Budapest in January 2026 – is it worth going on vacation? Weather and reviews, air temperature, how to dress, prices in hotels and excursions. What to see in Budapest at the beginning of January and after the end of the New Year holidays, where to go in Hungary – says Eurotraveler.
Once upon a time, even before the coronavirus pandemic, a considerable number of Russian tourists right after New Year’s Eve went on foreign voyages. Mainly in order to spend time usefully – it’s funny to sit still when 10-12 days off are looming ahead.
Especially in winter, when it’s better not to think about swimming and barbecuing at the dacha!
Finland and the Baltic states were considered the main travel destinations: taking a steam bath in a Finnish sauna, celebrating the New Year in Riga or Tallinn were fashionable! The Czech Republic was also listed – mainly its capital, Prague.
Was Budapest popular in January? We wouldn’t say that – we went to see the capital of Hungary in the middle of winter single tourists.
They cherished, however, far-reaching plans. And a trip from Budapest to Vienna – for one day or even several – was included in them almost a mandatory item!
Today, the Hungarian metropolis is literally doomed to even wider popularity. After all, it is the capital of one of those European countries that are still issue visas Russian travelers. And they do not hint in any way that their presence is undesirable.
Again, Budapest in January can boast of not too cold weather. That is, of course, it is quite winter. But at the same time it is perfect for walking around the cityvisiting museums and… shops.
Weather in Budapest in January
Of course, you can’t call her chic. But and bad too.
The usual one Central European winterwhich is characterized by moderate cold, rare frosts and a not-so-tiny chance of a sunny day
The Danube, by the way, almost every year doesn’t freeze. And boat trips along it continue almost according to the usual schedule in January.
And for a price that no one would call extortionate – only 12-15 € per person (audio guide included in the price) – wouldn’t you say?!
Someone in the reviews names the weather in the capital of Hungary in January ideal from the point of view of educational, excursion, tourism. And we will compliantly agree – if we dress correctly.
The air temperature in Budapest in early January, as a rule, does not tend to go far from zero. From +2-4 to even +8-10 degrees Celsius – this is the usual picture for the local noon.
Rain and snowfall are rare, and perfectly clear days do happen. Really sunny: with a serene blue sky and amazingly transparent, somehow crystalline air.
In the evenings—and it gets dark here early during the New Year holidays, around 5 p.m.—it gets cold quickly. In some years, to zero or even slightly lower. But more often the matter is limited decrease to 2-4 degrees Celsius.
Until severe frosts
in Budapest in January this happens extremely rarely. -4-6 °C is the limit that local street thermometers try not to overstep.
Does the picture change in the second half of the month? A little, and sometimes not for the better!
Usually the second half or third ten days of January in Budapest begins with a temperature drop of +1-3 °C even during the day. It happens that this happens immediately after the end of the New Year holidays.
At the same time, tourists in the city after the closure of the Christmas markets (after January 6) – nothing at all
But those who come are truly blissful. Of course, prices for everything are falling. And you can even go on a sightseeing trip around Buda with a good discount!
As you may remember, there are places to warm up in the city – the water temperature in the thermal baths of Budapest reaches +38 °C even in winter. And run into the store or treat yourself to a mug of Christmas mulled wine on the street – it’s also a way outNo?
Note that at this time you can also look for some really worthwhile thing. After all, there are enough not only souvenir shops, but also full-fledged art galleries in the capital of Hungary.
Yes, and ordinary shopping centers in Budapest, filled with cheaper post-holiday, but still high-quality “mass markets” – what don’t you like? a worthy target for reckless shopping?!
Precipitation
You can easily spot sidewalks that have become extremely slippery in the mornings and evenings, especially near water. Yes, and snow in January Budapest often present in the form of bald spots on the morning asphalt and park lawns.
But even in the middle of winter it’s usually not necessary to wade through the snowdrifts here. If only because the average precipitation for the first month of the year is low – 30-40 mm maximum.
You will probably see ice too. Especially if you don’t find it difficult to walk to Vajdahunyad Castle – in front of it in winter filling a huge skating rink.
- What to see in Budapest in winter
How to dress
Naturally winter-like. The Danube has a decisive influence on Budapest’s climate at all times of the year.
And in the middle of winter – even a dry one – still gives the surrounding area high humidity (up to 85-90%)
When she multiplied by strong wind – and the wind at this time of year sees no reason to restrain its gusts – it gets really cold. And those who, going for a walk around Budapest in January days, did not wear a really warm jacket, did not stock up on a scarf, a warm hat, and at least leather gloves, will have reason to regret about your own shortsightedness.
They will walk with their nose buried in the depths of their coat, and without taking their hands out of their pockets. And constantly encourage your fellow travelers to warm up with Christmas mulled wine in street shops, sit in a cafe or go to a store “a la a shopping center”.
By the way, there are plenty of the latter here. Although there is a widespread opinion in reviews that shopping in Budapest as such no and never was.
But in the middle of winter, it’s time to organize profitable sales (for buyers, of course). And therefore buy something at a decent discount it will definitely work out.
Prices 2026
Hotels and their owners know very well what dates peak demand occurs and act accordingly. But if you are not inclined to tie yourself to the most central locations like Vaci Street in Pest, then find a not very expensive option (if we talk about dates after January 6-7) it’s still possible.
The Budavar Bed and Breakfast in Buda is popular. Which is understandable: no more than 60-70 € for a double room and “amazing breakfasts” in the period after January 8 – interesting offer. Moreover, the hotel’s location is almost “meh”: it’s a 5-minute walk from it to the Fisherman’s Bastion, no more.
They cost only a drop more, but are much more spacious Kastely Apartments – Buda Castle. And in terms of the totality of qualities (“price-quality”), they have few competitors in the city!
Tours
As for city tours, in principle they are cheaper than in most European capitals, such as Prague. And after January 6-7, you can also count on for a significant discount – after all, there are only a few tourists left.
In general, for 25-30 € you can go on an interesting walking tour of Buda. Moreover, with Russian-speaking accompaniment and in a completely small company.
More individualized walks around Budapest cost more – from 35 €. But this is understandable – piece goods are rarely sold at the price of mass products.
What to see
What naturally affects your mood is that you stop rushing somewhere. And suddenly you realize that you can do everything and even more – even if the weather prepares an unpleasant surprise and throws in wet snow.
Territory Buda Castle it will be walked all over and, perhaps, more than once. See you all panorama of the Danube and down-to-earth Pest. And so do the monuments – there are a lot of them here and almost everyone has their own legend.
The Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, the pretty old houses of Buda – you will need at least a day to explore everything leisurely. And a couple more are guaranteed to remain for the treasures of Pest.
To the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica, Városliget Park and Vajdahunyad Castle, Vörösmarty Square, Váci Street and the Central Market…
Don’t forget about boat trips along the Danube, although they may not be possible in windy or excessively cold weather. You should definitely go to the Budapest baths (at least one of them) – they are open regardless of weather forecasters’ predictions.
And of course, take the opportunity to try traditional Christmas mulled wine. Here it is called forralt bor and in winter it is served in literally every cafe – a must-try food in Hungary.
Many tourists willingly go to Hungarian Opera House. If not listen, then at least see its luxurious interiors on a tour.
What else
Experienced tourists arriving in Hungary have no shadow of doubt about the need travel from Budapest to Vienna. After all, what’s easier – take the train and after 3 hours you get off at the main railway station in Austria?!
Is it worth going not to Austria, but further? For example, by (rented) car to Italy?
This is if you have a lot of time left – such a trip will probably take a week or more…
Neighborhood
Among the places geographically close to Budapest, we would highlight the very nice town of Szentendre and its museums: marzipan, Christmas, the Soviet era… As well as the ruins of the fortress in Visegrad, where Vlad Dracula was once kept. And the beautiful baroque city of Gyor.
Naturally, it is worth paying attention to Lake Balaton. In January, however, it does not look at all like a body of water suitable for swimming.
Famous for its healing properties, the Heviz spa lake is popular at virtually any time of the year. You can also visit the city nearby Keszthely with the sprawling Festetics Palace.
Once you are near Heviz, it would be a shame not to trodden the “path” to Sumeg Castle. Regularly included in the list of the most interesting places in Hungary. But it is still known to only 10% of tourists coming to the country.
Is it worth visiting in the middle of winter? Bükk National Park? Citizens who were there in January do not advise repeating their experience in their reviews. “You’ll only be wasting your time,” they rightfully say, get your feet wet and slip along icy paths.
If you really want to, go to Eger. Enjoy the silence and solitude, look at the surroundings from the walls of the legendary Eger Fortress.
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© Eurotraveler
