What to Pack for Budapest in Winter

Weather in Budapest in Winter

The average temperature in winter is between -1°C to -3°C (26-30°F), but it can get much colder, even down to -10°C (14°F). The highest chance for snow is in January and February, but it’s not guaranteed. It used to snow a lot 15-20 years ago, but now we only get proper snow every few years.

I was in Budapest last winter, and it was one of those few winters when it happened to snow a lot. I went on a walk around the city to see the major attractions covered in snow, and I started to feel super cold just after one hour of walk. I dressed in warm layers, but it was so cold, it didn’t keep me warm too long.

What to Pack for Budapest in Winter

Thermal Layers

I dressed in warm layers while I was out in Budapest last winter, but what I didn’t have was thermal layers. Thermal layers keep you much warmer than just putting on any layer of clothes, so if I visited Budapest in winter next time, I would definitely include thermal layers on my Budapest winter packing list.

Last winter, I just wore tights under my jeans, and put on layers under my jumper, but they didn’t work that well because they were normal layers of clothes. If you don’t plan to spend much time outdoors, they might work, but if you plan to visit the major attractions, walk around a lot, and hang out at the Christmas markets, then I definitely recommend thermal layers.

Winter Coat

A winter coat is another essential item to pack for Budapest in winter. It can rain and snow in winter, and it can also get windy, so the best is to pack a waterproof and windproof down jacket. You could also take a wool coat which is more stylish. Since it gets really cold, I recommend taking a coat which is knee-length or at least mid-thigh to protect you better against cold.

It gets pretty cold especially near the River Danube, so if you go on a walk by the river, make sure to dress in your warmest layers. It also gets cold while you are on a river cruise. The boats are heated inside during winter, but if you go on the outer deck to take photos, it is very cold.

Boots

You should also pack a pair of winter boots for your trip to Budapest in winter. The best is to go for waterproof or water-resistant boots. It can rain and snow in winter, so it’s good if you have a pair of boots other than regular sneakers that could get wet easily.

When it snows, the roads and pavements get icy, so, I recommend going for a pair of boots that has a rubber sole with a good grip, so you don’t slip while outside. Then, when the snow starts to melt, it gets all slushy, so it’s good if your boots are one that’s easy to clean.

Thick Socks

It’s also good to pack thick thermal merino wool socks for a winter trip to Budapest, rather than just the regular cotton socks. The thermal merino wool socks trap body heat and absorb sweat, so your feet stays dry and warm.

I made the mistake of wearing regular cotton socks when we visited the Christmas markets in Budapest. We spent half a day outside and my feet started to feel cold very quickly. I wish I wore my wool socks for the day, so my feet would have been warmer.

Hat, Scarf, Gloves

Packing a hat, scarves and gloves are also essential. You’ll quickly get a cold if you don’t have gloves on, wear a scarf or a hat. The temperature is low in the winter, plus, there can also be snow and wind, so you have to protect yourself from the elements.

Additional Clothes

In addition to the winter essentials, you should also pack general clothes like T-shirts, jumpers, and jeans. The thermal baths are very popular in Budapest, and you also have to bring your own swimsuits. The baths are open all year around, and they have warm water pools that are perfect in the winter!

Other Things to Pack

Power Bank

I never go on any trip without a power bank, and having one with you in Budapest is a life saver. While there are plugs for charging in all hotel rooms, bars and restaurants, if you are out exploring the city, the easiest is to have a power bank in your daypack, and charge your phone whenever you want to.

I always take a lot of photos and videos on my trips, so my battery goes down pretty fast. Having a power bank in my daypack makes me relaxed, knowing that I can charge my phone anytime I need to.

Re-usable Water Bottle

The tap water in Budapest is safe to drink, so if you have a re-usable water bottle with you on the trip, then you can just refill it on the go. Since it’s cold in winter, you can also take a thermos. If you have a kettle in your hotel room, you can just boil the water and have warm water with you in your thermos during the day.

Tips for Visiting Budapest in Winter

Safety

Budapest is generally very safe, even for solo female travelers. I have always felt safe in the city even if I went home alone late night. You should still remain cautious and take pre-cautions like you would in any other city. Plus, in the winter, the pavements get snowy and icy, so be careful as it can be very slippery.

You never know what may go wrong on an international trip, so I recommend getting a travel insurance. I always go with SafetyWing, it’s a travel medical insurance that covers lost luggage, stolen items and emergency medical care. I have used it all over the world and found it’s one of the most affordable insurances.

Cash or Card Payments

In most places you can pay by both cash and card, but the easiest is to pay by card. Almost all places accept card payments, so I don’t recommend walking around with a lot of cash. It’s better to just pay by cards.

Hungary uses its own currency, the Hungarian Forint (HUF), so to save on the exchange rates, it’s best to have a multi-currency travel card with you. I use the Wise travel card on international trips (even used it in Budapest), and it makes card payments effortless. It has low exchange rates, and when you pay, it automatically converts the currency to Hungarian Forint. You don’t have to worry about having cash, you can just use the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Final Tips on What to Wear in Budapest in Winter

When visiting Budapest in winter, it is essential to pack warm clothes that you can wear in layers. Some of the must-have items are thermal layers, warm winter coat (wool coat or a puffer jacket), merino wool socks, boots, hat, scarves and gloves.

It gets really cold outside, and you’ll need layers to keep you warm. Budapest is great to explore on foot even in winter, but if you don’t dress in layers, you’ll feel cold very quickly.

I remember one time, I didn’t dress in layers properly and felt cold very quickly after just a short walk in the city. I ended up taking breaks in cafes just to warm up, otherwise, it would have been too cold to stay outdoors for long periods of time.

Read Next

• Best Things to Do in Budapest in Winter
• Best Christmas Markets in Budapest
• Budapest 3 Days Itinerary