Last checked: October 2026
The best time to visit Austria depends on your plans. June to August suits hiking and lakes, December to March suits skiing, and April, May, September and October are quieter shoulder months for city breaks. November and December add Christmas markets. Summer and ski season are the busiest and most expensive periods.
Austria weather by season
Austria has four clear seasons. Summer days are warm, with average highs around the low 20s °C (low 70s °F) in many travel-weather summaries, and afternoon showers are usually brief. Winter days often stay around freezing, and snow is reliable in the Alps. Spring and autumn are mild but changeable, so pack layers. The Alps cool quickly with elevation, and weather near mountain passes can change fast.
Austria month by month
| Month | Weather and crowds | What is on |
|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, with the best snow in the Alps. Ski resorts are busy. | Vienna ball season, and Mozartwoche in Salzburg |
| February | Cold and snowy. Good for skiing. | Vienna Opera Ball on 4 February 2027 |
| March | Late ski season, with end-of-winter deals in some places. | Salzburg Easter Festival, 20 to 29 March 2027 |
| April | Shoulder season. Spring flowers appear. | Easter markets and traditions |
| May | Pleasant weather before the summer crowds. | Narzissenfest in Ausseerland, 27 to 30 May 2027 |
| June | Start of summer. Good for hiking and lakes. | Open-air events begin |
| July | Warm and busy. Lakes are popular. | Salzburg Festival, Bregenz Festival from 21 July 2027, and Vienna’s film festival |
| August | Peak season in Austria. | Festivals continue, and the Bregenz Festival ends on 22 August 2027 |
| September | Mild and often settled, with fewer crowds. | Harvest season in wine regions |
| October | Autumn colour. Cooler, with shorter days. | National Day on 26 October |
| November | Cold, with early snow in the mountains. | Christmas markets begin, and Schönbrunn’s market opens on 6 November 2026 |
| December | Ski season opens, and Christmas travel is busy. | Vienna’s Rathausplatz market runs to 26 December, and Salzburg’s market runs to 1 January 2027 |
Event dates come from the Austrian National Tourist Office and published 2026 schedules, and organisers can change them. Check each event’s official page.
Weather by region
- Vienna and the east: warm in summer and cold in winter, with fewer mountains and generally lower rainfall than the Alps.
- Salzburg and the Salzkammergut: lakes and mountains, with regular rain. Waterproof layers help in any season.
- Tyrol and Vorarlberg: the main ski areas. Snow can arrive early and linger at higher elevations.
- Carinthia: lakes such as Wörthersee are popular for swimming in summer.
Christmas markets and winter events
Most Christmas markets open in the second half of November, though some large Vienna markets open earlier. Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is listed for 19 November 2026 to 1 January 2027, and Vienna’s Rathausplatz market is listed from mid-November to 26 December. Different sources show 13 or 14 November for Vienna, so confirm the date on the official site.
Ramadan and other holidays
Ramadan is not a public holiday in Austria. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, depending on moon sighting, which falls in the ball season and the ski season, so book early. National Day is on 26 October, and shops are generally closed on Sundays and public holidays. If you are fasting, ask your hotel about meal timing and check opening hours in advance.
Best months by trip type
- Choose June to August if you want hiking, lakes and festivals.
- Choose December to March for skiing. January is often the best month for snow, and December is usually the most expensive.
- Choose April, May, September or October for city breaks with fewer crowds.
- Choose late November to December for Christmas markets.
- Choose January to February if you want the Vienna ball season.
- Choose July to August for classical music at the Salzburg and Bregenz festivals.
What to pack
- Layers, because mountain weather changes quickly
- A waterproof jacket in any season
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled old towns
- Warm clothes, a hat and gloves for winter
- Sun protection for summer hikes
- A small day pack and a refillable bottle for mountain trips
Common mistakes
- Visiting a ski area in early December and expecting guaranteed snow.
- Booking Christmas market dates without confirming the opening day.
- Planning a Sunday shopping trip.
- Underestimating mountain weather and starting a hike late.
FAQs
When does ski season start in Austria?
Ski season generally runs from early December to late March, according to travel operators, with the best snow often in January. Opening dates vary by resort and snow conditions, so check each resort’s own page.
What is the cheapest time to visit Austria?
Shoulder months such as March, April and late October to November are usually cheaper than summer or ski peaks, according to travel guides. Prices still rise around Easter and festival dates.
Is Austria good to visit in autumn?
Yes. September and October are shoulder months with autumn colour and good conditions for cycling and hiking in lower hills. Days are shorter, so plan outdoor activities earlier.
Once you have picked a season, choose stops from the best places to visit in Austria, plan your route with the Austria itineraries, and check how winter conditions affect travel in the getting around Austria guide.