Most people pack for Vienna like it's a museum trip and forget it's a walking city with real weather. Winter lows sit around -1°C (30°F) and you'll spend hours standing outside at the markets, while July and August hit 28°C (82°F) in a city where plenty of older apartments have no air conditioning. Pack for your feet and for big swings, not for the opera.
Vienna weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 5°C41°F | 8°C46°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 20°C68°F | 26°C79°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 23°C73°F | 17°C63°F | 9°C48°F | 5°C41°F |
| Low | -1°C30°F | 1°C34°F | 3°C37°F | 7°C45°F | 10°C50°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F | 17°C63°F | 13°C55°F | 8°C46°F | 2°C36°F | 1°C34°F |
| Rain days | 8 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 5°C (41°F) to 8°C (46°F), lows of -1°C (30°F) to 1°C (34°F), and 7 to 9 rain days a month. That's Christmas market weather, and you'll stand outside at Rathausplatz or Spittelberg for an hour with a mug in hand. Bring a proper warm coat, gloves and a hat. Thin layers alone won't cut it.
Spring
March–MaySpring warms fast, from 13°C (55°F) highs in March to 20°C (68°F) in May, but March nights still drop to 3°C (37°F). May is the wettest month of the year with 12 rain days. A light jacket and a packable shell cover you for the Prater and the Schönbrunn gardens.
Summer
June–AugustJuly and August both reach 28°C (82°F), with lows of 17°C (63°F) to 18°C (64°F) and 9 or 10 rain days, often short thunderstorms. Locals head to the Alte Donau and the Donauinsel to swim. Pack light clothes, a swimsuit and something to throw on when a storm rolls through.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still 23°C (73°F) and lovely. By November highs fall to 9°C (48°F) with lows of 2°C (36°F), and every month of the season gets about 10 rain days. Layers matter most here, a sweater plus a waterproof jacket you can peel off in a heated coffee house.
What to bring to Vienna
0 of 21 packedVienna gets rain on 7 to 12 days every month, usually as showers. This packs into its own pocket, so you're not hauling an umbrella onto the tram.
Spring and autumn here mean a shower, then sun, then another shower. It's a light, packable women's rain shell that's easy to keep in a day bag.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Cobbled lanes in the Innere Stadt punish thin soles, and this has a cushioned crash pad for long days between the Hofburg and the Naschmarkt. Leave it at the hotel on wet winter days, the knit soaks through.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Light, cushioned and machine washable, which is what you want in a city you'll mostly see on foot. Pack boots too in winter, the knit upper won't keep out slush.
Austrian sockets are Type C and F. This slides out an EU plug and charges your phone and a couple of other devices at once. Check the price before you book.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Vienna's tap water comes down from the Alps, so fill this at the hotel and skip buying bottles. It fits a day bag side pocket and is rated 12 hours hot for winter coffee.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Stephansplatz and the Christmas markets get packed, and crowds draw pickpockets. This keeps your phone, cards and passport behind lockable zips.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coat · 1Winter lows around -1°C
- Hat, gloves and scarf · 1 setLong standing at the markets
- Sweaters · 2
- Thermal base layer · 1
- Light summer clothes · 3July and August hit 28°C
- Smart-casual outfit · 1For opera and concerts
Footwear
- Dressier shoes · 1
Gear
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
- Compact umbrella · 1May has 12 rain days
- Small travel fan · 1Many older apartments lack air conditioning
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
Documents and money
- Passport
Tech
- Phone power bank · 1
What shoes should you pack for Vienna?
Vienna is mostly flat, but parts of the Innere Stadt are cobbled and you'll cover more ground than you think between the Ringstrasse, the Hofburg and the Naschmarkt. Wear cushioned sneakers you've already broken in. In winter, switch to waterproof boots with grip, because wet cobbles and slush get slick.
What do people wear in Vienna?
The Viennese dress a notch smarter than most tourists. Dark jeans, a decent coat and clean shoes fit in almost everywhere, coffee houses included. Plenty of people dress up for the State Opera and the Musikverein, so pack one smart outfit if you have tickets.
What plugs does Vienna use?
Austria uses Type C and F plugs at 230V, the standard European sockets with two round pins. US and UK visitors need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V fine, but check anything with a heating element, like a hair straightener.
Tours and things to do in Vienna
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Vienna.
What should you leave at home for Vienna?
Leave the bulky hiking gear unless you're heading out to the Alps. Vienna is a city trip. Skip the big umbrella too, a packable shell is easier on crowded U-Bahn platforms and trams.
Around Vienna
Packing for Vienna: questions people ask
What should I wear in Vienna in December?
A warm coat, gloves and a hat. Highs are around 5°C (41°F) with lows near 1°C (34°F), and you'll spend a lot of time standing outside at the Christmas markets.
Does it rain a lot in Vienna?
Not heavily, but often. Every month gets 7 to 12 rain days, with May the wettest at 12, so a packable rain shell earns its space.
How hot does Vienna get in summer?
July and August average 28°C (82°F) highs with lows of 17°C (63°F) to 18°C (64°F). Hot afternoons are normal, so pack light layers and a refillable water bottle.
Do I need to dress up in Vienna?
Not for sightseeing, smart casual works. For the State Opera or a concert at the Musikverein many people dress up, so bring one nicer outfit.
What shoes are best for Vienna?
Broken-in cushioned sneakers for the cobbled Innere Stadt. From November to February, bring waterproof boots with grip as well.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.