Weather & Climate In Kitzbühel
Renowned city with ski resort and winter activities, Kitzbühel is situated in Tyrol, Austria. Kitzbühel, which is in a valley 750 meters (2,450 feet) above sea level, has a greatly different climate depending on its topography.
With a noteworthy temperature difference of 21 °C (37.8 °F) between the coldest month, January, and the hottest month, July, Kitzbühel has an average yearly temperature of 7.9 °C (46 °F).
At 1,235 millimeters (48.6 inches), Kitzbühel’s annual precipitation averages; thunderstorms cause a peak in the summer months. While July is the wettest month, getting 170 mm (6.7 in), February is the driest month having 65 mm of rain or snow.
The city gets 1,960 average sunlight hours annually; July has the highest daily average of 7.5 hours while December and January have the lowest daily average of 3.5 hours.
Kitzbühel’s winters are marked by low temperatures and lots of snowfall; regular frosts and sporadic cold spells define them. Though on some evenings it might drop below -20 °C (-4 °F), the average temperature in January is -3 °C (26.6 °F. With an average of 205 cm (80 in) of snowfall yearly, the snow cover normally runs from November to April.
With temperatures on some days reaching over 30 °C (86 °F), Kitzbühel enjoys a mild to pleasantly warm summer. The evenings are cool, though. Though it could vary from 11.6 °C (52.9 °F) to 24 °C (75.2 °F), the average temperature in July is 17.8 °C (64 °F). With regular showers and afternoon storms, the summer is also the wetest season.
Alpine Climate Dynamics
Surrounded by the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Hahnenkamm Alps, Kitzbühel is tucked in a valley 750 meters (2,450 ft) above sea level. Its normal alpine climate is thus defined by low winters, moderate summers, and considerable precipitation. A number of elements affect the alpine climate, including topography, latitude, elevation, and air masses.
The height influences the temperature as, for every 100 meters (330 feet) of altitude, it lowers by roughly 0.6 °C (1.1 °F). In some days, this produces a temperature difference between the valley and the mountain tops that could reach 10 °C (18 °F). The latitude influences the length of the daylight since it differs from 8 hours in December to 16 hours in June. The geography influences the wind and the precipitation since the mountains impede the air currents and moisture. Since they deliver various kinds of weather depending on their origin and direction, the air masses influence the patterns of the weather. For instance, the continental air masses bring cold and dry air from the east while the Atlantic air masses provide mild and wet air from the west.
Distinct Seasons
Four separate seasons abound in Kitzbühel, each with unique qualities and appeal. The astronomical calendar, which bases on Earth’s relative position to the sun, defines the seasons. The summer season begins on June 21 and ends on September 21; the autumn season begins on September 22 and ends on December 20; the winter season starts on December 21 and ends on March 19. Still, the meteorological seasons—based on average temperature—may vary somewhat from the astronomical ones.
Winter Wonderland
Since thousands of skiers and snowboarders from all around the world visit Kitzbühel during winter, it is the most popular season there. Kitzbühel experiences frigid, snowy winters marked by frequent frosts and sporadic cold spells. Although the January average temperature is -3 °C (26.6 °F), some evenings may find it below -20 °C (-4 °F. With an average of 205 cm (80 in), the snow cover normally runs from November to April. Thanks to the low temperatures and low humidity, the snow is mainly dry and powdery, hence its quality is outstanding.
With more than 200 kilometers (125 miles) of slopes ranging from easy to difficult and more than 50 lifts including cable cars and gondolas, Kitzbühel boasts outstanding skiing conditions. Four sections define the ski area: the Bichlalm, the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Hahnenkam, and the Jochberg. One of the most well-known slopes in the world, the Streif hosts the annual Hahnenkamm race, among the most elite and perilous downhill events. Considered the pinnacle of the winter season, the race draws about 100,000 viewers annually.
Apart from snowboarding and skiing, Kitzbühel presents a lot of other winter sports including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Along with a vibrant après-ski scene featuring many bars, restaurants, and clubs where guests may savor the regional food, music, and nightlife, the city also boasts With Christmas markets, lights, and decorations creating a magnificent scene for the holiday season, Kitzbühel’s winter environment is joyful and comfortable.
Summer Sunshine
With so many cyclists, golfers, hikers, and environmentalists drawn in Kitzbühel, summer is the second most often used season. Though it cools at night, Kitzbühel’s summer weather is mild or pleasantly warm, with temperatures that might reach 30 °C (86 °F) in certain days. Though it varies from 11.6 °C (52.9 °F) to 24 °C (75.2 °F), the average temperature in July is 17.8 °C (64 °F). With midday showers and storms, the summer is also the wetest season. At 170 mm (6.7 in), the average July precipitation makes more than 10% of the yearly total.
With more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of paths fit for all degrees of difficulty and skill, Kitzbühel has countless chances for hiking and riding. The paths lead to alpine meadows, waterfalls, lakes, mountain cabins where guests may savor the amazing views and clean air. The most often visited hiking sites include Hohe Tauern National Park, the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Schwarzsee, and the Wilder Kaiser. The most often used bike paths are the Kitzbühel Panorama Tour, the Kitzbühel Valley Cycle Path, and the Kitzbühel Alps Trail.
With four golf courses totaling 54 holes located in breathtaking settings, Kitzbühel’s golfing choices are also really outstanding. The golf courses comprise the Eichenheim, the Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reither, the Kitzbühel-Kaps, and the Rasmushof. From May to October, the golf courses are open for many tournaments and events like the Kitzbühel Golf Festival, the Kitzbühel Alps Trophy, and the Kitzbühel Open.
Apart from swimming, fishing, boating, tennis, horse riding, and paragliding, Kitzbühel has several more summer sports including hiking, biking, and golfing. With so many museums, churches, castles, and monuments where guests may discover the history and customs of the area, the city also boasts a rich cultural and historical legacy. With many events, markets where guests may savor the local arts, crafts, and cuisine, the summer vibe in Kitzbühel is laid back and joyful.
Spring Awakening
In Kitzbühel, spring signifies the end of the winter and the start of the summer, so acting as the transition season. Kitzbühel’s springtime weather is erratic and varied since it could go from bright and warm to clouds and cold in a few hours. Though it could vary from 1.6 °C (34.9 °F) to 12.8 °C (55 °F), April’s average temperature is 7.2 °C (45 °F). Usually in the form of rain, April’s average precipitation is 95 mm (3.7 in), however occasionally snow can still fall on the higher altitudes.
As the environment wakes from its winter hibernation, Kitzbühel’s spring season is one of rebirth and rejuvenation. The trees bud, the snow melts, the flowers blossom, and the animals show themselves. With so many wildflower species—crocuses, daffodils, primroses, and alpine roses—the spring vegetation in Kitzbühel is varied and vibrant. With various kinds of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects—including eagles, marmots, deer, lizards, and butterflies—the spring wildlife in Kitzbühel is likewise diversified and energetic.
Visitors to Kitzbühel may enjoy the sun as well as the snow, hence the spring activities there include winter and summer ones. Though some slopes and lifts may remain open depending on the snow conditions, the ski season normally finishes in early April. Usually starting in late April, the hiking and bike seasons may remain closed until May depending on the melting on specific paths and routes. Usually beginning in mid-May, the golf season opens some courses earlier or later depending on the conditions.
With various events and festivals where guests may encounter the local way of life, Kitzbühel boasts a vivid and active spring environment. Kitzbühel’s spring celebrations consist in Easter Festival, Spring Awakening Festival, Maypole Festival, and Ascension Day Festival.
Autumn in Colors
Since autumn symbolizes the end of the summer and the start of the winter, it is the other transition season in Kitzbühel. With rare fog and rain, Kitzbühel’s autumnal temperature is steady and pleasant—often sunny and temperate. Though it ranges from 4.4 °C (39.9 °F) to 13.2 °C (55.8 °F), the average temperature in October is 8.8 °C (47.8 °F). October’s average precipitation is 85 mm (3.3 in), generally in the form of rain but occasionally snow might occur on the higher altitudes.
As the environment gets ready for the winter, Kitzbühel’s autumn season is one of beauty and transformation. Against the blue sky and the white Alps, the changing hues of the leaves—from green to yellow, orange, red, and brown—create an amazing contrast. With so many varieties of trees—beech, birch, maple, larch, and pine—Kitzbühel boasts a varied and magnificent autumn foliage. With various species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects including geese, foxes, squirrels, snakes, and spiders, the autumn wildlife of Kitzbühel is likewise diversified and lively.
Visitors to Kitzbühel may enjoy both the sun and the snow, hence the fall activities there combine summer and winter ones. Although the season for hiking and biking normally finishes in late October, depending on the weather some paths and routes may be accessible until November. Usually finishing in early October, the golf season may close earlier or later depending on the conditions on particular courses. Usually beginning in late November, the ski season may open some slopes and lifts earlier or later depending on the snow conditions.
With various events and celebrations where guests may savor the local cuisine and culture, Kitzbühel’s fall mood is peaceful and romantic. Kitzbühel’s fall events consist in the Harvest Festival, the Wine Festival, the Chestnut Festival, and the Advent Market.
Average Temperature Overview
With a variation of 21 °C (37.8 °F) between the coldest month (January) and the warmest month (July, Kitzbühel’s average annual temperature is 7.9 °C (46 °F). The monthly averages follow this:
| Month | Average Temperature |
|---|---|
| January | -3 °C (26.6 °F) |
| February | -1.5 °C (29.3 °F) |
| March | 2.8 °C (37 °F) |
| April | 7.2 °C (45 °F) |
| May | 11.8 °C (53.2 °F) |
| June | 15.4 °C (59.7 °F) |
| July | 17.8 °C (64 °F) |
| August | 17.2 °C (63 °F) |
| September | 13.6 °C (56.5 °F) |
| October | 8.8 °C (47.8 °F) |
| November | 3.4 °C (38.1 °F) |
| December | -1.2 °C (29.8 °F) |
Particularly in spring and autumn, the average daily temperature swings are highly noteworthy since they can reach 15 °C (27 °F) on some days. On August 8, 2015, Kitzbühel had 36.6 °C (97.9 °F), the highest temperature ever recorded; on January 12, 1987, the lowest temperature ever recorded was -28.9 °C (-20 °F).
Average Precipitation Overview
Higher over the national average of 1,100 millimeters (43.3 inches), and far higher than the global average of 800 millimeters (31.5 inches), Kitzbühel’s average annual precipitation is 1,235 millimeters (48.6 inches). Average monthly precipitation is as follows:
| Month | Average Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 75 mm (3 in) |
| February | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| March | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| April | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| June | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| July | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| August | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| September | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| October | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| November | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| December | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
Except in the winter, when it is predominantly in the form of snow, the precipitation in Kitzbühel is essentially rain. As Kitzbühel averages 205 cm (80 in) annually and certain regions can exceed 500 cm (197 in), the snowfall there is plentiful and consistent. The distribution of the snowfall over the months follows:
| Month | Average Snowfall |
|---|---|
| January | 50 cm (19.7 in) |
| February | 40 cm (15.7 in) |
| March | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| April | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| May | 0 cm (0 in) |
| June | 0 cm (0 in) |
| July | 0 cm (0 in) |
| August | 0 cm (0 in) |
| September | 0 cm (0 in) |
| October | 5 cm (2 in) |
| November | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| December | 50 cm (19.7 in) |
Many elements affect the precipitation in Kitzbühel: the air masses, the mountains, the lakes, and the seasons. Based on their source and direction, the air masses bring varied quantities and kinds of precipitation. For instance, the continental air masses bring less rain and snow from the east whereas the Atlantic air masses bring more from the west. The mountains influence the precipitation since they produce a rain shadow effect whereby the windward side gets more than the leeward side. The lakes influence the precipitation since they produce a lake effect whereby the water vapor from them condenses and falls as rain or snow. The seasons influence the precipitation since they provide a seasonal pattern whereby the winter is the driest season and the summer is the wettest one.
Humidity in Kitzbühel
At 77%, Kitzbühel’s average annual relative humidity is higher than the national average of 72% and far higher than the world average of 60%). The relative humidity averages monthly as follows:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| January | 83% |
| February | 80% |
| March | 76% |
| April | 72% |
| May | 71% |
| June | 72% |
| July | 74% |
| August | 76% |
| September | 79% |
| October | 82% |
| November | 84% |
| December | 84% |
Several elements affect the humidity in Kitzbühel, including the lake, the temperature, the precipitation, and the breeze. As it raises the air’s moisture content, the precipitation influences the humidity. The temperature determines the capacity of the air to retain moisture, so it influences the humidity. The wind moves moisture from many sources and directions, so it influences the humidity. The lakes evaporate water into the air, therefore influencing the humidity.
The comfort and outdoor activities of Kitzbühel depend on the humidity there. The comfort is influenced by the humidity since it shapes the heat stress perception of the temperature. The humidity determines the outside activities since it influences the visibility, cloud development, and snow quality. Kitzbühel’s normally high and comfortable humidity results from a moderate and pleasant temperature that little risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration generates. But the humidity can sometimes be low and unpleasant, particularly in the winter when it produces a dry and cold environment that greatly increases the danger of hypothermia and frostbite.
Winds in Kitzbühel
Lower than the national average of 4.5 meters per second (10 miles per hour), the average yearly wind speed in Kitzbühel is 3.6 meters per second (8 miles per hour), significantly less than the global average of 6 meters per second (13 miles per hour). The monthly wind speed averages as follows:
| Month | Average Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| January | 3.9 m/s (8.7 mph) |
| February | 4.1 m/s (9.2 mph) |
| March | 4.2 m/s (9.4 mph) |
| April | 3.8 m/s (8.5 mph) |
| May | 3.4 m/s (7.6 mph) |
| June | 3.1 m/s (6.9 mph) |
| July | 2.9 m/s (6.5 mph) |
| August | 2.9 m/s (6.5 mph) |
| September | 3.2 m/s (7.2 mph) |
| October | 3.6 m/s (8.1 mph) |
| November | 3.8 m/s (8.5 mph) |
| December | 3.9 m/s (8.7 mph) |
Among the various elements influencing the wind in Kitzbühel are pressure, temperature, topography, and seasons. Since it generates a pressure gradient force that drives the wind from high pressure areas to low pressure areas, the pressure influences the wind. The temperature influences the wind since it generates a thermal wind, which differs from the geostrophic wind at various heights by means of the temperature gradient. The terrain influences the wind since it produces a mountain wind—that is, the wind driven up and down the slopes resulting from air heating and cooling. The seasons influence the wind since they produce a seasonal wind, that is the wind whose direction and intensity vary depending on the seasonal variation of the pressure and the temperature.
The outdoor sports of Kitzbühel and the state of the weather depend on the wind there. Since it affects the temperature, the precipitation, the cloudiness, and the visibility, the wind shapes the state of the weather. The outdoor activities are impacted by the wind since it shapes the sailing, paragliding, skiing, and snowboarding. Generally light and erratic, the wind in Kitzbühel produces a quiet, clear climate with low chance of storms and turbulence. But the wind may also be powerful and gusty, particularly in the winter when it produces a frigid, cloud cover increasing blizzard and avalanche risk.
Sunshine Hours
Kitzbühel boasts 1,960 average annual sunshine hours, more than the national average of 1,800 and well over the worldwide average of 1,500. The following are the normal monthly sunlight hours:
| Month | Average Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| January | 100 |
| February | 120 |
| March | 150 |
| April | 180 |
| May | 210 |
| June | 225 |
| July | 225 |
| August | 210 |
| September | 180 |
| October | 150 |
| November | 105 |
| December | 100 |
Kitzbühel’s sunshine hours are affected by a number of elements including the latitude, the season, the cloud cover, and fog. The latitude determines the angle and length of the sun’s beams, so influencing the sunshine hours. Since it controls the length and location of the daylight, the season influences the sunshine hours. The cloud cover blocks or reflects the sun’s rays, therefore influencing the sunlight hours. Because the fog lowers sun visibility and brightness, it influences the hours of sunlight.
The tourism and the general attitude of the area depend on the Kitzbühel sunny hours. The tourism is influenced by the sunshine hours since they define the appeal of the place and the activities available there. The mood is influenced by the sunshine hours since they alter the levels of serotonin and melatonin, chemicals controlling the mood and the sleep. Kitzbühel has generally high and favorable sunshine hours since they produce a sunny and happy environment with little risk of depression and insomnia. But the daylight hours can also be limited and negative, particularly in the winter when they produce a dark and depressing environment that increases seasonal affective disorder and fatigue risk.
Weather Extremes
Extreme weather occurrences include blizzards, heat waves, thunderstorms, and floods can all find Kitzbühel prone. These occasions can affect the people, the infrastructure, and the surroundings greatly. Among the historical examples, their consequences are:
- The Blizzard of 1951: As it dumped more than 300 cm (118 in) of snow in a few days, paralyzing the city and the ski resort, the Blizzard of 1951 was among the biggest snowstorms Kitzbühel has ever seen. Snow brought avalanches, road closures, power disruptions, and roof collapses. Skiers, hikers, and rescuers among other individuals perished in the blizzard.
- The Heat Wave of 2003: Breaking many temperature records and generating droughs, wildfires, and health issues, the 2003 Heat Wave was among the warmest summers Kitzbühel has ever seen. Three.7 °C (6.7 °F) above the normal, the average temperature in July was 21.5 °C (70.7 °F. On July 31, the hottest day ever noted in Kitzbühel, the temperature was 35.8 °C (96.4 °F). Along with affecting the crops, animals, and humans, the heat wave lowered water levels, raised fire risk.
- The Thunderstorm of 2012: With torrential rain, hail, lightning, and strong winds that caused floods, landslides, and destruction, the 2012 Thunderstorm was among the most severe ones Kitzbühel has seen in past years. With more than 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain dumped—equivalent to two months of typical rainfall—the storm struck on July 14 and lasted more than two hours. As big as golf balls, the storm also generated hailstones that wrecked windows, roofs, and vehicles. Along with injuries, the storm brought road closures and power outages.
- The Flood of 2018: One of the greatest floods in Kitzbühel’s history, the Flood of 2018 came from a mix of torrential rain, snowmelt, and ice jams overflowing the rivers and streams and flooding the city and the environs. Starting on May 2, the flood peaked on May 4 when the water level climbed more than three meters (10 feet) above usual. Along with trash, dirt, and pebbles that wrecked roads, bridges, and buildings, the flood carried Along with costing millions of euros in losses, the flood drove hundreds of people from their homes.
Microclimates Within the Region
Kitzbühel is not a homogeneous climate zone since its land contains several microclimates dependent on the local elements including the height, the aspect, the slope, the vegetation, and the urbanization. Even on little distances, these microclimates can produce fluctuations in the temperature, the precipitation, the humidity, and the wind. In Kitzbühel, several microclimates exist:
- The Valley Microclimate: The microclimate of the lower portions of the valley, where the city and the ski resort are situated, is known as Valley Microclimate. The cold air drainage, temperature inversion, urban heat island, and opponent wind all affect this microclimate. The phenomena known as cold air drainage is the cold air moving down hills and gathering in the valley to produce a thicker and cooler layer. The phenomena of the temperature inversion is the one whereby the temperature rises with altitude rather than falls, therefore producing a thinner and warmer layer of air above the valley. The phenomena of urban regions being warmer than rural areas resulting from human activity and synthetic constructions is known as the urban heat island. The occurrence of the warm and dry wind moving from the south over the Alps and down into the valley generates a warmer and drier state is known as the foehn wind.
- The Mountain Microclimate: The microclimate of the upper mountain sections, where the glaciers and peaks are found, is known as the Mountain Microclimate. The height, aspect, slope, and albedo all affect this microenvironment. The temperature is influenced by height since, for every 100 meters (330 feet) of rise, the temperature drops by roughly 0.6 °C (1.1 °F. The aspect is the element influencing the solar radiation since the slope’s orientation determines its relative to the sun. The slope determines the precipitation since it determines the angle and form of the slope in respect to the wind. Since the reflectance depends on the color and texture of the surface, the albedo determines this aspect. Usually colder, wetter, windier, and snowier than the valley microclimate is the mountain microclimate.
Impact of Geography on Climate
Kitzbühel’s geography dictates the position, height, terrain, and hydrography of the area, so it significantly influences its climate. The following ways relate the geography to the climate:
- The location influences Kitzbühel’s latitude, longitude, and time zone, therefore affecting the length of the daylight, the sun’s position, and the timing of the seasons. Located at 47.45° N, 12.39° E, and GMT+1, Kitzbühel boasts a temperate environment with four distinct seasons and a mild variance of daylight ranging from 8 hours in December to 16 hours in June.
- The elevation determines the altitude and the relief of Kitzbühel, which in turn impact the temperature, the pressure, and the regional precipitation. Kitzbühel lies 750 meters (2,450 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains up to 2,000 meters (6,600 feet), so its temperature gradient between the valley and the summits is rather large and its climate is colder than that of the lower places.
- The topography of Kitzbühel determines the form and orientation of the landforms, therefore impacting the wind, the wetness, and the cloudiness of the area. Kitzbühel is bounded by the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Hahnenkamm mountains, hence it has a sheltered and varied temperature depending on the direction and strength of the air currents and the precipitation. Kitzbühel sits in a valley, orientated from east to west.
- The hydrography of Kitzbühel influences the flow and distribution of the water bodies, therefore affecting the humidity, evaporation, and region’s runoff. Situated close to the Kitzbüheler Ache river, a branch of the Inn river, Kitzbühel boasts various lakes, including the Schwarzsee, the Gieringer Weiher, and the Pillersee, thereby fostering a humid and rich climate with a great water availability and a low water shortage.
