Hungary has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, influenced by its landlocked position in the Carpathian Basin. Budapest averages 0°C in January and 22°C in July, with summer heatwaves regularly pushing above 30°C. Rain is moderate year-round (about 120 rainy days annually), with May and June being the wettest months. Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, warms to 25°C by July and August, making it Hungary’s main summer resort destination. Winter brings reliable snow to the Matra and Bukk mountains for skiing from December to February. The best months for Budapest sightseeing are April to June and September to October when temperatures sit between 15°C and 22°C. Budapest’s famous thermal baths are open year-round: outdoor pools are most atmospheric from October to March when steam rises off the warm water.
