When is the best time to travel to Austria? When one thinks of this country, images of bright green meadows among lush hills immediately come to mind. Austria has a lot of that, certainly, but it’s also a region full of wonderful medieval architecture, modern museums and a wide range of leisure, culture and gastronomy. Therefore, if you want to enjoy all that the country has to offer, it’s important to know when to travel to Austria, depending on the type of tourism you’re looking for.
The best time to travel to Austria
Due to its geographical location and topography, the country’s climate is very seasonaland it varies quite a bit from month to month. This variation in weather conditions is important in the type of vacation we are planning. Here are some clues to help you decide when to travel to Austria.
Spring
During this season the temperature ranges between 9 and 15ºC so it’s an excellent climate to travel around the country. The days are mild, but not so mild that you prefer to take shelter inside. The snow is starting to melt and the trees are already filling with new leaves. This is the best time of year to visit Styria, as a peculiar cultural festival is held in April. It’s also Easter holiday seasonwhich is very important for the Viennese.
Gastronomy lovers will enjoy the Genussfestival in May. In spring there are fewer tourists, which offers the opportunity to interact more closely with the locals and better connect with the culture. Spring is not yet peak season, so prices are cheaper. It’s a good time to visit the city of Hofburg. The city is located in the heart of the city, where some of the country’s most majestic palaces and monuments can be found. It’s also the ideal time to go hiking while at one with nature and explore the lush alpine trails.
Summer
The temperature fluctuates between 17°C and 22°C, so they are very stable and pleasant throughout the day. Many festivals and big events are held in summer. For example, you can enjoy the Salzburg Festival, Vienna Festival or Rainbow Festival. It can be the favourite time of year for music lovers, especially if they visit Vienna where many diverse music festivals are organised, such as Vienna Jazz, the Early Music Festival or Vienna Music Summer. Summer days are very long and in one day you can visit several places. This could be considered the best time to travel to Austria if you can only stay a few days and you want to make good use of the time. Of course, summer is perfect for nature tourism and water sports.
Autumn
With temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, autumn is a truly idyllic season. It’s neither too hot nor too cold and there’s some passing rain. The Viennale, an internationally renowned film festival that will delight lovers of the seventh art, takes place in this season. November is dance season in Austria. The most famous and crowded are the Philharmonic Ball and the Bonbon Ball. If you’re wondering when to travel to Austria, the months of September to November are perfect as we can enjoy outdoor activities without weather risks and at the same time get a more economical tour. In addition, the forests become an authentic palette of colors that is well worth visiting.
Winter
The temperature drops to between -7 °C and 5 °C and snow starts to fall throughout the country. The Alps are close by, meaning the cold temperatures are intense and there are also days of heavy fog. There aren’t many cultural festivals at this time of year except for the famous new Year’s concert in Vienna.
However, the Christmas holidays in Austria are of unsurpassed beauty. The town of Alpbach offers an idyllic setting to visit at Christmas. The medieval village of Feldkirch is also a recommended addition to the tour route. The most romantic travellers can enjoy the month of love in a city as special as Vienna, a perfect setting for couples in love. And of course, Austria in winter is the perfect destination for lovers of snow sports. The peaceful and picturesque village of St. Anton am Arlberg has become the country’s ski capital. Its resorts date back to 1901, but it has the modern touch necessary to offer all the comforts one seeks in a winter getaway.
