Does it Snow in Vienna? A Guide to Vienna in Winter

Winter can be a tricky season to travel in. You never know whether a destination is a good place to go in winter or not. Well rest assured, because visiting Vienna in winter isn’t only possible, it’s a fantastic time for travellers. Whether you’re going for a quick city break or part of a Central Europe trip, Vienna makes for a flexible winter destination.

Many people seem to think that summer is the best time to visit Vienna. I’m not one of them and actually think that almost any time of year can work for a visit. I’ve spent a fair bit of time at this stage in Vienna during winter and seen many different sides to the city between December and mid-March. Vienna isn’t a typical winter destination like the Alps, but what it does offer can lead to a fun trip.

Weather for Vienna in Winter

If you’re wondering about what Vienna is like in winter, the above photo shows what might be waiting for you. Now, winter in Vienna is no where as extreme as some parts of Europe. But expect it to be cold, with a good chance of snow at some point during the season.

From my experience, snow doesn’t come to Vienna until later in the season. Don’t expect too much before New Years and sometimes it waits until March to really hit. Winter officially runs up until the equinox on March 20th/21st, and on that day you’ll suddenly see all of the city’s fountains lose their covers. But the weather can often linger over into April – including a “fake spring” before another drop in temperatures.

One reliable thing about Vienna is that winter temperatures don’t vary wildly across a day. Temperatures typically hover around freezing, so expect highs a few degrees over 0ºC (32ºF) and lows a few degrees under. It can, very rarely, drop to below -10ºC (14ºF) during mid winter, but normal lows are more around -5ºC (23ºF) . If you’re from the northern hemisphere, it shouldn’t be too out of your comfort zone, but Australians like me will find it plenty cold.

Benefits of Low Season in Vienna

Normally in these articles, I’d talk about winter being low season for a destination. But not all of winter is Vienna’s low season. In fact, December in Vienna is one of the busiest times to go. That’s because people come in the lead up to Christmas, one of Vienna’s festive seasons.

But come to Vienna after New Years Day and it gets much less busy. January and February are definitely the low season for Vienna, with no clear draw like Christmas markets. Going to Vienna in January or February, then, presents a great opportunity to save money on a visit.

The key appeal of low season travel is that the increased availability of flights and hotels means prices are typically lower. While you’ve have to wait a little longer for low season in Vienna, it applies to the city too. January and February are the best time to visit Vienna as a budget traveller; you should have more options of places to stay in Vienna and prices shouldn’t be as extreme as they can get.

Visiting Vienna Christmas Markets

Unlike some destinations in Europe, winter won’t have much effect on your sightseeing. The main challenges of a winter visit are the cold weather and shorter days. But winter does offer lots of opportunities for new activities as well.

Vienna’s Christmas markets are obviously the most famous winter attraction for the city. All across the city you can find markets decorated with lights selling food and handcrafts. Markets outside palaces like Schönbrunn and the Belvedere add to the atmosphere of these places, and you’re likely to visit them anyway, so it couldn’t be easier to experience them.

I do also recommend visiting several markets. While you’re sure to find similarities between some in what they sell, most have a unique feel to them. The local feel of the Spittelberg market is worlds away from the dazzle of the large market outside the Rathaus.

Things to Do in Vienna in Winter

I could also focus on winter activities like ice-skating at the Alte Donau or trips to ski fields near Vienna. But one of the best things to do in Vienna in winter is go to the city’s museums.

Museums are such a common indoor activity and wow does Vienna have a lot of museums. Many Vienna museums don’t even have reduced opening hours in winter, meaning there’s usually several open no matter what day it is. Well, except Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, but even some places like the Art History Museum stays open then.

At the end of the day, you could also just take it easy during your visit. Winter sets a nice mood for staying inside, being nice and warm, drinking beer, and trying Austrian cuisine. You’ll have no problem finding a beisl, a cellar or tavern where you can get these things and still feel like you’re experiencing the local culture.

Advice for Visiting Vienna in Winter

You may think it’s obvious, but I’m going to say it regardless. Bring cold weather clothes! You’re definitely going to want a warm winter coat, but I also recommend wearing layers.

This is mainly because as soon as you step inside public transport or a building, expect to be blasted with heat that will have you taking layers off immediately. The extreme heating of indoor spaces was something I never got used to and I certainly couldn’t do as locals do and stay fully bundled up on the U-bahn as I roast alive. Layers are the solution here, unless you don’t sweat I guess.

Don’t expect to be trudging through deep snow in Vienna. Anything beyond a light dusting seems to be quickly managed by the city. But I’d still recommend waterproof shoes in case it turns to slush or you’re out in a flurry. What’s more important though is shoes with good tread, as ice and particularly black ice, is a widespread concern.

Finally, use Vienna’s public transport network. The system is one of the best in the world and is how I recommend you get about the city regardless of the season. But it’s especially nice to be on a tram or U-bahn train rather than walking, especially if snowing or the wind picks up.

Have you ever wanted to visit Vienna in winter before? Would you go for the Christmas markets or wait until prices are cheaper? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.