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Austrian mountain village in summer

When is the best time to visit Austria?

The best time to visit Austria for outdoor activities like hiking and boating is during their summer, between June and August. There are more crowds than in other seasons, but these are less overwhelming than those you’ll find in destinations like France or Italy.

The best time to visit Austria for winter sports is between December and February. There are ample opportunities to ski or snowboard in the lofty Alpine peaks, where you can admire the snowy mountainscapes. The cities and villages blossom with Christmas markets, bringing lights and festivities each December.

Austria has hot summers, with temperatures in the early-to-mid seventies, and cold winters of around 0°C to -3°C. Between these two seasons, you’ll find months with lighter crowds, and cool daytime temperatures that become chilly in the evenings. However, it’s rarely too sweltering or biting to enjoy the region, making it a year-round destination.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Austria

Snow-covered Hallstatt

Visiting Austria in January - February

Snow turns the Alps into a playground for winter sports, including ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing. You can visit a variety of competitions. The weather in the higher elevations is very cold and windy, so pack accordingly.

In the cities, the weather is more moderate, with temperatures usually above freezing during the day. Hearty visitors there to see the cultural sights will find good value at hotels, thin crowds and cityscapes transformed by the snow.

Mountain scenes in the Austrian Alps

Visiting Austria in March - May

The weather is still chilly this time of year, with daytime temperatures hovering between the 10 to 17°C in the cities. This translates to thinner crowds, meaning the hotels offer good value. Winter sports are less certain in the mountains, but it’s a lovely time to explore the cities.

Vienna's City Hall

Visiting Austria in June - August

The summer months are hot but not sweltering and offer ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. Venture to the mountains for hiking and the lake district towns of Saint Wolfgang and Hallstatt to enjoy the water. You’ll find plenty of other visitors, both international and local, but the crowds are bustling rather than pressing.

Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg

Visiting Austria in September - November

Summer crowds thin as the temperatures start to dip, making this a good time to enjoy both the cities and countryside. You’ll find better value at hotels and the atmosphere is a bit quieter with fewer visitors.

Vienna's Christmas market

Visiting Austria in December

Despite the cold weather and snow, December is often one of the busiest months in Austria thanks to the wealth of Christkindlmarkts. Stalls strung with festive lights pop up in cities and towns across the country, selling seasonal food and drink, as well as Christmas gifts. There’s often entertainment, as well.

Austria Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Innsbruck 0°C 46mm 2°C 45mm 6°C 52mm 10°C 66mm 14°C 100mm 18°C 120mm 20°C 133mm 19°C 124mm 17°C 82mm 12°C 57mm 5°C 59mm 1°C 49mm
Salzburg 2°C 74mm 4°C 71mm 8°C 78mm 13°C 97mm 18°C 126mm 21°C 167mm 23°C 176mm 22°C 157mm 19°C 99mm 14°C 79mm 7°C 84mm 2°C 88mm
Vienna 2°C 31mm 4°C 32mm 10°C 35mm 16°C 43mm 20°C 62mm 23°C 72mm 26°C 68mm 25°C 61mm 21°C 42mm 15°C 37mm 8°C 46mm 3°C 36mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Austria, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.

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