Austrian weather
Winter 2007
Early
winter has hit us. The slopes have opened in November already. It is going
to be an excellent winter season for winter sports afficionados. But in the
city, too, the current weather has its benefits. Christmas markets are going
to open and they profit from the wintery atmosphere! If you are planning to
travel to Austria this winter, we would still recommend that you come
prepared for very cold weather. The weather in Austria is particularly
changeable and the wind, especially in Vienna can be bitterly cold!
Austria enjoys a moderate continental climate featuring four distinct
seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Summers are generally warm and
pleasant with cool nights, Winters are sunny, with reliable and frequent
snowfalls.
The weather is changeable throughout the year. However, summer rainfalls are
usually heavy and of a short duration only. Winters are rather cold in the
North-East and can be lightened up by the frequent and heavy foehn winds (a
warm and dry wind) in some valleys of the Alps.
Alpine climate:
A considerable part of Austria is covered with mountains. High peaks
alternate with frequent and deep-cut valleys.. due to this weather
conditions are not easily predicted and depend strongly on altitude and
location. Ask locals and always take adequate clothing when going for a
hike.
Be aware that in autumn and spring, certain Alpine valleys are subject to a
warm and dry wind called foehn. The Tyrolean capital Innsbruck is famous for
its foehn winds which can prematurely trigger summer and cause inhabitants
and tourists to walk around in T-shirts instead of coats. Foehn winds also
keep foggy weather at bay.
Today's weather in: Salzburg | Innsbruck
Danube Valley and Vienna Basin
This part of Austria (Upper and Lower Austria) is rather dry and influenced
by continental Europe's weather. Cold winds from Eastern Europe and Russia
can lower winter temperatures considerably, whereas summer is generally hot
and dry. A sunny autumn day can be spectacular with its coloured leaves.
However, Upper and lower Austria can be rather foggy.
Today's weather in: Vienna | Linz
Styria and Carinthia
Austria's southern area is considerably warmer and sunnier than the rest of
the country. It is generally influenced by the Mediterranean climate and
therefore a successful vine growing region. Even though spring comes around
earlier, winter is as cold and snowy as in the north of the country.. so
bring your skiing equipment.
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