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When is the best time to visit Germany?

Travel advisory

The info on this page is based on historical averages and might not reflect current conditions. Check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.

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The best time to visit Germany is between May and September. Despite the occasional showers, warm weather, and long days make these months the ideal time to explore all that Germany has to offer.

The weather is usually mild and pleasant in the late spring, before average temperatures move towards the 70s and higher in June, July, and August. You’ll get the hottest weather in cities like Frankfurt and Offenbach, while Berlin enjoys warm—if often rainy—days in the summer. Weather aside, there’s plenty worth celebrating in Germany between May and September. Whether it’s the Hafengeburtstag festival in Hamburg, Karneval in Berlin, or Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest, you’ll find more than enough going on to keep you entertained during your visit here.

Monthly weather and travel tips for Germany

January is the coldest and darkest month in Germany, with short days and temperatures scraping just above the 32°F mark. It’s not all doom and gloom though. The cold climate makes for nice ski conditions up in the mountains and is a great excuse for staying indoors and making the most of Germany’s museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants.

While not as popular among skiers as some of its next-door neighbors, Germany still has numerous top resorts that should put it on your slope map, including Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Harz Mountains, and Allgäu. The capital won’t be quite as cold as up on the busy slopes, but you’ll still need to bundle up – do it in style at the January installment of Berlin Fashion Week.

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The weather across most of Germany in February is ever so slightly warmer than January – but you’ll still need to pack warm clothes to ward off the 30–40 degree temperatures. Though it’s particularly chilly near Hamburg and the Baltic Sea coast, the good news is that February is also one of the country’s driest months.

The cold, dry weather and the February school vacations mean the ski slopes and resorts are at their busiest at this time of year. While the ski season is in full swing up in the mountains, there are plenty of parties down in metropolitan areas too. The “Karneval” period begins in November, but reaches its festive peak during the week before Lent. During this time, you’ll see main roads in cities like Cologne, Mainz, and Bonn turn into walkways for parades, carnival processions, and crowds of partygoers in costumes.

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Germany in March can feel a bit chilly to start with, but there’s a fresh, spring feel towards the end of the month. Despite climbing temperatures and more appearances from the sun, it’s a good idea to pack plenty of warm clothing – maybe even some sunglasses for the occasional bright spring afternoon.

The events calendar and the crowds are pretty quiet in Germany in March, except for a surge of tourists visiting Berlin for the Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) – the world’s biggest travel exhibition. Another event worth noting is Hamburg’s Hamburger Dom. Not only is it one of the oldest fairs in Europe—dating as far back as 1329—it’s one of the biggest too, so expect roller coasters, rides, food, and fun for the whole family.

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Spring is in full swing in Germany by April. While the sun is in the sky and Germany’s average temperature comes in at around 50°F for the month, weather conditions can still be a little unpredictable. With sunshine one second and rain the next, packing an umbrella and raincoat is a good idea.

Come rain or shine, it’s a busy month for events and activities, with Easter festivities happening up and down the country. April in Berlin is a time to celebrate the arts, with film events, classical music galas, and weekend art galleries. With Oktoberfest feeling a little too far away for some, cities like Stuttgart and Munich crack open the kegs early for the traditional Spring Festival celebrations. You can keep the lederhosen and dirndls on to mark Maifest’s end of winter festivities, or swap them for witch and warlock costumes for the Halloween-like Walpurgisnacht parades in Harz Mountain villages.

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Events in Germany in April

Good Friday

April 7, 2023

Easter Sunday

April 9, 2023

Easter Monday

April 10, 2023

Palm Sunday

April 2, 2023

Maundy Thursday

April 6, 2023

Easter Sunday

April 9, 2023

German Beer Day

April 23, 2023

Girls' Day - Career Information Day

April 27, 2023

Walpurgis Night

April 30, 2023

Average temperatures hover around 60°F in Germany in May. You’ll get slightly cooler weather by the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, while more central and southern regions like Berlin and Bavaria boost the average temperatures back up. There are occasional showers too, so bring an umbrella just in case.

The warmer weather comes just in time for locals who enjoy plenty of public holidays and parties in May, beginning with Labor Day on the first of the month. Berlin gets particularly busy on this day, with street parties and demonstrations taking over much of the city. Later in the month, Berlin channels its inner Rio de Janeiro during the Carnival of Cultures—a 4-day celebration of the city’s diversity—while Hamburg puts on concerts, fairs, and fireworks during their Hafengeburtstag party. For something a more low-key, head over to Göttingen to watch the International Handel Festival’s opera performances and classical concerts.

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Events in Germany in May

May Day

May 1, 2023

Ascension Day

May 18, 2023

Whit Sunday

May 28, 2023

Whit Monday

May 29, 2023

Europe Day (Council of Europe)

May 5, 2023

Anniversary of the End of World War II

May 8, 2023

Europe Day (European Union)

May 9, 2023

Mother's Day

May 14, 2023

Father's Day

May 18, 2023

Constitution Day

May 23, 2023

Whit Sunday

May 28, 2023

June in Germany tends to be warm and sunny, with daylight hours often stretching past 9:00 pm. Locals make the most of the weather by swimming in lakes and north coast seas, so pack swimwear and sunscreen if you want to join them for a dip. You’ll want to save space in the suitcase for an umbrella as well, since June is Germany’s rainiest month.

The events calendar is well warmed up by June, a particularly big month for music. There’s something to suit every taste, be it infectious rhythms at Africa Festival in Würzburg, heavy-hitting riffs at Nürburgring’s Rock am Ring, or time-honored classical music at Leipzig’s Bachfest. If none of them get your toes tapping, look out for free concerts in cities across Germany as part of the international Fête de la Musique. Another highlight is Kieler Woche, a week-long sailing festival in Kiel, and the biggest of its kind anywhere.

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Events in Germany in June

Corpus Christi

June 8, 2023

International Childrens' Day

June 1, 2023

European Bicycle Day

June 3, 2023

Visually Impaired People Day

June 6, 2023

Car-free Sunday

June 18, 2023

June Solstice

June 21, 2023

Architecture Day

June 24, 2023

Warm weather and long days make July one of the best times to visit Germany. It’s peak travel season in the country, as locals escape to lakes and coasts to cool off from temperatures that can get as high as 85°F. The hot climate means there’s a chance of thunderstorms too, so pack a raincoat alongside plenty of shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear.

Partywear is also an essential for visits to many German cities in July – particularly with some of Europe’s biggest LGBTQ+ pride parades happening here. These celebrations—known locally as Christopher Street Day—attract hundreds of thousands of people to cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne. You can join the party in other parts of Germany too. The city of Coburg comes alive for the Samba Festival, while Hamburg gets its 70s disco outfits on for the Schlagermove street parade. There are also some more relaxed events around, like opera concerts during Munich’s Opernfestspiele, classical music at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, and new trends at Berlin Fashion Week.

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Average temperatures of around 68°F make August one of the hottest months in Germany. You’ll need to pack clothes to help beat the heat, but a raincoat is a good idea too in case you get caught in the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.

Many locals head up to the northern coastal regions to make the most of August’s summer weather. Besides enjoying the beaches and a cool Baltic Sea breeze, it’s also worth stopping by Rostock to see fleets of magnificent sailing ships during Hanse Sail. Down south in Stuttgart, the city center transforms for 4 days of music, entertainment, and food during the Stuttgarter Sommerfest. And come the end of the month, Berlin plays host to Lange Nacht der Museen – a very special evening on which the capital's museums, castles, and planetariums open all their halls, terraces and archives to the public.

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Events in Germany in August

Assumption of Mary

August 15, 2023

Peace Festival in Augsburg

August 8, 2023

While September technically marks the start of autumn in Germany, the warm weather spills over from the summer, offering pleasant temperatures and long days. With the sun in the sky and local kids back at school, September is a great time to explore Germany and visit some of the world-famous events happening here.

One of the most well-known events is Oktoberfest, which, despite the slightly confusing name, does in fact begin in September. Munich is home to the original and biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the world, but you’ll also find beer festivals—and their accompanying fairgrounds and traditional German food—in cities like Hannover, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Berlin. If you want a break from the beer tents, the (hopefully) sunny September weather should provide perfect conditions for watching the Berlin Marathon.

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Events in Germany in September

German World Children's Day

September 20, 2023

World Peace Day

September 1, 2023

German Language Day

September 9, 2023

European Heritage Days

September 10, 2023

German World Children's Day

September 20, 2023

September Equinox

September 23, 2023

The weather in Germany in October can be a little unpredictable, but stays fairly mild in general. You’ll still get some sunny days, but a cool and crisp climate means you’ll need a couple of layers when going out and about in Germany. If you want to layer up like the locals, don your dirndl or lederhosen to see out the end of September’s Oktoberfest celebrations in style.

There’s still plenty to do in Germany once the beer-filled festivities are over. Munich packs up the beer tents and stows away the steins to make way for the city’s annual marathon in early or mid-October. Over in Frankfurt, literature lovers can indulge at the largest book fair in the world, while Berlin is the place to see famous landmarks illuminated during the Festival of Lights.

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Events in Germany in October

Day of German Unity

October 3, 2023

Reformation Day

October 31, 2023

Harvest Festival

October 1, 2023

Grandparents' Day

October 8, 2023

Day of the Libraries

October 24, 2023

World Thrift Day

October 30, 2023

Halloween

October 31, 2023

You’ll get early signs of winter in November in Germany. The average temperature drops to the single digits, so the weather tends to be cold, wet, and windy. The grey skies do have their benefits though. Most of the earlier months’ crowds have thinned by November, so you can make the most of shorter lines for some of Germany’s top tourist attractions.

Between visits to sites like Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Berlin’s Museum Island, there are a couple of events to check out if you’re in the area. JazzFest Berlin puts on a show with live concerts, films, and talks, while later in November, Munich hosts the Tollwood Winter Festival – a cultural gathering with music and arts, food and markets, and an eco-friendly focus.

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Events in Germany in November

All Saints' Day

November 1, 2023

Repentance Day

November 22, 2023

Fall of the Berlin Wall

November 9, 2023

Night of Broken Glass Remembrance Day

November 9, 2023

St. Martin's Day

November 11, 2023

National Day of Mourning

November 19, 2023

Sunday of the Dead

November 26, 2023

The winter chill sets in come December in Germany. Pack warm for temperatures hovering just above the freezing mark – or below it in some of the Alpine regions. If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, there’s potential for some snow in Bavaria in December, with chances increasing the higher you move up into the mountains.

Despite the cold weather outside, crowds flock to famous Christmas markets all over the country. Town squares are taken over by rustic wooden huts, selling traditional Christmas food, handcrafted gifts, and plenty of warm mulled wine. Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Striezelmarkt in Dresden, and Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin are among some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in Europe. Once you’ve had your fill of Christmas festivities, get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve—known locally as Silvester—with fireworks and parties all across Germany.

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Events in Germany in December

New Year's Eve

December 31, 2023

Christmas Day

December 25, 2023

Boxing Day

December 26, 2023

First Advent Sunday

December 3, 2023

Saint Nicholas Day

December 6, 2023

Second Advent Sunday

December 10, 2023

Third Advent Sunday

December 17, 2023

Remembrance Day for Roma and Sinti killed by Genocide

December 19, 2023

December Solstice

December 22, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Fourth Advent Sunday

December 24, 2023

Weather and temperature in Germany

The best weather in Germany comes between May and September. The temperature and conditions change during this season, but in general you can look forward to a warm climate and long days, particularly in July and August, the two hottest months in Germany. Temperatures in cities like Berlin and Frankfurt can get up to the high 80s during this time. May and June offer milder weather made for exploring the great outdoors, while September remains surprisingly warm as summer turns into autumn. The weather forecast between May and September should make for pleasant reading, but an umbrella is a good idea too in case of spring showers and summer thunderstorms.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Berlin High 38°F 39°F 49°F 58°F 66°F 71°F 78°F 77°F 67°F 58°F 48°F 43°F
Low 30°F 27°F 32°F 40°F 47°F 52°F 58°F 56°F 49°F 43°F 38°F 34°F
Rainfall 17 days 14 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 15 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 17 days
Munich High 38°F 35°F 49°F 57°F 63°F 71°F 76°F 75°F 64°F 56°F 47°F 42°F
Low 29°F 23°F 32°F 39°F 47°F 53°F 57°F 55°F 49°F 42°F 36°F 30°F
Rainfall 17 days 14 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 15 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 17 days
Hamburg High 39°F 40°F 48°F 55°F 62°F 67°F 74°F 72°F 64°F 57°F 48°F 43°F
Low 31°F 29°F 33°F 38°F 46°F 50°F 56°F 54°F 50°F 44°F 39°F 35°F
Rainfall 17 days 14 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 15 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 17 days
Frankfurt High 41°F 40°F 51°F 59°F 65°F 71°F 78°F 76°F 66°F 57°F 48°F 44°F
Low 33°F 30°F 36°F 42°F 48°F 54°F 59°F 58°F 52°F 46°F 40°F 36°F
Rainfall 17 days 14 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 15 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 17 days
Cologne High 42°F 40°F 51°F 57°F 63°F 68°F 74°F 73°F 65°F 58°F 50°F 46°F
Low 34°F 31°F 35°F 41°F 47°F 52°F 57°F 56°F 50°F 46°F 41°F 37°F
Rainfall 17 days 14 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 15 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 17 days
Düsseldorf High 43°F 42°F 51°F 58°F 64°F 69°F 75°F 74°F 66°F 59°F 51°F 47°F
Low 35°F 32°F 36°F 42°F 48°F 53°F 58°F 57°F 51°F 47°F 41°F 39°F
Rainfall 17 days 14 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 15 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 17 days

Weather data provided by Forecast.io

Cost of stay in Germany

Want to travel smart? Here you can check out the average cost of accommodations per night in Germany.

    0 39 78 117 156
  • $118 Jan
  • $127 Feb
  • $129 Mar
  • $114 Apr
  • $126 May
  • $133 Jun
  • $128 Jul
  • $133 Aug
  • $151 Sep
  • $146 Oct
  • $127 Nov
  • $129 Dec
    0 39 78 117 156
  • $99 Jan
  • $106 Feb
  • $99 Mar
  • $101 Apr
  • $102 May
  • $109 Jun
  • $119 Jul
  • $119 Aug
  • $109 Sep
  • $107 Oct
  • $98 Nov
  • $115 Dec
    0 39 78 117 156
  • $44 Jan
  • $50 Feb
  • $52 Mar
  • $50 Apr
  • $52 May
  • $52 Jun
  • $57 Jul
  • $55 Aug
  • $64 Sep
  • $57 Oct
  • $49 Nov
  • $54 Dec
    0 39 78 117 156
  • $135 Jan
  • $139 Feb
  • $123 Mar
  • $131 Apr
  • $128 May
  • $137 Jun
  • $155 Jul
  • $151 Aug
  • $134 Sep
  • $134 Oct
  • $120 Nov
  • $166 Dec
    0 39 78 117 156
  • $94 Jan
  • $98 Feb
  • $93 Mar
  • $88 Apr
  • $92 May
  • $96 Jun
  • $99 Jul
  • $102 Aug
  • $98 Sep
  • $99 Oct
  • $92 Nov
  • $98 Dec

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