Best time to visit · Bucharest · Romania
The best time to visit Bucharest
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
The best times to visit Bucharest are May–June and September–October, when it is warm but not as hot as midsummer and the parks and terraces are at their best. July and August are hot but lively. December brings Christmas markets, and winter in general is cold but inexpensive.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September–October
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 3°C (37°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~8 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
Bucharest has a continental climate with hot, sunny summers often above 30°C, cold winters with snow and icy winds, and short springs and autumns that are the most pleasant times for walking.
March–May
Spring
A short, fast spring of blossom, Easter celebrations and terrace openings, with some storms in May.
June–August
Summer
Hot, sunny and lively on lake terraces and in the Old Town; plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
September–November
Autumn
Warm September, golden October and cool, grey November; the cultural season starts again.
December–February
Winter
Cold with snow and icy winds, festive December markets and the lowest prices of the year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -5°C | 6 | 9.2 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 6°C | -3°C | 6 | 10.4 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 12°C | 1°C | 6 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 18°C | 6°C | 7 | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 24°C | 11°C | 8 | 14.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 28°C | 15°C | 8 | 15.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 30°C | 17°C | 7 | 15.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 30°C | 16°C | 5 | 14 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 25°C | 12°C | 5 | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 18°C | 6°C | 6 | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 10°C | 2°C | 6 | 9.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 4°C | -3°C | 7 | 8.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Union Day commemorating the 1859 union of the principalities (24 January) |
| March | Mărțișor — spring charms exchanged (1 March) |
| April | Orthodox Easter (date varies) |
| May | Night of Museums — late, free museum openings (usually mid-May) |
| June | Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse (24 June) |
| September | George Enescu International Festival (September, in odd-numbered years) |
| October | Bucharest International Marathon (usually October) |
| December | National Day parade at Arcul de Triumf (1 December); Bucharest Christmas Market (usually late November to December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Bucharest?
The best times to visit Bucharest are May–June and September–October, when it is warm but not as hot as midsummer and the parks and terraces are at their best. July and August are hot but lively. December brings Christmas markets, and winter in general is cold but inexpensive.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Bucharest?
Usually in January–February. Cold, with snow and freezing winds some years; museums and restaurants are quiet.
+What is the rainiest month in Bucharest?
May, with about 8 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Bucharest get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F).