Why visit Budapest in October?
Budapest in October brings crisp autumn air, colorful foliage, and a calmer atmosphere after the busy summer months. Prices and crowds drop, making it easier to explore the city’s thermal baths, cultural sites, and cozy cafés. October is also a great time to enjoy harvest festivals, wine tastings, and seasonal Hungarian dishes.
Is Budapest Crowded or Expensive in October?
Budapest in October is less crowded compared to summer. Accommodation and flight prices are usually lower, except around major holidays. The city feels calmer, but popular sights can still get busy on weekends.
Budapest Weather in October
October in Budapest brings true autumn weather, with cooler mornings and mild afternoons. Rain becomes more frequent, but sunny days are still common. The crisp air and colorful foliage make October an ideal month for cultural visits and outdoor walks.
Average temperatures in Budapest in October:
| In the morning | During the day | At night |
|---|---|---|
| 7°C (45°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
Rainfall and Humidity in September in October
October in Budapest often brings more rain than the summer months, and cloudy days become frequent. Humidity is moderate, but the crisp autumn air makes walks pleasant. Sunny spells still appear, especially in the first half of the month.
(Tip: When rain starts suddenly, locals slip into covered arcades like Gozsdu Udvar, where you can wait it out with a warm drink.)
Daylight Hours & Sunset Times
Budapest in October has around 10 to 11 hours of daylight per day. Days get shorter as the month progresses. In October, the sun sets in Budapest between 6:00 PM and 5:00 PM, gradually getting earlier throughout the month. The shorter daylight hours create a cozy atmosphere, but sightseeing is still very enjoyable.
What to pack for Budapest in October?
October is a transitional month in Budapest, with crisp mornings and cooler evenings. If you’re visiting the Hungarian capital during this time, it’s best to pack warmer clothing such as jackets, scarves, and layered outfits. A light coat is useful for daytime walks, while a thicker sweater or long-sleeved shirt will keep you comfortable in the evenings. Layering is key, as temperatures can shift quickly between sunny afternoons and chilly nights.
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Discover What’s Happening in Budapest When You are Here:
- Things to do in October in Budapest
- November 2025 in Budapest: Weather, What to Pack and Top Things to do
- December 2025 in Budapest: Weather, Holidays and What to do
- Christmas in Budapest
- Budapest in January 2025: Weather, Events and Things to do
Events and Holidays in October 2025
October 23 – National Day of Hungary
October 23 is a public holiday marking the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the declaration of the Republic in 1989. Many museums offer free entry, and official ceremonies with speeches, flags, and concerts take place across the city. You should expect some closures but also unique cultural experiences.
See All Hungarian National Holidays
Not sure when to come? Check out our full guide to the Best Time to Visit Budapest – or dive in below to see what’s happening in June.
If you are new to Budapest, we suggest to check out our Budapest for First Time Visitors guide.
Places to visit in Budapest in October
Top 5 things to do and see in October
A guide to the top cultural attractions and must-see places in Budapest in October.
For a full list please see our Things to do in Budapest in October page.
Experience Budapest’s Enchanting Danube at Night!
Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music
On this relaxing evening dinner cruise you see Budapest from a different perspective, with all the famous landmarks like the Parliament and Buda Castle lit up for your viewing pleasure as you enjoy a 4-course meal and welcome drink while listening to live music.
Ideal for a romantic night out or a memorable evening with friends, this cruise promises an unforgettable experience in Budapest’s enchanting evening ambiance.
Good to know
During the dinner, you will be presented with a menu and can make your choice for each course out of several options available.
Explore Budapest’s iconic Hungarian Parliament Building
Budapest Parliament Building Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Explore the Hungarian Parliament Building and its surroundings at your own pace with an audio guide. See the intricate interior, the Hall of the Dome, and the History of the House exhibition.
Start at Kossuth Square and learn about its history and key landmarks like the Ferenc Rákóczi statue.
Good to know
Bring your Passport, ID card or Student card because it is required at the entry.
Skip the Line and Take a Guided Tour of St Stephen’s Basilica
St Stephen’s Basilica Tour in Budapest
Visit Saint Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s most famous Catholic church, with skip-the-line entry.
Take a guided tour to see its artwork, relics, and Treasury while learning its history. We recommend choosing extended or private options to access the dome for panoramic views.
Good to know
Please note that shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed in the church. Pack a sweater or cardigan.
Classical music bliss at Budapest’s Basilica
Classical Music Concerts in St Stephen’s Basilica
Experience an exquisite classical music concert at Budapest’s St. Stephen’s Basilica, set in a stunning neo-classical venue.
Choose from three different concerts and various seating options, enjoying performances by talented soloists in an unforgettable setting.
Good to know
Classical music performances featuring compositions by renowned composers such as W.A. Mozart, J.S. Bach, A. Vivaldi, and G.F. Handel and more.
Relax with Thermal Baths
Széchenyi Spa: Entry + Palm House with Snack and Cocktail
Relax at the exclusive Palm House at Széchenyi Baths with full-day access to thermal pools, saunas, and a private relaxation area. Drinks, snacks, and all spa essentials are included — just bring your swimsuit.
Good to know
Don’t forget to bring your own swimwear, towel, flip-flops and swimming cap (cap is required only for the swimming pools).
See our Things to do in Budapest in October page for a full list of events, festivals, concerts, attractions and things to do.
Are you coming solo, as a couple or with kids?
Budapest is ideal for solo travelers, couples and families
In October, solo travelers can enjoy ruin pubs in the Jewish Quarter, couples can take romantic walks along the Danube, and families can explore the interactive Palace of Wonders.
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Travel solo to Budapest
Solo visitors can wander through the Jewish Quarter’s famous ruin pubs, where cozy courtyards and quirky interiors create an easy setting to meet locals and fellow travelers. October evenings are cooler, making these indoor spots lively but comfortable.
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Romantic activity for couples
Couples can enjoy a romantic October walk along the Danube promenade, where the golden autumn light reflects on Buda Castle and the Parliament. The crisp air and colorful trees add a seasonal charm to the city’s skyline.
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Family and kid-friendly place to visit
Families with children can spend a day at the Palace of Wonders, Budapest’s interactive science museum. It’s an ideal choice for October when the weather may turn chilly, offering hands-on exhibits and entertaining experiments indoors.
Local tips for your stay in Budapest in October
Insider Tips from Budapest Locals
Discover hidden spots and local traditions that give you a more authentic Budapest experience.
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Autumn Foliage Spots
Locals head to Margaret Island or City Park to enjoy early autumn colors before peak fall crowds. The quieter parks make for perfect photo opportunities and relaxing walks.
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Hidden Thermal Baths
October is ideal for visiting smaller thermal baths like Király Bath or Rác Bath, which are less crowded than the famous Széchenyi. Locals enjoy soaking in warm water while watching the autumn leaves outside.
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Cozy Indoor Cafés
When the weather turns chilly, locals retreat to tucked-away cafés in the Jewish Quarter or Andrássy Avenue. These spots are perfect for warming up with seasonal pastries or a hot drink while reading or people-watching.
What to Eat and Drink in Budapest in October?
Seasonal Flavors of Budapest in October
Hungarian cuisine in October highlights autumnal ingredients like mushrooms, pears, and chestnuts. Seasonal dishes and drinks shift toward warm and hearty flavors, with mushroom goulash, chestnut desserts, and pear pálinka appearing on menus across the city.
Mushroom Goulash
Autumn mushrooms feature heavily in Hungarian cuisine, and Kéhli Vendéglő serves a hearty mushroom goulash that’s perfect for chilly October days.
Chestnut Purée
Roasted chestnuts and chestnut-based desserts are a seasonal treat. For an authentic chestnut dessert experience in Budapest, consider visiting Szamos Gourmet House. They offer chestnut purée (gesztenyepüré), a traditional Hungarian chestnut purée topped with whipped cream, which is especially popular during the autumn months.
Pear Pálinka
Pear brandy (pálinka) is a popular Hungarian autumn drink. Gastro Cellar provides a tasting experience of high-quality fruit pálinkas in a traditional setting.
Budapest in October in Pictures
Photo Gallery of Budapest in October
Discover Budapest in October through vibrant autumn colors, cozy cafés, and seasonal highlights along the Danube and in the city’s parks.
Budapest Planning Guides
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Thermal Baths in Budapest
Budapest Parliament Tour