What's the weather like in Budapest in December
December is one of the coldest months of the year in Budapest, Hungary. During this month, expect very cold weather conditions and a frosty biting wind. Snowfall is frequent but not that heavy. The days are shortest and the nights are longest at this time.
Temperature
The average daily temperature in December is no more than 1°C, which is the same as it is in February. With an average of -1°C, only January is colder. In the afternoons, the mercury rises to an average high of 3°C, while during the nights, it drops to a freezing average low of -1°C. Both these temperatures tend to decrease even further in the course of the month. Frost during the night is a given in Budapest in December. If you travel to the city in the month of December, pack warm sweaters and waterproof apparel. Since sudden rain showers can come about anytime, take an umbrella with you too.
Rainfall
Talking about rain, December has 12 days with precipitation and a total amount of precipitation of around 40mm. The likelihood that precipitation occurs stays pretty much constant throughout the month and ranges around 64%, which is the highest chance of precipitation in the whole year. Much of this precipitation falls in the form of snow. Moderate snow and light snow are observed respectively on 28% and 13% of the days with precipitation. Moderate rain and light rain fall as well, respectively on 27% and 17% of those days.
December is also the darkest month of the year. December 21 is the shortest day of the year, with only 8.26 hours of daylight. The rest of the days range in length between 8.27 hours and 8.43 hours of daylight. Another factor playing a role in the darkness of December's days is cloud cover. Cloud cover averages 92% this month. December 24, with 93% of cloud cover, is historically the cloudiest day of the year.
Sunshine Hours
This all affects the number of sunshine hours in December. Each December day has only 7 hours of sunshine on average. However, when considering the length of the days this month, it has to be concluded that it is still surprisingly sunny this time of year.
Budapest Hotels for December
The Mamaison Residence Izabella Budapest is a four-star hotel housed in a historic building in a residential area. It has well-furnished and spacious rooms, all featuring one to three bedrooms, kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, bathrooms, living rooms and room service. On the premises, you can use the fitness centre, sauna and tanning bed. Other amenities include parking, a buffet breakfast, meeting rooms, laundry, dry cleaning facilities and babysitting services.
Looking for a luxurious five star hotel? The Ritz-Carlton Budapest could be the ideal place for you to stay. The hotel is located in the city centre meaning you will have lovely views of Elizabeth Square, St. Stephen's Basilica and the traditional architecture of the city. Both business guests and leisure travellers are welcome. There are 171 guest rooms and 29 luxury suites and the hotel is walking distance from the River Danube and the World Heritage sites. Treat yourself to some pampering in the spa or take a relaxing swim in the indoor pool.
Mercure Budapest Buda Hotel, the centrally located four star hotel is only a five minute walk from the Castle District. The perfect hotel for a weekend city break or business trip. A simple and afforable option, suitable for everyone. Free WiFi, free outdoor parking, two restaurants, lobby bar, souvenir shop and friendly, helpful staff. Choose from a standard room with 1 double bed, standard room with 2 single beds, a privilege room with special extras or a junior suite with a bedroom, living room and sofa.
Bars and Restaurants
Borsso Bistro is a quaint French-Hungarian restaurant, hidden away on a small street in central Budapest. It features a super-cozy sitting area, a charming atmosphere and a romantic setting. Its small size definitely adds to the cozy feel of the place. On the menu you will find both French and Hungarian cuisine and a wide selection of wines.
The Fisherman's Bastion restaurant is open all year round and offers both hot and cold meals. This is the place to be for magnificent views, whether you would like to accompany it with a simple glass of wine or a full course meal, the restaurant has something for everyone. The highest observation terrace is the Margareta Terrace just above the restaurant. Wireless broadband internet is available in the restaurant too.
For anyone craving a juicy burger, Lucky 7 Burgers and More have everything you need and more. The burgers are made with 100% quality beef, cheddar cheese, a home made bun, fresh vegetables and home made ranch sauce... Could a burger get any better? If you think so, tell the waiter and they may add your request. If you have room left, make sure you try a sweet dessert too.
Things to do in Budapest in December
Budapest is magical, beautiful and attractive in December. The aroma of the Christmas Fair is in the air and can be sensed everywhere. The city is overcrowded with baked chestnut and hot wine merchants.
There are several Christmas festivals in December in Budapest. The traditional Christmas Market is one of the festive highlights in Budapest in this month. This is one of the largest events, which adds fuel to the festive season in Budapest. New Year's Eve is when festivities reach their zenith as people dance and celebrate the New Year.
On December 30 you can attend a carnival and concert by the 100 member Gypsy Band. On December 31, a masked ball is held at the Opera House. Even though Budapest is rather grey and cold in winter, it is clear that you will still find a plethora of activities to try out.
How about a December dip in the Szechenyi thermal baths? There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor pools including 12 thermal pools where the water temperature is up to 40°C, a swimming pool and an activity pool with a whirlpool. Open all year round these baths are suitable to use in any season. Watching the older generations play chess in the snow proves to be a very unique sight in December. Making the water particularly special is the calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate, they are deemed to be good for joints, arthritis, blood circulation and disorders of the nervous system. Parties are held in the outdoor thermal bath in the evenings.
On a clear December afternoon, there is no better activity to do in Budapest than stroll along Andrassy Avenue, a gorgeous boulevard in the heart of the city that is a recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the end of the 19th century, the avenue is now lined with gorgeous architecture, historic buildings, the Budapest Opera, numerous cafés and high-end stores. Sipping a coffee in one of the streetside cafés makes for some of the best people-watching in Budapest.
