Summer and school holidays are in full swing. Vienna's elegant palace parks offer a cool respite, while the aroma of Viennese pastries invites you to sit in a café and sample the famous strudel with a delicious mélange.
In August, the Austrian capital welcomes visitors with a music and film festival, a special summer programme in the Museumsquartier and even a beach holiday on the Danube. Kidpassage explains the pros and cons of a trip to Vienna in the last month of summer.
Holidays in Vienna in August: pros and cons of travelling in summer
The last month of summer in Vienna is usually no different from the previous month, with hot days, cool nights and the possibility of sudden showers.
Tourists often choose this time of year to visit the Austrian capital and have written rave reviews about their August holidays in Vienna. Who can resist the beauty of Schönbrunn Palace or a romantic stroll along the Danube on a hot day?
And we'll tell you all about the benefits of a trip in August without holding anything back:
- The weather. On a hot day, the Danube coast awaits you with its well-developed beaches, sports and family areas, or the palace parks where you can relax in the shade. On chilly or rainy days, head to the MuseumsQuartier or the Belvedere, where the exhibitions will surprise and enchant you.
- Events. Vienna is full of festivals and events in the summer, with organisers choosing the most popular time of the year to hold them. So there is never a dull moment for either adults or children.
- The capital from the outside. Vienna is particularly beautiful in August, with its palace parks, the beauty of the Vienna Woods and views of the Danube — making for pleasant walks and unforgettable sightseeing.
- Sales. August is the start of the summer sales season. And as Vienna is one of Europe's fashion capitals, the trip can be particularly rewarding in terms of bargains.
There are, however, a few peculiarities to travelling to Vienna at this time of year. It is better to be aware of them when planning your holiday to avoid any possible inconveniences.
- The last month of summer is very popular with travellers, so get ready for queues at museums, lots of tourists on the streets and higher holiday prices. Also, with the summer sales season, the influx of tourists will be unstoppable.
- The weather in August can be a little rainy at times, with rain coming down unexpectedly. Pack an umbrella and a windbreaker in case the weather changes drastically.
Weather in Vienna in August
The weather in August-September is usually warm, allowing you to enjoy walks and even a dip in the warm waters of the Danube. Temperatures often rise to +28°C and above, making the early August weather comfortable for a beach holiday.
Night temperatures are not as high at around 16°C, so pack a windbreaker for evening walks.
Temperatures in Vienna can drop slightly in mid-August and remain high, allowing you to make the most of the last days of summer.
The weather in Vienna in late August brings a touch of autumn in the cooler mornings, perfect for a fragrant cup of Viennese coffee. Temperatures can drop by 2 to 3 degrees, but are still quite high.
Air and water temperature
Vienna's moderate climate explains the lack of extreme heat in the summer. Abnormally high temperatures are the exception to the rule.
Daytime temperatures in Vienna in August lie between +21°C and +28°C, and nighttime temperatures are much cooler, dropping as low as +13°C - particularly towards the end of the month.
Air temperature in Vienna in August
The average day temperature in August is usually around +27°C, while the average night temperature is around +16°C. These can vary slightly, but the weather is usually pleasant enough for walks (both on foot and by river), beach holidays and just enjoyable family activities.
Water temperature in Vienna in August
As August is one of the hottest months of the year, the water of the Danube heats up to +22°C, allowing you to swim and enjoy a beach holiday with your children.
Amount of precipitation
August is not the wettest month of the summer, with around 61mm of rainfall. However, the rain often starts suddenly, so it's best to be prepared and bring an umbrella.
The number of rainy days varies from 2 to 7 during the month.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Sunny days in August are frequent, but no less pleasant; there are about 22 of them. There are 6 to 8 cloudy days and only 2 to 4 days with overcast or cloudy skies.
Don't worry — there are so many places to visit in Vienna that you can always adjust your itinerary to take account of any weather surprises.
Excursions: ideas for interesting walks
Austria's capital is a unique city with centuries of history. As a result, a variety of styles coexist here, from baroque to modern.
The many surviving palaces still amaze visitors with their grandeur, and the famous Giant Ferris Wheel, a symbol of Vienna, has given travellers a bird's eye view of the city for over a century. Here are some ideas for nice walks on these hot summer days.
The Prater is Vienna's most famous park, covering more than 6 square kilometres. Tourists usually associate it with amusement rides, but only a small part of it is actually amusement rides.
The rest of the area is known as the 'Green Prater', where locals enjoy spending time in the shade of the trees, rollerblading, cycling, jogging or playing with their children on the lawns.
The park's main tourist attractions include the old Ferris wheel and the legendary Schweizerhaus beer garden, where you can enjoy a cool Austrian beer and sample the famous local delicacies.
The interactive Iceberg Ride, the Autodrome, numerous trampolines, a ride on the miniature railway and the Laughing Room are all available for children in early August.
For older children and adults, there are more serious attractions: the 117-metre-high Chain Carousel, the Black Mamba, which reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h, the Cave of Horrors and the enclosed roller coaster. A nice bonus on a hot summer's day is the Aqua Gaudi water rides.
Vienna is a pleasant place to walk at any time of year, but especially on a warm, sunny day in mid-August. At this time of year, a visit to the Hundertwasserhaus is a must.
It is one of the most avant-garde buildings in Vienna, reminiscent of the work of Gaudí. The striking facade catches the eye and is impossible to miss.
It is a work of imagination: uneven walls, an amusing mosaic pattern, 13 different shapes of windows, niches with statues and stone lions, herbs and trees on the roof. It is not easy to leave quickly — the house fascinates, captivates and demands a closer look.
The apartments in the Hundertwasser House are occupied by ordinary people. It's fully inhabited.
To experience Austrian baroque and simply enjoy a pleasant stroll, a chilly morning in late August is worth a trip to Schönbrunn Palace.
As well as the magnificent architecture of this historic landmark and its unique exhibition halls, you'll also find the Palm House, the Glorietta Pavilion, the Green Maze and one of the world's oldest zoo.
You can also watch a strudel show in a local café and learn the secrets of this dessert that you must try.
Holidays, events and festivals
As the cultural capital of Europe, Vienna can't help but host a variety of events, especially during the most popular summer time for tourists. Vienna's August festivities will transport you to a world of music, shows, contemporary art and gastronomic delights.
Every year from July to early September, the Austrian capital hosts the Musikfilm Festival. Premieres of musical films and film operas are screened on a giant screen set up on top of the City Hall in the centre of the city.
There are also daily performances by popular artists and a dance programme. The scale of the event and the festive atmosphere will delight you, even if you don't speak the language.
Relaxation, good music, various bands and craft exhibitions can be enjoyed in the Museum Quarter.
Throughout the summer there are various programmes called 'Summer in the Museum Quarter'. Visiting the museums and exhibitions in the same place is an unforgettable aesthetic experience and can last more than a day.
There are also special children's programmes for the youngest visitors.
Shopping
If your trip is planned for August, you are in luck. As well as a great summer holiday, you'll automatically have a great shopping experience. August is the peak sales period, with discounts reaching record levels of 70-80%.
Note that Austrian shops replace the usual "Sale" signs with "Reduziert" (reduction) or "Tiefreduziert" (strong reduction). These are the ones to look out for bargains.
Bargains can be found in Vienna's many shopping malls, miles of fashionable boulevards and outlet stores outside the city.
The main thing to remember is that most shops are open until 6pm and closed on Sundays.
Cost of vacation
August is a time for mass holidays, travel and pre-planned trips. Consequently, there is a lot of tourist activity at this time of year, which is the reason for the high prices of holidays in Vienna in August.
Airline tickets
The last month of summer is a popular time to travel, and airlines are taking advantage of this to raise ticket prices. And they are at their highest of the year in August, rising by 20-25% compared to the previous month. If you plan your trip in advance, you can get tickets a little cheaper.
Tour prices
It would also be a good idea to buy a tour in advance. Tour operators always increase their prices during the high season. This way you'll be able to choose your favourite hotel room and save some money.
Accommodation
Compared to July, the average price of a hotel room will increase by 10% in the last month of summer. In September, however, prices will remain at the same level as in August.
Food
A trip to the Austrian capital wouldn't be complete without a taste of Austria's famous delicacies. Where better to try Viennese coffee than in Vienna? A cup of fragrant Wiener Melange costs €5, while coffee and dessert for two at the famous Café Sacher costs around €25.
A draught Austrian beer on a hot day costs between €3.50 and €4.50, and a traditional goulash soup for lunch costs between €3.50 and €7, depending on the size of the portion.
Tips for holidays with children
August is a great time to travel with children: it's very warm, green, easy to walk with a pushchair, and there are lots of children's activities and events.
However, you have to take into account the popularity of the season and realise that the influx of tourists will not be small, so for a quieter holiday with the little ones you should choose September or May.
It's no secret that a holiday is the most welcome and enjoyable part of any job, and a trip to Vienna can help make it even more memorable. Walks through the shady palace gardens, breathtaking attractions, a cruise on the Danube and the aroma of Viennese coffee will stay with you forever.
We hope our recommendations will help make your August holiday as enjoyable and meaningful as possible.
