The air is fresh in September, the last warm days, the sun is not at all blazing, the narrow streets, the baroque style that goes with the colours of autumn and the spirit of the great Mozart. It is everywhere: in the melodies of the buildings, the houses, the cafés, the shops and every street of the city. Kidpassage has tried to find out if Salzburg is worth a trip in the first month of autumn and what awaits visitors to one of Austria's most beautiful and musical cities at this time of year.
Holidays in Salzburg in September: pros and cons
If the reviews of Salzburg in the September holidays have not yet helped you decide whether to go, we will tell you all about the advantages and disadvantages of going at this time of year.
Here are the main advantages of going to Salzburg in September:
- The average temperature in September is around +20°C, the most comfortable weather for walking in the historic part of the city and other attractions.
- The low number of rainy days in September makes it an excellent holiday for children (even toddlers) or a slightly longer holiday for schoolchildren.
- Salzburg, like the rest of Austria, celebrates the Harvest Festival with food, wine and entertainment in September.
The disadvantages are as follows:
- The weather in Salzburg in September can be unpredictable, either too hot or too cold.
- Due to the city's geographical location, there are still some years when it pours in September, making it challenging to get around and spoiling the pleasure of walking.
- Due to the large number of festivals, the influx of tourists can increase and prevent you from enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the ancient city.
Weather in Salzburg in September
The weather in September and October is usually good for walking and sightseeing. You can expect 5-6 hours of sunshine and relatively few days of rain.
But there are still rainy and chilly days when it's worth stocking up on umbrellas and dressing a little warmer.
Of course, the weather in early September is not much different from August's, but it gets cooler as the weeks go by. Temperatures in Salzburg in mid-September can be around +20°C during the day and drop to +10°C at night.
Air temperature
The humid continental climate of the region in which the city is located explains why there are a third, and sometimes more, of the rainy days in this month. At the same time, the specific climate makes September a pleasant time to travel. The average temperature in Salzburg in September is between +14°C and +20°C.
Air temperature in Salzburg in September
If you're walking around the city, grab a light jacket, and you'll be comfortable with daytime temperatures between +16°C and +18°C. The nights are cooler, so if you wander around Salzburg at night, the thermometer will usually read +9°C to +12°C.
The nights are cooler, so if you're walking around Salzburg at night, the thermometer is usually between +9°C and +12°C, so you'll need warmer clothes. According to meteorologists, the highest temperature recorded in September was +32°C, while the lowest was -1°C.
Precipitation
September has an average of about 10 rainy days and an average rainfall of 110.6 mm. But don't be alarmed if the weather forecast predicts rain for your travel dates. It's a good time to visit one of the city's museums or shopping malls.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
If you plan a September holiday in Salzburg, you will surely catch the sun. There are about the same sunny and cloudy days this month — 15 sunny and 15 cloudy. Of course, the dates can change, but this does not affect the quality of the holiday.
Tour holidays
Early September... The heat of summer has subsided, the air is fresher, and the trees are beginning to take on the colours of autumn. Nature itself paints the walls of the castles and houses in an antique style, a colour that matches the Baroque style in which most of the buildings in Salzburg are built.
It is a pleasure to walk the narrow streets, admire the architecture, have a coffee in a café and taste the sweets named after the great composer.
There is a lot to do in this city! Whether you're travelling as a family, with a loved one or with a group of children, you'll find an exciting programme of sightseeing and entertainment. Be sure to get the Salzburg Card, a day pass that gives you access to all museums and viewpoints, boat and chairlift rides, public transport and great discounts on cinema, theatre and festival tickets. There are also two- and three-day cards.
Either way, with or without a map, these places are well worth a visit:
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Mirabel Palace and Park. In mid to late September, the roses are still in bloom. The perfectly trimmed bushes and trees, the paths, fountains and sculptures depicting scenes from ancient Greek myths will take you back in time.
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The Zwergarten. It's worth a special visit. You can get there directly from the Mirabel Park. In the XVIIth century, 28 baroque marble figures of dwarfs adorned this park. In time, an English garden appeared on the site, and the dwarfs were only remembered at the beginning of the XX century when most of the figures were sold. Later, only 16 out of 28 were found and returned to their place. It's a good time to play there with the children!
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Hohensalzburg. It's an old fortress that can be reached by cable car. It's uncomfortable for toddlers or pushchairs but great for older kids. The views over the city are spectacular, so be sure to plan a trip there.
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House of Nature. Of interest to adults and children from primary school age. Many exhibits, including interactive ones, collections, aquariums and halls with various exhibitions, attract thousands of visitors.
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The Salzburg Toy Museum. It is interesting for children and adults: the first two floors are equipped with play areas with many toys, while the third floor houses pieces collected by the city's old-timers.
Holidays, events and festivals
Salzburg begins its harvest festival at the end of summer, which lasts almost until the end of October. If you're lucky enough to be here during this time, you'll find agricultural exhibitions, a Friday farmers' market, folk music festivals and a vast selection of local delicacies.
At the end of September, there is a colourful procession of cattle returning from the summer pastures. All these events are accompanied by music, merriment and the young wine of the new harvest.
Salzburg's September festivities don't end there. The city has its own patron saint, St Rupert.
In his honour, the festival is held in the second half of September, with rides, fairs, bands and all the events in the town turning into one big celebration. On the opening day, residents and visitors are treated to a spectacular fireworks display. Don't miss it — it's worth it! The celebrations last for four days. More than 100,000 people attend St Rupert's Day each year.
Shopping
If you decide to spend the day at the mall, all the shops will welcome you with new collections. The sales are almost over in September, and all the manufacturers are eager to dress their customers beautifully and in new ways for autumn and winter. It is an excellent opportunity to be among the first to buy new clothes, shoes and accessories. There are still sales on the summer collections in some places, but not so much anymore. You might get a bargain for the next holiday season if you're lucky.
Cost of vacation
In Austria, September is a time of festivals and holidays, so prices remain high. It's when you can walk around in the sun and soak up the local colour at folk festivals.
Tour prices
Prices in Salzburg in September are almost the same as in the last month of summer. Prices drop slightly in October.
Airline tickets
Airfares in September are significantly higher than in August and October. However, autumn festivals and the mild warmth of September attract more tourists than the hot summer months.
Accommodation
Regarding hotel prices, the average room rate in Salzburg in September will be 27% lower than in August. In October, the average price will remain almost the same. On average, a room will cost €130 per night.
Food
Food prices are about the same all year round. For a taste of Austria, have breakfast in a street café rather than a hotel: coffee and lovingly made pastries will set you up for the day.
The approximate cost of breakfast is €10.
The smell of Wiener Würstchen won't leave you indifferent either. This €4-6 street food can be found practically everywhere.
Tips for holidays with children
September is a great time to bring children of all ages to Salzburg. The little ones will enjoy the pram rides, the toddlers the natural history museum, the toy museum and the zoo, while the middle-aged and older children will enjoy the harvest and folk festivals. The main thing is to plan your time and visit them all.
Good organisation is the key to success in any endeavour. So use our recommendations, plan a list of tours and walks in Salzburg and stock up on umbrellas just in case. Then this cosy place in Austria will stay in your heart for a long time.
