Hortobágy rewards different visits at different times of year. Summer (June–August) is the peak season, when the horseman demonstrations run daily and the national park visitor centre is fully staffed. The heat on the open puszta can be intense — carry water and sun protection.
Autumn (October–November) is the best season for birdwatchers, particularly those chasing the common crane migration. Peak crane numbers at the Hortobágy fishponds typically occur in late October, with counts routinely exceeding 100,000 birds on good evenings. The landscape turns golden in September, and the heat of summer has passed.
Spring (April–May) brings the first horseman shows of the year and breeding bird activity on the grasslands. Winter is cold and windy, and most visitor facilities close or reduce hours, but the flat landscape in frost and snow has a stark beauty that some travellers find compelling.