Budapest in September 2025: Autumn’s Majesty

Budapest in September is one of those experiences that everyone should have at least once in their lives. The weather is starting to cool off from the heat in July and August, which makes the city come alive with some exciting festivals and live events.

You will see locals recovering from the summer heat by lingering at the outside tables that line the city’s plazas and squares. It is mild enough to be comfortable without feeling cold, so you can see the Art Nouveau architecture of Budapest or explore the Roman ruins at your leisure.

Don’t forget about the option to take a day-long cruise along the Danube to catch a glimpse of some of Budapest’s best landmarks.

September in the city is magical. If you plan ahead for your time in the city, then it can be one of the best experiences of your life.

What to Expect from Budapest in September

The first part of September in Budapest still brings pleasantly warm days, with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F) as summer slowly gives way to autumn. By the end of the month, you’ll notice a refreshing crispness in the air, a gentle reminder that fall has arrived. This balance of warmth and cool breezes makes September one of the most enjoyable and comfortable times of the year to explore the city’s landmarks, stroll along the Danube, or simply linger at a café terrace.

It tends to stay reasonably dry in Budapest during September, but you will notice a progressive pattern of cloudiness starts to develop. You’ll find most people exploring in shorts, capris, or something breathable. On the days when it gets a little too cold for comfort, then a light jacket or sweater will make everything feel better.

Unless you take one of the Segway tours, Budapest becomes alive when you take a walking tour of the city. Make sure that you have a comfortable pair of shoes available to have the best possible experience.

Best Events to Experience in Budapest in September

Several festivals and events are held in Budapest in the month of September to celebrate the beginning of the harvest season. You can plan your trip to attend one or all of them based on your personal preferences.

🎭 Pozsonyi Piknik

• Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
• Location: Újpesti rakpart, District XIII
• Overview: A beloved community festival featuring theater performances, live music, artisan stalls, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can stroll along the Újpesti rakpart, where local bookshops, cafés, and cultural institutions set up open-air programs. The event has a cozy, neighborhood feel, making it a great opportunity to mingle with locals and discover Budapest’s literary and cultural side.

Jewish Cultural Festival 2025

• Dates: September 7–18, 2025
• Venues: Dohány Street Synagogue, Rumbach Synagogue, Hegedűs Gyula Street Synagogue, Frankel Leó Street Synagogue, and other cultural spaces
• Overview: One of Budapest’s most atmospheric festivals, the Jewish Cultural Festival (formerly known as the Jewish Summer Festival) brings music, theater, literature, and dance into some of the city’s most stunning synagogues and cultural centers. Visitors can enjoy classical concerts, klezmer music, world-famous soloists, and cross-cultural collaborations in extraordinary architectural settings. Beyond the performances, the festival offers a deeper look into Jewish heritage in Budapest and its lasting cultural influence.

Budapest Wine Festival

• Dates: September 11–14, 2025
• Venue: Buda Castle
• Overview: Sample wines from Hungary’s top vineyards, enjoy gourmet food pairings, and experience live music in a historic setting. The festival also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Danube and Pest from the courtyards of Buda Castle, making it one of the most picturesque wine events in Europe. Visitors can meet winemakers in person, join guided tastings, and discover both world-famous Hungarian varietals and hidden regional gems.

Secret Market – Design Fair

• Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Venue: Széchenyi Thermal Bath – Marble Hall
• Admission: Free
• Overview: Discover unique Hungarian designs, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods in a stunning historical setting. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy live music and creative workshops, turning the market into a cultural experience as much as a design fair. The intimate atmosphere inside the Széchenyi Bath’s Marble Hall makes it feel like a hidden gem, where travelers can pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs while connecting with Budapest’s vibrant creative community.

Brain Bar 2025 – “The Next 25 Years”

• Dates: September 18–19, 2025
• Venue: House of Music Hungary, Olof Palme stny 3, Budapest 1146
• Overview: EEurope’s premier “future-fest” brings together world-class thinkers, scientists, and creators for bold conversations about the next 25 years. In 2025, astronaut Tibor Kapu will share insights from space exploration, alongside renowned voices such as archaeologist David Wengrow and psychologist Ali Fenwick. The program mixes thought-provoking debates with live performances and interactive experiences, making Brain Bar as entertaining as it is intellectually inspiring.

European Heritage Days (Kulturális Örökség Napjai)

• Date: September 20, 2025
• Highlights: Explore Budapest’s architectural gems, including the Pesti Vigadó, with special guided tours and cultural programs. Many of the participating buildings are normally closed to the public, giving visitors a rare chance to step inside historic palaces, government halls, and hidden courtyards. It’s a unique way to experience the city’s layered history, with experts on hand to share stories that bring Budapest’s past to life.

Researchers’ Night (Kutatók Éjszakája)

• Dates: September 26–27, 2025
• Overview: A citywide celebration of science and discovery with over 30 venues offering free, interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and talks. Families and curious travelers alike can try out cutting-edge technologies, meet Hungarian researchers, and even step inside laboratories normally closed to the public. The event turns Budapest into a giant playground of knowledge, where science is made fun, accessible, and inspiring for all ages.

Budapest Marathon 2025

• Dates: Sunday, September 28, 2025
• Venue: Citywide, starting at Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere)
• Overview: One of Europe’s most scenic marathons, the Budapest Marathon offers runners a unique route along the Danube, past iconic landmarks like the Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge. Participants of all levels are welcome, from competitive athletes to casual runners, and the city comes alive with cheering crowds, live music, and festival-style energy along the course. Even for spectators, it’s a chance to experience the city’s vibrant community spirit and enjoy a festive atmosphere throughout Budapest.

Tips for Enjoying Budapest in September

The busy season is over in Budapest by the time you reach September, but savvy travelers know that this month is the perfect time to find some deals. You may need to book a few weeks in advance to ensure that any specific accommodations or tickets are available when crafting an itinerary.

Popular events like the Budapest Marathon can take up most of the hotel and hostel space in the city. If your trip coincides with a major event, then planning early can help you to have a successful experience. You will find fewer crowds exploring the city in September since school is back in session, but Budapest stays busy in the evenings and weekends. There can be long lines at some of the most famous sights to visit, but the queues aren’t as bad as they would be in July or August.

When the weather decides not to cooperate with you during your stay, then you have the perfect excuse to spend time in the city’s famous baths.

What Will You Discover in Budapest in September?

September in Budapest is one of the best times to visit. The farms around the city are preparing for the harvest, trees are starting to turn different colors, and the air feels electric with all of this energy.

This month marks the beginning of a new theater season in Budapest, so you’ll find a variety of ballet and opera experiences awaiting your arrival. Many of the venues are small and intimate, providing a magical experience that you can’t find in other European cities.

The city is still a little crowded in September, but Budapest is fun to see during this month because the seasonal shops are starting to wind down their operations for the year. It’s an opportunity for you to find some fantastic deals while enjoying the variety of festivals that happen throughout the month.

If you have never had the opportunity to see Budapest, then consider arriving in September. Try some palacsinta, stroll the city with a rose-shaped gelato, or linger over the local goulash, and you will find that one stay here is never enough to satisfy your cravings.