February Snow In Austria: What To Expect

February is mid-winter in Austria, a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country experiences cold and snowy winters, with snow in the mountains and cities. While the whole country is not mountainous, the Alps cover part of Austria. Towns and ski resorts at higher altitudes tend to be colder and windier than lower-lying cities. Lower-lying cities such as Vienna and Salzburg may experience snow in February, with temperatures dipping below 32°F (0°C) at night.

Snow in the mountains and cities

February is mid-winter in Austria, and snow is expected in the mountains and cities. The Alps cover part of Austria, but not the entire country. The north and east are quite low-lying. Towns and ski resorts at higher altitudes tend to be colder and windier than lower-lying cities.

The snow cover in Austria usually lasts from late December through March in the valleys, from November through May at about 5,905 ft or 1,800 m, and for many years, it is permanent above 8,202 ft or 2,500 m. The coldest month in Austria is usually January, with temperatures beginning to rise again in February.

In February, snow may be on the ground in lower-lying cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, and nighttime temperatures may dip below 32°F (0°C). However, daytime temperatures are usually a bit warmer.

Many travellers come to Austria in February to ski, so expect high prices and full hotels in ski resort areas. You'll need to book accommodation in advance; this is peak season in the Alps.

Skiing and snowboarding in the Austrian Alps

The Austrian Alps are a great destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The Alps cover part of Austria, but the whole country is not mountainous—the north and the east are quite low-lying. Towns and ski resorts at higher altitudes tend to be colder and windier than lower-lying cities.

Stubaier Gletscher

This beautiful glacier has a well-laid-out ski area with excellent lifts.

Ischgl-Samnaun Ski Area

This ski area has fantastic runs and is well connected with lifts and chairs to get you around efficiently and quickly.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is a great option for families. A seven-year-old can start the week very unsure on skis and finish with flying colours, thanks to the lovely ski instructors.

Zell Am See Kaprun

This ski area offers a free boat tour across the lake with the 'summer card'.

Hintertuxer Gletscher

This ski area has fantastic people, a wonderful mountain, and great food.

Mayrhofen - Hippach Im Zillertal

You can get a cable car up to the mountains and walk around the well-signposted trails.

Patscherkofelbahnen

The gondola is clean and comfortable, making it a relaxing experience to admire the breathtaking views.

Hintertux Glacier

This is a must-visit for breathtaking views, children playing, and skiers and snowboarders showing off their skills.

Kitzsteinhorn

This ski area has a variety of gondolas, including a 3km gondola with WiFi.

St. Anton am Arlberg

St. Anton is one of the world's great ski resorts, with some of the most challenging slopes in the Alps. It has hosted numerous skiing competitions, including various World Alpine Ski Championships and Ski World Cups. The village has a car-free centre and bustles with activity throughout the day and late into the night.

Saalbach

Saalbach is a lively ski resort, with 270km of interconnected slopes, making it perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Visiting cultural cities like Vienna and Salzburg

Visiting Cultural Cities in Austria in February

Salzburg

February in Salzburg is a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and experience the city like a local. The temperatures are low, with averages of around 4°C during the day and −5°C in the evenings, so make sure to wrap up warm!

February is a quiet month in the city, with fewer tourists and more opportunity to explore the cultural offerings. Take a romantic walk through the snowy streets, and warm up in one of the many cafes or Konditorei, where you can enjoy a hot coffee and traditional dishes.

For classical music lovers, there are countless concerts held in beautiful concert halls, and the world-leading Mozart Festival, which celebrates the composer's birthday on 27 January.

If you're looking for indoor activities, Salzburg has plenty of museums to discover. The Salzburg Card provides free or discounted entry to many attractions and free use of public transport.

Vienna

February in Vienna is also a great time to visit, with fewer tourists and more space to explore the city's attractions. The temperatures are similar to Salzburg, with highs of around 42°F (5°C) and lows of 30°F (−1°C). It is often windy, which can make it feel much colder, and there is a chance of snow.

Despite the cold, there is plenty to do and see in Vienna during this month. Here are some ideas:

• Experience the famous Viennese coffee culture by visiting one of the cozy cafes.
• Attend a classical concert and enjoy the rich musical history of the city.
• Visit one of the many museums, such as the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Treasury in the Hofburg Palace, or the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
• Explore the imperial palaces, such as Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace, which are less crowded during this time of year.
• Try traditional Austrian dishes, such as Kaiserschmarren.
• Take part in the annual Accordion Festival, which celebrates Austrian folk music.
• Enjoy the carnival celebrations, including the big carnival parade and traditional Austrian pastries like Krapfen.
• Relax at a thermal spa, such as Therme Wien, and warm up in the pools and saunas.

So, if you're planning a trip to Austria in February, both Salzburg and Vienna offer a wealth of cultural experiences and activities to enjoy, even during the colder months!

Vienna's famous ball season

February is mid-winter in Austria, and while it's cold and snowy, the weather is usually not extreme. The Alps cover part of Austria, but the whole country is not mountainous—the north and the east are quite low-lying. Towns and ski resorts at higher altitudes tend to be colder and windier than lower-lying cities.

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is famous for its ball season, which runs through winter, with the most popular balls held in January and February. These formal dances are held in incredible palaces, concert halls, theatres, and other public spaces, giving a glimpse into traditional Viennese culture.

The ball season coincides with the carnival season and traditionally starts on 11 November and ends on Shrove Tuesday in February. There are over 400 balls across the country every year, with 450 held in Vienna alone. The balls are a fixture of the local social and entertainment calendar, and the most popular balls sell out quickly. Most tickets go on sale in the autumn before the event, but tickets for the very popular Vienna Opera Ball go on sale a full 12 months in advance.

The Vienna Opera Ball is undoubtedly the biggest and most famous ball in Austria. It is held at the Vienna State Opera, and celebrities from all over the world attend this renowned event to waltz and enjoy the history-charged atmosphere. Tickets for the ball are so popular that it is strongly advised to book them for the following year's event right after the current year's ball.

Vienna's balls are a piece of cultural history that dates back to the 18th century when young people were introduced to society and used the balls to build up their social networks. Today, it's more about having fun and enjoying everything from dancing to culinary delights. The special ambiance is created by the ceremonial programme and the courtly customs, which include dress codes, an opening fanfare, the debutants' arrival, and the exclamation "Alles Walzer!" (the signal to get on the dance floor), as well as dance performances, different types of music, and the so-called midnight interlude, usually a quadrille.

Mozart Week in Salzburg

Mozart Week 2025 will take place from 23 January to 2 February. The theme for this year is "Destination Mozart", and the festival will include performances of works by composers who inspired Mozart, including Monteverdi, Bach, Handel, and Haydn.

The festival will feature orchestra concerts, chamber concerts, and recitals with world-renowned artists. Performances will take place at various venues in Salzburg, including the Great Hall of the Mozarteum Foundation, the Vienna Hall of the Mozarteum Foundation, the Salzburg Landestheater, the Great Festival Theatre, and Mozart's birthplace and residence.

Ticket prices for Mozart Week vary depending on the venue and category, ranging from €10 to €260. The concerts on Mozartplatz are free of charge.

In addition to the musical performances, Mozart Week 2025 will also feature a guided tour of the "Autographentresor" at the Mozart Residence, street dance, a pub quiz, silent film cinema with live music, talks, and more.

Salzburg, with its stunning views of the Eastern Alps, is a fantastic place to visit during Mozart Week. Beyond the festival, visitors can explore other attractions such as the Salzburg Fortress, Mozart's Residence, and Hellbrunn Castle.

Frequently asked questions