Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Europe › 🇭🇺 Hungary › Budapest
Updated: March 2026
August is a good time to visit Budapest (7/10). With 12 daily sunshine hours and only 8 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 4th sunniest of the year in Budapest. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find August a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak May without sacrificing all the good weather. September offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Budapest's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
August weather in Budapest is defined by a daily temperature swing from 17°C at night to 27°C during the afternoon. Humidity averages 65%, and you can count on around 12 sunshine hours each day. That combination makes August warm and lush, though dressing in breathable fabrics keeps things manageable.
27°C
81°F
Avg High
17°C
63°F
Avg Low
8 days
58 mm total
Rain Days
12h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
The 10°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 10 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Winds are calm at an average 14 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 81°F average high, 63°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Budapest in August means dressing for 27°C days and 17°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 27°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 17°C, a modest 10°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. European cobblestones reward low-profile walking shoes over flip-flops or heels, with cushioned trainers or leather walking shoes being the practical choice.
Local tip: Many of Budapest's museums and galleries maintain cool interior temperatures regardless of outdoor conditions. A compact layer in your daypack lets you move between warm streets and chilled exhibition halls without discomfort.
August has no major festivals or public holidays in Budapest, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 27°C average highs and 8 rainy days
August in Budapest reflects a mid-latitude climate pattern, with temperatures averaging 27°C by day and 17°C overnight. The city sits at 47 degrees north latitude, where the balance between solar radiation and heat loss drives conditions that are neither extreme nor static. The warm temperatures reflect a stable high-pressure pattern typical of the season, which suppresses cloud formation and concentrates solar energy at the surface. Day-to-night temperature variation of 10°C is moderate and manageable with a single mid-layer. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Budapest in August
August ranks 4th sunniest of the year in Budapest, with an average 12 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, February, and March. July is the hottest month (27°C avg high); January is the coolest (3°C). From here, temperatures fall 6°C into September. Compared to last month (July: 27°C high, 10 rain days), August is similarly warm and drier. August sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Budapest, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -3°C | 8 | 5h | View |
| February | 6°C | -2°C | 8 | 6h | View |
| March | 11°C | 1°C | 8 | 8h | View |
| April | 17°C | 6°C | 9 | 10h | View |
| May | 21°C | 11°C | 12 | 12h | View |
| June | 25°C | 15°C | 11 | 12h | View |
| July | 27°C | 17°C | 10 | 12h | View |
| August | 27°C | 17°C | 8 | 12h | View |
| September | 21°C | 12°C | 8 | 9h | View |
| October | 16°C | 8°C | 8 | 7h | View |
| November | 9°C | 3°C | 9 | 5h | View |
| December | 4°C | -2°C | 8 | 4h | View |
January
8 rain days, 5h sun
February
8 rain days, 6h sun
March
8 rain days, 8h sun
April
9 rain days, 10h sun
May
12 rain days, 12h sun
June
11 rain days, 12h sun
July
10 rain days, 12h sun
August
8 rain days, 12h sun
September
8 rain days, 9h sun
October
8 rain days, 7h sun
November
9 rain days, 5h sun
December
8 rain days, 4h sun
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Budapest
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.