The best time to visit Austria is from June to September. During these months, you'll find average temperatures in the comfortable teens and low twenties, with plenty of sunshine for exploring Alpine scenery, sightseeing in cities like Vienna and Salzburg, and relaxing by the country's beautiful lakes. This is the busiest time of year, but for fewer crowds and mild weather, you could also visit in late spring or early autumn.
Austria in spring: -2-16°C, a season of fresh blooms and melting snow
Spring sees Austria emerge from winter, with temperatures climbing steadily as the snow melts. While March and April can still bring snow, especially in the mountains, May signals the true start of the warmer weather. It's a great time for city breaks before the summer crowds arrive, although you should be prepared for spring showers, with rainfall increasing towards the end of the season.
Austria in summer: 10-23°C, warm days and lively festivals
Summer is peak season, with average temperatures in the high teens and low twenties. July is the warmest month, with highs reaching 23°C. This is the perfect time for all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking in the Alps to swimming in the Carinthian lakes. It's also the sunniest time of year, particularly in August, but it's worth noting that it's also the wettest, with frequent, short-lived thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons.
Austria in autumn: 0-18°C, golden landscapes and crisp air
Autumn brings a beautiful change to the landscape as temperatures begin to cool. September continues to offer pleasant, sunny days ideal for hiking, while October is known for its crisp air and striking autumn colours. The crowds of summer have thinned, making it a peaceful time to explore, though rainfall remains a possibility and temperatures drop quickly as November approaches.
Austria in winter: -6-2°C, a snowy wonderland for winter sports
Winter in Austria is cold, with average temperatures dropping to between -6°C and 2°C. Snow is common from November through to March, transforming the country into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Cities like Vienna and Innsbruck are magical, with festive Christmas markets and a dusting of snow. January is the coldest month, so be sure to pack plenty of warm layers.
Average weather in Austria by month
Across the year, Austria's climate features warm summers and cold, snowy winters. July is the warmest month with average highs of 23°C, while January is the coldest. The summer months are also the wettest, with August seeing the most rainfall, and February being the driest month of the year. The data below is an average across different regions, so local weather can vary - for example, Vienna is typically warmer than the mountainous Carinthia region.
| Month | Temp (C) | Rainfall (mm/month) | Sunshine (avg hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -6-1°C | 81mm | 3.9 |
| February | -6-2°C | 66mm | 3.5 |
| March | -2-7°C | 69mm | 4.6 |
| April | 1-12°C | 82mm | 5.2 |
| May | 6-16°C | 161mm | 4.5 |
| June | 10-21°C | 165mm | 5.7 |
| July | 11-23°C | 163mm | 6.1 |
| August | 11-22°C | 167mm | 6.7 |
| September | 8-18°C | 119mm | 6.2 |
| October | 4-13°C | 98mm | 6.3 |
| November | 0-7°C | 83mm | 5.3 |
| December | -4-2°C | 88mm | 4.6 |
Best time to visit Austria for skiing and winter sports
For skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying the festive markets, the best time to visit is from December to March. During these months, temperatures are consistently below freezing in the mountains, ensuring excellent snow cover. The country sees significant snow days throughout winter, providing classic alpine conditions for your winter holiday.
Best time to visit Austria for hiking and outdoor activities
The ideal months for hiking and exploring Austria's impressive natural landscapes are from June to September. You'll have long, sunny days and the warmest temperatures of the year, perfect for tackling alpine trails or cycling around the lakes. While summer afternoons can bring showers, they are usually brief, leaving the air fresh and clear.
Best time to visit Austria for city breaks
For exploring cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are fantastic. You'll avoid the peak summer crowds and enjoy mild temperatures that are perfect for walking around. In spring, you'll see the city parks in full bloom, while autumn offers a backdrop of beautiful golden foliage.
