Austria (Salzkammergut)
Austria · Europe
The best time to visit Austria (Salzkammergut) is May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 24°C (75°F), with peaks around 31°C (88°F); in winter, nights average -3°C (27°F), dropping to around -11°C (12°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Austria (Salzkammergut) – What you should know
The Salzkammergut is a landscape of lakes and mountains between Salzburg and the Dachstein, with Hallstatt, Wolfgangsee, Attersee, Traunsee and Bad Ischl. Unlike Salzburg, where the city is the sight, this is about water and high-level paths: boat trips, the Schafberg railway, walking by the lake. In July daytime highs average 23°C (73°F), nights 13°C (55°F), and around 31°C (88°F) on the hottest days.
The region lies on the northern rim of the Alps, where clouds bank up: May to August bring 150–180 mm (5.9–7.1 in) a month, with 15 rain days each in May, June and July — rain on every second day, often as persistent steady drizzle. That is the price of the green scenery. Pack rain gear and use fine days flexibly for cable cars and viewpoints.
September is the most settled end to summer at 131 mm (5.2 in) over ten rain days, with 18°C (64°F) by day. In October the foliage turns, with 99 mm (3.9 in) over nine rain days but only four hours of sunshine. Winter is wet and dark, with 2°C (36°F) in January, 126 mm (5.0 in) and 11 rain days — but the villages lie snowy and quiet by the lakes. Hallstatt is most pleasant early in the morning.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)9 (48) | 5° (41°)-3– (27–)12 (54) | 9° (48°)0– (32–)17 (63) | 14° (57°)4– (39–)22 (72) | 18° (64°)8– (46–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)12– (54–)30 (86) | 24° (75°)14– (57–)31 (88) | 23° (73°)13– (55–)30 (86) | 19° (66°)9– (48–)26 (79) | 14° (57°)6– (43–)22 (72) | 8° (46°)0– (32–)16 (61) | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)9 (48) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -3° (27°)-11– (12–)2 (36) | -3° (27°)-11– (12–)2 (36) | 0° (32°)-8– (18–)5 (41) | 4° (39°)-4– (25–)9 (48) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)5– (41–)17 (63) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)18 (64) | 13° (55°)6– (43–)17 (63) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)15 (59) | 6° (43°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 1° (34°)-5– (23–)7 (45) | -2° (28°)-10– (14–)3 (37) |
☀️Sunshine | 3h UV 2 | 5h UV 4 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 7 | 6h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 6h UV 6 | 5h UV 4 | 3h UV 3 | 2h UV 2 |
🌧Rain Days | 11d126mm (5.0") | 8d87mm (3.4") | 10d95mm (3.7") | 8d69mm (2.7") | 15d153mm (6.0") | 15d170mm (6.7") | 15d183mm (7.2") | 13d169mm (6.6") | 10d131mm (5.2") | 9d99mm (3.9") | 7d73mm (2.9") | 10d97mm (3.8") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
April offers great weather in Austria (Salzkammergut) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Austria (Salzkammergut)
December – February
Snow-covered lakes and villages that glow in the twilight: Advent, with its markets, is among the loveliest in the country, and afterwards calm settles. Low cloud is common, but on crisp, clear days the mountains above the water look painted.
March – April
The Salzkammergut is in transition: snow still lies on the summits while the first meadow flowers push through along the shores. Many boats and railways start the season, and the villages are still almost empty. Pack wellies.
May – August
Green slopes, crystal-clear lakes and frequent showers — summer in the Salzkammergut is not dry, but it is lively. Between showers people swim, hike and row. On fine days Hallstatt and Wolfgangsee are correspondingly busy.
September – November
Autumn brings the most settled days of the year and golden foliage around the lakes. On the alpine pastures the cattle drive down to the valley begins, and the inns serve game and pumpkin. In November it turns dark and misty and the region enters its quiet time.
Events & Festivals
January
- Glöcklerlauf· 5 January
On the eve of Epiphany, white-clad "Glöckler" wearing large caps lit from inside run through the villages to drive away evil spirits. The custom originated in Ebensee on Lake Traunsee.
May
- Narcissus Festival (Narzissenfest)· late May
Flower festival in Styria's Ausseerland: figures made from thousands of narcissus blossoms parade past, depending on the year as a boat parade on one of the lakes or through Bad Aussee.
June
- Corpus Christi lake processions· variable (May/June, Corpus Christi)
In Hallstatt and Traunkirchen the procession crosses the lake in decorated boats instead of walking through the village, in Traunkirchen since 1632.
July
- Lehár Festival Bad Ischl· mid-July to late August
Austria's largest operetta festival, held at the Kongress & TheaterHaus in Bad Ischl, the former imperial summer residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Austria (Salzkammergut)?
- The best time to visit Austria (Salzkammergut) is May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Austria (Salzkammergut)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Austria (Salzkammergut) average 24°C (75°F), with peaks around 31°C (88°F); in winter, nights average -3°C (27°F), dropping to around -11°C (12°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Austria (Salzkammergut) get?
- Austria (Salzkammergut) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 11 rain days per month. The driest months are February, April, and November.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
