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Hungary in November is cold, but not so much to ruin your holiday plans. It is the beginning of the low tourist season, which means discounted rates and low crowds. The chilly weather in Budapest shifts the action — parties, theaters, dining — indoors. Check out the month-end buzz around Christmas markets in the Danube Bend. Visiting Lake Velence is an experience not to be missed. To drive the winter chill away, indulge yourself with a comforting cave bath in Miskolctapolca’s hot springs. Read on to find out more about the perks of touring Hungary in November.

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Hungary Weather in November

A drone shot of a train and a snowy forest in Hungary in November.
The snowy landscape makes outdoor activities worth it in November.

As autumn gives way to winter in Hungary in November, the days get shorter, colder and grayer. But the weather is still mild compared to the icy winter chill of December and January. As the month progresses, there are more chances of rain. Budapest sees a temperature range between a maximum of 10°C and a minimum of 4°C in November. In Gyor, the average high and low are 8°C and 2°C, respectively. Meanwhile, Esztergom sees an average high of 9°C and an average low of 3°C.

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

Weather in Hungary in November - Rainfall and Temperatures

OctNovDec
Avg Daily (°C)1673
Avg Nightly (°C)72-1
Avg Daily (°F)614538
Avg Nightly (°F)453631
Avg Rainfall (mm)606040

Why Visit Hungary in November

Get this aerial view of St. Stephen's Basilica in Hungary in November.
Since there will be fewer crowds in November, you will get to see famous sites like St. Stephen's Basilica freely.
Christmas market at St. Stephen's Square in Budapest.
Christmas markets and decorations already kick off in November, filling your holiday with merriment.

Hungary's weather in November may not be perfect for exploring the length and breadth of the country. But with a little planning, you can include many top-rated destinations and unique experiences. Let’s see what is so special about touring Hungary in November.

  • Pre-Christmas magic: By mid to late November, the Christmas holiday season begins in Hungary. This means more shopping opportunities and the ideal time to gorge on local delicacies like Goulash (Hungarian beef stew) and Langos (deep-fried flatbread).
  • Festivals: November has its share of winter festivals, such as the Mindenszentek or All Saints’ Day, an occasion rooted in Hungarian culture where the dead are solemnly remembered, and tombstones and graves are decorated with flowers. The charming Advent Christmas fair in Budapest, where artisans and chefs showcase their talents, kicks off in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica this month. November 11 is St. Martin’s Day, a traditional feast celebrated by tasting wine and eating goose.
  • Discounts: Being a low tourist season, November is easy on your wallet. A mid-range hotel in Budapest usually costs around USD 55–90 per night. Expect far lower rates compared to the peak tourist season.
  • Thin crowds: The tourist season is well and truly over by November. Make the most of it by visiting museums like the Budapest History Museum, which focuses on the city’s history from the Middle Ages to the present, or enjoying a night of opera at the beautifully decorated Hungarian State Opera House without waiting in long queues.

Where to go and what to do

The Town Hall at Gyor during sunset.
You can walk on beautiful cobbled streets and head to restaurants and cafe's in the city of Gyor while also seeing amazing sites like the Town Hall.

Take advantage of the off-season to tour Budapest and visit the lovely Hungarian Parliament building, skate on the ice rink near Vajdahunyad Castle, dip into the famous thermal baths at Szechenyi Spa, with its Neo-Baroque design, and explore the capital’s Museum of Fine Arts, home to European masters like Raphael and Titian.

Outside of Budapest, you can include the historic city of Gyor in northwest Hungary in your itinerary. Visit the city’s beautiful Neo-Gothic Town Hall. Admire the architecture of the National Theatre and catch a live performance there. You can also see the striking Baroque St. Ignatius Benedictine Church and walk down the atmospheric Baross Gabor Street in Gyor’s Old Town, which has restaurants, cafes, old houses and the added attraction of the Christmas market.

Another must-visit destination in Hungary in November is Esztergom, home to the country’s largest church with a 72-meter-high central dome. Besides the incredible basilica, Esztergom has good museums like the Christian Museum with its impressive collection of medieval religious art and the restored 400-year-old Ottoman mosque, which is now a museum and a testament to Hungary’s turbulent history.

Most tourists avoid touring Hungary in winter, but the number of things to do in Hungary in November — from shopping and concerts to museum-hopping and food walks — will come as a pleasant surprise. Our local travel experts will help you plan a customized trip to Hungary according to your requirements.

Published by Tim Green, updated on January 26, 2024

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