Budapest · December
Low seasonHungary · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, ↑ warmestØ day↑ warmest | 4° (39°)12° (54°) | 7° (45°)14° (57°) | 12° (54°)21° (70°) | 18° (64°)25° (77°) | 22° (72°)29° (84°) | 27° (81°)34° (93°) | 29° (84°)35° (95°) | 28° (82°)35° (95°) | 23° (73°)31° (88°) | 17° (63°)24° (75°) | 10° (50°)18° (64°) | 5° (41°)12° (54°) |
Ø night, ↓ coldestØ night↓ coldest | -3° (27°)-13° (9°) | -2° (28°)-10° (14°) | 1° (34°)-7° (19°) | 6° (43°)-1° (30°) | 11° (52°)3° (37°) | 15° (59°)8° (46°) | 17° (63°)10° (50°) | 16° (61°)9° (48°) | 12° (54°)3° (37°) | 7° (45°)-2° (28°) | 3° (37°)-6° (21°) | -1° (30°)-10° (14°) |
☀️Sunshine | 2h UV 2 | 3h UV 3 | 5h UV 5 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 6h UV 6 | 3h UV 4 | 2h UV 2 | 2h UV 2 |
🌧Rain Days | 4d30mm (1.2") | 4d32mm (1.3") | 4d29mm (1.1") | 4d27mm (1.1") | 6d60mm (2.4") | 6d65mm (2.6") | 5d56mm (2.2") | 4d67mm (2.6") | 4d48mm (1.9") | 4d36mm (1.4") | 5d38mm (1.5") | 5d40mm (1.6") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · ↑ warmest day · ↓ coldest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
December is the coldest winter month in Budapest — with highs of only 5°C (41°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, and August.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 5°C (41°F) during the day and drop to -1°C (30°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -10°C (14°F) — frost does occur. With 2 sunshine hours per day and 5 rain days (40 mm (1.6 in)), this is one of the cloudier months.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Packing list for Budapest in December
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Budapest?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Budapest (Score: 22/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, and August.
- How warm is it in Budapest in December?
- In December, Budapest sees daily highs of 5°C (41°F). Nights cool to -1°C (30°F), with a daily average of 2°C (36°F). Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -10°C (14°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Budapest in December?
- In December, Budapest receives an average of 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain over 5 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Budapest get in December?
- Budapest averages 2 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.