Given the extreme cold of Budapest, January is not the most popular month to travel to the Hungarian capital, which means that you will be able to enjoy the entrance to important places without the pressure of other tourists. Sights like the Fisherman’s Bastion will be less crowded and therefore more accessible, if the chilly pinch in the air can be overlooked.
For travelers planning to spend New Year’s Eve in Budapest, expect the city to be quiet and shops and sights to be closed on January 1 as locals recover from the night before’s NYE festivities. .
Budapest weather in January
If you plan to travel to Budapest in January, be sure to pack for winter conditions. Budapest is a bit warmer than other Eastern European destinations, with an overall average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius), but it is still very cold throughout January.
- Average High: 36 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius)
- Low Average: 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius)
Winter, which runs from December to March or April, is the coldest and darkest season in the country. January is also the snowiest month – snowfalls of up to 15 inches in a single day have occurred in the past.
What to pack
As with travel in most of Eastern Europe during this cold season, you should pack accordingly for Budapest’s unpredictable winter weather. Sweaters, base layers, and other clothing that can be layered are a good idea for the cold, in addition to waterproof clothing. A good coat that can be zipped into your suitcase is a good option. In general, you will want to pack:
- Thermal underwear
- Long sleeve tops
- Jeans / pants
- A very warm jacket / coat
- Wool socks
- Warm boots
- Winter accessories, such as a hat, gloves, and a scarf.
January events in Budapest
There are a number of seasonal events and popular attractions open in Budapest in January each year, but the most popular destination for Hungarians and tourists may be the thermal baths throughout the city. Keep your core temperature high during your visit by sailing in one of Budapest’s 15 city spas, such as the famous Gellert and Széchenyi thermal baths.
- Budapest also hosts an annual Wedding Fair and Exhibition in late January, where you can see the latest in wedding dresses, décor, accessories, and destinations across the country at the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sports Arena.
- If you’re okay with beating the winter chill, you can always try ice skating in the city park or shop for the January sales in the shops of Budapest, even after the Christmas Markets close on January 2; Many local stores offer special discounts out of season.
- You can also visit many of the most famous attractions in the city throughout the month, including the Liberty Bridge, the Citadel on Gellert Hill and concerts in St. Stephen ‘s Basilica.
- The Gozsdu weekend market takes place every weekend in the city’s party district. Vendors offer everything from antiques to local art.
January Travel Tips
For many Budapest residents, January is all about discovering fun ways to avoid the cold while immersing yourself in the city’s culture, and one of the best ways to do that is to visit one of the many quirky bars, bars, and restaurants in Budapest.
- The Hungarian State Opera presents an incredible performance of the Nutcracker every holiday season, and luckily, the legendary ballet production also takes place throughout January.
- Visiting Budapest during winter means the opportunity to try some Hungarian culinary dishes. Beigli (traditional Christmas pastry with walnut or poppy seed) is a must, as is lentil soup, which is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day.
- The name of the city comes from the two sides of the city: Buda and Pest. The Danube River runs through the center. Completed in 1849, the chain bridge connecting the two is now considered one of the most important landmarks in the city. Buda is mountainous and much more traditional, while Pest is flatter and more modern.
- Ruin bars are generally the most popular with locals. The ruin bars were initially founded in Budapest around 2001 inside ruined buildings that were transformed into friendly dive bars where drinks are usually less expensive than in other parts of the city. Szimpla Kert was the first ruined bar, but it was moved in 2004 to the Jewish Quarter of the 7th district of Budapest.
- If you visit in January, it may be too cold to stay outside, so you can also enjoy a coffee or hot cakes in one of the many cafes in the city. These social centers offer a respite from the cold where you can immerse yourself in conversation with some of the locals. Popular cafes include My Little Melbourne, Printa, Tamp & Pull, and Espresso Embassy.
For more information on whether you want to visit Budapest in winter, visit our monthly city travel guide.
