Climate and weather in Salzburg, Austria

salzburg toptours weather climate austria alps salzburg

Austria boasts a varied landscape that significantly influences its climate. In the eastern regions, winds are quite common, while the Alpine foothills experience a more continental climate, leading to colder winters and warmer summers. The northern face of the Alps tends to receive greater precipitation, resulting in a temperate climate with minimal temperature fluctuations. Central Austria, perched on a hill, features the Danube Valley, which is surrounded by hills and enjoys a mild microclimate conducive to winemaking and fruit cultivation. The Mediterranean Sea's warmth can be felt in the southern areas of the Alps, bringing mild winters and plenty of sunny days.

Salzburg City, located in northern Austria, finds itself in a state where about 70% of the landscape is mountainous. Because of the varying elevations, there can be noticeable temperature differences between the city and its nearby suburbs, especially during the autumn and winter months. Statistics show that sunny and cloudy days are evenly matched here, with a temperate climate prevailing overall. Each of the four seasons lasts for about three months, contributing to the region's distinctive charm.

  

Winter in Salzburg

In Salzburg, November and the first half of December are usually sunny with temperatures between +5 and +10 degrees Celsius. Thick fog often forms in the valleys, dissipating by midday and returning by evening. By mid-December, the temperature drops sharply, often below zero. The ground is cold enough to prevent immediate melting of the snow in the valleys. Temperatures during this period range from 0 to -5 degrees.

Weather and Climate of Austria in Winter, Summer, Spring and Autumn

Starting in the first week of January, Austria experiences a true winter with heavy snowfalls and low temperatures. According to statistics, cold winters occur in Austria once every 10-12 years, when the temperature dropps as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Nowadays, large bodies of water rarely freeze. The last time it happened was in 2006.

During the winter, a warm anticyclone called the Föhn is quite common in the Alpine region. It brings hurricane-force winds and temperatures can rise to +15 degrees Celsius during the day. Due to the strong winds, ski resorts have to close the lifts for safety reasons. The cyclone usually lasts for 2-3 days, after which temperatures return to below freezing.

Weather and Climate of Austria in Winter, Summer, Spring and Autumn

When traveling from a ski resort to Salzburg, it's essential to keep in mind that Austria can be quite chilly, especially with high humidity levels. In Salzburg, the cold often feels damp and can seep deep into your bones. To truly enjoy the city center, be prepared to walk, but be aware that in the afternoon, the shadow cast by the Monchsberg mountain envelops the entire old town. If you're not dressed warmly enough, your exploration might turn into just a brief shopping trip followed by a café visit. To make the most of your time, it's wise to layer up to fend off the cold.

February in Salzburg tends to be overcast, and heavy snowfall is quite likely. The humid air tends to settle in the valley of the Salzach River; however, once you move away from the valley, the clouds lift, revealing a clear blue sky and bright sunshine.

salzburg toptours weather november

In March, temperatures begin to rise gradually as the snow starts to melt away. While the mountains still boast a thick blanket of snow, the parks and valleys begin to burst into green as the first flowers bloom. Generally, March sees temperatures ranging from +5 to +8 degrees, accompanied by relatively little rainfall. As the month wears on, temperatures can climb as high as +20, and the magnolia trees come alive with blossoms in Salzburg.

April, on the other hand, is known for its unpredictable weather. After a few warm and sunny days, snow can make a surprise return, and heavy snowfalls with drifts are not out of the question. It’s no wonder local farmers often say, “April macht was er will,” which translates to “April does what it wants.”

salzburg toptours weather may

 

 

Summer in Salzburg

The weather changes frequently until mid-May. It is usually warm, but snow can fall in the mountains when the weather deteriorates. There is a sign that it is not worth planting heat-loving crops until the days of the Five Ice Saints, since frost on the ground occurs almost every year until St. Sophia's Day (May 15). There is even a local saying: "Die koite Sophi mocht ois hi" meaning Cold Sophia ruins everything. In 2017, for example, snow fell in the mountains until the middle of May. Only after the 15th of May can we talk about temperature stabilization and the arrival of summer. The temperature from the second half of May to the end of August ranges from +20 to +35 degrees Celsius.

Climate and Weather in Austria. Salzburg in Winter, Summer, Autumn and Spring

In June and July the weather in Austria can be hot, reaching up to 35°C. However I recommend taking with you some waterproof and warm clothing. Heavy rainfalls are common in Salzburg, while it can get quite chilly in the mountains. Don't forget to bring sturdy shoes if you plan to hike in the mountains

salzburg toptours weather july

August is still a hot summer month, but it starts to rain more often. The temperature during the day is usually between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius, while at night it is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. 

salzburg toptours weather fall september

In early September, expect warm and dry weather. However, it's as if nature follows a calendar, and as soon as September 1 arrives, we can feel the breath of autumn. The sun shines brightly, but it doesn't provide as much warmth as before. Comfortable temperatures usually range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the daytime until the beginning of October. After that, the nights become cooler, with temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius. Indian summer, which lasts until mid-October, is a great time to plan a trip to the Alpine region for hiking and cycling.

salzburg toptours weather fall

In October, the mountains turn into a beautiful array of colors. The peaks of the Alps begin to show their snow caps. The sunny days of the Indian summer end end-October, after which Salzburg covers with leaden clouds and the rainy season begins.

salzburg toptours weather october

Tags: March in Salzburg, April in Salzburg, My Winter Walk of Salzburg 

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Please send your inquiry by email or through the contact form, including the tour date, tour name, number of participants, and preferred meeting point. I’ll get back to you promptly with accurate details and pricing.
How much does your service cost?
Estimated prices are as follows: Salzburg walking tours: €200–€300 | Half-day tours (Salzburg and nearby areas by minibus): €350–€450 | Full-day tours: €700–€950 | Final rates vary based on distance, itinerary, and tour customization.
How many people can fit in your minivan? Can our baby sit on our lap?
My minivan comfortably seats up to eight passengers. For safety reasons, children must have their own seats; lap-sitting is not permitted. Child booster seats are available free of charge upon request.
What does your service cover?
Qualified guide service in Salzburg (Professional Austria Guide since 2006). Customized tour planning based on your preferences. Travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 minivan with room for up to eight passengers. There are no additional charges for tolls or parking.
What is not included in your service?
Entrance fees, accommodations, meals and drinks.
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I accept payments via bank transfer, PayPal (subject to a processing fee), credit card, and cash. Please note that credit card payments incur an additional surcharge. Let me know your preferred method, and I’ll provide the necessary details.
Can we hire you to be just a driver for us?
Yes, that’s possible; however, it wouldn’t change the price. As a licensed tour guide with extensive knowledge and high qualifications, my time is valued differently than that of a regular taxi driver.
We’ll be driving our own car. Can we hire you just as a guide?
Yes, you can, but I wouldn’t really recommend it. When I’m driving my van, I know exactly where to go, when to slow down, and where to stop, which lets me focus fully on explaining and sharing insights without worrying about navigation. Plus, my van is spacious and offers much better visibility compared to a sedan. The price difference is minimal, so it’s usually worth it to let me handle the driving.
Can you give us a tour in a smaller car for a lower price?
No, I can only provide tours in a van.
There are more than eight of us. Could you assist with booking a larger bus?
Please note that arranging a large coach can be time-consuming because bus companies require detailed information to calculate costs and secure a deposit. For this reason, I usually prefer not to handle tourist bus bookings directly. However, I’m happy to provide contact details for transportation companies or help organize an additional minivan with a professional guide if needed.
Can we hire you for a few days?
I also offer multi-day itineraries tailored to your needs.
Can you give us a tour of just the town of Hallstatt?
I don’t offer tours just of Hallstatt. However, I provide full-day itineraries from Salzburg that cover the Lake District, including Hallstatt, or full-day tours focused specifically on the Hallstatt region.
Can you give us a half-day tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt?
Yes, I can. However, please keep in mind that a half-day usually means about 4 hours. The round trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt takes around 3 hours by car. That would leave you with only about 1 hour to explore Hallstatt itself. Hallstatt is indeed one of the most picturesque towns in the Salzkammergut Lake District, but it’s just one gem among many. Instead of focusing solely on Hallstatt, I’d recommend visiting a few other beautiful towns and lakes nearby. This way, you’ll get to experience the authentic charm of Austria beyond the usual tourist spots.
Is it possible for us to join a group tour with you?
I don’t organize group tours. As a one-person company, my services are focused on private or customized tours only.
Would you be able to take photos for us during the tour we've booked with you?
I really enjoy photography! I’d be happy to snap some photos of you using your own device at no extra cost. However, if you're looking for high-quality, professionally edited images, I can use my Nikon camera and provide expert post-processing. This premium photography service is available for an additional €100.
Can I book a tour by calling you?
You're very welcome to get in touch! However, I kindly ask that you send me a message first with some basic information about your preferred tour, date and group size. Once we've exchanged the essentials, we can gladly arrange a phone call if needed. Looking forward to hearing from you!
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