Vienna has a typical dry continental climate, with warm summers and cold (often bitterly so) winters.
- See also: When to visit Vienna
Taking 2020 as an example:
- The average temperature in August was around 21.9°C (71.4°F), with a monthly maximum of about 32.5°C (90.5°F)
- The average temperature in February was around 6.6°C (43.9°F), with a monthly minimum of -2.3°C (27.7°F)
(That was a remarkably warm February, though.)
What to expect in winter
(Open-air ice skating in winter)
The coldest months are December to February, when the temperatures can struggle to get much above 0°C. Day temperatures below zero are entirely possible.
The lowest recorded temperature in recent years was -21.7°C (-7°F) in 1985. The worst I’ve experienced in 25 years is around -15°C.
These months are also when you can expect snow every now and then. However, the local authorities and house owners clear the sidewalks and roads very quickly and public transport is rarely troubled (though delays can occur).
Having said that, the last year or two we’ve barely had any snow worthy of the name. And those winters have been relatively mild (cough…global warming…cough).
Tip: If you’re driving, take care where you park when snow is predicted – the snowploughs can end up half-burying your car in snow, leaving you to dig your vehicle out by hand.
If you’re planning to come during these winter months, then (obviously) check the forecast and be prepared to bring warm clothes, including some kind of hat or headband to protect the ears.
Consider sturdy boots or walking shoes if you wish to go around on foot. The streets and pavements can get mucky after snow, and a combination of slush, grit and salt plays havoc with your shoes if you haven’t got the proper footwear.
What to expect in summer
(A cold beer on a hot day)
The hottest time of year is July and August. “Comfortably warm” is a typical description for the summer, but this is a city, so it can get sticky. In 2015, for example, a heatwave saw temperatures hit the high 30s for days on end.
The highest recorded temperature in recent years was 38.4°C (100.94°F) in 2013.
The warm summers do mean you can sit outside long into the evening in the gardens or streets outside the cafés, bars and Heuriger (wine taverns).
It doesn’t rain too much, but it never hurts to bring an umbrella. The 2018 summer, for example, was unusually wet.
Vienna gets about 650 mm of rain or snow each year – less than Rome or Milan – and there tends to be more of the short, sharp thunderstorm rain variety, rather than ongoing drizzle.
Tip: This page at the Vienna government site has a graphic which shows you the monthly average temperatures over recent years.