does it Snow in Budapest in November?

It usually does not snow in Budapest in November.

20-30 years ago, it snowed sometimes in November, however, it is very rare for it to snow in Budapest in November in the past few years.

Does it Snow in Budapest in December?

There is a chance for snow in Budapest in December. It used to snow a lot in Budapest in December, however, in recent years, it has not snowed much.

20-30 years ago, you would have big snowfalls in December and around Christmas in Budapest, however, as the weather patterns are changing there is very little or no snowfall in Budapest in December in recent years.

Does it Snow in Budapest in January?

Yes, you have one of the highest chance of snowfall in Budapest in January.

January and February tend to have the highest chance of snowfall in Budapest, although, weather patterns can be unpredictable and change every year.

Does it Snow in Budapest in February?

Yes, there is a high chance for snow in Budapest in February.

After January, February also have a high chance of snowfall in Budapest, although, weather patterns can change every year.

Does it Snow in Budapest in March?

Yes, it does snow sometimes in Budapest in March.

March is the beginning of Spring season in Hungary, thus it is generally a time when flowers start to bloom.

However, due to the changing weather patterns, there have been unexpected snowfall in Budapest in March.

Does it Snow in Budapest at Christmas?

The Christmas Market at St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest.
Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest

In recent years, there is less and less chance of snowfall during Christmas in Budapest.

Many years ago, Budapest used to receive a lot of snow during December and Christmas. However, the weather patterns have changed and now there is not much chance for snow during Christmas.

Sometimes, it snows a little around Christmas but even if it does, it is a very light snow that melts straight away.

Tips for Visiting Budapest in Winter

What to Pack for Snow in Budapest

If you visit Budapest during winter, make sure to pack warm winter clothes.

Clothes you should pack to stay warm during winter in Budapest are winter coat, boots, thick socks, layers, hat, gloves and scarf.

Getting Around in Snow in Budapest

Budapest is a walkable city and there are many places to explore on foot. It might be cold when it snows in Budapest, but it is also very beautiful.

When out and about in the snow, just watch out as the roads and sidewalks can get slippery from the ice.

Best Hotels in Budapest:

📍 Best Budget Hostel: Maverick Budapest Soho

📍 Best Mid-Range Hotel: D50 Hotel

📍 Best High-End Hotel: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The 5 Best Snowfall Places Near Budapest

If you are visiting Budapest in the winter and want to escape the city, there are some nice places nearby where you can spend time in the snowy nature or even go skiing.

Some of the most popular places to see snow or go skiiing near Budapest are in Eplény, Kékestető, Mátraszentistván, Dobogókő and Visegrád. These places can be visited as a day trip, but you can also extend it to 2-3 days so you have more time to explore the place.

1. DOBOGÓKŐ

View of snow in Dobogókő, Hungary.
Dobogókő, Hungary

Dobogókő is 40 km from Budapest and is one of the best places to play in the snow near Budapest. It is a great place to escape Budapest and spend some time in nature.

Dobogókő is 700 meters above sea level and it is also a popular destination all year around for its hiking routes.

In the winter, they also have ski slopes set up, so if you like skiiing, you should definitely visit it. They have 3 ski slopes, with the longest being 1.5 km for beginner level, 1 km for intermediate level and 0.2 km for the most difficult level.

Dobogókő is the easiest to reach by car (you can also rent a car here), but it can also be accessed by public transport. To get from Budapest to Dobogókő, it takes about 45 minutes by car and 1.5 hours by public transport.

2. KÉKESTETŐ

Kékestető is 1,014 meters high and it is famous for being the highest point in Hungary.

Hungary is a flat country with hills, so if you want to see the highest point in Hungary, you should definitely visit Kékestető.

Kékestető is located in the Mátra Hills, 100 km from Budapest. It can be reached in 1.5 hours by car from Budapest. There is public transport (train + bus) that goes there, although that would take around 3 hours.

Thus, if you want to go to Kékestető for a day trip, it is best to go by car. If you go by public transport, it is best to spend at least 1 night at Kékestető, to have more time to explore the area.

Kékestető is a great place for hiking and in the winter, it is also possible to go skiing. They have around 6 ski slopes, with the longest being 1.8 km long. As for tickets, they have half day or 1-3 days long ski tickets.

3. EPLÉNY

Eplény is 120 km from Budapest and can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes from Budapest by car.

Eplény is famous for its skii resorts in the winter. It has 3 ski slopes with different difficulty levels, with the longest one being 5.4 km.

If you visit Eplény during the weekend, you might find that it is too busy, so if you have the chance, it is better to visit on a weekday when there are less visitors.

4. MÁTRASZENTISTVÁN

Mátraszentistván is 112 km from Budapest and it is located in the Mátra Hills.

It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get there by car from Budapest. It is also possible to get there by public transport but it would take more than 3 hours.

It is a great place for a day trip, spend time in nature and they also have ski slopes in the winter. They have 10 ski slopes, all in total 4.3 km long and it is one of the most popular ski slopes near Budapest.

5. VISEGRÁD

Visegrád is 40 km north of Budapest and is located alongside the River Danube. It takes 45 minutes from Budapest to Visegrád by car, and around 1 hour 20 minutes by train.

Visegrád is a historically important place in Hungary and is a great place to visit all year around.

During the winter, it also has a ski slope which is nice to check out. The ski slope is 3 km long, so it is not too long but it is one of the closest to Budapest.

FAQs: Does it Snow in Budapest?

Does Budapest get snow?

Yes, it does snow in Budapest! The most chance of snow in Budapest is between January and February, and even March.

December has not received much snow in recent years. Sometimes, there is a light snowfall in Budapest in December but it does not last long and melts away quickly.

Which month does it snow in Hungary?

It usually snows in Hungary between January and February, sometimes also in March.

Hungary used to receive snow in December many years ago, but as the weather patterns are changing, in recent years there is less and less chance for snow in December.

What is the snowiest month in Budapest?

The snowiest months in Budapest are January and February. Sometimes it even snows in March or April, so the weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Will it snow in Budapest in January?

You have the highest chance of snowfall in Budapest in January.

January and February tend to have the highest chance of snowfall in Budapest, although, weather patterns can be unpredictable and change every year.

How cold does it get in Hungary?

Winter runs from December to February in Hungary and they are the coldest months during the year.

The average temperature during winter in Budapest is between 4.7 C and -3 C. The coldest month of the year in Budapest is January, with average temperature between 1.9 C and -2.7 C.

What are winters like in Budapest?

Winter in Budapest runs between December to February, which are the coldest months of the year.

The average lowest temperature in Budapest during winter is around -4C to -5C, but it usually does not get colder than that.

The nights are the coldest, but there is central heating in Budapest that keeps you warm while you are inside.

Is Budapest snowy at Christmas?

In recent years, there is less and less chance of snowfall during Christmas in Budapest.

Many years ago, Budapest used to receive a lot of snow during December and Christmas. However, the weather patterns have changed and now there is not much chance for snow during Christmas.

Sometimes, it snows a little around Christmas but even if it does, it is a very light snow that melts straight away.

Does it snow a lot in Hungary?

It snows in Hungary but not too much. It used to snow a lot 20-30 years ago, but due to the changing weather patterns, it snows less and less in recent years.

Your best chance to see snow in Hungary is in January and February, and there might even be some snow in March.

Is it worth going to Budapest in winter?

Yes, it is definitely worth going to Budapest in the winter.

The weather is cold in winter, however, in December, you experience Budapest at Christmas and you might even see some snow.

Some of the best things to do in Budapest in winter is to go to the Christmas markets, go ice skating or just chill in one of the warm thermal baths.

Can you go skiing in Hungary?

Yes, you can go skiing in Hungary! Although Hungary does not have high mountains, there are some hills near Budapest that have ski slopes in the winter.

Some of the most popular places for skiing near Budapest are in Eplény, Mátraszentistván, Kékestető, Dobogókő and Visegrád.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, it does snow in Budapest. Many years ago, Budapest used to receive much more snow then in recent years, however, it still snows some every winter.

The most chance of snow in Budapest is around January-February, but sometimes it can even snow in March.

If you are visiting Budapest in winter, some of the best snowfall places near Budapest is in Dobogókő, Kékestető, Mátraszentistván, Eplény and Visegrád. These places are great for a day trip from Budapest and can be accessed easily.

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