Best Time to Visit Austria

The best time to visit Austria is between April to August. Austria is a mountainous and landlocked country in Central Europe and one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. The weather during these seasons is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 9°C – 15°C.

Austria is a versatile tour destination with something for everyone, from great food to eye-catching architecture and nature. Read further to know more about what Austria has to offer.

Spring

• Time Period: April – May
• Temperature Range: 9°C – 15°C
• Average Rainfall: 40 – 118 mm

With temperatures rising and the atmosphere getting livelier, spring in Austria can be a delight. However, don’t forget to carry an umbrella since the weather is unpredictable and there may be some drizzles.

This is a really good time to indulge in the history and culture of Austria, and also for hiking. There are many things to do in Austria in spring. Some of them are:

1. Go hiking in the Vorarlberg Alpine Pastures.

2. Explore the Danube Valley

3. Attend the Salzburg Easter Festival

4. Go rafting on the Salzach River

5. Check out the best places to visit in Hallstatt

6. Visit the birthplace of Mozart

Fall

• Time Period: September – October
• Temperature Range: 10°C – 15°C
• Average Rainfall: 44 – 64 mm

The tree leaves start turning into shades of red, amber and gold at the beginning of fall. However, since this is shoulder season, the crowds remain less, and the atmosphere is peaceful.

Fall is considered the best time to visit Austria for trekking and admiring the landscape. Some of the fun activities to do in Austria in the autumn months are:

1. First, pay a visit to the wineries in Styria

2. Attend Vienna Fashion Week

3. Go mountain biking in Grossarl Valley

4. Have an unforgettable experience at the Philharmonic Ball

5. View all exhibits during the “Long Night of the Museums” event

6. Pay a visit to Innsbruck

Summer

• Time Period: June – August
• Temperature Range: 17°C – 22°C
• Average Rainfall: 88 – 107 mm

Summer is the high season for tourists in Austria, and thus not really the best time to travel. All of the famous places to visit in Austria get very crowded, and certain regions can have high temperatures. The prices during this season are also exorbitant, and you would need to book way before your trip. Expect to pay hefty costs for flights and accommodation.

The region of Salzburg experiences the most crowds due to the Salzburg festival during this time of the year. The summertime is certainly a no go if you are looking for a relaxing getaway from a fast-paced life.

So, if you are planning a tour to Austria, it is best to avoid summer time due to the above reasons.

Summer Season

The prices in Austria during peak season are exorbitant since schools have holidays and families are all on vacation. However, it is relatively cheap during the low season (winter). This season lasts from December – March, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 5°C.

You can secure good deals on flights and accommodation during this time of the year. If you can bear the cold temperatures and enjoy winter sports, you can have an enjoyable experience without burning a hole in your pocket.

There are many things to do in Austria during winter. Adventure sports are pretty prominent in the Alps. If you're adventurous, make sure not to miss out on skiing and snowboarding. However, if that is not your forte, visiting the villages such as Alpbach and Feldkirch is a great alternative.

Just keep in mind that the snowfall can be quite heavy, and the temperatures are really low. So remember to pack warm clothes if you plan to visit Austria in winter.

Austria is an interesting country to visit. Nevertheless, there are some things you should know and prepare yourself for to make your journey a pleasant one. Some of them are:

• Electrical plugs in Austria are the same as in Europe. You will need a travel adapter if you have plugs from somewhere else.
• Keep in mind that most shops in Austria are closed on Sundays.
• Remember that bread in restaurants is not complimentary. You will have to pay for it if you eat it from the table.
• Austrians smoke in indoor settings such as restaurants. If you're a non-smoker, be aware of that and take precautions as you must.
• Austria's water quality is really high. Therefore, you can safely drink water from the sink.
• Pay for your bus ticket. It may seem like many people get on for free, but it is based on an honour system. If you get caught, you will be liable to a fine of €80.

It is a good idea to conform to the customs of the country you are visiting. Here are some tips which can make your tour to Austria more pleasant:

• Be wary of pickpockets in certain touristy areas. Sometimes they use children too.
• Dress well for operas and fine dining restaurants.
• Remember to tip the waiters/waitresses generously.
• Keep in mind that some public restrooms require you to pay a small fee of €0.50.
• Refrain from calling Austrians Germans. They may speak the same language but have a culture and heritage of their own.
• Find out and save the details of the Indian Embassy in Austria.
• Do not jaywalk. You may end up paying a heavy fine if caught.
• Carry some cash as this is the only mode of payment in some small stores and eateries.
• Finally, get a travel insurance plan.

People in Austria are fluent in German and speak Basic English. Therefore, learning a few phrases in German will make it easier for you to communicate during your time there. Apart from that, it will help you gain more appreciation for the culture and traditions of Austria.

Here are some phrases you would find useful during your trip to Austria:

• I don’t speak German very well. – Mein Deutsch isn’t nicht sehr gut.
• Do you speak English? – Sprechen Sie Englisch?
• What time is it? – Wie spat is es?
• Excuse me, where is …? – Enstchuldigung, wo ist …?
• Where are the taxis? – Wo sind die Taxis?
• What is the fare? – Was kostet die Fahrt?
• What is your name? – Was ist dein name?
• How much does that cost? – Wie viel kostet das?
• Where is a good restaurant? – Wo ist ein gutes restaurant?
• The check, please. – Zahlen bitte.

Now that you know the best time to visit Austria, you can plan your trip more easily and have the best experiences. However, make sure to get a travel insurance plan before your trip. Then, in case of any unforeseen situations such as luggage misplacement or loss, flight delays and cancellations, etc., it will cover you financially.