October in Budapest?

I have not been to Budapest in September or October. I opted for early May last year and have no complaints about the weather, though I could have done without the afternoon with heavy rain and hail.

I've been elsewhere in Europe up through October 12, and I found the shortening of the days apparent by early September and really noticeable by the second half of that month. I am highly sensitive to lack of daylight, though, and many people don't mind the early sunsets at all. If this is a problem for you, I assume you're already well aware of it, because it's a phenomenon that occurs in the US as well.

acraven: Interesting point about the shortening of days. Europe is farther north than much of the USA. Florida is at the same latitude as N Africa. Much of Europe, especially N Europe, is north of the Canada-US border line. Thus the shortening of days in Europe is more pronounced than in much of the USA, and of course in the Scandinavian countries, there is a well known midnight sun in summer, and no sun in winter.

We went in the beginning of October last year and it was beautiful. Comfortable weather with short sleeves, a sweater at night, and the leaves were starting to change. We had 3 beautiful, sunny days, although that could just be luck.

I found being there in the middle of October this past year to be a bonus! Yes, the weather happened to be amazing: no rain, sunny days, light jacket/sweater weather. It was easy to get an outdoor table at restaurants. The early evening gave that much more opportunity to view the lovely lights of the bridges and buildings along the Danube!

The English tours of Parliament did still sell out - mornings especially, which were selling out in mid-September. So book those in advance whichever month you choose.

Thanks everyone. I've been to Paris the second week of October twice, and the second week of November once. I didn't mind the weather. The trip I'm working on for next year revolves around one day, September 19, the opening day of Oktoberfest. Yeah, yeah...there are better festivals, blah blah blah. I know. I don't even drink beer. But it's not for me. We will be traveling for about 4 weeks with another couple, beginning in Munich (or nearby) and they have expressly said they would like to arrive in Munich with us. The husband has never been to Europe before and the wife has been (including twice with me), but she is definitely a follower when it come to traveling. She did fly home from Italy by herself in 2016, while I continued on to Prague. My hubby and I will be using airline miles, so it is unlikely they will actually be on our flight. They will return home at the end of our time together and we will continue on for another 4 weeks. I was thinking about Budapest after we visit with family in Germany. That would put us there probably later in October. Now I'm wondering about going there prior to meeting our friends in Munich. We could always fly into Munich the day before they arrive if we can't find a flight that arrives around the time theirs does. Hmmm...

Early to mid October is probably my favorite time of year in Budapest and I wouldnt reject a trip from the 15th to the 25th. As for the shorter days, yup. The locals deal with it by going to bed at sunset and not waking till sunrise NO!!! Life goes on!!! Budapest is one of those cities that is just stunning when all lit up so there is nothing lost when the sun goes down. I quick check says that Nautical Twilight (when it begins to get dark) is about 6:30pm in mid-October. By then you are getting ready for dinner..... The downside is a lot of the outdoor cafes start moving the tables inside about mid October.

The weather in September is quite a bit warmer, rain is about the same.

I would do a little research and see if on either of the dates there is something going on in town that would make it a better trip for your. For instance October 23rd is a national holiday with a lot of local culture and history evident. But there might be something you want to see at the Operett Theater in September; and it seems to me the Wine Festival is in September (guessing a bit from memory).

Given the choice I choose the 2nd week in Sept.

Thank you all for your advice. After having a discussion with our friends about us traveling ahead of them, but promising to arrive in Munich before they arrive so we can meet up upon their arrival, I've determined that the second week of September will work out better. When I looked at the calendar and how long we wanted to spend in each place we would have still been in Europe on Election Day. I definitely want to be able to vote. We vote by mail, but we will be leaving home long before our ballots arrive. Now the plan is to fly into Budapest and fly home from Berlin. Both will be new cities for us.

I'm sure I'll be back for advice about what to do in Budapest. Thanks again!!