The optimal times to explore Austria

In Austria, a landlocked gem at the heart of Europe, you’ll discover breathtaking mountain vistas, iconic road trips, and lively yet distinguished cities. Despite its modest size, Austria offers an abundance of options, whether you seek thrilling outdoor adventures, rich cultural experiences, or a blend of both.

While weather patterns are changing, April and November are generally the rainiest months, with January being the coldest and July the warmest. May and September typically provide the most enjoyable weather conditions.

Planning to ski, hike, or explore the cities? Use our guide to perfectly time your trip to Austria.

For the best hiking experience, aim for May to June and September to October.

Ready to embark on a hiking adventure in the Austrian Alps? Schedule your outdoor trip for May, June, September, or October. Temperatures are pleasant, peaking around 30°C (86°F) in the valleys and cooler at higher elevations. Plus, with early sunrises, you'll enjoy longer days on the trails. Keep in mind that some high-altitude areas may still have snow, so it's wise to check live cams where available. For current weather updates and alerts for various mountain regions in Austria, visit ZAMG (currently only in German, but you can use your browser's auto-translate feature).

During these months, you can find great deals on hotels and alpine lodges. However, be mindful of public holidays, particularly in May and on October 26 (Austria’s national holiday), when accommodations, highways, and trains tend to get crowded quickly.

July and August are ideal for swimming

Summers in Austria can be scorching, leading many to flock to the lakes on weekends or even after work. There's nothing quite like cooling off in the lakes or rivers, such as the Danube, during the delightful months of July and August. Water temperatures vary, but expect refreshing swims in places like Wolfgangsee, Wörthersee, and Attersee during summer.

Nights generally cool down, though recent years have seen some extremely warm nights. Note that most houses and apartments lack air conditioning, while most hotels do have it. Keep this in mind when selecting your accommodations.

Steer clear of cities like Vienna and Salzburg during July and August

If you're planning visits to major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, aim for the shoulder season. Summers bring unbearable heat and crowds in these cities, and tickets to popular attractions often sell out quickly. You'll enjoy a more authentic experience of Austria by choosing April, May, September, or October.

If you find yourself in the cities during summer, rise early (before 8 a.m.) to explore the streets before they fill with crowds.

September and October are the prime months for wine excursions

As temperatures begin to drop and the leaves transition from vibrant green to warm autumn colors, it's the ideal time to explore Austria's wine regions. Visit Wachau in Lower Austria and the southern part of Styria to savor a delightful Brettljause (a platter of local cold cuts and cheeses served with rustic bread), along with wine and Sturm (seasonal fermenting grape juice) at a Heuriger or Buschenschank (small, locally-operated wine taverns).

The prime time for skiing and snowfall is from mid-December to mid-March

Winter sports lovers, especially those who enjoy skiing and snowboarding, should schedule their trips to the Alps between mid-December and mid-March. Be aware that accommodation prices soar during the two-week Christmas break and the February school holidays. Opt for mid-January or March to enjoy the ski resorts in Salzburg, Tyrol, Carinthia, Vorarlberg, or Styria with fewer visitors.

If you seek winter activities outside these peak months, explore the region's glaciers, including the year-round accessible one in Hintertux.

From mid-November to early January, experience festive Christmas markets

Typically, most Christmas markets in Austria kick off on the first weekend of Advent, usually in early December. However, this has shifted a bit in recent years. The Christkindlmarkt at Vienna’s City Hall starts in mid-November and remains open until after the Christmas holidays. Sternadvent in Salzburg is one of the longest-running, lasting until early January. To secure good accommodations, it's wise to plan ahead and book in advance. Ideally, choose Christmas markets accessible by public transport, so you can enjoy a warm mug of mulled wine or two without worry.

Discover Austria’s cultural richness throughout the year

Austria offers excitement every day of the year. From Easter processions in Tyrol and Styria to spring festivals like Narzissenfest and Steiermark-Frühling, the world-famous Salzburger Festspiele in summer, cattle processions in the Alps during autumn, or unique Christmas customs such as Krampus or Perchten in December, you'll craft a remarkable itinerary filled with unforgettable experiences, no matter when you visit.

Planning a trip to Austria? Here’s more expert advice:

• Check out our top tips for getting around in Austria

• Make sure to see the best things to do in Austria

• Include these destinations in your itinerary