Summer in Austria feels like stepping into a postcard. The Alps are green, the lakes are crystal clear, and every town has something going on. The Alps turn green, lakes warm up enough to swim in, and cities like Vienna and Salzburg fill up with open-air concerts and festivals. A lot is going on between June and September.
This guide breaks down the weather during summer in Austria, the best activities, festivals, packing tips for summer in Austria, and practical advice to plan your trip well.
Weather in Austria in Summer
Summer in Austria runs from June through September. Daytime temperatures in cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz range between 25°C and 30°C, with July and August being the warmest months. Evenings cool down noticeably, often dropping to 13°C – 17°C, even in lowland areas.
|
Month |
Avg. High (°C) |
Avg. Low (°C) |
Humidity (%) |
Rainfall (mm) |
|
June |
22 – 26 |
10 – 15 |
65 – 70 |
70 – 130 |
|
July |
22 – 28 |
13 – 17 |
65 – 72 |
65 – 130 |
|
August |
24 – 28 |
10 – 15 |
65 – 70 |
65 – 120 |
|
September |
15 – 23 |
5 – 12 |
68 – 73 |
50 – 90 |
Rainfall is higher in summer compared to other seasons, mostly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. These are short but can be intense, especially near the Alps. Mountain regions like Innsbruck and the Salzkammergut see more rain than Vienna, which stays relatively dry.
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Why Visit Austria in Summer?
Longer Days, More Sunlight
Austria gets up to 16 hours of daylight in June and July. This gives you plenty of time to fit in a morning hike, an afternoon lake swim, and an evening stroll through a historic old town, all in one day. Is summer a good time to visit Austria? Without a doubt, the extended daylight alone makes it worth it.
Great Deals on Accommodation
Summer is peak season in the Alps, but many city hotels in Vienna, Graz, and Linz offer competitive rates, especially in August when locals head to the countryside. Places to stay in Austria during summer range from Alpine chalets and lakeside guesthouses to budget hostels in the cities. Booking early helps you lock in the best prices.
Outdoor Activities Everywhere
With snow gone from most trails, summer opens up the Alps for hiking, cycling, swimming, and paragliding. Outdoor adventures in summer in Austria are hard to match anywhere else in Europe. Lakes like Wörthersee, Wolfgangsee, and Achensee hit swimmable temperatures by July.
Rich Cultural Calendar
Austria’s biggest cultural events happen in summer. From opera on a floating stage to free open-air concerts in Vienna, the schedule is packed. This is peak time for festivals in Austria during summer, and many of them have been running for decades.
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Top Things You Can Do in Austria in Summer
Walk Through Hallstatt Village
Hallstatt sits on the shore of Lake Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take the funicular up to Salzwelten, one of the world’s oldest salt mines, or hike up in about an hour. The Skywalk viewing platform at the top offers a wide view of the lake and surrounding peaks.
Rent an electric boat on the lake or walk the east bank trail from Hallstatt to Obertraun, a family-friendly route that takes around 3 hours. This is one of the top photography spots in Austria during summer.
Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
This 48-kilometer road winds through 36 hairpin bends, climbing up to 2,571 meters at Edelweiss-Spitze. It cuts through Hohe Tauern National Park and brings you face-to-face with the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain at 3,798 meters. The endpoint, Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, gives you a direct view of the Pasterze Glacier.
Swim in Lake Wörthersee
Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia is one of Austria’s warmest lakes, reaching up to 25°C in July and August. The lakeside town of Velden is popular for beach clubs and watersports, while Pörtschach offers a quieter setting. You can swim, paddleboard, or kayak here.
This is among the best activities to do in Austria during summer for anyone who enjoys water and warm weather without flying to the coast.
Visit Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens in Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Austria’s most visited tourist attractions in summer in Austria. The palace has 1,441 rooms, though only 40 are open to visitors. The surrounding gardens are free to enter and include the Privy Garden, the Neptune Fountain, and the Gloriette hilltop with panoramic views of Vienna.
Paddle on Lake Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee is a lake shared by the towns of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl. You can take the SchafbergBahn, a historic cog railway, from St. Wolfgang to the summit of Schafberg (1,783 meters), where the view stretches across several Salzkammergut lakes.
Boat rides on the lake run regularly from May through October. The area is ideal for a calm day out and counts among the top photography spots in Austria during summer.
Cycle Along the Danube Cycle Path
The Austrian section of the Danube Cycle Path runs from Passau on the German border to Vienna, covering about 320 kilometers. The route is mostly flat and follows the river through the Wachau Valley, a wine-growing region and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can rent bikes in most towns along the route. This is a practical way to enjoy how to enjoy summer in Austria on a budget. Cycling is free, and accommodation in small guesthouses along the way is affordable.
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Festivals & Events in Austria in Summer
Salzburg Festival
The Salzburg Festival is one of the world’s leading festivals for opera, drama, and classical music. It has been held every summer since 1920 in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. The 2026 edition runs from July 17 to August 30.
The open-air performance of “Jedermann” (Everyman) on the steps of Salzburg Cathedral is a tradition that draws global audiences. Tickets sell out fast, so early booking is a must. This is one of the biggest festivals in Austria during the summer for art and culture lovers.
Donauinselfest (Danube Island Festival), Vienna
The Donauinselfest is the largest free open-air music festival in Europe. Held every summer on Vienna’s Danube Island, the 2025 edition ran from June 20 – 22 and attracted millions of visitors across three days. The festival features over 200 acts across 16 stages, covering genres from pop and rock to hip hop and electronic music.
Entry is completely free. The 2026 edition is scheduled for July 3–5. Budget tips for traveling to summer in Austria? This festival is a great starting point since it costs nothing to attend.
Bregenz Festival
The Bregenz Festival runs every July and August in the town of Bregenz, on the shore of Lake Constance. Its floating stage, the Seebühne, seats around 7,000 people and hosts large-scale opera productions over the water. The 2026 edition will feature Verdi’s “La traviata,” premiering on July 22.
Performances begin around 9 PM, making the most of the fading natural light over the lake. Around 200,000 visitors attend each year.
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What You Can Wear in Austria in Summer?
What to wear in Austria during the summer depends on your plans for the day. City days call for light, comfortable clothing. Mountain excursions need layers, even in July.
Packing tips for summer in Austria:
- Light cotton or linen clothing for warm days
- A rain jacket or compact umbrella for sudden showers
- A warm fleece or sweater for cool mountain evenings
- Sturdy walking shoes for hikes and cobbled streets
- Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Sunglasses and a hat for sunny days
- A reusable water bottle
Austria does not have a strict dress code in public, but modest clothing is expected when visiting churches and religious sites. Swimwear is only appropriate at lakes, pools, and designated bathing areas.
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FAQs
What is the average temperature in Austria during summer?
Daytime temperatures in cities like Vienna and Graz average between 25°C and 30°C from June to August. Mountain areas are cooler, with averages around 15°C to 20°C depending on altitude. July is typically the warmest month across the country.
Is Austria crowded during summer?
Yes, summer is peak tourist season, particularly in Alpine regions, lake towns, and Salzburg during the festival. Vienna and Graz are busy but manageable. If you prefer smaller crowds, visit in early June or September when the weather is still pleasant but footfall is lower.
What seasonal foods should I try in Austria during summer?
Seasonal foods in Austria during summer are a highlight. Try Marillenknödel, apricot dumplings made with fresh Wachau Valley apricots, available in most restaurants from late June through August. Chanterelle mushrooms (Eierschwammerl) appear on menus in late summer. Pair any meal with a glass of Grüner Veltliner from a local Heuriger (wine tavern).
What are some things to avoid during summer in Austria?
One of the most important things to avoid during summer in Austria includes hiking without checking the weather first, as storms roll in quickly in the Alps. Skip midday hikes during heatwaves, and avoid peak-hour visits to Hallstatt (arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM). Do not underestimate altitude; even summer mountain passes can be chilly and windy.
What are the best photography spots in Austria during summer?
Photography spots in Austria during summer include the Hallstatt viewpoint near the Marktplatz, the Five Fingers viewing platform on Mount Krippenstein, the Edelweiss-Spitze on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, and the Schafberg summit overlooking Wolfgangsee. Early morning light gives the best results at lakeside locations.
What are some travel tips for summer in Austria?
Some of the essential travel tips for summer in Austria include buying an ÖBB Vorteilscard for discounted train travel, carrying cash as smaller towns may not accept cards, booking Salzburg Festival tickets months ahead, and always carrying a rain layer. Public transport in Austrian cities is reliable, affordable, and a great way to get around.
What are some budget tips for traveling to Austria in summer?
Budget tips for traveling to summer in Austria include using regional guest cards (like the SalzburgerLand Card) for free attraction entry, eating at Heurigers instead of tourist restaurants, visiting free festivals like the Donauinselfest, and cycling the Danube path instead of paying for tours. Staying in guesthouses or farm stays saves money over hotels.
How can I enjoy summer in Austria on a budget?
How to enjoy summer in Austria on a budget is simpler than you might think. Many of Austria’s best experiences, such as hiking, lake swimming, and city parks, are free. Farmer’s markets in Graz and Vienna offer cheap, fresh meals. Use combo tickets for attractions, travel by regional trains, and cook a few of your own meals if your accommodation has a kitchen.
Is summer a good time to visit Austria?
Absolutely. Summer in Austria is when the country comes alive, when the trails open, the lakes warm up, the festivals start, and the days stretch long into the evening. It is the most popular season for a reason, and with the right planning, every type of traveler can find something worthwhile here.
