What Is the Best Time to Visit Vienna, Austria?
Visiting Vienna, Austria, is an unforgettable experience and one that some old-world lovers put on the top of their bucket list. The city is known for its regal and romantic atmosphere, offering up beautiful historical sites, along with amazing eateries, exquisite architecture, and gorgeous parks. But when should you go for the best experience? Is it worth wearing heavier winter clothing or no? The answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for! The best time to visit Vienna depends on several factors, including your budget, what activities you’d like to do, your temperature preferences, and even your sightseeing and shopping list. If you plan carefully, regardless of the season, you can take advantage of many different experiences and possibly even save money.
The Weather in Vienna Throughout the Year
No matter what season you visit, Vienna will probably feel different than you’re used to. The subtropical/central European climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and brings mostly moderate temperatures year-round. Some examples of common weather conditions are listed in the table below:
| Season | Average Temperatures |
|---|---|
| Spring (March – May) | 9-20C (48-68F) |
| Summer (June – August) | 14-22C (57-72F) |
| Autumn (September – November) | 7-18C (45-64F |
| Winter (December – February) | 1-8C (34-46F) |
Hotel Prices in Vienna by Season
Depending on the time of year you visit Vienna, you can save up to a third of what you’d have to pay during peak season. For example, hotel prices in 2019:
- Peak Season – May through August: average 4-5 star hotel cost can range from €180-200 per night.
- Off Season – September through April: average 4-5 star hotel cost can range from €100-150 per night.
The same budget hotels remain consistently inexpensive all year round, with inexpensive rooms around €70 or lower depending on the exact hotel.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Vienna at Different Times of the Year
Knowing a bit about the weather in Vienna and the average hotel prices throughout the year can help you narrow down when to go for your own ideal vacation. Here are a few pros a cons for each season that may help you make up your mind. Spring:
Pros: Temperatures are milder and more pleasant in spring than in summer, so hopping around Vienna’s landmarks won’t feel prohibitive.
Cons: Depending on which year you visit, Easter may fall during your planned stay. This means prices will be higher than usual and some events may be subject to change.
Summer:
Pros: Warmer weather brings more outdoor activity options and more open attractions, making summer the perfect time to do some sight-seeing.
Cons: Hotel prices are at their highest and many other tourists take vacations during summer as well. You may find yourself waiting in lines for attractions and having to pay more for popular experiences. Autumn:
Pros: Loved by photographers for its beautiful rich colors, autumn in Vienna is still quite warm but there are fewer people around compared to summer.
Cons: Weather can be unpredictable and less pleasant than during summer—cool days and the occasional bit of rain are possible, so packing a light coat is recommended. Winter:
Pros: Winter is often regarded as low season in Vienna and you can find great savings by visiting during this time of year.
Cons: Museums tend to be less busy but also have shorter hours of operation. Some attractions may even close due to bad weather so planning ahead for winter should involve some extra research.
Events and Festivals in Vienna by Season
No matter which season you choose for your trip, there is likely an event that is considered a “must see” during that period. Examples include:
- Vienna’s ball season, taking place during winter, with over 450 festive events.
- May Day Celebrations, taking place throughout May.
- Opera Ball, taking place in February.
- Life Ball, taking place in May/June.
- Jazz Fest Wien, taking place in June.
- Datexplore Festival, taking place in September.
- Vienna Beer Gardens, open throughout summer.
Plan ahead and research any special events or festivals taking place close to the time when you’d like to visit for the best experience possible.
Conclusion – When Is the Best Time to Visit Vienna?
It all depends on what you’d like to experience! If sightseeing is what interests you most, then springtime might be a great option so that you can avoid too much heat (which isn’t preferred when visiting attractions). If you’d rather soak up the sun and make use of outdoor activities while also enjoying a colder Vienna at night, then summer is your best bet. Finally, if budget—particularly hotel expenses—is at the top of your priority list then visiting Vienna in winter might save your wallet some grief. Regardless of when you go however, don’t forget some warmer outerwear—Vienna’s environment does come with wet and sometimes colder weather regardless of the season!
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