Budapest in December 2025 – is it worth going? Weather and reviews, air temperature, how to dress, prices in hotels and excursions. What to do and what to see in Budapest in early December, on the eve of Catholic Christmas and before the New Year, where to go in Hungary – says Eurotraveler.
In modern reality, December has practically ceased to be a pre-holiday month. Having lost his once bright aura and expectation of something new and joyful.
The usual starting month of winter, cloudy and dank, and also the last of the year – this is what most Russians will say today. Exhausted by reality and, alas, rarely visiting European countries.
Where the end of the year always takes place in high spirits. Whatever happens in the world – closer to Christmas, and then the New Year, everything problems fade into the background.
And people plunge headlong into the pre-holiday bustle, becoming part of something – and this is without embellishment – small miracle. Almost like fairy tales!
That is why December in Budapest, and indeed in any other European capital, is truly magical time. Shrouded in an atmosphere of quiet joy and peace, calm, confidence in the future.
In a word, everything that Russians today, even subconsciously, who have lost faith in their life prospects, are drawn to.
Christmas is just around the corner – and the capital of Hungary knows exactly how to celebrate it! Because this holiday carries the promise that life will definitely get better. Or, if she is already fine, she will become even more beautiful.
That’s why
we advise you to visit Hungary!
In 2021, it was one of the first in the European Union to reopen its doors to Russian tourists. And today continuing issuing them Schengen visas (alas, usually single-entry).
So even if it seems to you that the time is not right, that a rather cold and seemingly non-tourist period looms ahead, come anyway! After all, the starting month of winter in Western Europe has advantages that are simply cannot be neglected!
Weather in Budapest in December
Does not exhibit excessive heat. But usually not frosty.
Mid-half is a typical Central European winter. Not particularly respectful of snow, but disciplined in preventing the trees from blooming again.
Daytime temperatures in Budapest usually rise during the day in December. at least up to +2-4 degrees Celsius. And closer to night, thermometers retreat to zero.
There are also periods of temperature increases up to +8-10 °C
Moreover, this does not always happen in the first half of the month – sometimes at the end of December Budapest observes significant warming. So, Christmas and even New Year in the city are sometimes celebrated at +10-12 °C!
At such temperatures, naturally, there is no desire to take off your jacket and walk in pajamas shirt. But I want to walk more and go to Budapest, even to those places that almost never appear in guidebook reviews.
Again, you can always warm up with a portion of mulled wine and spicy sausages. Because Christmas markets, where they sell such simple but very warming treats, begin to operate in Budapest at the end of November.
Precipitation and frost
It doesn’t rain often, but humidity is traditionally high. The ratio of cloudy and clear days is clearly in favor of the former.
However, even in December Budapest sees the sun. And in the first half of the month it seemed even more often.
Again, the capital of Hungary is unique in that even in cold weather will warm the traveler. If not mulled wine, then a hot bath – the thermal baths of Budapest are open even in winter!
As for frosts, they are recorded in December almost exclusively at night. And you can only notice them by seeing an ice film on the sidewalks or frost on the grass.
But in Budapest in December there are frequent “fogs over the river”. And this is not surprising – this is how the Danube shares with the city atmosphere the heat accumulated over the summer and not released in the fall.
What Budapest looks like in the fog literally fabulous. Bridges and embankments are shrouded in a weightless, but greatly changing perception, cape.
How to dress
High humidity and low temperatures, even in the absence of frost, are a reason be careful when choosing clothes. And go on a trip, if not in a down jacket – in which you will sweat while walking along the streets and climbing hills – then in a comfortable and thick jacket.
A variety of sweatshirts, pullovers and sweaters will adequately insulate you as you explore the city. And also while staying at observation points such as the Fisherman’s Bastion, Mount Gellert or the Bell Tower of St. Stephen.
Gloves, scarves and hats will keep you warm – especially children – while walking along the Danube embankments.
Dress properly for a boat excursion not always necessary. Of course, if you want to sit on the upper deck during such a voyage, then multi-layered clothing will not hurt – the breeze here sometimes cuts like a sharpened knife.
But there is opportunity and not to freeze -in Budapest, the format of culinary cruises on ships is well developed. Pay a little more for the cruise and enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine in the warm interior of the ship.
Not forgetting to poke a fork in admiration at those floating outside the window – by the way, not cloudy — landscapes.
When filling your suitcase with warm things, don’t forget to take swimwear for your trip. For even in the capital of Hungary, immersed in the December fogs, you find where to use it bikinis and terry towels according to purpose.
Yes, that’s right – not trying out the thermal baths in Budapest in person is not a crime.
Prices 2025
As has probably already become clear, Budapest in December is best suited for a romantic trip. Many couples over 40 enjoy traveling to the Hungarian capital together at a time when it takes a break from the summer tourist crowds and looks simply magical.
Moreover, prices for everything are falling. And you will be able to stay in a well-located and comfortable hotel or rent a separate apartment for reasonable money
You should focus on the level of 70-80 € per night for two – if you don’t arrive right before Christmas
Not bad, that is, generally practically devoid of disadvantages An option is the Budavar Bed and Breakfast in Buda. Which is located within walking distance of St. Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion!
Citizens who are not necessarily trying to save money, but who value comfort, a beautiful view from the window, as well as the presence of a swimming pool and spa, and a fitness room, should pay attention to the InterContinental Budapest in Buda! After all, this hotel is located right on the banks of the Danube, that is, within walking distance from the main attractions of the city.
Expensive (from 230 € per night in mid-December)? Not without it!
But in return you will receive exceptional experiencethat will stay with you forever!
- Prices for daily apartment rentals in Budapest
Excursions and other entertainment are also inexpensive.
Things to do
Even if you don’t go to see “The Nutcracker” – and this Tchaikovsky ballet in Budapest before Christmas and even after give regularly — in the only Hungarian metropolis there is something to do in the first month of winter. Moreover, you won’t be able to really freeze!
At the end of autumn, the city begins its work immediately several Christmas markets. The main one, according to tradition, is the one that takes place on Vörösmarty Square in Pest.
Mulled wine in original earthenware mugs, aromatic coffee, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweets…. As well as other food, prepared right in front of you in a hurry, but no less tasty, will make your walks a pleasant experience in every sense.
Naturally, it’s worth walking along the streets on Fortress Hill. Admire the Royal Palace, go to the Hungarian Art Gallery, throw a coin into the Matthias Fountain – and be sure to return.
Many storm the hill on ancient and barely crawling funicular. But we advise you to climb on foot – you will warm up. And at the same time, enjoy the views of the Danube and the Chain Bridge.
In the obligatory program: Fisherman’s Bastion and the incredibly beautiful Matthias Church in Buda. And also: Hungarian Parliament building on the other side of the river is the Basilica of St. Stephen (Stephen), the high-rise dominant of the old city of Pest.
The observation gallery around the dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the best observation points in the capital of Hungary!
We also recommend visiting Warsholiget main city park and at least take a peek at the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle. And aesthetes and creative personalities will not fail to leave their mark on the main creative street of Budapest, named after Max Falk.
After all, this is where a lot of antique shops and galleries are located. And in the famous Kieselbach gallery regularly hold auctions — where in Budapest to buy an original gift, if not here?
A visit to one of the Budapest baths will also be an interesting experience. Not necessarily the famous Szechenyi in Városliget – the Gellert Baths, which are located near the hill of the same name, are also praised. As well as the democratic Lukács, whom the Hungarians themselves love.
Where to go
Definitely need to make time to visit Szentendre. Like a toy and especially beautiful in the pre-Christmas time of the town.
Lake Balaton is one of the most obvious attractions in Hungary that every foreigner should visit. Moreover, it is located just a two-hour drive from Budapest.
In December, Balaton, of course, does not enjoy the same demand as in summer. But it’s for the best – very few tourists wander through the cozy streets of Keszthely and swim in the thermal lake of Heviz.
Unless – again – we are talking about the last week before the New Year
We won’t invite you to Bükk National Park in winter – it’s best to leave all these paths and forests until summer or autumn. But see Eger Fortressyou can taste the famous “Bull’s Heart” wine and stroll along the perfectly preserved ancient streets.
After all, the town of Eger does not lose its charm even in the off-season. And, by the way, it has thermal bathswhich you can soak up right in the open air even in winter!
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© Eurotraveler
