Budapest in summer is nothing short of magical. As the sun stretches its stay into long golden evenings, the Hungarian capital transforms into a vibrant, open-air playground — complete with thermal baths, riverside walks, rooftop bars, and world-class music festivals.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed city break or a full cultural immersion, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from the best open-air baths, to what to wear, and even how to stay cool when the thermometer rises.
How Hot Does It Get? What to Wear in Budapest in Summer
If you’re planning a summer getaway to Budapest, pack light — but pack smart. While the city offers incredible energy during the warmer months, the heat can sneak up on you, especially in July and August. Whether you’re strolling through the Castle District or soaking in a thermal pool, knowing what to expect weather-wise — and how to dress for it — can make all the difference.
Summer Temperatures in Budapest: A Quick Overview
Budapest experiences a humid continental climate, which means hot summers with bursts of intense heat. Here’s how the temperatures typically break down:
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Hottest Recorded | Typical Hot Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 23–27°C | 14–17°C | 39.5°C (103°F) | 2–3 days above 31°C |
| July | 25–29°C | 15–19°C | 40.1°C (104°F) | 3+ very hot days |
| August | 25–29°C | 14–17°C | 39.1°C (102°F) | 3–4 hot days, especially early in the month |
While these numbers might not look extreme at first glance, the urban heat island effect in Budapest’s city center often makes it feel several degrees warmer. Buildings and pavement retain heat, so evenings can feel stuffy, especially after sunset.
Humidity and Sunshine: What It Feels Like
Humidity in Budapest averages around 60–68%, which isn’t oppressive, but can make mid-afternoon walks feel heavy — especially when the sun is blazing. The good news? You’ll have plenty of it:
- June offers nearly 16 hours of daylight at the peak of the solstice
- July and August still deliver 9+ hours of bright sunshine
This makes summer perfect for early morning sightseeing and long, golden-hour dinners by the Danube.
What to Wear in Summer in Budapest
There’s no strict dress code in Budapest, but when it’s 30+ degrees outside and you’re navigating cobblestone streets or public transport, comfort and practicality win.
In June:
Weather is variable — think spring/summer hybrid.
- Light t-shirts or blouses during the day
- A cardigan or light jacket for cooler evenings (especially early June)
- Breathable trousers, skirts, or knee-length shorts
- Closed shoes or sturdy sandals for long walks.
In July:
July is the hottest and sunniest month.
- Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best
- Cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabric
- Sun hat, UV sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Evenings stay warm, but bring a layer for air-conditioned spots.
In August:
August begins hot and sunny, but cools slightly in the final weeks.
- Similar to July during the day
- Add a sweater or windbreaker for late evenings
- If you plan to swim in the Danube or at Lupa Beach, pack a quick-dry towel.
Pro Tip: What NOT to Bring
Avoid thick jeans, synthetic fabrics, or anything heavy. Also skip high heels — cobblestone streets will ruin them (and your feet).
✅ Packing Checklist for Summer in Budapest
- Lightweight tops & shorts
- Sunglasses & wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes (trainers or sandals)
- Swimwear + flip-flops
- Light sweater or jacket (especially for June/August evenings)
- Portable fan or cooling towel
- Refillable water bottle (Budapest has free public fountains)
- Sunscreen (high SPF is a must).
How to Escape the Heat and Stay Cool in Budapest
Budapest’s summers are beautiful, but they can also be intense. Temperatures frequently rise above 30°C, and heatwaves with peaks over 35°C are not uncommon. Thankfully, the city offers a variety of ways to cool down—whether you’re looking for natural shade, refreshing water, or air-conditioned indoor spaces.
Parks and Green Spaces
Budapest’s parks are a vital refuge from the urban heat island effect.
- City Park (Városliget) offers dense tree cover, fountains, and shaded benches, ideal for escaping midday sun. Recent renovations have increased green space and introduced more cooling elements like mist arches and shaded walkways.
- Margaret Island is another top spot, with walking paths, playgrounds, shaded gardens, and water features. It also connects easily to Palatinus Baths, allowing you to combine nature and water recreation.
Indoor Cooling: Where to Go When It’s Too Hot Outside
Budapest offers a number of indoor attractions where you can enjoy culture and architecture while staying cool.
- Museums and churches such as the Hungarian National Museum and St. Stephen’s Basilica maintain naturally cooler temperatures thanks to their thick stone walls and high ceilings.
- Cafés like Gerbeaud or New York Café provide air-conditioned comfort along with iconic décor and traditional Hungarian cakes.
- Shopping centers like WestEnd City Center and Arena Mall are fully climate-controlled and ideal for spending a few hours during peak heat hours.
Cooling Tips and Local Strategies
- Plan outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to avoid peak heat.
- Use Budapest’s public drinking fountains, which are clean, safe, and located throughout the city center. The BudapestGO or BP Fatár app can help you locate them.
- Carry a small towel or cooling cloth and use shaded pedestrian streets or arcades when possible.
- Avoid older trams and buses during peak hours; many do not have air conditioning. The M4 metro line is the most modern and consistently cool underground option.
With smart planning and a few local tricks, you’ll find that even Budapest’s hottest days can be comfortable and enjoyable.
Thermal baths might not sound like the obvious place to escape the heat, but many of Budapest’s most famous spas feature outdoor pools that offer both relief and relaxation.
Budapest Baths in Summer: The Ultimate Open-Air Experience
Budapest sits on more than 100 natural thermal springs that feed dozens of historic and modern bath complexes. While these are enjoyable year-round, summer transforms them into social hubs where locals and tourists alike soak in mineral-rich waters under the open sky.
Major Open-Air Baths
If you’re looking for the classic Budapest spa experience, these three locations are the city’s top picks. Each one blends centuries of bathing tradition with modern-day summer appeal, offering stunning architecture, reliable facilities, and easily accessible locations from the city center.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Budapest’s Grand Open-Air Spa
One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, Széchenyi Thermal Bath is not just the largest spa complex in Hungary — it’s also the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Located in City Park (Városliget), this Neo-Baroque palace offers a unique experience where history, architecture, and wellness meet in spectacular style.
What makes Széchenyi so remarkable in summer is its trio of massive outdoor pools, including a whirlpool and a thermal pool that stays warm regardless of outside temperature. Surrounded by yellow arcades, columns, and statues, these pools create a postcard-perfect setting for both relaxing and people-watching. The baths are supplied by two deep thermal wells, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C to 38°C, known for treating joint and muscle problems.
Getting There
Széchenyi is centrally located in City Park at Állatkerti körút 9–11, 1146 Budapest.
The most direct public transport routes include:
- Metro M1 (Yellow Line): Széchenyi fürdő station (2-minute walk)
- Buses 72, 74, 75, 901, 918
- From Vörösmarty tér in the city center, it’s about a 10–13 minute metro ride.
Why Visit in Summer?
Summer transforms Széchenyi into an outdoor oasis. The large pools are perfect for cooling off, while spacious sunbathing decks and bar areas offer room to relax. The atmosphere is lively but not chaotic, with both tourists and locals sharing the space. The famous Saturday night “Sparty” events, combining music, lights, and water, also take place here in summer months.
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Weekdays: Locker: 37 EUR | Cabin: 39 EUR
- Weekends: Locker: 41 EUR | Cabin: 43 EUR
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance, but advance booking is highly recommended during peak summer dates.
Széchenyi is ideal for first-time visitors and anyone wanting the full Budapest spa experience in an unforgettable setting.
Rudas Thermal Bath: Rooftop Views and Ottoman Heritage
Nestled at the foot of Gellért Hill along the Danube River, Rudas Thermal Bath is one of Budapest’s most unique and visually striking spa experiences. Originally built in the 16th century during the Ottoman occupation, the bath retains its historic octagonal Turkish dome and combines this ancient charm with cutting-edge modern features — most notably, its panoramic rooftop pool.
In summer, Rudas offers a rare dual experience: you can enjoy therapeutic thermal waters in its centuries-old domed interior or relax under the sun in the rooftop bath, which provides unparalleled views of the Danube, Elizabeth Bridge, and Buda Castle. The rooftop pool is especially popular on clear evenings, when you can soak as the city lights begin to glow.
Getting There
Rudas is located at Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Budapest, on the Buda side of the river. It’s just a few minutes from major landmarks like the Citadella or the Chain Bridge.
- Tram 19 or 41: Stop at Rudas Gyógyfürdő
- Bus 7 or 8E: Stop at Március 15. tér, then walk across the bridge
- A taxi or Bolt ride from downtown Pest takes under 10 minutes.
Why Visit in Summer?
The rooftop pool is the star attraction in summer, offering cool relief and a luxurious vibe. It’s also less crowded than Széchenyi, attracting more locals and repeat visitors who know where to go. The interior thermal pools (ranging from 28°C to 42°C) remain open year-round, while the panoramic outdoor section adds seasonal flair.
Additionally, Rudas has gender-specific days in the Turkish bath section — men-only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; women-only on Tuesdays; mixed use on Fridays and weekends — so plan accordingly if you’re aiming to explore the full facility (source).
The sauna world is closed from June 2 to August 1, 2025 due to renovations.
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Weekdays: Adult: 19 EUR | Child (2–14): 15 EUR | Family (2 adults + 2 kids): ~13,900 HUF
- Weekends: Adult: 19 EUR | Family: ~15,300 HUF
Special afternoon tickets (from 2 PM) are available at reduced rates: around 2,400–2,700 HUF ( 7 EUR).
If you’re looking for a memorable spa experience with fewer crowds, Ottoman history, and stunning views, Rudas should be high on your summer list.
Gellért Thermal Bath: The Art Nouveau Jewel of Budapest
For those seeking elegance, tranquility, and architectural beauty, Gellért Thermal Bath offers one of Budapest’s most refined spa experiences. Housed within the historic Hotel Gellért and built in 1918, the bath is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, featuring intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, and grand colonnades that transport visitors back to the Belle Époque era.
The spa includes 10 pools of varying temperatures, but it’s the outdoor wave pool and sunbathing terrace that make Gellért a perfect summer destination. The wave pool, originally opened in 1927 and once considered the first of its kind in Europe, offers gentle swells throughout the day. The surrounding deck provides loungers and greenery, creating a laid-back but upscale ambiance.
How to Get There
Gellért Bath is located at Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Budapest, directly at the foot of Gellért Hill on the Buda side.
- Metro Line M4: Get off at Szent Gellért tér (right at the entrance)
- Tram Lines 19, 41, or 47: Also stop at Szent Gellért tér
- From the city center, it’s a quick 7–15 minute ride by tram or metro.
Why Visit in Summer?
Compared to Széchenyi or even Rudas, Gellért offers a more serene, less crowded atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a visually stunning and relaxed environment over a large social scene. The outdoor area is particularly popular on summer mornings, when the light filters beautifully through the surrounding hills and architecture.
Its central location near Liberty Bridge, the Great Market Hall, and Gellért Hill hiking paths also makes it easy to combine a spa visit with other sightseeing.
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Online purchase (recommended):
- Locker: 37 EUR
- Cabin: 39 EUR
- On-site purchase:
- Locker: 11,000–12,500 HUF (∼27 EUR – 31 EUR)
- Cabin: 12,000–13,500 HUF (∼30 EUR – 34 EUR)
Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the day. One pool may occasionally be closed for maintenance.
If you appreciate architecture as much as wellness, Gellért offers a spa experience unlike any other in the city.
Family-Friendly Baths in Budapest
If you’re visiting Budapest with children or simply prefer a more relaxed, recreational atmosphere, several open-air baths cater specifically to families. These complexes combine thermal pools with slides, wave machines, and play areas, offering something for all ages. In summer, they function as full-fledged aquatic parks, perfect for spending an entire day outdoors.
Palatinus Bath: Budapest’s Island-Style Aquatic Park
Located in the heart of Margaret Island, Palatinus Bath is one of Budapest’s oldest and most beloved open-air bathing complexes. First opened in 1921, it has grown into a vibrant family-friendly water park that blends wellness with summer fun. With a mix of thermal baths, wave pools, adventure slides, and even a pirate-themed play area, Palatinus is ideal for full-day visits—especially in the summer months.
The facility offers a combination of indoor and outdoor zones, including 15 pools in total. Outdoor features include:
- A large thermal pool (ages 14+)
- A wave pool (activated every hour)
- Several children’s pools with themed elements
- Four giant water slides: Magic Tunnel, Anaconda, Kamikaze, and Turbo
There’s also a green park-like environment surrounding the pools, with plenty of shade, sunbeds for rent, and grassy areas for picnicking or rest between swims
Getting There
Palatinus is located at Margitsziget 23800/2 hrsz, 1138 Budapest, on Margaret Island in the Danube.
You can reach it via:
- Bus 26, which runs through the island and stops right in front of the entrance
- A pleasant 15–20 minute walk from Margaret Bridge or Árpád Bridge
- For cyclists, the island has a dedicated bike path and rental points
Public transport info: Moovit – Palatinus fürdő
Why Visit in Summer?
Palatinus is built for summer. The wave pool, the variety of slides, and the shaded park setting make it especially attractive to families with children of all ages. There are also playgrounds, sports courts, and snack bars, meaning there’s plenty to do between dips in the water. The island location also adds a retreat-like feel—you’re close to the city, yet completely surrounded by nature.
Even if you’re not traveling with kids, Palatinus offers a more laid-back alternative to the busier city-center spas.
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Weekdays: Full-day ticket with locker: 41 EUR | With cabin: 43 EUR
- Early morning tickets (before 9 AM): 8,800–10,000 HUF (∼22 EUR – 25 EUR), depending on the day
- Additional services:
- 20-minute massage: 10,800 HUF (∼27 EUR)
- 45-minute massage: 18,000 HUF (∼45 EUR).
If you’re looking for a full day of water-based fun that includes relaxation, swimming, and kid-friendly attractions, Palatinus is hard to beat in Budapest’s summer lineup.
Paskál Bath: Budapest’s Modern Neighborhood Spa
Located in Zugló, a quiet residential district of Budapest, Paskál Bath may not have the historic grandeur of Széchenyi or the riverside glamour of Rudas, but what it offers is equally valuable—a clean, modern, family-friendly spa complex with fewer crowds and plenty of space to relax in summer.
Paskál is the newest thermal bath in Budapest, originally opened in 1989 and completely renovated and expanded in 2016. Today, it features a mix of indoor and outdoor pools, including:
- A large outdoor leisure pool with massage jets and fountains
- A children’s splash zone with fun water elements
- An indoor wellness section with saunas, steam cabins, and a salt room
- Thermal pools fed by mineral-rich water at 41°C, recommended for joint and muscle therapy
During the summer, the outdoor area becomes a favorite with locals who want to cool down without the tourist-heavy atmosphere of larger baths. The vibe is friendly, low-key, and perfect for families, couples, or even solo visitors looking for a less crowded option .
How to Get There
Paskál Bath is located at Egressy út 178/F, 1141 Budapest, in District XIV (Zugló).
You can reach it via:
- Bus 80 or 130 from Örs vezér tere or Stadionok metro stations
- Trolleybus 80 connects from Keleti Railway Station
- Travel time from the city center is approximately 20–30 minutes.
Why Visit in Summer?
Paskál is not a tourist landmark—and that’s exactly its appeal. It’s clean, modern, well-equipped, and far more peaceful than the more famous spas. In summer, its wide open green spaces, family pools, and sun terraces offer a calming retreat from the bustle of downtown Budapest.
The water playground and the shallow splash pool make it an especially good option for families with toddlers and young children, while wellness areas keep parents equally entertained.
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Daily entry (adult): ~5,800–6,500 HUF depending on day (∼ 14 EUR – 16 EUR)
- Children (3–14 years): ~4,200–4,600 HUF (∼ 10 EUR – 11 EUR)
- Family packages (2 adults + 2 children): Available with discounts
- Locker and cabin options included
For up-to-date pricing, see the official site.
If you’re looking for a low-key summer spa day in a calm, local environment, Paskál is one of Budapest’s best-kept secrets.
Seasonal and Beach-Style Options
Not all of Budapest’s summer swimming spots are thermal baths. In recent years, the city has embraced a broader beach culture, offering refreshing alternatives for those who prefer sandy shores, open-air lakes, or riverside swimming. These seasonal venues typically operate from mid-June through late August and are especially popular with locals during heatwaves and weekends. They offer a more casual, festival-like vibe—ideal for sunbathing, playing beach sports, or taking a dip in clear, cool water.
Lupa Beach: The “Hungarian Caribbean” Near Budapest
If you’re craving a real beach day during your Budapest summer trip, Lupa Beach is your best bet. Often nicknamed the “Hungarian Caribbean”, this expansive resort-style beach is set around a crystal-clear artificial lake, complete with white sand, palm trees, and enough space for over 10,000 people. It’s unlike any of the city’s thermal baths and offers a true summer holiday vibe—without leaving the Budapest area.
The beach is divided into two sections:
- Lupa Öböl (Lupa Bay): Quieter, premium access with fewer people
- Main Lupa Beach: More lively, includes music stages, food trucks, and beach bars
Facilities include:
- Designated swimming zones, including shallow areas for kids
- Water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, diving, and wakeboarding
- Beach volleyball and soccer courts
- Lounge areas with umbrellas, rentable cabanas, and sunbeds
- On-site restaurants, smoothie bars, and changing rooms.
How to Get There
Lupa Beach is located in Budakalász, just outside the Budapest city limits. Despite its distance, it’s well-connected:
- Suburban train (HÉV) from Batthyány tér (line H5) to Budakalász station, then a shuttle or short walk
- LupaBus shuttle operates from several key downtown locations in summer
- By car: approx. 25–30 minutes from central Budapest with ample parking on-site.
Why Visit in Summer?
Lupa Beach is purpose-built for summer relaxation. With its clear, swimmable lake, soft imported sand, and full range of amenities, it offers a real resort experience without the price or travel time of an international getaway. It’s especially popular on weekends with both locals and visitors looking to unwind, play, and cool off.
Ticket Prices (2025):
- General day entry: ~4,900–6,900 HUF (∼12 EUR – 17 EUR) depending on weekday/weekend and package
- Children under 120 cm: Free
- Sunbed rental and cabanas: Additional fee
- Online ticket discounts available during promotions
Check the Lupa Beach website for current pricing and booking options.
If you want to escape the spa scene and spend a classic summer day on the sand, Lupa Beach is the closest thing Budapest has to a seaside resort.
Római Baths and Free Beach: A Local Favorite Along the Danube
Situated in North Buda, far from the tourist-packed landmarks of central Budapest, the Római-part area offers a completely different kind of summer experience—relaxed, green, and close to nature. Here you’ll find two seasonal options for cooling off: the historic Római Baths, and the increasingly popular Római-parti Free Beach, which allows for swimming directly in the Danube River.
Római Baths
A classic lido-style facility, Római Baths offers three outdoor pools nestled under tall plane trees:
- A children’s pool (280 m², 30°C, shallow and safe)
- A swimming pool (600 m², 21–22°C)
- A main beach-style pool (1,400 m², 26–27°C).
Additional amenities include:
- Water slides
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Ping-pong tables and mini football fields
- Open grassy areas for sunbathing or picnics.
There is no thermal water at this facility, so it’s more recreational than medicinal—but that’s exactly the appeal in summer. It feels more like a community beach park than a spa, and it attracts a laid-back, mostly local crowd. It’s a great option for families and those seeking an unpretentious day in the sun (source).
Római-parti Free Beach
Launched as a seasonal initiative, the Free Beach at Római-part has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about summer attractions. Open from June 27 through August 24, it offers a safe, designated area for swimming directly in the Danube River, marked by buoys and monitored by lifeguards.
Facilities include:
- Free entry for all
- Showers, restrooms, and free drinking water stations
- Shaded areas with trees and family changing cabins
- Secure bike parking
- No admission fee or reservation required
This is the only spot in Budapest where you can legally swim in the Danube, and it gives you a unique local perspective—floating with a view of the treeline and occasional kayakers. It’s especially loved by locals looking for an affordable, authentic, and zero-frills way to cool down during a heatwave.
Getting There
Both the baths and the free beach are located at Rozgonyi Piroska utca 2, 1031 Budapest.
Public transport options include:
- Suburban train (HÉV H5) to Rómaifürdő station
- Bus lines 34 and 106 stop nearby
- Tram line 1 to Szentlélek tér, then transfer
- From the city center: about 30–40 minutes by public transport (source)
Ticket Prices for Római Baths (2025):
- Weekdays: Adult ~3,800 HUF | Children (3–14) ~2,500 HUF
- Weekends: Adult ~4,100 HUF | Children ~3,200 HUF
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 kids): ~8,000–9,200 HUF.
The Free Beach is completely free of charge and open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, weather permitting.
If you’re looking to escape the tourist trail and spend a summer day like a true local, Római-part delivers Budapest at its most relaxed and refreshing.
What Music Festivals Happen in Budapest in Summer?
Summer in Budapest isn’t just about baths and sunsets—it’s also the peak of the city’s festival season. From world-famous headliners to local indie gems, the Hungarian capital becomes a playground for live music lovers.
The crown jewel is without a doubt the Sziget Festival, held every August on Óbuda Island. One of Europe’s largest music festivals, Sziget features hundreds of international acts across every genre, along with art installations, boat parties, and nonstop entertainment. If you’re planning to visit in mid-August, it’s a must.
→ Read our full guide to Sziget Festival 2025 to plan your trip.
Looking for something smaller or more local? Events like the Budapest Summer Festival bring open-air concerts to Margaret Island and Városmajor, while Kolorádó Festival offers an alternative, forest-set escape just outside the city.
→ Check out our roundup of the best Music Festivals in Hungary for more inspiration.
Whether you’re into electronic beats, symphonic nights, or experimental art-pop, Budapest’s summer festival scene offers a soundtrack for every taste.
Final Tips for Visiting Budapest in Summer
Budapest is a fantastic summer destination, but a little preparation goes a long way in making your experience comfortable and memorable.
Things to Do in Budapest in Summer
From thermal baths to cultural festivals, summer in Budapest offers a dynamic mix of activities that suit every kind of traveler. Here’s a quick summary of the best things to do during the warmer months:
Relax at Open-Air Baths
Budapest’s thermal bath culture shines brightest in summer. Soak in historic spas like Széchenyi, enjoy rooftop views at Rudas, or spend the day at Palatinus or Lupa Beach under the sun.
Join a Festival
Whether it’s the massive Sziget Festival or a riverside concert during the Budapest Summer Festival, the city’s live music scene is at its peak between June and August.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Take a stroll along the Danube promenade, have a picnic on Margaret Island, or watch the sunset from Gellért Hill. With long daylight hours, there’s time to see the city without rushing.
Cool Down Like a Local
Beat the heat with a swim in the Danube at the Római-parti Free Beach, or step inside one of Budapest’s ornate cafés, cool museums, or tree-covered parks.
Want more personalized recommendations and stories you won’t find in a guidebook?
Join one of our Budapest free walking tours to discover the city through the eyes of locals and get insider tips to make your summer trip unforgettable.