An all-season guide to the best time to visit Vienna

Often called the “City of Music,” Vienna is the cultural center of Austria. Whether it’s the spring blossoms at Schönbrunn Palace or the holiday markets, there’s always a reason to visit.

The best time to visit Vienna depends on what you’re into. For outdoor enthusiasts, fall is the best time to hike in the Vienna Woods. Are you into culture? Spring brings the multifaceted Vienna Festival, while fall kicks off the season at the Vienna State Opera.

Whatever your interests, this guide breaks down what to expect each season so you can easily find the best month to visit Vienna.

Choosing the best time to visit Vienna

Best time for outdoor lovers

Spring in Vienna (March to May) means mild weather and blooming parks. It’s the ideal time to explore the Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace Gardens, admire the stunning architecture of the city center, or enjoy outdoor festivals and performances. Cafes begin to set up their outdoor seating to enjoy the sunnier days of spring.

Best time for people on a budget

Winter (January to February) is the cheapest time to visit Vienna, with fewer tourists and affordable accommodation. After the Christmas and New Year’s crowds have left, this is the perfect season for museum hopping, waltzing in Vienna’s ballrooms, and cozy winter strolls.

Best time for sightseeing

Fall (September through November) brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than summer, making it an excellent time to explore the city’s historic UNESCO landmarks like the Schönbrunn Palace and see the famous Hundertwasserhaus. The city’s fantastic museums, classical music venues, and cafes provide a welcome refuge on rainy days.

Vienna throughout the seasons

Spring in Vienna

(March to May)

Spring in Vienna is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Every park in the city is in bloom, including the stunning Stadtpark and the Belvedere Gardens. The winter frost disappears, and temperatures slowly rise to around 68 F (20 C). The city kicks off its first cultural events, such as the music and theater-focused Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) in May and June.

Summer in Vienna

(June to August)

Summer in Vienna brings warm temperatures up to 86 F (30 C) and bustling crowds. The undisputed summer highlights are free outdoor events such as the giant Danube Island Festival and the Rathausplatz Film Festival, as well as concerts and operas. But river cruises on the Danube or hikes and wine tastings in the cooler Vienna Woods are a close second.

Fall in Vienna

(September to November)

Fall in Vienna sees cooler weather, between 39 and 68 F (4 C and 20 C), and a more peaceful atmosphere. During the grape harvest season, visit the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) or the Wachau Valley to taste the finest wines. For cultural events, experience the Vienna International Film Festival (Viennale) in October or enjoy performances at the Vienna State Opera in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Winter in Vienna

(December to February)

Winter transforms Vienna into a magical wonderland of Christmas markets, festive lights, and cozy indoor activities. The Vienna Opera Ball in February and the New Year’s Trail in December are excellent opportunities to practice the Viennese waltz. Average temperatures drop below freezing point, ranging from 28 to 41 F (-2 C to 5 C). This is the perfect time to visit Vienna’s traditional coffee houses and warm up.

January in Vienna

January is a peaceful and budget-friendly time to visit Vienna. Fewer tourists mean quieter streets, and the stunning winter scenery only enhances the city’s historic charm. Visit iconic landmarks like the Schönbrunn Palace and skate on the ice rink at Rathausplatz. Or indulge in a hot chocolate and Sacher torte (a rich chocolate cake with apricot jam filling) at one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses like Café Central or Café Demel. January weather is also ideal for exploring museums such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which houses world-class art collections from the Habsburg dynasty.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 28 F to 37 F (-2 C to 3 C), with a mix of snow and cold winds.

February in Vienna

Any month-by-month guide to Vienna will tell you that February is synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the ballroom dancing season. It’s a time of elegance and tradition, with several grand balls held throughout the city. Get your tickets early to experience the traditional Viennese waltz amidst opulent décor. The city also hosts carnival and indoor cultural events, including performances at the Vienna State Opera. Take advantage of much smaller crowds at the city’s top attractions, including the Spanish Riding School or the Upper Belvedere with Klimt’s “The Kiss.” Ready for some outdoor action? Head to the Semmering Alpine Ski Resort, about an hour southwest of Vienna, for a day of downhill skiing.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 28 F to 41 F (-2 C to 5 C), with occasional snowfalls and chilly evenings.

March in Vienna

March signals the arrival of spring, with milder weather and budding blooms in Vienna’s gardens. Schönbrunn Gardens and Belvedere Palace are in full bloom, perfect for extensive outdoor strolls. Keep an eye out for seasonal art exhibitions at museums like the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and visit the Kunst Haus Wien to learn more about the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Foodies will enjoy the annual Styria Spring Festival on Vienna’s Rathausplatz — a four-day celebration of the delicacies, music, and traditions of this Alpine province. Visitors dress in traditional garments and enjoy Styrian delicacies such as buchteln (sweet rolls, traditionally filled with plum butter).

Weather

Average temperatures range from 37 F to 50 F (3 C to 10 C), with a mix of sunshine and occasional rain.

April in Vienna

April brings warmer temperatures and longer days, making it the ideal month to visit if you love outdoor festivals and markets. Vienna’s parks and gardens are in full bloom, and events such as the Vienna City Marathon and Easter guarantee a lively atmosphere. Browse for souvenirs and culinary treats at the traditional Easter markets, usually held at Schönbrunn Palace, Am Hof, and the Freyung. For history buffs, visiting the Hofburg Palace and its surrounding imperial architecture in April perfectly combines blossoming spring landscapes and an educational experience.

Weather: Average temperatures range from 45 F to 59 F (7 C to 15 C), with mild breezes and sunny days.

May in Vienna

May is one of the most popular months for visiting Vienna. The city buzzes with cultural events, including the Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival), an arts festival featuring opera performances, theater, and dance. Enjoy outdoor concerts like the Fest der Freude (Festival of Joy) on May 8, which commemorates the end of Nazi rule. Local markets and food events like the Genuss Festival give you a taste of Austria’s many flavors. The city’s cafes and traditional eateries, like Figlmüller, offer delightful seasonal menus that reflect the freshness of spring. May is also an excellent time to explore the Vienna Woods, with its extensive forests and vineyards.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 50 F to 68 F (10 C to 20 C), with plenty of sun and occasional showers.

June in Vienna

June brings warm weather and even more outdoor festivals. First, Vienna hosts its annual Pride Festival with a colorful parade. Next, the Vienna Philharmonic performs its popular Summer Night Concert in the park of Schönbrunn Palace. Then, City Hall becomes the stage for the Rathausplatz Film Festival, which features free open-air showings of concerts and a giant food court. For more free music, don’t miss the three-day Danube Island Festival (Donauinselfest), where you can groove to epic live performances by world-class musicians for free. June is also the perfect time to visit Vienna for sunny walks along the Danube Canal or bike rides through the Vienna Woods.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C), with low humidity and plenty of sunshine.

July in Vienna

Wondering what to do in Vienna in July? With outdoor concerts and street festivals popping up everywhere, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in Vienna’s cultural scene. The Rathausplatz Film Festival runs through July, so you can choose between watching opera, classical music, or concerts of other genres on the big screen. Want to see live music off the screen? Jazzfest Wien or Popfest Wien are your best bets. On particularly hot days, cool off at one of Vienna’s many outdoor swimming pools, the Old Danube Recreation Lake, or in the shady forests of the Vienna Woods. Warm evenings are also ideal for grabbing a bite at Naschmarkt, where the food and atmosphere are unbeatable.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 64 F to 81 F (18 C to 27 C), with long sunny days and minimal rainfall.

August in Vienna

August keeps the summer spirit alive with a jam-packed schedule of outdoor events. Sure, it gets crowded with tourists, but that just adds to the excitement. If you missed the free Rathausplatz Film Festival in June or July, don’t worry; the outdoor concerts continue into August. Art lovers can escape the heat at the Albertina Museum, which hosts special exhibitions throughout the summer. Enjoy scenic boat rides on the Danube or wine tastings in the surrounding vineyards. With abundant outdoor activities, August is an excellent time to soak up Vienna's natural and cultural beauty — despite the crowds.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 63 F to 77 F (17 C to 25 C), with low rainfall and comfortable summer evenings.

September in Vienna

September is your chance to enjoy Vienna with fewer crowds. Cooler temperatures make this month perfect for sightseeing, and events like Vienna Design Week add a creative flair to your visit. The fall colors are stunning, so head to the Vienna Woods or Kahlenberg for a hike. If you want to see more than just the city during your stay, visit picturesque Hallstatt or Salzburg on a day trip from Vienna. Even Bratislava in Slovakia isn’t far off. Evenings are still warm enough to explore Vienna’s food scene and historic sites, like St. Stephen’s Cathedral or Karlskirche.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 54 F to 68 F (12 C to 20 C), with minimal rain and pleasant conditions.

October in Vienna

October brings crisp air and vibrant fall colors, making it a picturesque time to visit. Explore outdoor spots like Stadtpark and the Danube Island, or cozy up indoors with museum visits. Plan your visit around the annual Long Night of Museums and gain access to all participating Vienna museums with a single ticket. Vienna’s International Film Festival (Viennale) takes center stage from mid-month, so expect national and international pre-release films and celebrity sightings. If you’re in the mood for beer-fueled fun, celebrate Vienna's Oktoberfest at the Wiener Wiesn Fest or Kaiser Wiesn Fest. Don’t miss the spooky Halloween activities at the end of the month, like exploring Vienna’s Central Cemetery or the city’s hidden underground sites.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 46 F to 59 F (8 C to 15 C), with occasional showers.

November in Vienna

November is all about slowing down and enjoying Vienna’s quieter side. It’s the perfect month for museum-hopping and sipping coffee at classic spots like Café Sacher. As the city gears up for Christmas, charming markets spring up in front of the City Hall, at Belvedere and Schönbrunn palaces, and on Maria-Theresien-Platz, creating a festive atmosphere that warms the soul. In between Christmas markets and Sacher cake servings, why not learn how to make Austrian delicacies like apfelstrudel (sweet, spiced apples and raisins in a flaky crust) or kaiserschmarrn (fluffy, shredded pancakes with raisins and powdered sugar)?

Weather

Average temperatures range from 39 F to 50 F (4 C to 10 C), with increasing rain and cooler evenings.

December in Vienna

December transforms Vienna into a winter wonderland of snow, Christmas markets, and festive lights. It’s the best time to visit Vienna for holiday cheer, with concerts and musicals at the Vienna State Opera, the Mozarthaus, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral adding to the magic. Stroll through beautifully decorated markets and soak up the cultural warmth. If you’re visiting around New Year's, join the locals in celebrating the New Year along the Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Trail). A series of open-air stages with entertainment light up the city center. If you’re up for a bit of Viennese waltzing, head to ballroom dancing classes along the Graben pedestrianized street during the day or join the official midnight waltz in front of City Hall on New Year’s Eve.

Weather

Average temperatures range from 30 F to 39 F (-1 C to 4 C), with snow and winter charm.

Best time to visit Vienna: FAQs

Generated with the help of AI

What are some popular events to attend in Vienna?

Vienna hosts various events throughout the year. The Vienna Opera Ball is a highlight, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage. The Vienna Festival in May and June offers an array of performances, from theater to music. In winter, the Christmas markets are a must-visit, offering festive cheer and local crafts.

What kind of clothing should I pack for a summer visit to Vienna?

During summer, Vienna experiences warm temperatures ranging from 70–85 F (21–29 C). Light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes for exploring are recommended. A hat and sunglasses are also useful for protection against the sun during outdoor activities.

Are there any unique cultural experiences to enjoy in Vienna?

Vienna offers a wealth of cultural experiences. Attending a classical music concert at the Musikverein or the Vienna State Opera is a quintessential experience. Exploring the city’s historic coffee houses provides insight into local culture, and visiting the many art museums showcases Vienna’s artistic heritage.

What are some must-see attractions in Vienna?

Vienna is home to numerous iconic attractions. The Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into imperial history. St. Stephen's Cathedral is a stunning architectural marvel, and the Belvedere Palace houses an impressive art collection, including works by Klimt.

What are some recommended outdoor activities in Vienna?

Vienna offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Prater Park is perfect for leisurely walks and cycling. The Danube Island provides opportunities for swimming and picnicking. Exploring the Vienna Woods offers hiking trails with stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.