Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Visit Hungary

Most Expensive Time to Visit Hungary

The most expensive time to visit Hungary is during peak summer months and national holidays when both international and local tourism ramps up. Events in Budapest also cause sharp spikes in prices even outside of summer.

• Summer Season (June to August)
  This is Hungary’s main tourist season. Warm weather, school holidays, and outdoor festivals bring big crowds to cities like Budapest, Szeged, and Lake Balaton. Hotels near the Danube and major attractions are often booked out, and prices for everything—especially flights and day tours—go up.
• Sziget Festival – Budapest (August)
  One of Europe’s biggest music festivals, held on an island in Budapest. It draws more than 500,000 people over several days. Hotel prices skyrocket across the city, especially around District V, District VII, and near the festival grounds. Flights to Budapest during this week are also much more expensive.
• Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix – Mogyoród (Late July or Early August)
  Held at the Hungaroring just outside of Budapest, this major event draws huge international crowds. Hotel rooms in Budapest fill up quickly, and prices surge even in smaller towns nearby.
• Christmas Markets (Mid-December to Early January)
  Budapest, Debrecen, and other major cities host Christmas markets starting in late November. While not as pricey as summer, December still brings higher hotel rates and busy streets, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• National Day – August 20 (St. Stephen’s Day)
  A major holiday that includes fireworks, river festivals, parades, and events across Hungary. Budapest, in particular, sees a huge spike in tourism. Expect full hotels, higher rates, and traffic congestion throughout the city center.

Cheapest Time to Visit Hungary

The cheapest time to year to visit Hungary is during the low-season, and there's several times of the year when travel prices in Hungary are considerably cheaper. You’ll find better prices on everything from flights, hotels, guided tours, and train tickets.

• Late Winter (Mid-January to Early March)
  After the holiday season ends, tourism drops off fast. Flights to Hungary are at their lowest, and hotels in Budapest, Pécs, and Szeged offer steep discounts. Cold temperatures keep crowds away, but this is a great time for spas, ruin pubs, and indoor attractions.
• Early November to Early December
  This period falls between the end of autumn and the start of the Christmas market season. Tourist numbers drop significantly, and hotel deals are easy to find even in central Budapest. It’s a calm, affordable time to explore city life without the crowds.
• Late February to Mid-March
  Still technically off-season, but the weather begins to improve slightly. Hotel prices are still low, and flights from other parts of Europe are often heavily discounted. You’ll also have fewer people at places like Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and thermal baths.

Best Time of Year to Visit Hungary on a Budget

If you want great weather but don’t want to pay peak prices, the best time to visit Hungary is going to be during the shoulder seasons are the way to go. These months offer a sweet spot for value and comfort.

• Late April to Early June
  Spring in Hungary brings blooming flowers, warm days, and fewer tourists. Hotels in Budapest are still reasonably priced, and most major attractions are open. It’s a perfect time for walking tours, river cruises, and day trips to places like Eger or Lake Balaton.
• Mid-September to Late October
  The summer rush ends by mid-September, and prices start to fall. Weather stays mild, and autumn colors make destinations like Tokaj (Hungary’s wine region) even more beautiful. Hotels lower their rates, and most attractions remain open until November.

Price Summary Table for Hungary Travel