Planning a winter trip to Budapest? Whether visiting in the summer or colder months there are plenty of things to do in Budapest in winter as well. What to pack or what to wear in Budapest in winter or summer can make or break a trip if you pack the wrong items.
This post is packed with all the packing, style, and fashion tips you need to slay your trip to Budapest, whatever the weather. Budapest is a city (well, a union of two cities Buda and Pest), located in Hungary, right in the middle of Europe.
Budapest is bubbling with activities you can partake in during winter, so you should pack according to what activities you’ll be taking part in.
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Budapest’s Winter Weather
During winter, the weather in Budapest is largely unpredictable. It’s very dry, cold and snowy, and sometimes the snow gets as high as 15 inches in one day.
Winter in Budapest lasts from November to March, and it’s not uncommon to experience snow and rain. Winters are harsh, and the average temperature ranges between 2 and minus 10 degrees (Celcius).
Planning what to wear in Budapest is important whatever season your are visiting and whether you are visiting for 1 day or 2 days in Budapest or spending longer in the city.
During our visit to Budapest, it had just snowed a few days before so the snow had mostly melted but it was super freaking COLD!! The dry cold that makes the air slightly painful to bear. So, if you are visiting Budapest in winter, I would advise you to check the weather even a few days or a day before you travel so that you know what to expect for the coming days to make sure your winter packing list for Budapest is suitable for the weather.
What To Pack For Winter In Budapest – Packing List
As far as what to bring to Budapest, you need to pack clothes (of course!); your important travel documents, including any necessary permits, health certificates, means of identification, and licences; sports gear (if you’re proceeding to visit the ski resorts near Budapest); medicine, money and bank cards; your toiletries (with a focus on moisturizers and treatment for your skin because the weather gets extremely dry in winter); and your electronics, chargers, and adapters.
Here’s a travel checklist:
- Thermals, T-shirts and tank tops to go underneath clothes;
- Shirts and blouses;
- Sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies;
- Your electronics, other devices, and chargers and power banks;
- Toiletries;
- Winter walking boots;
- Important travel documents;
- Your medications;
- Warm scarves;
- Jumper dresses;
- Wool hats or winter fedora;
- Trousers/jeans;
- Winter socks to keep your feet warm especially at night;
- A backpack or messenger bag for day-to-day outings;
- Winter ponchos or wrap;
- Shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts;
- Cashmere cardigans or jumpers;
- Wool Coat or jacket.
- Swimsuit! – This is the spa capital of Europe so you will need one of these for the thermal baths in Budapest.
Dressing for Winter in Budapest
My recent post also covered things to do in Budapest in December as far as what to wear, Budapest fashion is characterized by casual smart looks that aren’t too uptight, you can wear clothes that are free but not too baggy and “home-y”.
Gowns, tops and skirts, blouses and pants can be worn when going out and about in Budapest. Layer with your cardigans/sweaters, and a winter coat. Wear comfortable shoes because Budapest is a very old city and the roads and terrains are not very friendly to your feet if you’re putting on heels.
Many of the streets in Budapest are cobbled stones. I have covered tips on packing comfortable shoes for travel on the blog for additional details.
Some great ensembles for daily wear in Budapest include:
A jumper dresses, walking boots, and a winter jacket: This casual get-up is great for sightseeing, exploring, and just going out and about in Budapest. Your jumper dress should be long enough to protect you from the cold, and the boots should be comfortable enough to walk around the city. Budapest style features more muted coat colors, so pick out coats in darker plain colors.
A top/blouse, jeans, ankle boots, and sweater: If the weather is not too freezing, you can swap out winter coats for sweaters/cardigans, and layer your shirts with them. Ensure that your ankle boots are both stylish and functional, so you can get both be warm and stylish.
Winter Essentials
Winter Shoes For Budapest
When considering what to do in Budapest in winter, the shoes you wear can make or break a trip or at least have you running around for a replacement. This can eat into your exploring time.
The shoes you pack for winter wear in Budapest have to be comfortable, warm and depending on the weather also waterproof. Apart from being comfortable, they also have to be waterproof and snowproof because of what the weather is like. Here are some amazing recommendations:
Susanny Suede Platform Lace-Up Cotton Snow Boots: These suede anti-skid boots are great for wear during winter. They feature an anti-wool lining that make them the perfect shoes to wear while sightseeing. They are casual and stylish – exactly what you need in Budapest.
GLOBALWIN Women’s Ankle Boots: These winter books are rugged, stylish, and super comfortable.
What to Wear In Budapest November
November is like a prelude to winter in Budapest. It isn’t as cold as the other months, but it’s still chilly. Minimal layering is required to protect yourself from the cold. The temperatures range between 8 to 3 degrees (Celcius). For November in Budapest, here’s what to pack/wear:
- Hats, gloves, and scarves
- Sunglasses
- Skirts and/or pants
- Shirts, tops, and/or blouses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof jackets and shoes
- Moisturisers and skincare.
You should also pack an umbrella. There are plenty of travel-size umbrellas around.
What To Wear In Budapest In December
In December, Budapest is cold, snowy, and sometimes stormy. Rain can get as high as 15 inches in a day, and the temperatures range from 3 to minus 1 degrees.
In the latter half of the month, the weather becomes more frigid and it snows more often. With Budapest December weather, the city has a glistening frost and it looks amazing. Your wardrobe should focus on layering, so what to wear/pack (in addition to what you’d pack for November) are:
- Cardigans/ sweaters
- Winter coats/ jackets
- Tights to wear beneath your shorter skirts/dress
What To Wear In Budapest In January
A lot of people shy away from visiting Budapest in January because of the extreme cold. What this means is that if you’ll be in Budapest in January, you get to enjoy the most popular tourist attractions without all of the crowding.
As long as you are prepared with what to wear in Budapest in January, you should be fine to explore and enjoy the city sights. Your January wardrobe should be packed full of winter-friendly clothes to protect you from the cold.
The temperatures range from minus 2 to minus 3 degrees (Celcius). January is the snowiest month, so you should pack snow proof coats and shoes, warm jacket and maybe some thermals too.
What To Wear In Budapest In February
Heavy fabrics and dark clothes should be your watch words when picking out clothes for Budapest in February.
Pick out wool and fur items because they’re thick enough to protect you from the harsh cold. The weather is characterized by extreme temperature drops, bitter colds, and moderate rainfall. Be sure to wear/pack:
- Dark and heavyweight jackets and winter coats
- Dark denim trousers
- Insulated/thermal items
- Beanies, gloves, and eyewear.
Sport Gear for Budapest in Winter
If you’re a lover of sports (especially winter sports), and it’s on your itinerary for your Budapest trip, I recommend packing items that fit this. There are at least 3 ski resorts near Budapest; Dobogókő, Nagyvillám ski resort and the Intersport ski arena.
Budapest also has a number of activities that tourists will enjoy participating in, and I’m sure you’ll love most of them, if not all. I advise packing just the clothes and shoes needed for your gear because you can easily rent other equipment at any center you go to.
Ice skating is really popular in Budapest. As a matter of fact, Europe’s largest ice skating rink is located in Budapest. Winter sporting gear to pack for and wear in Budapest in winter are:
- Ice Skates: You can’t go ice skating without a pair of ice skates. You need skates that are rugged and durable. I recommend the SoftSkate Figure Ice Skates for Women and the Jackson Ultima Recreational Women’s Figure Ice Skates.
- Ski boots: Snowboarding is also huge in Budapest. You need durable and sturdy ski boots that can withstand any form of harsh weather and rugged terrain you come across in Budapest. Some options that are both stylish and up to the task include the Rossignol Alltrack 70 Womens’ Ski Boots and the Tecnica Cochise 95 W Womens’ Ski Boots.
- Snowboarding goggles: Snowboarding goggles are important because they protect your eyes from direct contact with all that snow.
- Ski Jackets: Heavyweight ski jackets are also very important. Great options include the Rdruko Women’s Outdoor 3-in-1 Waterproof Ski Jacket and the Andorra Women’s Ski Jacket.
- Snowboarding gloves
- Puffer vests
There you have it, what to pack for Budapest in winter. Budapest can be cold in winter and this is probably exacerbated by the visit river across the city which sometimes has partial freezing with plenty of ice floating about.
So, pack layers when visiting Budapest in winter, that way you can remove them as an when you disappear into cafes, museums and other attractions. For additional tips on sightseeing in Budapest in winter check out my recent post on Budapest.
Also See
- What To Pack On A Trip To Europe
- What To Do In Stockholm In Winter
- Stockholm Winter Packing List
- Things To Do In Amsterdam In Winter
- Essentials To Pack When Visiting Paris In Winter
- Things To Do In Beijing In Winter
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Great tips! I’ve still not made it to Budapest, but will certainly use these tips if I make it there soon 🙂