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Austria enjoys a moderate continental climate with four distinct seasons, namely, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Summers are generally warm and pleasant with cool nights while winters are sunny accompanied with frequent snowfalls. The rainfalls in summer are usually heavy but for short duration. The NorthEast is particularly cold in winters with frequent and heavy foehn winds (a warm and dry wind) in some valleys of the Alps.
The terrain of Austria comprises of mountains where high peaks are interspersed with valleys and experiences Alpine climate. This terrain makes it difficult to predict the weather conditions and depend strongly on altitude and location. During autumn and spring, certain Alpine valleys are subject to a foehn winds. Foehn winds also keep foggy weather at bay.
Danube Valley and Vienna Basin comprises of the Upper and Lower Austria and is rather dry and highly influenced by continental weather. Cold winds from Eastern Europe and Russia can lower winter temperatures considerably, whereas summer is generally hot and dry. However, Upper and lower Austria can be rather foggy.
Styria and Carinthia constitute the southern region of Austria that is warmer compared to the other parts of the country. Due to strong influence of the Mediterranean climate, it is a successful vine growing belt. Even though spring comes around earlier, winter is as cold and snowy as in the north of the country.
The tourists can visit Austria any time of the year depending on their interest. Most of the mountain resorts have two distinct tourist seasons, one for winter where winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy and the other for summer hikers. The cities, however, attract the tourists all year round with their number increasing during peak holidays and annual festivals such Christmas, New Year, Fasching (the ball season) and Salzburg Festival.
By: Shuchita Bist
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