Salzburg in October

July and August bring the Salzburg Festival, when opera lovers descend and hotel prices triple. Book months ahead or skip entirely if you're not into classical music. May through September offers the best weather for Alpine day trips and outdoor concerts. December transforms the city into a Christmas market wonderland — four different markets fill the squares with Glühwein and handmade ornaments. But here's what guidebooks won't tell you: April can be magical. Fewer crowds, mild weather, and apple blossoms blooming in the surrounding valleys. Just pack layers — Alpine weather changes fast.