Best Time To Visit Lienz
Weather and Climate
The climate and weather of Lienz change depending on the season and month. The average temperature, precipitation, sunshine and humidity in Lienz each month are shown in the table below along with the apparent temperature and the best time to visit based on weather and climate criteria.
| Month | Temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) | Sunshine (h) | Humidity (%) | Perceived Temperature (°C) | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2.3 | 160 | 3 | 82 | -7.1 | Very bad |
| February | -0.5 | 150 | 4 | 79 | -5.4 | Very bad |
| March | 4.6 | 176 | 5 | 75 | -0.8 | Very bad |
| April | 10.1 | 193 | 6 | 70 | 4.9 | Very bad |
| May | 14.3 | 323 | 6 | 72 | 9.2 | Very bad |
| June | 17.6 | 339 | 7 | 74 | 12.6 | Tolerable |
| July | 19.7 | 341 | 8 | 75 | 14.8 | Bad |
| August | 18.7 | 323 | 7 | 77 | 14.1 | Tolerable |
| September | 13.9 | 229 | 6 | 79 | 9.6 | Tolerable |
| October | 8.8 | 229 | 4 | 82 | 4.9 | Very bad |
| November | 3.2 | 237 | 3 | 84 | -0.9 | Very bad |
| December | -2.1 | 201 | 3 | 84 | -6.9 | Very bad |
Data indicates that June, August and September (when temperatures are mild, rainfall is modest and sunshine is plentiful) are the ideal months to visit Lienz and experience fantastic weather. The worst months to visit Lienz are January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December due to cold weather, lots of rain and lack of sunshine. July is also the hottest and driest month of the year, so it would be inappropriate to visit Lienz at this time.
Tourism and Crowds
Lienz’s tourism and crowds change depending on the season and month. The table below shows Lienz’s overnight stays, occupancy rate, peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons by month as well as the ideal time to visit based on tourism and traffic.
| Month | Overnight Stays | Occupancy Rate (%) | Peak Visitor Numbers | Tourist Season | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 95,000 | 56 | High | High | Bad |
| February | 97,000 | 57 | High | High | Bad |
| March | 86,000 | 51 | High | High | Bad |
| April | 49,000 | 29 | Low | Low | Good |
| May | 54,000 | 32 | Low | Low | Good |
| June | 67,000 | 40 | Medium | Medium | Good |
| July | 113,000 | 67 | Very high | Very high | Bad |
| August | 115,000 | 68 | Very high | Very high | Bad |
| September | 87,000 | 52 | High | High | Bad |
| October | 58,000 | 34 | Low | Low | Good |
| November | 41,000 | 24 | Low | Low | Good |
| December | 76,000 | 45 | Medium | Medium | Good |
April, May, October, November and December – when the number of overnight stays, occupancy rate and peak attendance are low or medium and the tourist season is short – are the ideal months to visit Lienz for tourism and crowds, as the table shows. With so many overnight stays, occupancy rates and peaks in attendance, as well as a busy tourist season, July and August are the worst months to visit Lienz in terms of tourism and congestion. Because January, March and September are major travel seasons with many visitors, they are also terrible months to visit Lienz in terms of tourism and crowds.
Best Time To Visit Lienz
Spring in Lienz
Spring is the perfect time to visit Lienz as the town and surrounding areas emerge from their winter hibernation and explode with vibrant flowers. With little precipitation and sunshine, spring temperatures are normally between 4.6°C in March and 14.3°C in May. Bring layers and rain gear; the weather could be erratic.
In Lienz, spring also marks a low visiting season, which could affect prices and attendance. With barely 49,000 and 54,000 visitors respectively, April and May recorded the lowest overnight stays and occupancy rates. Due to the low number of tourists, you can explore the city and its attractions at your own pace.
Lienz celebrates, among other things, the Easter market, the Spring Festival and the Maypole Festival in spring. Among the many outdoor activities you can undertake are golfing, horse riding and hiking. With stunning views of snow-capped mountains, rich valleys and flower-filled meadows, the Lienz Dolomites and Hohe Tauern National Park are ideal locations for those who appreciate the natural environment.
Summer in Lienz
Due to Lienz’s Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny days, summer is the best season to explore the city. With moderate rainfall and plenty of sunshine, summer temperatures are normally between 17.6°C in June and 19.7°C in July. The weather is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings.
In Lienz, summer is also the busiest travel season, which means more people and more expenses. With 113,000 and 115,000 guests respectively, July and August saw the highest number of room nights and occupancy rates. Peak visitor numbers are also somewhat high, so you may need to book in advance and deal with large queues.
For Lienz, summer offers a multitude of events and celebrations, including Olala, an international street theater festival, and Dolomitenmann, an annual extreme sports event. Outdoor activities include swimming, golfing, cycling, hiking and fishing. With challenging excursions, stunning views and a wide range of species, the Lienz Dolomites and Hohe Tauern National Park are great places for adventurers.
Autumn in Lienz
Lienz is a great place to visit in autumn since the city and its surroundings are covered in a spectrum of warm and beautiful colors. With modest rainfall and sunshine, fall temperatures average between 13.9°C in September and 3.2°C in November. Bring warm clothes and coats; the weather can be cold, especially in the morning and evening.
In Lienz, autumn also marks a low visiting season, which could affect prices and attendance. With 58,000 and 41,000 guests respectively, October and November have the lowest occupancy and overnight stay rates. Due to the low number of tourists, you can explore the city and its attractions at your own pace.
For Lienz, autumn brings some celebrations like the Harvest Festival and the Autumn Festival. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, horse riding and hiking. With stunning views of changing vegetation, golden meadows and blue skies, the Lienz Dolomites and Hohe Tauern National Park are ideal places for nature lovers.
Winter in Lienz
Visiting Lienz in winter is a great experience as the city and its surroundings become a snowy paradise. With lots of precipitation and little sunshine, the normal winter temperature ranges from -2.3°C in January to -0.5°C in February. Bring thick, waterproof clothing and boots; the weather can be cold and snowy.
In Lienz, winter is also an average tourist season; prices and attendance should therefore be rather low. With 76,000 visitors and 45% respectively, December offers ideal numbers of overnight stays and an occupancy rate. The maximum number of visitors is also average, so you may need to book in advance and expect queues.
During the winter, Lienz hosts, among other events and celebrations, the Christmas market, the Advent concert, the New Year concert and the carnival. Among the many outdoor sports you can participate in are sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing and skiing. The Lienz Dolomites and Hohe Tauern National Park are excellent winter sports locations with top-notch ski resorts, cross-country ski trails and ice climbing routes.
Best Time To Visit Lienz
- January: With typical temperatures between -11°C and -2°C, January is the coldest month in Lienz. On roads and trails, snow and ice should be expected; so, pack warm clothes and winter clothes. If you like skiing, you can visit the two ski resorts of Hochstein and Zettersfeld or practice cross-country skiing and biathlon in the neighboring towns. The St. Andra church and cemetery as well as the Schloss Bruck castle and museum are also worth a visit.
- February: Although a little warmer and with less snow, February’s weather is similar to January’s. Typical temperatures are between 17°F (-8°C) and 34°F (1°C). The ski areas still allow you to practice winter sports or visit the Hohe Tauern National Park and go snowshoeing or tobogganing. Lienz also hosts spectacular costume carnivals with parades and music.
- March: Even though it is cold and humid, the weather in March is starting to warm up and become sunnier. The average temperature range is 25°F (-4°C) to 43°F (6°C). Nature can clearly show the change between winter and spring: the melting of snow and the blooming of flowers. Higher altitudes still allow skiing; lower elevations allow hiking and biking. The city’s main square, Hauptplatz Lienz, is worth a visit for its brightly colored buildings and restaurants.
- April: Although the temperature in April is moderate and pleasant, it remains humid and rainy. The average temperature range is 33°F (1°C) to 50°F (10°C). Outdoor activities and attractions in Lienz (the Ostirodler Alpine Coaster, Kletterpark Schlossberg Lienz, Lake Tristachersee and the Gola Galizia nature reserve) are best experienced this month. The historical and cultural sites of Lienz are also worth a visit, including the Cossack Cemetery, the Liebburg, the Old Town Hall and the Kosakenriedhof.
- May: Although it rains the most, May is the hottest and sunniest month of the year. The average temperature range is 41°F (5°C) to 59°F (15°C). You should expect around 140mm of rain in May, so pack a raincoat or umbrella. Lienz’s rich and beautiful landscape of rivers, forests and alpine meadows may entice you. The largest nature reserve in the Austrian Alps, Hohe Tauern National Park offers glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife.
- June: The month of June is characterized by humidity and storms in addition to warm and sunny weather. Normal temperature is between 48°F (9°C) and 67°F (20°C). Lienz has a Mediterranean flavor with outdoor activities that truly reflect summer. You can cool off among the rivers and mountains by rafting or paragliding, or at Lake Tristachersee. You can also take part in the Olala, a street performance, or the Dolomitenmann extreme sports competition.
- July: Although it is the hottest and sunniest month of the year, July is also the month most prone to thunderstorms. The usual temperature is between 56°F (13°C) and 83°F (28°C). The long, bright days and energetic vibe of Lienz help you maximize the summer season. While the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Lienz Dolomites offer hiking, cycling and climbing opportunities, Lake Tristachersee is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking. Also visit the city’s main square, Hauptplatz Lienz, or the Schloss Bruck castle and museum.
- August: Although significantly colder and wetter, the weather in August is similar to July. The usual temperature falls from 54°F (12°C) to 79°F (26°C). Lienz’s summer activities and attractions – the Ostirodler Alpine Coaster, Kletterpark Schlossberg Lienz, Lake Tristachersee and the Gola Galizia nature reserve – are always worth a visit. Another event you can visit is the Lienz Festival, a cultural event including theater, art and music.
- September: Even if the temperature drops and becomes drier, it remains rather pleasant and bright. Average temperatures are between 41°F (5°C) and 59°F (15°C). Lienz’s rich vegetation and harvest celebrations provide a window into the changing seasons. The Hohe Tauern National Park, the Lienz Dolomites, Lake Tristachersee and Liebburg are some of the outdoor activities and attractions you can still enjoy. The St. Andra church and cemetery as well as the Cossack cemetery Kosakenfriedhof are also worth a visit.
- October: October brings cool, humid and rainy but still sunny weather. Usually the temperature is between 33°F (1°C) and 50°F (10°C). You should expect around 90mm of rain in October, so dress warmly and bring waterproof clothing. The autumn landscape of Lienz, with its pleasant atmosphere and its golden and purple tones, might seduce you. Higher altitudes still allow skiing; lower elevations allow hiking and biking. The city’s main square, Hauptplatz Lienz, and the Schloss Bruck castle and museum are also worth a visit.
- November: Among the months, November is the coldest, darkest, and driest one. The usual temperature falls between 23°F (-5°C) to 37°F (3°C). Expect snow and frost on the paths and roads; so, pack winter gear and tools. Lienz offers a winter wonderland with its festive atmosphere and snowy, frosty surroundings. Try cross-country skiing and biathlon in the nearby towns or ski at Hochstein and Zettersfeld. You could also visit the winter market “Osttirol de Luxe” with its culinary pavilions and the Advent market on Lienz’s main plaza.
- December: Though somewhat warmer and snowier, December’s weather is like that of November. The range of the average temperature is 25°F (-4°C) to 39°F (4°C). Expect about 100 mm of snowfall in December, hence be ready with winter gear and clothes. Among the winter sports and attractions Lienz presents are the Lienz Dolomites, Kletterpark Schlossberg Lienz, Osttirodler Alpine Coaster, and Hohe Tauern National Park. Lienz honors the Christmas season with Advent calendar, Christmas lights, and the Dreikönigsmarkt market as well.
