Vienna has a transitional climate between oceanic (Koppen Cfb) and humid continental (Dfb). The city sits at 190 metres elevation on the Danube River, with the Vienna Woods to the west moderating wind and the Pannonian Plain to the east bringing hot summer air. Winters are cold and grey; summers are warm with frequent thunderstorms. The city averages 620mm of precipitation annually, significantly drier than western Austria.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hrs) | Snow Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3 / 37 | -3 / 27 | 38 | 65 | 9 |
| Feb | 6 / 43 | -1 / 30 | 42 | 91 | 7 |
| Mar | 11 / 52 | 2 / 36 | 46 | 139 | 4 |
| Apr | 16 / 61 | 6 / 43 | 49 | 192 | 1 |
| May | 21 / 70 | 10 / 50 | 66 | 238 | 0 |
| Jun | 24 / 75 | 14 / 57 | 72 | 234 | 0 |
| Jul | 26 / 79 | 16 / 61 | 70 | 257 | 0 |
| Aug | 26 / 79 | 15 / 59 | 67 | 241 | 0 |
| Sep | 21 / 70 | 11 / 52 | 57 | 173 | 0 |
| Oct | 15 / 59 | 7 / 45 | 42 | 128 | 0 |
| Nov | 8 / 46 | 2 / 36 | 50 | 66 | 4 |
| Dec | 4 / 39 | -1 / 30 | 46 | 51 | 8 |
Vienna Weather in December to February: Winter
Winter in Vienna is cold, grey, and often snow-dusted. January is the coldest month with highs of 3C (37F) and lows of -3C (27F). Snow falls on 8-9 days per month in December and January, but the city centre only sees accumulation that stays for 10-15 days per winter due to the urban heat island effect. The real winter magic happens when snow blankets the Vienna Woods and the Christmas markets: expect freezing fog (Hochnebel) on many mornings, lifting reluctantly by midday. Daylight is short: sunrise around 7:45 AM, sunset by 4 PM in December. The famous Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz runs mid-November to December 26, drawing 3 million visitors. February is marginally warmer (6C / 43F highs) and brighter with 91 hours of sunshine. Pack thermal layers, waterproof boots, and a good coat; the wind along the Danube and Donaukanal cuts through clothing fast.
Vienna Weather in March to May: Spring
Spring transforms Vienna from grey to green rapidly. March warms to 11C (52F) but nights still dip to 2C (36F), and snow can fall through the first week. April is a genuine turning point at 16C (61F) with 192 hours of sunshine and the city’s parks exploding with magnolia, cherry blossoms, and chestnut blooms. May brings summer-like warmth (21C / 70F highs) and 238 hours of sunshine. The Schanigarten season (outdoor cafe seating) legally opens March 1 and is in full swing by April. Rainfall increases to 66mm in May, the wettest month, often arriving as afternoon thunderstorms. The Steinhofgründe park in the 14th district has the best spring wildflower displays. April and May are the driest-feeling months despite May’s rainfall number because sunshine hours are high and rain passes quickly.
Vienna Weather in June to August: Summer
Vienna summers are warm and often humid, with July and August both averaging 26C (79F) highs. Heatwaves from the Pannonian Plain push temperatures above 33C (91F) for 10-15 days per summer. The concrete-heavy inner city traps heat, making the Innere Stadt feel 3-5C warmer than weather station readings. Air conditioning is not universal in older buildings and some mid-range hotels; check before booking for July-August stays. June and July are the rainiest months (72mm and 70mm), mainly as evening thunderstorms that clear quickly. The Donauinsel (Danube Island), a 21-kilometre artificial island, is the city’s summer escape with free beaches, barbecue areas, and water sports. The Alte Donau (Old Danube) has lidos charging 5-7 euros for day access with swimming, paddleboats, and restaurants on the water. August humidity averages 70 percent but sunshine stays high at 241 hours. For relief from city heat, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) reachable by tram 43 or bus 38A offers trails that are 5-8C cooler.
Vienna Weather in September to November: Autumn
September is arguably Vienna’s finest month: 21C (70F) highs, 173 hours of sunshine, clear skies, and the summer crowds gone. The wine taverns (Heurigen) in the northern districts of Grinzing, Neustift, and Nussdorf open their autumn harvest season, serving young wine (Sturm) and traditional food in garden settings through October. October cools to 15C (59F) but remains pleasant with the Vienna Woods showing spectacular autumn colours. The long-distance hiking trail Stadtwanderweg 1 through the Lainzer Tiergarten is at its best in October. November is the bleakest month with only 66 hours of sunshine (barely 2 hours per day), 8C (46F) highs, and persistent grey skies. The Christmas markets open from mid-November, which is November’s saving grace. Fog is common, and the first snow usually falls in late November.
Use our best time to visit Vienna guide to match your travel dates to Vienna’s seasonal rhythms. For sightseeing priorities, see our things to do in Vienna article.
