Snowfall in Budapest: A Rare Christmas Surprise for Hungarians

Published: December 22 2023

Hungarians have been experiencing mild winters in recent years, with very little snowfall on Christmas Eve. However, this year might be different as the winter of 2023-2024 has started with heavy snowfall in Hungary.

A Mediterranean cyclone combined with Northern cold winds has brought heavy snowfall to Hungary, including the Hungarian Great Plains. Ski centres have been able to open earlier as a result.

According to the Hungarian Meteorological Service, an extensive precipitation zone will reach Hungary on Friday night, bringing rain, sleet, and snow. While the snow is not expected to last long due to high daily average temperatures, some regions can anticipate a White Christmas. On Friday, snowfall is expected in the Transdanubian Mountains, Budapest, and the Northern mountainous regions.

Saturday will be cloudy with precipitation expected in various areas. Rain is forecasted in the Southern and Southwestern regions, while sleet and snow are expected elsewhere. Northwestern and Western winds will become stormy. The temperature will range from 1-9 degrees Celsius, relatively mild. Sunday will remain cloudy with rain in some regions and the possibility of snow and sleet in the Northern territories and mountains. Winds will remain strong, but temperatures will increase throughout the day.

Unfortunately, the chance of a white Christmas is low this year. In the Great Hungarian Plains, the chance is between 0-10%, which slightly increases to 10-20% in the higher mountains and Northern regions.

Will it snow in Budapest on Christmas Eve this year? There is a small chance of snow in Budapest on Christmas Eve this year. The chance of a white Christmas is around 10-20% in Budapest and the Northern regions of Hungary.

What caused the snowfall in Hungary at the beginning of December? The snowfall in Hungary at the beginning of December was caused by a Mediterranean cyclone that brought lots of precipitation and met with Northern cold winds.

Did ski centres in Hungary open earlier this year? Yes, ski centres in Hungary were able to open earlier this year due to the significant snowfall at the beginning of December.

Which regions in Hungary should prepare for a White Christmas this year? Regions such as the Transdanubian Mountains, Budapest, and the Northern mountainous regions of Hungary have a higher chance of experiencing snowfall on Christmas this year.

What is the expected temperature range in Budapest during the snowfall? The lowest night temperature during the snowfall is expected to be between -1 and +4 degrees Celsius.

What is the chance of having a white Christmas in the Great Hungarian Plains? The chance of having a white Christmas in the Great Hungarian Plains is very low, ranging from 0-10%.

What types of precipitation are expected in different regions of Hungary during the weekend? Rains are expected in the Southern and Southwestern regions of Hungary, while sleet and snow are expected in other places.

What are the forecasted temperatures during the weekend in Hungary? The temperatures during the weekend in Hungary are expected to range from 1-9 degrees Celsius in the afternoon and -3 to +5 degrees Celsius at dawn.

Will the temperature increase or decrease during the weekend in Hungary? The temperature is expected to increase during the weekend in Hungary, reaching 7-12 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.

How long is the snow expected to last in Hungary? The snow is not expected to last long in Hungary due to the high daily average temperature.