Budapest has a relatively mild climate -- the annual mean temperature in Hungary is 50°F (10°C). Nevertheless, summer temperatures often exceed 80° to 85°F (27°-29°C), and sweltering hot, humid days are typical in July and August. In July 2007, all heat records were broken when the temperature soared to 100° to 104°F (38°-40°C) for days on end and stayed just under that for weeks, causing power interruptions. Most hotels with air-conditioning were on restrictions due to the overload of electric usage. January and February are the coldest months, averaging 30°F (-1°C), though temperatures can dip well below that on any given day. Be prepared for damp and chilly weather in winter. It may snow often, but rarely does it last more than 1 day and with no accumulation. Spring is usually mild and, especially in May, wet. Autumn is usually quite pleasant, with mild, cooler weather through October.
Holidays -- Hungarian holidays are: January 1 (New Year's Day), March 15 (National Holiday), Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, May 1 (May Day), Whit Monday, August 20 (St. Stephen's Day), October 23 (Republic Day), November 1 (All Saints' Day), and December 25 and 26 (Christmas). Shops and banks are closed on all holidays, some museums stay open on some holidays.
