Fall in Hungary Packing List + What to Wear in Budapest
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Hungary in September, October, and November is beautiful, especially if you get out into the countryside to experience the turning of leaves. This Hungary packing list will tell you everything you need to know about packing for Hungary in the fall as well as what to wear in Budapest. Wondering what to wear in Budapest? Outfit ideas are at the bottom of the page!
What’s the Weather like in Hungary in the Fall?
The temperature falls rapidly during these months, with your average daily high in September resting in the low 70s, dropping in October to the 60s, before November reaches the 50s. Most nights get chilly, with the lows in the 50s and decreasing as the year winds down. It will be cloudy most days, though there shouldn’t be too much rain or snow if you go to Hungary in November.
What Should You Wear in Hungary?
If you want to dress like a local, smart casual is the way to wander the street of Budapest. Jeans are acceptable (mostly without holes), and sneakers like my favorite pair of Adidas are common in Budapest. I even sat beside a girl on the tram, and we laughed about our matching shoes! In the fall, you’ll see many Hungarians wearing leather jackets, sweaters, scarves, and hats. We were in Hungary for 2.5 weeks at the end of September and the beginning of October, and during that time, we had to add more and more layers to our outfits as the temperature dropped daily.
Hungarian State Opera
Dressing Tips for Hungary
Exploring Cities
While you’re wandering around Budapest, you’ll likely be popping in and out of stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Dress in layers to stay a comfortable temperature no matter where you are! The streets in Budapest and other Hungarian cities can be hard on your feet, so make sure you have comfortable walking shoes or booties for exploring, especially since you’ll end up walking a lot. In Budapest, hiking up Gellert Hill is fine in sneakers since the path is paved.
Hungary Packing List
Shoes + Boots
For your Hungary packing list in the fall, you’ll definitely need a pair of walking shoes or sneakers for the day, then a dressier pair of boots for going out in the evening. My favorite footwear for Europe is a Chelsea boot, and this pair even doubles as a rainboot for those rainy fall days Hungary has so often. If you plan on going to any spa, you’ll also need a pair of flip-flops or slides.
Jeans + Pants + Dresses
Jeans are an acceptable item to wear, especially dark-wash jeans. For your Hungary packing list, I’d recommend at least two pairs. On a few colder days closer to the end of our trip, I also wore fleece-lined leggings. While I didn’t see as many people in dresses during the day, I opted to bring a pretty dress for a photoshoot at the Fisherman’s Bastion with my husband. A sweater dress would be a good choice for a nice restaurant.
Tops + Sweaters + Jackets
Layers are essential to a fall in Hungary packing list, and it’s definitely what to wear in Budapest as the weather changes from moment to moment. Layers are especially handy because you’re going in and out of places that have heat into the windy streets of Budapest. I used tank tops or t-shirts as my base layer, then wore either a button-down flannel or my leather jacket on top. Some days, I opted for a cropped long-sleeve t-shirt beneath my leather jacket.
Sweaters are a great option for days when you don’t feel like wearing a jacket around Budapest. Pair a turtleneck sweater or chunky cable knit sweater with a cute knit hat and you’ll be warm all day!
It rains in Hungary in the fall, so pack a rain jacket or waterproof jacket. In early fall, a leather jacket like this will be sufficient, but in late fall, you’ll need a thicker waterproof jacket like this. I bought the insulated jacket a few years ago, and I have taken it to Spain, Scotland, Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia now. It was a worthwhile investment!
Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Scarves + Accessories + Other Necessities
Knit hats, gloves, and scarves are essential if you’re going to Hungary in late fall. My husband wore gloves and a hat most days, especially in the second half of our trip. Other accessories you’ll need to add to your Hungary packing list include jewelry (but leave your expensive pieces at home) and sunglasses.
If you plan on going to any of the spas (which I highly recommend you do), you’ll need to pack a swimsuit and flip-flops or slides. You have to wear shoes anytime you are outside the pool, and it's much easier to navigate them if you can slip in and out easily since there are so many pools to enjoy. You don’t need anything fancy - a basic pair will do.
Toiletries
Bring your usual toiletries, including conditioner if you’re a long-haired girl like me and can’t go without it. A toiletries bag like this is great in those small European bathrooms!
Electronics
If you’re traveling to Hungary from the United States, you’ll need an adapter to use your electronics. This travel adapter has everything you need, but it is NOT a power converter. Other electronics you’ll need are headphones, phone chargers, a tablet or Kindle for entertainment, and a camera if you’re into photography. There are so many beautiful corners of Budapest, you’ll return home with thousands of photos like I did!
Lately, I’ve been really into audiobooks as a way to give myself a much-needed screen break while on vacation. Give Audible a try and save your eyes!
Hungary Outfit Ideas
Wondering what to wear in Budapest? Here are some outfit ideas based on what I wore and what was on my Hungary packing list!
Final Thoughts on What to Hungary Packing List for Fall + What to Wear in Budapest
Creating a Hungary packing list doesn’t have to be hard! The most important things to remember are layers, swimsuits for the spas, and towels if you don’t want to rent one. If you want to discover more about Hungary, check out some of my other posts on one of my favorite countries.
Ultimate Hungary Itinerary: How to Spend 10 Days in Hungary