Beautiful at any time, Vienna is fantastic in February. Bathed in myriad sparkling lights, Vienna in February becomes a fairytale, with the snow-covered streets barely crumpled by the light footsteps of fairies and curious trolls lurking in the shadowy corridors of old castles, listening jealously to the mesmerizing sound of the waltz. Because it's magic time — the time of the Viennese Ball...
Holidays in Vienna in February: pros and cons
Reviews of holidays in Vienna in February describe the city as a breathtaking place even in winter, fascinating in its elegance and beauty. Like any other month, February has its own special features, which in one way or another affect the overall experience of the trip.
Regular visitors to the Capital of Music point out the following advantages of a February trip to Vienna:
- The opportunity to see and photograph the Viennese winter landscape — a truly mesmerising sight;
- An almost complete absence of the occasional frost that plagues travellers in January;
- The chance to see the Vienna Ball and even the Vienna Opera at the end of the month;
- Winter sales in the shops of Vienna.
A trip to Vienna in February can have its downsides, especially when it comes to the weather. The sub-zero temperatures can turn freshly fallen snow into a wet mess underfoot, and the high humidity can make it hard to enjoy a walk around the city. All these problems can be easily solved with waterproof shoes and warm clothing. An umbrella is also a good idea on a winter trip to Vienna.
Another disadvantage is that the city gets very crowded at this time of year: The ball season in February sees a large influx of people, which can be a nuisance, especially if you have small children with you.
Weather in Vienna in February
The weather in Vienna in February and March is a clear sign that spring is irreversibly approaching. While the weather in early February can sometimes be frighteningly cold, the temperature in Vienna in mid-February is consistently above zero. Temperatures average around 5°C during the day and do not drop below freezing at night.
The weather in Vienna at the end of February is very warm, but the overall impression of the coming spring is spoiled by the wetness provided by the legendary Danube River. The changeable weather can now make its presence felt, alternating cool, clear days with warm, dreary February rains.
The high humidity makes it easy to get chilly in Vienna, even during the thaw. Don't trust the weather forecast when you're out and about, and take some extra warm clothes with you.
Air temperature
The eastern part of Austria, where Vienna is located, has a temperate continental climate. As a result, temperatures in Vienna rarely drop below -6°C in February, but like everywhere else, there are occasional peaks of -15°C or lower. Although these are the exception to the rule, you should be prepared for them if you are travelling with a child.
Air temperature in Vienna in February
The average daytime temperature in Vienna in February is 5.2°C, but it can drop as low as 0.2°C at night. The climate is influenced by the proximity of a river.
Amount of precipitation
In terms of precipitation, February is slightly down on the previous month. At the end of the winter, it was almost 31.6 mm, compared to 33 mm in January. February and March are also the windiest months of the year. Wind speeds of up to 4.5 m/s occur during this period.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
The average number of sunny days in February is 8, which corresponds to 26% of the month. Most of the days are cloudy (about 12), while the rest of the time the sky over Vienna remains cloudy.
Excursions: the best places to visit in February
Early February, with the first breath of spring in the air, is the perfect time to explore the sights of the Old City. And there are so many fascinating places to see, you'll need far more time than a single holiday.
Adult visitors will find a range of excellent museums, exhibitions and musical events in Vienna's beautiful concert halls:
- Albertina Gallery;
- Vienna Opera;
- Liechtenstein Palace Museum;
- St Stephen's Cathedral;
- Hofburg Palace;
- The Royal Burgtheater and many other stunningly beautiful and significant places
Walking around Vienna with a child
For younger travellers, the beautiful city of Vienna offers a rich cultural programme. A tram ride along Vienna's famous Ringstrasse is a great introduction to the city.
The best time to take a tram is in the morning, when the trams are almost empty and the crowds don't spoil the experience of seeing the majestic beauty of the old city.
The choice of future itineraries is so wide and varied that it depends entirely on the personal preferences of the traveller. Here is a short list of amazing places whose doors are open to visitors young and old:
- The ZOOM Children's Museum is a dream come true for little geeks, offering the unique opportunity to learn everything about everything;
- The House of Music, where any genius, from one year old to a hundred years old, can try their hand at being a musician and even a conductor;
- The Esperanto Museum, which will make any student interested in learning languages and forget the embarrassing phrase "I don't speak languages";
- The House of Butterflies — a true paradise where it is spring all year round and winged beauties land fearlessly on the palm of your hand;
- The Chocolate Museum, which reveals the secrets of this popular delicacy;
- The House of the Sea, which introduces children to the inhabitants of the underwater world;
- The Technical Museum, which displays the wonders of technology throughout the ages, from the first Viennese locomotive to solar panels;
- The Armoury, about a visit to which the boys will spend hours telling their friends at home, arousing burning envy and the greatest respect.
February is a great time to visit Vienna's museums and exhibitions with the kids.
The choice of attractions for children of all ages in Vienna is almost limitless. To find out more, check out our "Things to do with kids in Vienna" page and see for yourself.
Holidays and festivals in Vienna in February
The festivities in Vienna in February are not just about balls, they are all about music in one way or another. It is no coincidence that this fascinating city is known as the music capital of Europe.
The International Accordion Festival. For years now, the second half of February has seen one of the most exciting and captivating festivals take place in Vienna. It is hard to imagine a day in Vienna without music, and even harder to imagine Austrian music without the accordion.
Visitors to the festival will have the rare opportunity to enjoy the many facets of this instrument in the hands of some of music's greatest talents. That is why famous accordionists from all over the world come here every year.
A visit to the festival is a great addition to a winter holiday, not only for adults, but also for young music lovers.
Valentine's Day. This holiday threatens to be the most romantic Valentine's Day ever. Vienna, a city made for love, is transformed into a romantic fairytale land.
Soft music is played everywhere, concert halls offer special holiday programmes, heart-warming gifts are given and hearts are given to the happy couple to be their undivided possession forever.
As is tradition, lovers come to see Klimt's famous painting of the kissing couple. The painting, called The Kiss, has become a kind of shrine for young people in Vienna.
Every year, hundreds of young romantics make the pilgrimage to capture a kiss or even propose — it is said that such a union is destined for lasting and unadulterated happiness.
Ball season in Vienna
A visit to Vienna is always an event, no matter what time of year you arrive. But if you make it to the capital of music in February, you are in for a treat, as this is the month for all the partying and merriment associated with the endless balls that take place every day.
Traditionally, balls are held for a reason — most are organised by trade unions and are dedicated to a particular profession, event or group of people.
A glance at this year's ball programme reveals the Lawyers' Ball, the Estate Agents' Ball, the Doctors' Ball, the Dancing School Ball and many other unusual themed events. There are also balls in honour of famous composers, such as the Johann Strauss Ball.
The dates of the balls vary from year to year, as does the number of balls. If you want to go to a particular ball, you should find out in advance when it takes place.
The Coffee Shop Owners' Ball. This ball is held in mid-February and guests are in no danger of falling asleep. After sampling the finest coffees in the Hofburg, which is temporarily transformed into a giant coffee house, they take hired fiacres back to the restaurant to continue the festivities. More than 200 types of coffee and over 100 types of cake are on offer.
The Candy Ball. A big event for the sweet tooth, usually held at the end of February. The woman who is crowned Queen of the Ball is rewarded with as much candy as she weighs. The winner is ceremoniously placed on a scale before trick or treating. An extra pound is just what you're looking for!
The Opera Ball. Vienna's ball season, which began before New Year's Eve, reaches its climax in February, when the city prepares for an important event in the cultural life of not only Vienna, but the whole of Europe: the Opera Ball. This event is so important and of such magnitude that it is most often referred to as the "Viennese Ball". Traditionally held on the last Thursday before Easter, the Opera Ball is always attended by the President of Austria.
Shopping
Anyone arriving in Vienna in February will feel like a fish out of water. The long sales period, which only occurs twice a year in the Austrian capital, coincides with the end of the winter and summer seasons. Shopping in February is therefore the perfect opportunity to get the best bargains, with discounts ranging from 30% to 80%.
Cost of vacation
Airfares continue to rise in February: compared to January fares, a trip to Vienna will cost around 5% more.
And February prices in Vienna continue to delight travellers with their steady decline. With a further 40% drop compared to January, February is the cheapest winter month of the year.
This is true in case you're not planning on attending the Opera Ball, as the cost of tickets for this event can be a major blow to the family budget. A ticket that does not include a seat at the gala table will set you back around 270€ or more, while dinner at a table in the hall or box will set you back up to 18,500€.
Travel to Vienna in February with children
February is the perfect time for a winter break in Vienna with your child. The weather tends to get warmer this month and the cold days of January are over. There is so much for children of all ages to do in the historic city and accommodation prices are often much lower in February than in January. Seasonal sales also make it easy to update a child's wardrobe, and it's much easier to do this with a child than without.
But the best time to travel with the little ones is still towards the end of the month, when the weather is more spring-like and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor excursions. Either way, one thing is for sure: Vienna has plenty of great gifts for all ages in February.
