The Best Time to Visit Salzburg (And When I’d Go Again) 2025

The first time I visited Salzburg was right around Christmas, and honestly, it was pure magic. With all the twinkly lights and the smell of mulled wine in the air. So when I got the chance to cat-sit in the city for six weeks during summer, I was so ready to see this little fairytale town come alive with warmer weather.

Both seasons were beautiful in their own way, but I’ll be real, they also came with their quirks. Summer meant wall-to-wall tourists, and winter had my hands nearly freezing off. So if you’re wondering when the best time to visit Salzburg actually is, this guide’s for you.

In this travel guide, I’m breaking down what it’s like during each season, the festivals you won’t want to miss, and all the tips I wish I knew before going.

Best Time to Visit Salzburg – My Quick Answer

I think everyone knows the most popular time to travel through Europe is summer, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the best! With the rise of the whole “European summer” and Instagram hotspots, major destinations are seeing even more tourists than usual, and that can totally change how you experience a place, especially somewhere like Salzburg.

Like I mentioned, the first time I visited Salzburg was at Christmas, and it was honestly amazing. It was our family vacation; we spent three weeks training through a few major cities and decided to spend Christmas Eve in Salzburg since it’s only about 45 minutes from where the song Silent Night was written. How freakin’ cool!

Every Christmas Eve, they hold a service at the church, and people from all over gather to sing it in their own languages. To me, it was such a magical way to spend the holidays away from home.

Outside of that night, I thought Salzburg in winter was great! Yes, it was cold, but we had blue skies, the touristy spots weren’t that crowded, and we got to hit up all the Christmas markets. It was more than I could’ve asked for.

I also got to spend six weeks there in summer, and to be honest, it was really hit or miss. Some days were stunning with blue skies, perfect temperatures, and lakes warm enough for swimming. But on those same days, the city center was brutal. Packed with sweaty tourists, it was hard to even enjoy the sights. And when it wasn’t hot and sunny, it was thunderstorming. I quickly realized that summer in Austria can definitely be a mixed bag.

If I didn’t care about the Christmas markets and just wanted pleasant weather with a little less chaos, I’d 100% recommend visiting in the spring. The mountains are green, the flowers at Mirabell Gardens are blooming, and it’s the perfect weather for walking up to the fortress or grabbing a beer and schnitzel at a beer garden!

TL;DR: Salzburg is beautiful year-round, but if I had to pick, spring and fall hit that perfect sweet spot between good weather and manageable crowds.

Best Time of Year to Visit Salzburg Austria by Weather

Whether you’re dreaming of eating your way through a Christmas market or warm afternoons along the Salzach River, Salzburg’s weather totally changes the vibe of your trip.

Here’s what to expect in each season to help make your decision easier!

Spring in Salzburg (March to May)

Spring in Salzburg is quietly beautiful. The city starts to thaw out after winter, and everything feels a little softer, the trees are budding, cafés reopening their outdoor terraces, and the mountains still dusted with snow in the distance. 

When I go back, I’d love to time it for late spring. It’s warm enough to take day trips to nearby lakes, the Mirabell Gardens are in full bloom, and the city hasn’t yet been overrun with summer tourists. It feels like Salzburg is at it perfect time to visit, and you get to enjoy it before the crowds arrive.

Summer in Salzburg (June to August)

Summer is definitely Salzburg’s high season, for better and worse. I spent six weeks there in the summertime, and the energy was undeniable. There’s always something going on, from the world-famous Salzburg Festival to smaller concerts and riverside events. I loved the long evenings, grabbing a drink by the Salzach River and watching the sun set behind the fortress. It truly was the bucketlist European summer!

But the crowds at this time can be intense. On sunny days, the city center is packed, and on stormy ones, there’s not much to do but wait it out. It’s fun and festive, but definitely the busiest and most unpredictable time of year. 

Autumn in Salzburg (September to November)

If you’re after a quieter Salzburg experience, autumn is a great option. Things start to slow down after the summer rush, and prices for accommodation drop noticeably. The weather is still pleasant in September and early October, and the changing colors in the surrounding mountains make for some stunning day trips. 

It’s the kind of season where you can enjoy the city at your own pace with comfortable walks up to the fortress without elbowing through crowds, quiet coffee shops, and museums without the queues. It’s a solid choice if you’re traveling on a budget or just want a bit more breathing room.

Winter in Salzburg (December to February)

Salzburg in winter feels like a holiday postcard come to life. We spent Christmas Eve here, and it was truly one of the most special moments of our whole trip. The city is famous for its Christmas markets, and for good reason, every square is filled with stalls selling gingerbread, ornaments, and hot drinks, all under twinkling lights. 

We even visited the village where “Silent Night” was written and attended the Christmas Eve service, where people from around the world sing the carol in their own languages. It was cold, sure, but the clear skies and festive atmosphere made up for it. 

However, if you come in January or February after the holidays, prepare for some super cold dreary days, and for a few things to be closed as it’s low season. I don’t really recommend coming during these two months unless you plan on skiing at one of the nearby ski resorts. 

Best Time to Visit Salzburg’s Festivals & Seasonal Events

If you’re timing your trip around a festival, Salzburg delivers year-round. From Christmas magic to open-air opera, here are the city’s biggest events and when they take place.

Mozart Week

When is it: January 22- Feb 1, 2026
Learn More Here

If you’re visiting Salzburg in winter and want something a little different from ski slopes and snow globes, Mozart Week is a great excuse to lean into the city’s classical roots. Salzburg is the home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and trust me, they are proud of it! And they should be, I went to one of the concerts when I was living there, mostly out of curiosity, and ended up loving it. 

The performances are world-class, and there’s something special about hearing Mozart in the city where he was born. It’s a great time to visit if you want a quieter Salzburg, but with a little cultural flair.

Salzburg Easter Festival

When is it: March 27–April 6, 2026
Learn More Here

Founded by Herbert von Karajan, the Salzburg Easter Festival is a high-caliber classical opera and concert series held over Holy Week. While I’ve never been, I can imagine as an extension of Salzburg Festival this is a great way to experience the culture and history of the city. Even if you don’t attend a show, the city takes on a refined, artistic atmosphere that’s worth experiencing.

Salzburg Festival 

When is it: Late July – August 31st
Learn More Here

This is Salzburg’s biggest event of the year, and the city really goes all out. The Salzburg Festival is a celebration of opera, theater, and classical music, and even if you’re not planning to attend a performance, it still changes the whole feel of the city. 

The energy is high, and there’s a nice mix of glam and casual, you’ll see people dressed up for evening shows and others just enjoying the open-air concerts and pop-up performances around town. When I was there in summer, I didn’t go to any of the official events, but I still felt like I was part of it just walking through the city and attending the free night time performances.

St. Rupert’s Day Fair

When is it: Around September 24th
Learn More Here

This was one of the most fun surprises in Salzburg. It’s a traditional folk festival right in the heart of the Old Town, complete with carnival rides, beer tents, market stalls, and people dressed in full dirndl and lederhosen. 

The vibe is relaxed and festive and I love that it’s more local than touristy, which makes it feel super authentic and a bit like a hidden gem. I spent a whole afternoon wandering through the fair, eating pretzels and sipping beer under the cathedral. Definitely a good time to visit if you want a more budget-friendly trip with fewer summer crowds.

Krampus Runs

When is it: December 5, 2025
Learn More Here

If you’re visiting in early December, brace yourself for one of the more bizarre holiday traditions in the region. The Krampus runs are part parade, part haunted house. Dozens of people dressed as Krampus (a sort of terrifying, horned sidekick to St. Nick) march through the streets, shaking chains and scaring the absolute life out of people. 

It’s wild, but also kind of fascinating. I’d never seen anything like it before, and while it’s not for the faint of heart, it’s a cool way to experience the darker side of Alpine folklore. 

*There are a few different Krampus events, so make sure to check multiple “krampus runs” if you’re in the area around early december. 

Christmas Markets in Salzburg (Also Called Winterfest)

When is it: November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026

• Monday-Thursday 10 AM – 8:30 PM
• Friday 10 AM – 9 PM
• Saturday 9 AM – 9 PM
• Sunday + Holiday 9 AM – 8:30 PM

Learn More Here

Salzburg absolutely shines during the holiday season. I’ve visited a lot of Christmas markets across Europe, but the ones here are some of my favorites. The main market in Cathedral Square is beautiful, with the fortress lit up in the background, but there are smaller ones tucked into side streets and courtyards too. 

I loved spending my evenings wandering from stall to stall, drinking hot mulled wine with my family and just fully enjoying the Christmas season. It’s busy, yes, but in the best way. Warm, festive, and full of charm.

When Is Salzburg Most Crowded?

Summer is easily the busiest season in Salzburg, especially from late June through August. Between the Salzburg Festival, school holidays, and the whole “Euro summer” craze, the city center can feel jam-packed. You’ll experience big tour groups trailing behind flags, lots of sweat and no chance of grabbing a riverside table without a reservation.

Winter gets a second wave of crowds during the Christmas markets (late November to Christmas). It’s festive and magical, but popular markets like Residenzplatz fill up fast, especially on weekends. But honestly, besides the price in accommodation, I didn’t really feel the “high season” vibes, it was the perfect amount of chill and festivities for my family. 

But if you’re after a more relaxed vibe with fewer people elbowing you at the viewpoint, try visiting in late spring (May–early June) or early fall (mid-September to October). The weather’s still great, and it feels like you’ve got a bit more breathing room as you explore.

Salzburg Travel Tips You’ll Actually Use

• Start your day at the fortress: Head up to Hohensalzburg Fortress in the morning for fewer crowds and don’t miss the cannons firing at 11:30 AM sharp. 
• Grab the Salzburg Card: If you’re planning to take the funicular or visit multiple attractions, the Salzburg Card saves you both time and money. Totally worth it for a short trip.
• Book ahead at Sternbräu: This place gets busy, especially in summer. If you want classic Austrian food in a traditional setting, it’s worth locking in a reservation.
• For a real beer garden experience, head to Augustiner Bräu Mülln: Huge steins, hearty snacks, and locals who know how to do it right. It’s a little outside the center but totally worth the detour. You can use public transportation to get there!
• Want the best view in Salzburg? Head to Steinterrasse, a rooftop bar with amazing views of the river, castle, and Old Town all in one shot. And their Espresso Martini is fantastic! 

My Honest Verdict: So When Is the Best Time to Visit Salzburg?

What I love most about Salzburg is that it’s beautiful year-round. No matter when you go, the mountain views, baroque buildings, and cozy old-town charm will absolutely win you over. But if I had to choose the best time? I’d go for shoulder season, either late spring or early fall.

With Salzburg’s narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets, it honestly loses a bit of its magic in the thick of summer. It’s hot, crowded, and can feel more hectic than charming. But during shoulder season, you’ll get that crisp mountain air, comfortable weather, and way fewer crowds. You can still sit outside at beer gardens or grab a terrace table without breaking a sweat. And unless you’re planning day trips to the lakes, it doesn’t need to be hot and sunny to enjoy Salzburg.

Now that you’ve got your timing sorted, don’t miss my 2-day Salzburg itinerary for how to make the most of your trip!

FAQ Travel Guide to Visiting Salzburg

What are the best things to do in Salzburg?

Walking up to the fortress in the morning (before the cannons go off at 11:30!), strolling through Mirabell Gardens, and getting lost in the Old Town were some of my favorite moments. I also loved spending lazy afternoons at a beer garden or sipping cocktails with a view at Steinterrasse.

How many days do you need in Salzburg?

I’d say two full days in Salzburg is the sweet spot. That gave me enough time to see all the main sights without feeling rushed, but If you have an extra day you’ll be able to take a day trip to the lakes or to Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most picturesque towns!

Is Salzburg worth visiting?

Absolutely. I’ve been a few times now—both in winter and summer—and it just has this timeless charm that never gets old. The scenery is unreal, and it feels like a fairytale city you can actually afford to visit. For a more in depth look at if Salzburg is worth it, you can check out my guide here!

What’s the best month to go to Austria?

Personally, I think the two best months to visit Austria are May and the end of September, this will help you miss the huge summer crowds but still experience nice weather and enjoy the gorgeous country!

What is the best season to visit Salzburg?

Spring or fall, hands down. I loved being able to walk around comfortably, grab lunch on a terrace, and still enjoy the city without dodging hundreds of people. Plus, it’s a little cheaper in the shoulder season.

Check Out My Other Salzburg Guides

Where to Stay in Salzburg Austria: My Top Hotels and Areas

Is Salzburg Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Salzburg: My Weather Guide to Salzburg Austria

2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary: How I Spent 48 Hours in Salzburg

Restaurants in Salzburg: My Top Places to Eat in Salzburg

Cafes in Salzburg: My Favorite Coffee Spots