Hungary in February: Weather, Romantic Cruises and More

The weather in Hungary in February is slightly warmer than in January but still chilly. Average temperatures usually sit just above freezing with highs of 5°C (41°F) and lows of -1°C (31°F). The amount of snowfall in Hungary during February drops to 57 millimeters (2.24 inches). Rainfall, meanwhile, averages 33 millimeters (1.3 inches). If you’re visiting the town of Mohacs for the Carnival, you can expect high temperatures of 5°C (41°F) and lows of -2°C (28°F), so it’ll feel slightly colder than Budapest, but not by much.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Hungary.

Trying to work out if winter is the right time for you to visit Hungary? Well, here are our top reasons why you should tour Hungary in February.

• The Mangalica Festival: Budapest hosts the Mangalica Festival in February. It’s a festival entirely dedicated to meat, specifically the Mangalica breed of Hungarian curly-haired pig. Expect a lot of slow-roasted pork on display and plenty of delicious smells.
• Gluttonous Thursday: While many places have pre-Lent traditions, in Hungary, they have a day known as Gluttonous Thursday on the day before Lent starts, normally in mid-to-late February. It’s always on the day after Ash Wednesday, an important date in the Christian calendar. On this day, restaurants often half their menu prices so that people can eat more and prepare for their Lent fasting periods.
• Better rates: Compared to the peak seasons around the Christmas Markets and during the summer months, February is a lot cheaper, with many hotels and excursions offering better rates. If you want a bargain Valentine’s Day getaway, consider going to Hungary.
• Low crowds: As the weather isn’t exactly ideal, fewer tourists visit Hungary in February. This means that you can explore the key sites and attractions with ease, find spaces on normally hard-to-book excursions and even find last-minute tickets to the Hungarian State Opera.

One of the best things to do in Hungary in February is to join a river cruise tour down the Danube. Here, you’ll be able to see many of Budapest’s most iconic sights while staying warm inside a heated river cruise boat. If you’re feeling romantic, Budapest’s Chocolate Museum offers a Valentine's river cruise with a full dinner and candlelight as you sail along the Danube at night.

If you’re looking to explore Hungary, head south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mohacs, known for its 1500s battle against the Ottoman Empire. However, if you go in February, you’ll also be treated to the Carnival of the Busos towards the end of the month. With burning of coffins and masked parades, the event is unlike anything else in Hungary.

Between Gluttonous Thursday, the Mangalica Festival and an additional Fish Festival happening during this month, February is a great time for foodies to visit Hungary. The Fish Festival, held at the famous Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest, brings together fish vendors and seafood chefs from all around the world to compete and feed hungry locals. It normally happens in mid-February over the course of a weekend.

So, if you’re looking for a Valentine's Day getaway that’s affordable, full of great food festivals, you should definitely book a trip to Hungary in February. Need a hand planning a tailor-made trip to Hungary in February? Reach out to our local travel experts who’ll put together the perfect tailored itinerary for you.