When to Go

Vienna experiences its high season from April through October, with July and August being the most crowded times. Bookings around Christmas are also heavy because many Austrians visit the capital city during this festive time. Always arrive with reservations during these peak seasons. During the off-seasons, hotel rooms are plentiful and less expensive, and there's less demand for tables in the top restaurants.

Climate -- Vienna has a moderate subalpine climate; the January average is 32°F (0°C), and in July it's 66°F (19°C). A New Yorker who lived in Vienna for 8 years told us that the four seasons were "about the same" as in New York. Summers in Vienna, which generally last from Easter until mid-October, are not usually as humid as those in New York City, but they can be uncomfortably sticky. The ideal times for visiting Vienna are spring and fall, when mild weather prevails, but the winter air is usually crisp and clear, with plenty of sunshine.