Vienna is a magical city that attracts visitors throughout the year. Depending on the season and what's happening, it may be that one time of the year is better for your trip to Vienna than another time. Here's a rundown on the local weather and events that can help you narrow down the best time to visit Vienna.

Winter

Winter in Vienna lasts from December through February and is always cold and snowy. Bring good snow boots, as the roads are often icy and slushy. Make sure you wrap up warm, as the winds can be quite bitter. But if you decide to brave the temperatures that often dip a few degrees below zero (Celsius), you'll find the attractions extremely warm indeed. In mid-November the Christmas markets begin to open, and with them the friendly cheer of the people. The city is decorated for the holidays and you can find shops that cell mulled wine, cider and eggnog in between ice skating and sight seeing. Stick around for the spectacular New Year's celebrations!

Spring

Temperatures in the spring are warm in the daytime and a bit cooler at night. You'll find that by May it will feel like summer has already come. Take advantage of the beautiful, sunny days and the less crowded streets. An even greater advantage of visiting in the spring is the lowered rates of hotels, shops and restaurants.

Summer

Summers can be extremely hot in Vienna, especially come August. The temperature will often hit 30 degrees C or higher. This is also peak season and it's often crowded at all of the local sights. Prices of hotels, when you can find them available, are much higher this time of year. However, the summer festivals such as the Open-Air Film Festival and the Cultural Festival draw plenty of visitors.

Autumn

This time of year is beautiful, but be prepared for the occasional shower. When the winds blow it often drops temperatures well below the average 3 to 20 degrees C. It's a bit less crowded as the air grows colder, so you'll get much more enjoyment out of your sight seeing. Just be sure to bring a few warmer sweaters for those chilly nights.

It's definitely worth noting that peak seasons include Summer and Christmas, due to the aforementioned festivals, not to mention standard holiday time. The best times to visit as far as weather is concerned are probably early spring and early autumn. The worst times are May and August, which are usually quite wet, and January, which is very cold. But regardless of when you visit, you'll be charmed by this fantastic city.

- Tiffany M Parker