Weather & Climate In Innsbruck
Like most of central Europe, Innsbruck suffers significant annual temperature swings because of its center location and proximity to hilly terrain. Particularly in the winter, this temperature is distinguished by oceanic traits with continental effects. This suggests that the city experiences four different seasons, each with own special qualities and challenges.
Innsbruck has an average yearly temperature of 9 °C (48 °F), unlike most European cities of same latitude. The city boasts an average humidity level of 75% all year long. The city gets an average of 860 mm (34 inches) of rainfall year; July is the wettest month and February the driest. The city receives over 2000 hours of sunshine year; June is the suniest month while December is the cloudiest.
| Month | Average Temperature | Record high °C (°F) | Record low °C (°F) | Average Precipitation | Average Humidity | Average Wind | Average Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -0.5 °C (31.1 °F) | 18.4 °C (65.1 °F) | -30 °C (-22 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 80% | 5 km/h | 3 h |
| Feb | 1.5 °C (34.6 °F) | 20.2 °C (68.4 °F) | -24.9 °C (-12.8 °F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 76% | 5 km/h | 4.5 h |
| Mar | 6 °C (42.8 °F) | 25.6 °C (78.1 °F) | -19.7 °C (-3.5 °F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 71% | 6 km/h | 5.5 h |
| Apr | 10 °C (50 °F) | 29.9 °C (85.8 °F) | -9.9 °C (14.2 °F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 66% | 7 km/h | 6 h |
| May | 14.4 °C (57.9 °F) | 33.4 °C (92.1 °F) | -4.1 °C (24.6 °F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 66% | 7 km/h | 6.5 h |
| Jun | 17.7 °C (63.9 °F) | 37.3 °C (99 °F) | 1.1 °C (34 °F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 68% | 7 km/h | 6.5 h |
| Jul | 19.3 °C (66.7 °F) | 37 °C (98.5 °F) | 3.9 °C (39 °F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 69% | 6 km/h | 7.5 h |
| Aug | 19 °C (66.2 °F) | 36.4 °C (97.5 °F) | 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 72% | 6 km/h | 7 h |
| Sep | 14.8 °C (58.7 °F) | 32.8 °C (91 °F) | -2.2 °C (28 °F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 75% | 6 km/h | 6 h |
| Oct | 10.4 °C (50.7 °F) | 27.2 °C (81 °F) | -8.8 °C (16.2 °F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 79% | 6 km/h | 5.5 h |
| Nov | 4.6 °C (40.3 °F) | 23.2 °C (73.8 °F) | -18.2 °C (-0.8 °F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 82% | 5 km/h | 3.5 h |
| Dec | 0.2 °C (32.3 °F) | 18.8 °C (65.8 °F) | -23.6 °C (-10.5 °F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 83% | 5 km/h | 2.5 h |
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Innsbruck
Harsh and Snowy Winters
Unlike most of the big European towns, Innsbruck has quite severe winters defined by lots of snow. Whereas the average maximum temperature is just 3.5 °C (38.3 °F), the minimum temperature in January is -5.2 °C (22.6 °F). Every year the city gets an average of 100 centimeters (39 inches) of snowfall; most of this falls between December and March. Winter evenings occasionally can be very cold, with temperatures as low as -12 °C (10 °F). Still, the snow adds to a beautiful and festive atmosphere, especially in the Christmas season when markets and lighting cover the city. During the winter, the nearby ski resorts— Nordkette, Patscherkofel, Axamer Lizum—also seem to be most fun.
Brief and Mild Springs
The spring season in Innsbruck is a fleeting time when the temperatures start to climb usually reaching 15 °C (59 °F). Still, the evenings stay frigid—if not below freezing. As the snow melts gradually, flowers and vegetation can flourish unhindered. The spring is the ideal time to see the city’s historical and cultural sites such the Ambras Castle, Golden Roof, and Imperial Palace. Observing classic events as the Tyrolean Folk Music Festival and the Easter Festival is also best done in spring.
Temperamental and Unpredictable Summers
Innsbruck, the summer is a season with erratic and turbulent character. Days could be sunny and humid with temperatures sometimes reaching 34 °C (93 °F), or cold (17 °C) and rainy. The summer diurnal temperature fluctuation is somewhat significant as expected in an alpine-influenced environment; the evenings are often freezing, with an average temperature of 12 °C (54 °F), but may drop as low as 6 °C (43 °F). Especially fun in the summer are Innsbruck’s outdoor pursuits include paragliding, bicycling, rafting, and hiking. Attending cultural events as the New Orleans Festival and the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music is also best done in summer.
Cool and Pleasant Autumns
With average highs in September from 20.8 °C (69.4 °F) and in November from 8.2 °C (46.8 °F), autumn is a calm and pleasant season in Innsbruck. The city is covered in vibrant greenery, which contrasts elegantly with the snow-capped mountains. Some of the neighboring attractions, such the Stubai Glacier, Alpine Zoo, and Swarovski Crystal Worlds, are better visited in autumn. The Tyrolean dumplings, the apple strudel, and the schnapps are among the culinary pleasures worth savoring in autumn.
