Last updated: August 21, 2025
December in Budapest presents a charming winter landscape, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 15°C (60°F) to a chilly minimum of -8°C (17°F). The average temperature hovers around 2°C (36°F), setting the stage for a cozy atmosphere. Visitors should be prepared for frequent precipitation, totaling 59 mm (2.3 in) over approximately 11 wet days, contributing to a humidity level of around 90%. This combination of cool temperatures and moisture can create a picturesque, albeit brisk, environment ideal for exploring the city's festive holiday spirit.
As December descends upon Budapest, the city experiences a notable shift towards winter, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and averaging around 2°C (36°F). The chill in the air is complemented by a maximum of 15°C (60°F), making it one of the colder months of the year. This transition from the milder autumn months to the stark cold of winter highlights a consistent trend; temperatures progressively decline from the autumn period, where even late November saw a comparatively warmer average of 6°C (44°F). December’s crisp air lends a magical touch to the city, as the festive season brings twinkling lights and cozy gatherings, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the chill while enjoying all that Budapest has to offer.
In December, Budapest experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with an average of 59 mm (2.3 in) across 11 days of rainfall. This marks a continuation of the wetter trend seen throughout the fall months, as Budapest transitions from the drier early winter to a wetter outlook. While rainfall in December is significant, it does not reach the higher levels observed in the spring, such as May's 83 mm (3.3 in), but it does indicate a cozy, chilly ambiance in the city as the holiday season unfolds. With this level of precipitation, Budapest’s winter charm is enhanced, setting a picturesque scene against its historic architecture.
As December arrives in Budapest, the city experiences a notable rise in humidity, reaching 90%—the highest level recorded throughout the year. This increase signifies a trend of escalating moisture as winter sets in, following a peak in November at 89%. The colder months maintain a pattern of elevated humidity, with January remaining consistently high at 89%. In contrast, the summer months of June through August showcase a decline, with humidity levels dipping to a comfortable 60% in August, making it the driest period. Overall, Budapest's humidity exhibits a clear seasonal shift, with the winter months bringing increased moisture, while the summer provides a welcome breather from the otherwise damp atmosphere.
As December rolls in, Budapest experiences a noticeable dip in UV radiation, with the UV Index falling to a low score of 1. This is a stark contrast to the height of summer when values soared to 9, indicating a shift in sun exposure risks. With a burn time of approximately 45 minutes, residents and visitors can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities without the immediate worry of sunburn, as long as precautions are taken. The consistent patterns observed throughout the year highlight that while winter brings reduced UV levels, it’s still essential to stay informed about UV exposure. For more detailed insights, check out the Budapest UV Index page.
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In December, Budapest enjoys 185 hours of sunshine, marking a subtle decline compared to the brighter months preceding it. The city's daylight hours peak in the summer, with July basking in an impressive 431 hours, while the gradual tapering off begins with the arrival of autumn. November's 201 hours hints at the shifting seasons, leading into December's cozy yet shorter days. Despite this reduction, the winter sun still provides a charming glow over the city, illuminating its stunning architecture and vibrant life, creating a picturesque backdrop for holiday festivities and the enchanting atmosphere that Budapest is known for.
In Budapest, December ushers in a chill that significantly diminishes the chances of sunny weather, with only a 28% likelihood of sunshine. This decline marks a noticeable dip from the moderate sunshine levels seen in the preceding months, particularly November's 33%. As the year progresses towards winter, sunlight becomes increasingly elusive, with January and February showing even lower chances of sun at 31% and 47%, respectively. This trend highlights a seasonal shift where the city trades its lively summer skies for a more subdued, wintry ambiance, making those rare sunlit days in December even more cherished.
As December settles in Budapest, daylight hours have dwindled to 8 hours, mirroring the limited light of January. This seasonal shift reflects a gradual decline from the sunniest months of late spring and summer, where daylight peaked at 15 hours in both June and July. The transition through the year showcases a rhythmic pattern, with each month experiencing a steady increase in daylight from 8 hours in winter to a vibrant 15 hours in early summer, before gracefully tapering back down towards the cozy, shorter days of winter. December, although dimmer, adds a unique charm to the city, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the enchanting atmosphere that accompanies the longer nights.
As December settles in Budapest, the winds pick up slightly, with an average speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph), echoing the breezy conditions of the early winter months. Notably, this uptick returns to a level reminiscent of the year’s beginning, reinforcing a gentle seasonal cycle. Following a trend of gradually increasing wind through the spring, averaging its peak around 3.4 m/s in May, the summer months see a noticeable dip, particularly in June and August, when winds drop to a calm 2.3 m/s and 2.5 m/s, respectively. As autumn arrives, rates remain steady but modest, before climbing back to 3.0 m/s in December, hinting at the crisp gusts that usher in the holiday spirit and invite cozy gatherings. The consistency of wind throughout the year, punctuated by these subtle shifts, paints a picture of Budapest’s atmospheric rhythm, where each season brings its own distinct yet familiar breeze.
Weather in Budapest varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Budapest, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January in Budapest present noticeable differences in weather patterns. December enjoys a slightly milder temperature range, with averages around 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F), while January experiences colder conditions, with a min of -18°C (1°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F). Precipitation in December is more frequent, occurring over 11 days and totaling 59 mm (2.3 in), compared to just 6 days and 28 mm (1.1 in) in January. Humidity levels remain high throughout both months, with December at 90% and January at 89%. For more details, visit Budapest weather in January.
In comparing December and February weather, December experiences a milder range with average temperatures around 2°C (36°F), while February sees slightly colder conditions with an average of 3°C (38°F). December has minimum temperatures dropping to -8°C (17°F), compared to February’s colder lows of -12°C (10°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, occurring on 11 days and totaling 59 mm (2.3 in), whereas February has less rainfall, with precipitation recorded on just 8 days and totaling 44 mm (1.7 in). Interestingly, December has higher humidity levels at 90%, while February’s humidity is slightly lower at 85%. For more detailed insights into February weather, check out Budapest weather in February.
In December, the weather features colder temperatures with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), while the maximum reaches 15°C (60°F). With 59 mm (2.3 inches) of precipitation over 11 days, humidity remains high at 90%, creating a chilly and damp atmosphere. Conversely, March brings a significant shift, with a minimum temperature of -15°C (5°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), but it can reach a maximum of 22°C (73°F). The precipitation decreases to 37 mm (1.4 inches) over just 7 days, and humidity drops to 78%, signaling the arrival of spring. For additional details, refer to Budapest weather in March.
In December, temperatures in Budapest can be quite chilly, ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F), with an average around 2°C (36°F). The month sees approximately 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days and high humidity levels at 90%, creating a damp and cold atmosphere. In contrast, April offers a more temperate climate, with temperatures varying from a low of -4°C (24°F) to a warm high of 28°C (83°F) and an average temperature of 11°C (53°F). Precipitation decreases to about 43 mm (1.7 in) over just 8 days, while humidity levels drop to a more comfortable 73%. This transition highlights the welcoming shift towards spring, making April a delightful time to experience the city. For more details, check out Budapest weather in April.
December and May present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a mild maximum of 15°C (60°F), with an average temperature of 2°C (36°F). The month experiences around 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days, alongside high humidity levels at 90%. In contrast, May brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum reaching 30°C (86°F), resulting in an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). Additionally, May sees increased precipitation at 83 mm (3.3 in) over 13 days, but with lower humidity at 70%. For more specific details, check out Budapest weather in May.
The weather in December contrasts starkly with that of June. In December, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and average around 2°C (36°F), making it a chilly month, while June enjoys much warmer conditions with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). Additionally, June can reach maximum temperatures soaring up to 37°C (98°F), whereas December's highs peak at a more modest 15°C (60°F). Precipitation is somewhat similar in both months, with December receiving 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain over 11 days and June slightly higher at 74 mm (2.9 in) also over 11 days. However, December's humidity is notably higher at 90%, compared to June's 72%, affecting the overall comfort level during these months. For more detailed insights, check out Budapest weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -8°C (17°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F). This winter month also experiences high humidity at 90% and around 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to a chilly and damp atmosphere. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (46°F), an average of 22°C (72°F), and highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F). Precipitation during July is slightly higher at 64 mm (2.5 in), but falls over just 9 days, and humidity levels drop to a more comfortable 70%. For more detailed insights on weather specifics, check out Budapest weather in July.
December and August present contrasting weather extremes in Budapest. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -8°C (17°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F) and highs reaching only 15°C (60°F); the month also sees high humidity at 90% and precipitation of 59 mm (2.3 in) over 11 days. In stark contrast, August boasts milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a scorching maximum of 38°C (100°F), averaging around 23°C (73°F). The summer month experiences less rainfall, at 50 mm (2.0 in) over just 8 days, along with significantly lower humidity at 60%. For more details, you can check the Budapest weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, it's evident that the two months exhibit significantly different climates. December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), peaking at a maximum of 15°C (60°F). The month also sees higher humidity levels at 90% and about 11 days of precipitation totaling 59 mm (2.3 in). In contrast, September enjoys a much milder climate, with a minimum temperature of 1°C (35°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F), reaching up to a maximum of 33°C (91°F). It also has lower humidity at 63% and fewer rainy days, with 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over just 7 days. For more detailed insights on September weather, you can check Budapest weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, a distinct contrast emerges. December typically sees colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), while October enjoys milder conditions, featuring a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F). Additionally, October is characterized by warmer maximum temperatures, reaching up to 25°C (77°F), compared to December's peaks of 15°C (60°F). Precipitation levels are fairly similar, with December recording 59 mm (2.3 in) over 11 days, while October logs 61 mm (2.4 in) across just 7 days. The humidity is also higher in December at 90%, compared to 82% in October. For more insights into October's weather, check out Budapest weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be colder, with average temperatures dropping from November's 6°C (44°F) down to 2°C (36°F). While both months experience some frigid conditions, December's minimum temperature can reach as low as -8°C (17°F), compared to November's slightly more moderate minimum of -6°C (22°F). Precipitation increases slightly in December to 59 mm (2.3 in) over 11 days, surpassing November's 50 mm (2.0 in) over 9 days. Humidity remains high in both months, with December registering at 90% and November at 89%. For more details on November's weather, you can visit Budapest weather in November.
As December unfolds in Budapest, the city experiences a notable shift from the milder temperatures of previous months, plunging into the chill of winter. With an average temperature hovering around 2°C (36°F), the cold can bite, particularly with maximums unlikely to exceed 15°C and nighttime lows dipping to a frosty -8°C (17°F). Visitors should prepare for increased precipitation, with about 11 days of rain or snow contributing to the overall humidity of a brisk 90%. This month, while characterized by its festive charm, warrants bundling up against the elements. For more details on how Budapest's climate shapes its seasons, explore Budapest Climate.