Best Time to Visit Austria

Austria is a country of alpine beauty, cultural heritage, and year-round charm — from Vienna’s imperial palaces and Salzburg’s music festivals to the snow-covered slopes of Tyrol. The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience, whether it’s skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or soaking up the festive atmosphere of Austria’s cities.

🌸 Spring (March – May): Music, Meadows, and Mild Weather

Spring is one of the most delightful times to visit Austria. The snow melts in the valleys, wildflowers bloom, and the cities emerge from winter with café terraces and outdoor concerts. It’s perfect for sightseeing and cultural exploration.

Highlights:

• Mild temperatures (10–20 °C)
• Ideal for exploring Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck
• Easter markets, spring concerts, and fewer tourists
• Alpine meadows in full bloom

☀️ Summer (June – August): Sunshine, Festivals, and Mountain Adventures

Summer is the high season in Austria, bringing warm weather and long days. It’s ideal for hiking, cycling, and lake swims, while cities host world-class festivals celebrating music and culture. Expect lively outdoor scenes and stunning alpine landscapes.

Highlights:

• Warm temperatures (20–30 °C)
• Excellent for hiking, lake holidays, and scenic drives
• Salzburg Festival and Vienna film and music events
• Busy tourist spots and higher accommodation costs

🍂 Autumn (September – November): Wine, Colours, and Cultural Calm

Autumn is a lovely time to experience Austria’s relaxed pace. The weather remains mild, the crowds thin, and the countryside glows in shades of gold and red. It’s also harvest season, perfect for wine tasting and traditional festivals.

Highlights:

• Pleasant temperatures (12–22 °C)
• Great for exploring vineyards in Styria and the Wachau Valley
• Fewer tourists and excellent photo opportunities
• Harvest and wine festivals across the country

❄️ Winter (December – February): Snow, Skiing, and Christmas Charm

Winter in Austria is magical — a season of snow-covered villages, Christmas markets, and world-class ski resorts. Whether you’re carving slopes in Tyrol or sipping mulled wine in Vienna, it’s a time filled with festive spirit and alpine beauty.

Highlights:

• Cold temperatures (−5 to 5 °C)
• Superb skiing in Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg
• Famous Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck
• Cosy cafés and winter concerts

From the grand streets of Vienna and the baroque beauty of Salzburg to the serene lakes and snowy mountains of Tyrol, Austria offers timeless charm in every season. Whether you come for music, mountains, or markets, this elegant European gem is ready to welcome you year-round.

Top Travel Tips for Austria

• Entry Requirements (Schengen Area): Austria is part of the Schengen Zone. Many non-EU visitors (including US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. An ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will soon be required for these visitors. Always check the official EU ETIAS website for the latest rules.
• Currency: Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and restaurants, it's highly recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases, local markets, and rural guesthouses.
• Motorway "Vignette" (Crucial for Drivers!): If you plan to drive on Austria's motorways (Autobahnen), you must purchase a "Vignette" (toll sticker) and display it on your windshield. These can be bought at border crossings, gas stations, and online. Driving without one results in heavy fines.
• Power Adapter: Austria uses the Type F power plug (also common in Germany and the Netherlands). This is a round, two-prong plug. Visitors from the UK, North America, and other regions will need an adapter.
• Tipping: Tipping (`Trinkgeld`) is customary but not as high as in the US. In restaurants, it's common to round up the bill or add 5-10% for good service. For taxis, rounding up to the next euro is typical.
• Tap Water: The tap water in Austria, especially in the alpine regions, is of exceptionally high quality and is safe (and delicious) to drink.

Things to do in Austria

Explore the imperial palaces of Vienna, follow the sound of music in Salzburg, or ascend the stunning peaks of the Tyrol. Book your tours and activities easily via our trusted partners: