It seems that all the festivities are behind us, and it's a sad time to be looking forward to spring. But that's not the case in Salzburg. Often referred to as the Rome of Germany, the city knows how to dispel sadness and keep things interesting, even in February.
The beginning and end of the month help to shake things up. And in mid-February you can get a winter's break here. Come to Salzburg for all kinds of experiences, and this city will give you what you want. Whether you're looking for a quiet excursion, a raucous party, a cosy café or a classical music concert.
Holidays in Salzburg in February: pros and cons
The reviews of a February holiday in Salzburg will be full of positivity, as they are for any month in this city. But it is Salzburg in February that really reveals all its secrets.
After all, this is the city where Mozart was born. In fact, the great composer's music festival takes place in the same period. It coincides with the genius's birthday. There are other advantages to visiting Salzburg in February:
- The beginning of the month is marked by a large number of classical music concerts where you can enjoy the skills of the performers.
- Winter lovers will find the weather mild enough to enjoy walks in the fresh air.
- Salzburg's winter landscapes are captivatingly beautiful.
- All the museums and exhibitions are back in full swing, welcoming visitors who are few in number compared to other months.
- The crowds have disappeared from the cafés and you can always find a table to suit your taste.
- The end of the month culminates in a lively carnival masquerade party where you can have a good time.
Despite all the attractions, it's worth remembering the following points to make your trip asuccessful:
- The temperature outside is sub-zero, so it pays to dress warmly.
- If you're staying for a long time, it's worth booking a hotel well in advance, as there are lots of skiers moving around the town and taking rooms for a few nights.
- If you want a more or less relaxed holiday, go in the middle of the month when Salzburg has a short post-holiday lull.
- Small children should be left at home as the occasional winter winds and bad weather can make them uncomfortable.
- Using public transport in winter is much safer and more convenient than hiring a car, especially as there are now 11 trolleybus routes in Salzburg, with frequent services and a strict timetable.
Weather in Salzburg in February
February is here to remind you that it's still winter. Although there is less rain than in other months, there are still few sunny days. The temperature at the beginning of February is subzero.
Surprisingly, the coldest month in Salzburg is not February, but January.
Temperatures in Salzburg in mid-February rarely vary greatly. The weather tends to be fairly stable throughout the month, with temperatures hovering between five and six degrees Celsius.
The weather in Salzburg at the end of February rarely sees snowfall, but if you are lucky you can enjoy a waltz of snowflakes in sparkling fluffy dresses, which fits the mood and character of the city.
Air temperature
Thanks to its proximity to the Alps, Salzburg has a relatively mild climate. This means that the winter is not as bitterly cold as we are used to at home. The temperature in Salzburg in February is suitable for winter walkers.
However, it's important to dress warmly as even an adult and hardened person can catch a cold if they don't maintain a basic thermal regime.
Air temperature in Salzburg in February
The average day temperature in February is around +2°C, while the average night temperature for the month reaches -5°C. However, this is mainly due to a few frosty nights in the middle or first half of February. In February, day temperatures of +5°C and night temperatures of -3°C are common. Towards the end of the month, daytime temperatures often rise a few degrees to +8°C as spring approaches. As mentioned above, it is difficult to call the winter in Salzburg harsh, even at a distance.
Amount of precipitation
The average rainfall in Salzburg is 54.6 mm. During the whole month there are only 1 day of snow and 3 days of rain. February is statistically the driest month in Salzburg. On the other hand, you don't have to worry about getting your feet wet, as the night frost dries the streets from yesterday's rain the next morning. With only 14% of the month rainy and humid, it is almost impossible to catch all those days during the holiday season.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Salzburg has about 39% of overcast days in February. Cloudy days account for 36%. And there are even fewer sunny days — just 25%. These characteristics may not occur in their purest form. In a single day, the weather can go from sunny to cloudy and back again several times.
Excursions: the best places to visit in February
When the city is bathed in the mystical aura of hibernation, your images will be particularly vivid. Spread your sightseeing around the city over several days to avoid exposing your body to hypothermia.
Mozart's house is a good place to start. It's no coincidence that the locals are so proud of their history with the great composer. At the beginning of February, when the festival of his music takes place, the guides are particularly enthusiastic about their programme.
On a fine day, visit Hohensalzburg, the second pride of Salzburg. It is the largest and best preserved castle in this part of Europe. From its summit you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, take great photographs and soak up the medieval atmosphere.
While it's best to visit Mirabel Park in the warmer months, you can also visit Mirabel Palace in the park in winter. Now a busy registry office, it is buzzing with prospective brides and grooms. It's easy to see how romantic the Angel's Steps are!
In mid-February, it's best to take a stroll through the Cathedral Quarter when there are few tourists in the city. The majestic buildings of the Cathedral and the Franciscan Church are sure to appear in your photos, as they are so beautiful.
If you want to continue exploring places of spirituality, visit St Peter's Benedictine Abbey and its catacombs. There is still a peaceful atmosphere here, as the area is home to an active monastery for men.
At the end of February, the Salzburg Zoo welcomes visitors, as it does all year round. The funny faces of the monkeys, the proud carnivores and the crooked bears will not leave anyone indifferent, especially children. We recommend that the little ones also visit the Toy Museum, where they will have more fun than at the monuments.
And if you want to immerse yourself in childhood emotions, you can go to the ice rink. In winter, there are plenty of ice rinks in Salzburg. Feeling a bit chilly? Try the local punch - it's so warm it'll turn your cheeks and nose pink.
Holidays, events and festivals
Although there are not many holidays in Salzburg in February compared to other months, there is never a dull moment. This month attracts travellers not by the quantity but by the quality of events organised.
The Mozart Festival, which started in January, moves to February. It is the highlight of the year for Salzburg.
This festival proves once again the worldwide importance of Salzburg in musical culture. It is not only the Summer Festival that has achieved international acclaim, but also this Winter Festival.
It brings together the stars of world culture to enjoy the talents of musical geniuses and their followers. Or to showcase their own personal achievements. Tickets for the biggest and most popular concerts have to be booked months in advance.
The excitement around the event is unprecedented. Hotels near the concert halls raise their prices considerably. Even the initially expensive hostels are sometimes packed to the rafters with cultural young people from all over Europe and the world.
Fast-food outlets are overcrowded; Europeans try to save money on restaurants, but not on the high and the spiritual. More affluent citizens strut their stuff at symphony evenings.
The end of the month marks the end of the carnival season in Salzburg. It is not for nothing that the word 'carnevale' from the Latin 'carnevale' means 'farewell to meat'. The event is followed by the start of the Easter fast.
But Fasching is when the locals try to have all the fun they can. There's a reason the word translates as 'fooling around'. The streets are filled with people in fancy dress. Pubs fill up at night with locals in ridiculous costumes. There are no rules about what you have to wear, as long as you can tell it's a costume.
Fasching is not a public holiday, but its significance should not be underestimated. After all, they don't even call it the fifth season for nothing! It's a time when Germans have all the fun, dress up in fancy dress and just goof around.
If you want to, you can join in and take part in the carnival — just dress up in an unusual costume or mask. Salzburg even has its own carnival guild to oversee the festivities.
Every year they put on a theatrical show at the Augustiner Bräu . It is the most popular venue in Salzburg and attracts a mixed crowd. Although there's plenty of room, it's often difficult to find a table.
It is also the only place in Salzburg where you can bring your own food and snacks, although the menu is extensive. And the secret is simple: the monastery beer, the tastiest in Salzburg.
Shopping
Winter sales are still luring shoppers. They have reached the critical -80% in some places, but the choice of sizes is also somewhat depleted.
Tourists most often choose to shop at the Europark shopping centre, located on a popular tourist street. There are around 130 shops with a variety of European brands. They don't mark up prices because of the attentions of the new arrivals and are counting on the local customers as well.
For the more affluent tourist, the McArthurGlenn Designer Outlet offers the most exclusive brands and the services of a special consultant, the so-called chauffeur. His job is to tell you about the latest fashions, pick out a wardrobe for a particular event and inspire you to spend as much money as possible.
Cost of Vacation
Salzburg is not a cheap city. This is due to its historical popularity, its beautiful old architecture and its rich cultural programme. The city has earned its reputation. The main reason for its high street presence at any time of year is the constant stream of visitors. The prices in Salzburg in February - not for the poor tourist.
The best bargain is a trip in mid-February, when Salzburg takes a breather between holidays. But you can't save too much if you're not picky about hotels.
After the Mozart Festival, prices will drop by 50% in the most popular and central hotels. In the more remote hotels, prices will initially rise by no more than 20%, as most of their customers are young people or skiers.
Tips for parents
February is not a good month for travelling with babies (best in spring and summer), but with school-age children there is plenty to see and do.
Be sure to book hotels or apartments well in advance, as there are some major events in February that can make it difficult to find accommodation on arrival day.
If you're planning a trip to Austria's ski resorts in February, don't miss Salzburg for a day trip as it will welcome you with open arms and reluctantly let you go home with a lasting impression. It's a city you'll want to return to again and again.
