Budapest · January
Low seasonHungary · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 4° (39°)-4– (25–)12 (54) | 7° (45°)-2– (28–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)4– (39–)21 (70) | 18° (64°)9– (48–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)13– (55–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)19– (66–)34 (93) | 29° (84°)20– (68–)35 (95) | 28° (82°)20– (68–)35 (95) | 23° (73°)14– (57–)31 (88) | 17° (63°)9– (48–)24 (75) | 10° (50°)2– (36–)18 (64) | 5° (41°)-3– (27–)12 (54) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -3° (27°)-13– (9–)5 (41) | -2° (28°)-10– (14–)5 (41) | 1° (34°)-7– (19–)9 (48) | 6° (43°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 11° (52°)3– (37–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)20 (68) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)21 (70) | 16° (61°)9– (48–)21 (70) | 12° (54°)3– (37–)18 (64) | 7° (45°)-2– (28–)13 (55) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)8 (46) | -1° (30°)-10– (14–)5 (41) |
☀️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 · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
January is the coldest winter month in Budapest — with highs of only 4°C (39°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, and August.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 4°C (39°F) during the day and drop to -3°C (27°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -13°C (9°F) — frost does occur. With 2 sunshine hours per day and 4 rain days (30 mm (1.2 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 January
- 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 January a good time to visit Budapest?
- No — January is not among the recommended months for Budapest (Score: 25/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, and August.
- How warm is it in Budapest in January?
- In January, Budapest sees daily highs of 4°C (39°F). Nights cool to -3°C (27°F), with a daily average of 1°C (34°F). Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -13°C (9°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Budapest in January?
- In January, Budapest receives an average of 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain over 4 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Budapest get in January?
- Budapest averages 2 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.