Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Brussels?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brussels vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife
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Should you visit Brussels or Budapest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Budapest. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Brussels
Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Budapest
Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.
Brussels and Budapest: Pros and Cons
Brussels
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
Budapest
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
How is Brussels different from Budapest?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest and Brussels. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brussels or Budapest?
Brussels
Budapest
Both Brussels and Budapest have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.
Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Is the Food Better in Brussels or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Brussels
Budapest
Brussels has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Budapest.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Budapest. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.
Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Nightlife?
Brussels
Budapest
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Budapest.
Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.
Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Budapest?
Brussels
Budapest
Shopping is a popular activity in both Budapest and Brussels.
Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.
Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Families?
Brussels
Budapest
Both Brussels and Budapest are family-friendly destinations.
Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.
Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.
Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Couples?
Brussels
Budapest
Brussels and Budapest both fun destinations for a couple.
Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.
Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.
Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Brussels
Budapest
Brussels and Budapest are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.
Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Students?
Brussels
Budapest
Brussels and Budapest are comparable places to visit for students.
Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.
Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.
Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Brussels
Budapest
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brussels and Budapest.
Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.
Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.
Is Brussels or Budapest a more walkable city?
Brussels
Budapest
Brussels and Budapest both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.
Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
Should I spend more time in Budapest or Brussels?
How long in Brussels or Budapest?
In either Brussels or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Brussels is 1-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Budapest is 2-5 days.
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How many days in Brussels or Budapest? Ideal Length of StayBrussels 1-5Budapest 2-5
One day in Brussels or Budapest?
Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
The beautiful city of Budapest offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
A weekend in Brussels or Budapest?
Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Budapest is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Five days in Brussels or Budapest?
Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
A week in Brussels or Budapest?
Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
Budapest is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrussels €137Budapest €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels is €137, while the average daily cost in Budapest is €89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Brussels and Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrussels €73Budapest €49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrussels €146Budapest €98
Compare Hotels in Brussels and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Brussels or Budapest? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Brussels Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brussels €17Budapest €11
Typical Local Transportation prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
-
Subway Pass€4.50
-
Atomium train ticket (2)€8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Private Transfer from Bruxelles to Honfleur - Up to 7 people: $1,920
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to Paris: $995
- Private Transfer from Brussels to Zurich with Luxury car: $970
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to Paris: $829
- Group transfert Brussels To Paris CDG Airport: $807
- Privat arrival transfer from brussels city or Airport to Paris: $796
- Brussels To Paris Luxury Transfer: $790
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Paris by Business car: $766
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to Amsterdam: $763
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to Luxembourg: $763
- First Class transfert BRUSSELS TO PARIS: $734
- Private Transfer from Brussels to London By luxury car: $734
Typical Local Transportation prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride€6.88
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Metro Pass€3.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer Budapest: $32
- Airport Transfer Budapest: $50
- Airport and Hotel transfer: $31
- Airport transfer with guided tour: $216
- Arrival Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest City by Luxury Van: $93
- Arrival Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest City in Business Car: $62
- Arrival Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest City in Standard Car: $57
- Budapest - Belgrade Transfer: $349
- Budapest - Bratislava Transfer: $202
- Budapest - Bratislava transfer: $180
- Budapest - Brno (Brno - Budapest) private transfer with a comfortable car / van: $485
- Budapest - Bük Transfer: $171
Is it cheaper to fly into Brussels or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest and Brussels change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBrussels €38Budapest €22
Typical Food prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons€4.60
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)€4.75
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Cheese€5.60
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Olives and Snacks€6.98
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Waffle€3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Classic Belgian cooking class and lunch: $79
- Your Private Tailored Belgian Food Tour with a Local: $93
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $112
- Cooking Lesson and Gourmet Belgian-Inspired Meal with a Local in Brussels: $115
- Private Brussels Food Tour (walking lunch or dinner): $373
Typical Food prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch€3.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lángos (hungarian streetfood) cooking class: $19
- Dinner & Cruise on the Danube in Budapest: $23
- Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $27
- 3-Hour Dinner Cruise and Piano Battle Show: $31
- Vegan Food Tour / Local delights: $36
- Private Budapest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $37
- Live from Hungarian Online Cooking class: $39
- Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour Night & The City Budapest: $47
- Food Tour in Budapest: $50
- Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour of Trendy Budapest: $51
- BBQ dinner and a Quiz Night - welcome shots (hungaricums) and 88 craft beers: $52
- 2-Hours Strudel Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Central Budapest: $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brussels €23Budapest €23
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hours Private Sightseeing Trip in Brussels: $83
- 3 hours Private walking tour of Brussels with ParisRio Local guide: $345
- 3-Day Rail Tour - Brussels to Bruges & Amsterdam (Return): $683
- 5 Day Rail Tour - Belgium & The Netherlands: $1,000
- 5-Day Rail Tour - Brussels, Bruges & Amsterdam: $890
- 7 Day Rail Tour - Belgium & The Netherlands: $1,207
- 7 Day Rail Tour - Bruges, Antwerp and Amsterdam (Brussels Return): $1,166
- Amsterdam Private City Tour from Brussels with licensed Guide and Limo Driver: $683
- Antwerp Private City Tour Half-Day From Brussels +Licensed Guide and Limo Driver: $311
- Antwerp Private Tour From Brussels: $450
- Artistic Bruges on a Private Tour with a local: $75
- BEST Brussels Sightseeing Tour Including View of the City from the Basilica Dome: $386
Typical Entertainment prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two€6.75
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Budapest Private Tour: Buda Castle District Exploration Game: $3.72
- Discovering Explore the city's hot pools and heroes on an audio tour: $5.00
- Private Budapest Ghost Tour: Haunted City Exploration Game: $5.65
- Digital 100-Sights City Tour: $5.67
- Urban Tour of the Outer viii district Budapest: $6.22
- Guided Tour in Budapest Castle District: $6.22
- The Legendary Vampires at the Castle's Court Audio Tour: $6.59
- Alternative Street Tip Based Walking Tour of Budapest: $6.77
- Aeropark Admission Ticket: $6.91
- Budapest Downtown and Inner City E-Scooter Tour: $7.46
- Skip the Line: Aeropark Aviation Museum Entrance Ticket: $8.01
- Robert Capa Contemporary Photograhy Center Visit Ticket: $8.71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrussels €13Budapest €16
Typical Alcohol prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine€10
-
Beer€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl: $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $15
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $15
- Original Budapest Pub Crawl and VIP Club Entrance: $16
- Ultimate Ruin Pub Crawl: $18
- Generation Pub Crawl Budapest: $19
- Ruin Pub Crawl - Your Keys to the Nightlife of Budapest: $21
- Budapest Pub Crawl: $24
- Pest side Pub Crawl - Unlimited drinks for an hour, discover hidden ruin pubs: $25
- Re-opening Pub Crawls 2020 Summer-Autumn: $25
- Budapest Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access: $26
- Epic Local Insider Pub Crawl in Budapest - Every weekend: $30
- Party Cruise with Pub Crawl option: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Budapest, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels than you might in Budapest.
When is the best time to visit Brussels or Budapest?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Brussels or Budapest in the Summer?
Both Budapest and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July are around 18°C (65°F), and Budapest is about 21°C (70°F).
In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.
Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBrussels 18°C (65°F)Budapest 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Budapest in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Budapest. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Budapest stays around 12°C (53°F).
Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Budapest. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBrussels 12°C (54°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Budapest in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Brussels can be very cold during winter. Brussels is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The temperature in Brussels is usually 3°C (38°F) in January, and Budapest stays around -1°C (31°F).
In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.
Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBrussels 3°C (38°F)Budapest -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Budapest in the Spring?
Both Budapest and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.
In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April are around 10°C (49°F), and Budapest is about 12°C (53°F).
Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Budapest. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBrussels 10°C (49°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Budapest and Brussels
| Brussels | Budapest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
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