Weather in Vienna

Climate in in Vienna: best time to visit, weather by month, temperature

Leaving for the Austrian capital? Pack the right clothes by consulting the Vienna weather forecast for the next few days! They are also useful for those who are planning a last-minute stay and want to have an idea of the temperatures they will find.

The good news is that whatever the weather forecast for Vienna says, you can be sure of an unforgettable holiday. The Austrian capital has a wealth of outdoor attractions, such as beautiful parks and squares, and indoor attractions, including of course the sumptuous Habsburg palaces; even the famous Prater Ferris wheel is equipped for all climates!

Vienna’s climate is continental, which means you can generally expect to find a very harsh winter with snowfall and a summer so hot that it wouldn’t hurt to have air conditioning in your hotel.

Rainfall is more frequent in the summer months, so even if you are travelling in August, check the forecast to see if you will need an umbrella.

Spring in Vienna (March-May)

Viennese spring is characterised by highly variable weather, with temperatures gradually rising from 5-10°C in March to 15-20°C in May. March can still reserve late snowfalls and night frosts, while April is the transition period with alternating sunny days and sudden spring showers. May is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and nature in full bloom.

Rainfall increases in spring, with April and May among the rainiest months of the year (60-70 mm monthly). Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, generally brief but intense. Sunshine hours gradually increase, from 4-5 hours in March to 7-8 hours in May. Winds can still be strong, especially in March and April.

Spring is the ideal time to visit Vienna’s historic gardens: Schönbrunn Park, Belvedere, Prater and Volksgarten burst with colour with cherry trees, magnolias, tulips and the famous Viennese roses. The mild temperatures allow for long walks along the Ring and through the streets of the city centre. Recommended clothing: waterproof jacket, layered clothing, umbrella always at hand.

Summer in Vienna (June-August)

The Viennese summer is hot and sunny, with average temperatures between 20°C and 27°C. July and August are the hottest months, with highs frequently reaching 30-35°C during heat waves, which have become increasingly common in recent years due to climate change. Nights remain relatively cool (15-18°C), offering relief after scorching days.

Summer precipitation is mainly concentrated in afternoon or evening thunderstorms, often accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts. June is statistically the wettest month of the year (around 70-80 mm), while July and August see less frequent rainfall. The days are long, with sunset arriving after 9pm in June, allowing maximum use of daylight hours.

Summer is perfect for enjoying Vienna outdoors: concerts in the parks, cruises on the Danube, aperitifs in the roof gardens, swimming in historical swimming pools such as the Schönbrunner Bad and walks along the Donaukanal. Summer festivals enliven the city with free events. Recommended clothing: light clothes in natural fabrics, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light jacket for evenings.

Autumn in Vienna (September-November)

Vienna’s autumn is characterised by a gradual cooling down, with temperatures dropping from 15-20°C in September to 5-10°C in November. September, often called ‘St Martin’s summer’, still offers warm and sunny days, while October presents the typical autumn alternation of sun and rain. November turns cold and grey, with frequent morning fog and the first night frosts.

Autumn rainfall is moderate but persistent, with October and November seeing around 40-50 mm of precipitation per month, often in the form of continuous drizzle rather than thunderstorms. Sunshine hours decrease rapidly, from 6-7 hours in September to 2-3 hours in November. Autumn foliage peaks in late October, painting parks and forests red and gold.

Autumn is the ideal season for culture: theatres reopen in the new season, classical music concerts fill the historic halls, museums are less crowded. The Vienna Woods offer wonderful hikes amidst the autumn colours. In November, the Christmas markets begin. Recommended clothing: medium jacket, jumper, mackintosh, comfortable shoes and umbrella.

Winter in Vienna (December-February)

The Viennese winter is cold and often snowy, with temperatures ranging between -5°C and 3°C. December and January are the coldest months, with lows that can drop to -10°C or -15°C during frost waves from Siberia. Snowfalls are frequent but generally not abundant: Vienna receives an average of 30-40 cm of snow during the entire winter season, with accumulations rarely exceeding 10-15 cm per single event.

Sunshine is scarce during this period, with only 2-3 hours of light per day in December and January. Days are short, with sunset arriving as early as 16:00-16:30. Humidity is high, making the perception of cold more intense: a classic damp chill that penetrates the bones. The wind can blow intensely along the Danube and in the wide squares of the centre, creating a significant wind-chill.

Despite the cold, winter is one of the most magical times to visit Vienna thanks to the Christmas markets, the New Year Concert and the imperial ball season. Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere are particularly impressive with the snow cover. Recommended clothing: heavy coat, scarf, gloves, cap and waterproof shoes with non-slip soles.