Hungary, month by month

1. JanuaryMixedCold and grey; thermal baths at their best in the steam.Budapest and the north: cool · Lake Balaton: cool · Great Plain and south: coolCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
2. FebruaryMixedCheap; Mohács Busójárás carnival in the south (late February or early March).Budapest and the north: cool · Lake Balaton: cool · Great Plain and south: coolCrowds: Low
3. MarchMixedSpring starts; 15 March national holiday.Budapest and the north: cool · Lake Balaton: cool · Great Plain and south: coolCrowds: Low · 4 festivals or holidays
4. AprilGoodMild, blossom on Margaret Island; Easter.Budapest and the north: fine · Lake Balaton: cool · Great Plain and south: fineCrowds: Medium · 3 festivals or holidays
5. MayGreatOne of the best months; outdoor terraces open.Budapest and the north: best weather · Lake Balaton: fine · Great Plain and south: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 4 festivals or holidays
6. JuneGreatWarm, long days; Balaton season opens.Budapest and the north: best weather · Lake Balaton: best weather · Great Plain and south: best weatherCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
7. JulyMixedHot; Balaton full; Budapest heat spells.Budapest and the north: hot · Lake Balaton: best weather · Great Plain and south: hotCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
8. AugustMixedSziget Festival and 20 August fireworks; book early.Budapest and the north: hot · Lake Balaton: best weather · Great Plain and south: hotCrowds: High · 3 festivals or holidays
9. SeptemberGreatBest month overall: wine harvest, warm days, fewer crowds.Budapest and the north: best weather · Lake Balaton: fine · Great Plain and south: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
10. OctoberGreatAutumn colour, wine festivals; 23 October holiday.Budapest and the north: best weather · Lake Balaton: cool · Great Plain and south: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 3 festivals or holidays
11. NovemberMixedGrey and quiet; Christmas markets open late in the month.Budapest and the north: cool · Lake Balaton: cool · Great Plain and south: coolCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
12. DecemberMixedChristmas markets at Vörösmarty tér and the Basilica; closures on 24–26 December.Budapest and the north: cool · Lake Balaton: cool · Great Plain and south: coolCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Hungary, side by side.

How each climate zone rates each month.