Last updated: January 18, 2025
Zala, Hungary, experiences a Cfb climate as per the Köppen-Geiger classification, characterized by its temperate maritime influences. The region exhibits a remarkable temperature range, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) recorded in March, emphasizing the potential for harsh winter conditions. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around 12°C (54°F), providing a mild climate conducive to various agricultural activities. In stark contrast, the summer months can reach a maximum of 38°C (101°F) in August, highlighting the climatic variability that defines Zala's weather patterns and influences its seasonal dynamics.
Temperature patterns in Zala, Hungary, showcase a distinct seasonal progression from cold winters to warm summers. The year begins with frigid temperatures in January, where minimums reach -15°C (4°F) and average around 1°C (34°F), before experiencing a gradual warming trend into spring. March marks a notable increase, as average temperatures rise to 7°C (45°F), while April sees further escalation, culminating in maximums of 29°C (84°F). The transition into summer brings even higher temperatures, with July and August reaching maximums of 38°C (101°F), reflecting the region's substantial warmth. Autumn brings a gradual cooling, with October averaging 12°C (54°F) before winter returns in December, bringing back colder conditions. Overall, Zala's climate illustrates a rich tapestry of seasonal variations, underpinning its temperate maritime characteristics.
Keszthely, Heviz, and Vonyarcvashegy all experience extreme temperatures, with January lows reaching -14°C (7°F) and August highs soaring to 38°C (100°F). For more detailed monthly temperature information, you can visit Keszthely's climate data here, Heviz's climate data here, and Vonyarcvashegy's climate data here.
Zala, Hungary, experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with distinct trends reflecting seasonal changes. The winter months of January and February receive relatively low precipitation, totaling 30 mm (1.2 in) and 51 mm (2.0 in) respectively, with January averaging just 5 days of rain. However, as spring approaches, rainfall increases slightly, with March and April receiving 40 mm (1.6 in) and 46 mm (1.8 in), accompanied by an average of 7 to 8 rainy days. This transition sets the stage for the wetter months of late spring and summer, particularly May, which peaks at 100 mm (3.9 in) over approximately 15 days of precipitation, marking the region's transition into its rainy season.
During the summer months, Zala maintains a relatively consistent level of rainfall, with June recording 90 mm (3.5 in) and July featuring 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation. This sustained rainfall continues into early autumn, with September yielding 85 mm (3.4 in). The fall months see a gradual reduction in both rainfall and rainy days, with October, November, and December averaging 63 mm (2.5 in), 68 mm (2.7 in), and 71 mm (2.8 in) respectively. Despite these fluctuations, Zala's climate remains characterized by moderately distributed precipitation, supporting its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems throughout the year.
In Zala, Hungary, sunshine duration shows a clear seasonal progression, with a noticeable increase from winter to summer. January begins the year with 166 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 225 hours in February as daylight lengthens. March marks the start of spring with a significant jump to 301 hours, and by April, the sunshine hours reach 338 hours. This upward trend exhibits a sharp acceleration leading into the summer months, where May sees 371 hours and June achieves 410 hours of sunlight, laying the groundwork for the sunniest month of the year.
July stands out as the peak sunshine month, boasting an impressive 429 hours of bright sunshine. However, as summer wanes, a slight decline begins, with August recording 394 hours, followed by a gradual reduction into autumn. September retains a healthy 329 hours, but by October, sunshine hours decrease to 286 hours, signaling the impending winter. As the year comes to a close, November and December experience fewer sunny days, with just 209 hours and 197 hours respectively. This seasonal cycle not only underscores Zala's vibrant summer radiance but also highlights the contrast of shorter days in the colder months, significantly shaping its climate and lifestyle throughout the year.
The UV Index in Zala, Hungary, exhibits distinct seasonal variations, reflecting changes in solar intensity and exposure risk throughout the year. Beginning in January, the UV Index starts low at 2, indicating minimal risk to skin, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, the UV Index gradually increases, reaching 6 in April, categorized as high, necessitating shorter exposure times of just 25 minutes. The months of May and June bring significant increases in UV levels, with indices climbing to 8 and 9 respectively, both categorized as very high, indicating a burn time as brief as 15 minutes for sensitive skin.
During the peak summer months of July and August, the UV Index remains elevated at 9, maintaining a very high exposure category. As the seasons shift into autumn, the UV Index decreases to 6 in September, coupled with an increase in burn time to 25 minutes. The cooler months of October, November, and December see further declines, with values reverting to 2 in December, suggesting a return to low UV risk. These fluctuations highlight the importance of sun protection, especially in the spring and summer months when UV exposure is at its highest in Zala, advising residents and visitors to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their skin.
UV Risk Categories
In Zala, Hungary, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, transitioning from the short, dim days of winter to the long, bright days of summer. January starts the year with just 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March as spring approaches. A significant shift occurs in April, where daylight extends to 13 hours, paving the way for longer days. May and June reach their zenith, both offering 15 hours of daylight, fostering an environment ripe for outdoor activities and natural growth.
As summer begins to wane, daylight hours start to decrease, with July maintaining 15 hours before beginning to drop in August to 14 hours. The transition into autumn sees a continued decline, with daylight reducing to 12 hours in September, and further down to 10 hours in October. The final months of the year bring shorter days, culminating in December with merely 8 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern profoundly influences daily life and the natural landscape in Zala, underscoring the importance of seasonal changes in light exposure throughout the year.
Heviz, Hungary experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -14°C (7°F), while July highs can reach up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in May at 92 mm (3.6 in), and sunshine hours are abundant in summer, with July offering around 430 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Heviz climate.
Keszthely, Hungary experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -14°C (7°F) but can rise to 15°C (59°F) during the month, while summer peaks reach up to 38°C (100°F) in August. Precipitation is highest in late spring, particularly in May (92 mm) and June (89 mm), while sunshine hours are abundant in summer, peaking at 430 hours in July. The transitional seasons of spring and autumn provide moderate temperatures and varying rainfall, making Keszthely an interesting place for weather enthusiasts. More details can be found at Keszthely climate.
Vonyarcvashegy, Hungary experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January temperatures range from -14°C (7°F) to 15°C (59°F), while July showcases warmer conditions with highs reaching up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation peaks in May at 92 mm (3.6 in), contributing to relatively wet summers, whereas winter months tend to be drier. Sunshine hours are ample, particularly in the summer, where July sees up to 430 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Vonyarcvashegy climate.
In conclusion, Zala, Hungary, presents a captivating climatic profile characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the frigid winters with limited sunshine to the vibrant, sun-soaked summers, the region illustrates a dynamic interplay between natural elements that shape its environment and lifestyle. Understanding these climatic patterns not only aids in appreciating Zala's unique ecosystem but also emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing weather conditions and UV exposure throughout the year. As the seasons unfold, the rich tapestry of Zala's climate continues to support its diverse flora and fauna, making it a significant area of interest for residents and visitors alike.