What to pack for Budapest in January
- a warm coat, hat and gloves
- a compact umbrella or rain shell — rain is frequent
- waterproof boots — snow is likely
Humidity averages 81%; max daily wind around 18 km/h. Snow falls on about 2.5 days.
How January compares
Best months in Budapest: May–June & September–October. See the full best time to visit Budapest guide.
Budapest in January: the details
In January, Budapest sees average daytime highs of 5°C (40°F) and overnight lows of -2°C (29°F). Rainfall totals roughly 39 mm across 9 rainy days, and the sun shines about 5 hours per day with 8.6 hours of daylight mid-month. Relative humidity averages 81%.
In context: January is the coldest month of the year and the 10th-wettest in Budapest. The sunniest month is June (12.9 h/day).
| Metric | January average |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 5°C / 40°F |
| Overnight low | -2°C / 29°F |
| Rainfall | 39 mm over 9 rainy days |
| Sunshine | 5 h/day (8.6 h daylight) |
| Humidity | 81% |
| Travel score | 1.4 / 10 |
These figures are climate normals computed from the ERA5 weather reanalysis (2019–2024) for Budapest, Hungary (47.5, 19.04) — see our methodology. Actual conditions vary year to year.
Not set on Budapest? Browse the best places to visit in January ranked by travel score.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Budapest in January?
Daytime highs in Budapest in January average 5°C (40°F); nights drop to about -2°C.
Does it rain in Budapest in January?
Expect around 9 rainy days and 39 mm of rainfall in January.
Is January a good time to visit Budapest?
January is a challenging month to visit Budapest — consider May–June & September–October instead. Overall travel score: 1.4/10. The best months are May–June & September–October.
Where should you go next month?
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