Budapest in December
In December, Budapest averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (45 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate. Snowfall occurs on roughly 3 days.
December in Budapest is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Budapest
December is one of the coolest months in Budapest (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (16°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (9°C) and cools 2°C in January (2°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Budapest
Times shown for Budapest local time (Europe/Budapest), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Budapest — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Budapest's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Budapest in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Budapest's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Budapest
This is off-peak for Budapest — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Budapest
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🌨 Some snow — Budapest in December
Gear: Occasional snow, often slushy by afternoon. Waterproof boots, warm coat, hat and gloves.
Budapest in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -3°C / 27°F | 35 mm | 9 | 4 |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -2°C / 28°F | 30 mm | 8 | 4 |
| March | 11°C / 52°F | 2°C / 36°F | 30 mm | 8 | 1 |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 6°C / 43°F | 40 mm | 8 | 0 |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 65 mm | 10 | 0 |
| June | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 70 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F | 50 mm | 8 | 0 |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 15°C / 59°F | 60 mm | 8 | 0 |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 11°C / 52°F | 45 mm | 7 | 0 |
| October | 16°C / 61°F | 6°C / 43°F | 40 mm | 8 | 0 |
| November | 9°C / 48°F | 2°C / 36°F | 50 mm | 9 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 45 mm | 9 | 3 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Budapest in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Budapest in December?
In December, Budapest averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Budapest in December?
December sees occasional rain in Budapest, with about 9 rainy days on average and roughly 3 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit Budapest?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Budapest in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full December packing list for Budapest for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.