White Christmas arrives in Sopron as snow falls across north-west Hungary

While much of Hungary is seeing rain and grey skies this Christmas Eve, residents of Sopron and parts of north-west Hungary are waking up to a rare seasonal sight: a white Christmas. Snow has fallen across the Alpokalja region, turning streets, forests and hillsides white and bringing a festive atmosphere to the country’s western edge.

According to weather portal Időkép, rain gradually turned into snow overnight as a Mediterranean cyclone reached the region. By Wednesday morning, snowfall had already been reported in Sopron, Kópháza and Kőszeg, with webcams showing steady snow and sleet. In Sopron, even deer tracks have become visible in the fresh snow, highlighting the wintry conditions.

Meteorologists say that the north-western part of Hungary has the best chance of seeing snowfall this Christmas. In low-lying areas, around 1–2 centimetres of snow may settle temporarily, while higher elevations could see more substantial accumulation. In the Kőszeg Mountains, snow depth could reach up to 10 centimetres, particularly on hilltops and exposed ridges.

Other mountainous regions are also likely to receive a light snow cover. Forecasts suggest that the higher parts of the Bakony and the Mecsek may briefly turn white as well, although the snow is not expected to last long in most places.

In contrast, the Mediterranean cyclone is bringing mainly rain to much of Transdanubia and the Great Plain. Across central and eastern Hungary, Christmas Eve is expected to be overcast and misty, with precipitation falling as rain rather than snow. The Hungarian Meteorological Service reports that brief sunny spells may appear in the north-eastern third of the country, but overall conditions will remain gloomy.

Daytime temperatures on 24 December are forecast to range between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Western Hungary will be noticeably colder, while eastern regions may feel slightly milder. By late evening, temperatures are expected to fall to between –2 and +5 degrees Celsius.

Snowfall may continue intermittently in western and south-western Hungary on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In flat areas, snow cover is expected to remain thin, generally between a light dusting and 5 centimetres, while mountainous areas could once again see accumulations of up to 10 centimetres.

Despite the wintry scenes in Sopron and nearby regions, this year’s Christmas weather is far from record-breaking. Historical data show that Hungary has experienced far more extreme conditions on 24 December. The coldest Christmas Eve on record occurred in 1963 in Putnok, where temperatures plunged to –26.6 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the warmest was recorded in Békéscsaba in 1958, when thermometers reached an unusually mild 17.7 degrees.

For now, those hoping for a classic white Christmas will find the best chances in Hungary’s north-west, where snow-covered landscapes are offering a festive start to the holiday, even if only for a short time.

Check out some fresh photos of the snow cover in Időkép’s article!

Featured image: Snowplough working in Dobogókő on 21 November 2025. Illustration. Photo: MTI/Kocsis Zoltán