Photo Credit: Bernd Thaller

Austria in general experiences a temperate climate, but weather and temperatures vary depending on the region and time of year. The Alpine region experiences heavy snow fall during the winter months and pleasant summer weather, with temperatures around 68°F (20°C), but greatly fluctuates in temperature year-round.

Generally, the summer season runs from June to September, with July and August seeing the highest temperatures, around 77°F (25°C). These are the most pleasant months to visit Austria if skiing isn’t on the agenda. The southern regions, such as Styria and Carinthia, are generally dryer than other regions. The winter season starts around October, when temperatures can drop below 30°F (-10°C) in the mountainous regions. Dressing appropriately during the winter months is a must. Snowfall is generally seen just before Christmas and then peaks in January.

Best Time to Visit Austria

Peak visiting times can be split easily into two seasons: summer and winter, so the best time to visit Austria depends entirely on what you plan to do during your stay. Both seasons attract different types of visitors, with the winter season primarily attracting skiers. Both seasons are considered peak tourist seasons; however, the winter is busier than the summer, with many visitors seeking out the slopes over the Christmas and New Year period.

Visitors should beware that most of the high-end hotels only takes reservations that cover both Christmas and New Year. Booking accommodations ahead for the winter season is a must, with many of the most popular resort hotels becoming fully booked for the winter season up to six months in advance. Skiing is possible up to March.

Vienna, on the other hand, experiences high tourist season during April to October, with the peak months being August and September. This is because most of the big music and art festivals take place during these months. Both hotel and restaurant bookings can be hard to get during these two months.

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