Budapest in March 2026 – Is it worth going on vacation? Weather and reviews, air temperature, how to dress, prices for air tickets and hotels, on excursions. What to do and what to see in Budapest in March, where to go, and also where to go – in Hungary – says Eurotraveler.
Anyone, especially an experienced traveler, knows that March is not bad. time to plan future summer voyages. Perhaps not the best thing – the “train”, in a sense, left immediately after the New Year holidays. But still allowing you to buy and book something at reasonable prices.
But today the world is changing rapidly. There are more and more potential tourists, but there are fewer and fewer places and opportunities to go somewhere in the summer.
That’s why people try to take advantage of every chance get out and see the world.
They make unconventional decisions and discover completely new horizons.
Actually, a tourist trip somewhere in March – and not to a warm sea – is one of these interesting opportunities. And if you soberly evaluate the facts and stop dreaming about the magical “old days,” you must admit that it is very promising.
We continue to create a series of articles dedicated to traveling in unexpected directions doesn’t seem to be the best there is time for this. And this material, dedicated to the climatic, entertainment and financial nuances of a holiday in Budapest in March, is a logical continuation of it.
At the same time, as before, we primarily rely on own experience and facts. And only secondly – on the emotional component.
Which, of course, should not be underestimated – in 2026, getting out, for example, on March 8th in Budapest is a great success.
And even more so the chance to see it in detail, not in a hurry! We are no longer talking about those citizens who have time to see interesting places near Budapest.
And also those tourists who can afford shopping in local boutiques and shopping centers. After all, sometimes a simple run through the shops is so invigorating that it simply needs to be recommended for relaxation!
Weather in Budapest in March
Best suited for outdoor walks and sightseeing (as many as possible). After all, it is: mostly dry, not particularly warm, but not too cold either.
The air temperature in Budapest in early March rarely leaves the range of +6-12 degrees Celsius. The wind is quite strong at times, but in the absence of frost even on the banks of the Danube it won’t be a problem.
So you will be able to take long walks around the city and cruises. And if you get cold or tired, you can always diversify the “menu” by visiting a museum or a store, a cafe or restaurant.
Simply by visiting the best thermal baths in Budapest. One of them or several – whatever you want!
On some days, even in the first ten days of the month, the atmosphere during the day can warm up to +15 and even +17 °C. So by going on a trip to Budapest in the first half of March, you have a chance to truly get warm gift from nature.
Usually, however, a confident rise in air temperatures above +15 °C is observed in the capital of Hungary only closer to the beginning of April
In the evenings and at night, the thermometers sometimes even retreat to near-zero levels. And the Danube and embankments envelop dense fogs. Moreover, this happens in Budapest not only at the beginning, but also at the end of March.
Is this a reason to spend the day on hop-on, hop-off tourist buses (if you want to get in, you want to get out)? Here you have to decide for yourself – in the capital of Hungary this entertainment cannot be called cheap…
Rain and sun
The precipitation rate in Budapest in March is low – about 30-40 mm. And they usually fall in the form of 2-3 light rains.
But there are few openly sunny days – the sky mostly overcast.
Humidity in Budapest is high during March – the city’s climate is determined by the great European river. And in the morning, and also in the evenings, chilly dampness makes itself felt.
Keep this point in mind if you plan to view the city from aboard a pleasure boat. Or go on a walking tour that involves hanging out for a long time near attractions.
Length of daylight: from 11 to almost 13 hours. The sun rises from 6.25 in the early days and at 5.25 at the end of the month. And sits down at 17.30 and at the beginning of 7 pm respectively.
Cloth
A quilted jacket, pullover or sweater, not particularly warm but wearable boots, a scarf, a cap or even a hat. This is approximately how tourists should dress in Budapest in early March.
Yes, in principle, and in the second half of the month there is no reason to leave all warm clothes at home (in a hotel)
After all, stability is not the strong point of the weather in Budapest at the beginning of spring.
And having stripped down to your shirt one day in view of +20 degrees Celsius and the clearly warming sun, the next you will be surprised to wrap yourself in literally all the clothes you took with you. At the same time, freezing.
It gets really cold in Budapest in March, however, even at night extremely rare. But the average daily +5-7 °C in the third ten days of the month is completely common.
Prices 2026
Not as low as we would like – find a room in a good hotel or a cozy apartment for less than 70-80 € per day for two, almost impossible. And even then, you need to book something in the center or within a short walking distance from it 2-3 months before the trip.
Personally, we traditionally recommend the spacious Elegant apartment with Buda Castle view for four. Which are an entire apartment in Buda (77 m2) with a gorgeous view of the Fisherman’s Bastion.
As for the other bank of the Danube, the “shop street” of Vaci, the vicinity of Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica, there are only a few free options there even at the beginning of spring.
But if you are lucky, you will be able to subscribe, for example, to the quiet and cozy Viktoria Central Apartment. Wonderfully located and not particularly expensive.
As for excursions, they are surprisingly inexpensive. And for about 20-30 €, you can go around all the main attractions in the historical center of Budapest with a guide. Participation in a cruise on the Danube will cost only 12-15 €
You can read about how much it costs to travel on the Budapest metro in our detailed material on this topic. And in another one – about how to get to Budapest from the airport by bus.
It’s great, by the way, that this can be done even at night!
- Inexpensive excursions in Budapest and nearby
Things to do
You won’t be bored – that’s for sure. And usually tourists take the bull by the horns without hesitating a single extra minute! Why not – the weather permits.
As soon as they throw their suitcases into the room, they immediately set off to explore old quarters of Buda. They wander around the Fortress Hill, study the elegant and all-French Matthias Basilica, and admire the Danube from the Fisherman’s Bastion.
And then they move to the other side along the now legendary Chain Bridge. They walk towards the Ferris wheel and dive into the booths to enjoy the luxurious view.
Please note that many shops and shopping centers in Budapest are closed on March 15, Hungarian Revolution Day. Just like their employees, many Hungarians prefer to celebrate this holiday on the streets.
Makes the right impression St. Stephen’s Basilicathe bell tower of which can also be climbed. And located a little on the other side Central Marketoverflowing with “hungaricums”.
We’re not talking about luxury anymore. building of the Hungarian Parliamentwhich a very original foreigner can afford not to visit. And also about places like Széchenyi Baths in Varosliget Park, Vajdaidahunyad Castle, numerous museums.
It’s rare that Gellert Hill with its Cave Church and famous baths is not included in a traveler’s itinerary. But not even every second traveler gets to the Erzbet country tower on Mount Janos, as well as to the Hungarian Skansen.
Where to go
Of course, because you need to have time see Bratislava — the train takes about 3.5 hours to get there. Or – even better – go from Budapest to see Vienna. You understand, at least, no less promising city!
Note that it is worth practicing such trips after you have visited the most interesting places in Hungary. For example, if you visit the city of marzipan and Szentendre museums, visit Vishgorod, visit Esztergom – not seeing the grandiose Basilica of St. Adalbert is almost a crime.
Take a walk around Vats and Gyor, visit visit to Pannonhalmu. A UNESCO-listed ancient abbey standing on a hill where, according to legend, Saint Martin was born.
Whether to go to the largest lake in Europe, Balaton, in March is a debatable question. But unique thermal pond Heviz can be visited at any time of the year.
Beautiful even in early spring Sumeg fortress. Sees rare tourists and therefore the luxurious Baroque Festetics Palace in Köszthely will enchant you.
Relatively close to Budapest are: the most beautiful Bükk National Park and the town of Eger. Famous not only for its strength, but also for its excellent wine, as well as its thermal baths.
And a very interesting experience will be visiting the baths in the caves of Miskolc-Tapolca, a real underground river!
© Eurotraveler
