THE CITY 

Pécs is a vibrant city of approximately 140,000 residents located in southern Hungary at the foot of the Mecsek Mountains. Known for its unique sub-Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and high quality of life, Pécs enjoys some of the most favorable climatic conditions in the country.

CLIMATE

The city’s climate is characterized by mild winters, warm summers, and one of the highest annual sunshine durations in Hungary. Pécs receives an average of 2,104 sunshine hours each year, with peak sunshine occurring during the summer months when monthly totals typically reach 260–290 hours. In contrast, the period from November to January is the least sunny, with approximately 65–85 sunshine hours per month. Average annual precipitation is around 672 mm and is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, although June and August are notably wetter than the winter months. Thanks to these favorable conditions, the region around Pécs is considered one of the sunniest areas in Hungary. In recent years, climate change has posed significant challenges for the City of Pécs. The high proportion of paved surfaces has intensified the urban heat island effect, while increasingly heavy rainfall events have led to flash floods.

As climate change increasingly affects urban environments, the City of Pécs is committed to improving its resilience and adapting to changing weather conditions. For this reason, Pécs participates in international cooperation projects as a demonstration city, contributing through data sharing, co-design activities, implementation of pilot interventions, and continuous monitoring of results.

ACTIVITIES

The Municipality of Pécs has recently joined the CLIMACARE project, with the Pécs Urban Development Nonprofit Plc. (PVF), a company 100% owned by the municipality. As part of its commitment, Pécs will implement a small-scale green infrastructure intervention that incorporates vegetation-based solutions designed to improve the daily lives and health of residents in the selected project area. By monitoring both the short-term and long-term impacts of the intervention, the city will gain valuable practical knowledge while also contributing to a broader understanding that can benefit other participating cities facing similar climate-related challenges.

Through this collaborative approach, Pécs aims to create a healthier, more climate-resilient urban environment while serving as a model for sustainable urban adaptation and nature-based solutions across Europe.