Best time to go to Germany for a perfect weather and where to go?
Julie Parment and Tony Samson last update: 13/11/2024When is the best time to go to Germany?
From a weather perspective, the best time to travel to Germany is from early May to late September. This is when the weather is most pleasant, allowing you to make the most of all the outdoor activities available. However, your choice of vacation dates will also depend on the experiences you wish to have on-site.
- For a city trip to Berlin, Cologne, or Munich, choose to stay between April and October. Even in the height of summer, temperatures are not scorching, and the shoulder seasons offer beautiful sunny days.
- To experience festivals, travel to Germany in September-October. In most major cities across the country, there is not a weekend without an event celebrating local culture or the arts in various forms. The most famous is, of course, the Oktoberfest in Munich, a true institution that attracts tourists from all over Europe! Be sure to book your accommodation as early as possible, as the city gets crowded quickly.
- For hiking on the thousands of trails the country has to offer, summer is the most favorable season, but an active stay is also feasible between April and October if you are well-equipped. For example, you can take the famous Goldsteig in Bavaria, which is the longest certified trail in the country at 660 kilometers.
- To experience the magic of Christmas, the months of November and December are ideal. Each city sets up its market: guaranteed enchantment, mulled wine, and stars in your eyes! Among the most renowned are those in Aachen, Nuremberg, Berlin, and Leipzig.
- When to go to Germany for skiing? If you want to enjoy the joys of powder snow, head to the Bavarian Alps or the Black Forest between December and February, when snowfall is at its peak. The most popular ski areas are Steinplatte-Winklmoosalm – Waidring/Reit im Winkl and Fellhorn/Kanzelwand – Oberstdorf/Riezlern.
- For swimming in Germany, several options are available to you. First, there are the beaches along the Baltic Sea or the North Sea. In July and August, it is quite possible to plan a beach holiday, but you shouldn't be sensitive to cold, as the water averages between 17 and 19°C (67°F) , even at the warmest time of the season. The alternative is to dive into the lakes, rivers, and other glacial lakes in the German mountains. The water is a bit less cold there! Finally, the country has several spas and hot springs, where swimming is possible all year round.
Where and when to go based on the weather?
Baden-Württemberg
Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Ulm...
Bavaria
Munich, Nuremberg, Lindau...
Central of Germany
Frankfurt, Giessen, Erfurt...
East of Germany
Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig...
North of Germany
Hamburg, Sylt, Hanover...
West of Germany
Cologne, Dusseldorf, Aachen...
To get all the information about the climate and weather in Germany for a specific month, click on the corresponding link below:
Germany in january Germany in february Germany in march Germany in april Germany in may Germany in june Germany in july Germany in august Germany in september Germany in october Germany in november Germany in december
Best time to travel to Germany by cities
Baden-Württemberg 
Bavaria 
Central 
East 
North 
West 
Climate and Weather in Germany
The climate of Germany is oceanic to temperate throughout the territory. Nevertheless, there are some regional particularities. Generally speaking, the west and north of the country, for example around Bonn, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, are more prone to precipitation and experience a smaller temperature range than the areas located in the south or east, such as the regions of Stuttgart or Dresden. The seasons are very distinct and the weather in Germany is greatly influenced by its geographical position and its reliefs. Bordered by France, Switzerland, and Austria by the Alps, Germany is also landlocked between many other European countries with diverse climates: Poland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Germany's Climate in Summer
The summer season, from late June to late September, is generally mild but humid. Unsurprisingly, it is in the north that it is the coolest, while Baden-Württemberg, in the southwest, records the highest temperatures in the country.
- July is the rainiest month of the year across the territory. Therefore, expect a mix of sunshine and rain throughout the day. In terms of temperatures, expect averages between 18 and 24°C (76°F) in the north, between 23 and 27°C (81°F) in Baden-Württemberg, and between 22 and 26°C (79°F) elsewhere in the country.
- In August, the thermometer displays similar values, but the atmosphere is drier. Summer is in full swing and the sun is most often present! However, the northern coastline can remain quite cloudy, while the rest of the country enjoys good brightness.
- September marks the beginning of the drop in temperatures, but it is the driest month of the season. Perfect for a stay in Germany! In the north and the western part, the maximum temperatures range between 17 and 21°C (70°F) . In the rest of the country, it is between 19 and 23°C (74°F) , with Baden-Württemberg still being the warmest region.
Germany's Climate in Autumn
From late September to late December, Germany experiences a gradual drop in temperatures and a significant increase in precipitation. While October is still a feasible month for travel, as it is the least humid period of the season, the climate becomes decidedly unfavorable from the beginning of November.
Regarding temperatures, here's what to expect:
- In October, the thermometer fluctuates between 13 and 16°C (61°F) in the north and west, and between 14 and 15°C (59°F) elsewhere. Baden-Württemberg can even experience peaks of 17-18°C depending on the year.
- November already gives a taste of winter: temperatures range between 8 and 11°C (52°F) across the territory.
- In December, temperatures hardly ever rise above 10°C (50°F) , rainfall is more frequent, and snow begins to fall heavily in the mountainous areas. It is in the east that it is the coldest, with averages between 3 and 5°C (41°F) . In other regions, it is between 4 and 7°C (45°F) .
Germany's Climate in Winter
Unless you are going skiing or staying in cities to explore Christmas markets, while having the option to retreat indoors to warm up, winter is not a pleasant season in Germany.
On the agenda: cold, fog, cloud cover, wind, humidity… the full package!
- January is the most depressing month. It rains or snows regularly depending on the regions, and the sun seems to never want to appear. Temperatures range between 1 and 5°C (41°F) , with the east being the coldest area and the west, as well as Baden-Württemberg, the "mildest".
- In February, expect about 2°C (36°F) more everywhere in Germany, as well as a bit more sunshine.
- In March, the atmosphere finally warms up and temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F) . In the north, expect still cooler maximums. The sun is often present and the rain retreats.
Germany's Climate in Spring
From late March to late June, spring is marked by rising temperatures and increasingly abundant rainfall as the season progresses.
- April is a real in-between. Although the weather is quite dry, the thermometer still struggles to display favorable temperatures. In the north, it is between 9 and 15°C (59°F) , while elsewhere it is between 13 and 17°C (63°F) , with the center and Baden-Württemberg being the mildest and sunniest regions at this time.
- In May, spring finally seems to decide to make its entrance and it marks the beginning of the beautiful season. On average, it is between 17 and 20°C (68°F) , except in the north which still faces temperatures around 12-18°C.
- In June, temperatures exceed the 20°C (68°F) mark everywhere and the mercury even reaches 24-25°C in the center, in the east, and in Baden-Württemberg. On the downside, it is a very humid month, especially in the coastal cities of the northwest, in the Rhine Valley, and in the south.
Temperatures and rainfall in Germany
On these 3 graphs, we present the evolution of temperatures of Germany and month-by-month rainfall for the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Aachen and Bonn, as well as the month-by-month sea temperature for coastal cities.
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Germany
Find out when Germany has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Germany
The months with low numbers of tourists are: January, February, March, April, November and December. The number of visitors to Germany is high in: May, June, July, August, September and October.
- Very low season in Germany: January, February, March and November.
- Low season in Germany: April and December.
- High season in Germany: October.
- Peak season in Germany: May, June, July, August and September.
Figure: Visitor index for Germany month by month
Average price for flights to Germany
A return flight between New York City and Berlin is generally cheaper if you go in october ($ 777 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 465 more for your airline ticket to Berlin if you go in july.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Germany
Where to go in Germany?
This table allows you to see the maximum temperature for each city and our opinion on the weather month by month (see colour legend below the table).
| Cities | jan. | feb. | mar. | apr. | may | jun. | jul. | aug. | sep. | oct. | nov. | dec. |
| Berlin | 38°F | 41°F | 50°F | 61°F | 68°F | 76°F | 79°F | 79°F | 70°F | 59°F | 49°F | 41°F |
| Hamburg | 38°F | 41°F | 49°F | 58°F | 63°F | 70°F | 74°F | 74°F | 67°F | 58°F | 49°F | 41°F |
| Munich | 38°F | 40°F | 50°F | 59°F | 65°F | 72°F | 76°F | 76°F | 68°F | 58°F | 49°F | 41°F |
| Aachen | 41°F | 43°F | 50°F | 59°F | 65°F | 70°F | 74°F | 74°F | 68°F | 59°F | 50°F | 43°F |
| Bonn | 41°F | 43°F | 52°F | 61°F | 67°F | 74°F | 77°F | 77°F | 70°F | 59°F | 50°F | 43°F |
| Cologne | 41°F | 45°F | 52°F | 61°F | 67°F | 74°F | 77°F | 77°F | 70°F | 61°F | 52°F | 45°F |
| Dortmund | 41°F | 43°F | 50°F | 61°F | 65°F | 72°F | 76°F | 76°F | 68°F | 59°F | 50°F | 43°F |
| Dresden | 36°F | 38°F | 47°F | 58°F | 65°F | 72°F | 76°F | 76°F | 68°F | 58°F | 49°F | 40°F |
| Dusseldorf | 41°F | 45°F | 52°F | 61°F | 67°F | 72°F | 76°F | 76°F | 70°F | 59°F | 50°F | 45°F |
| Frankfurt | 40°F | 43°F | 52°F | 63°F | 67°F | 76°F | 79°F | 77°F | 70°F | 59°F | 50°F | 43°F |
| Heidelberg | 41°F | 45°F | 54°F | 63°F | 68°F | 77°F | 81°F | 81°F | 74°F | 61°F | 50°F | 43°F |
| Nuremberg | 38°F | 41°F | 50°F | 61°F | 67°F | 74°F | 77°F | 77°F | 70°F | 58°F | 49°F | 41°F |
| Stuttgart | 40°F | 41°F | 50°F | 59°F | 65°F | 74°F | 77°F | 77°F | 70°F | 59°F | 50°F | 41°F |
| Ulm | 38°F | 40°F | 49°F | 59°F | 63°F | 72°F | 74°F | 74°F | 68°F | 58°F | 49°F | 40°F |
| Baden-Baden | 41°F | 43°F | 52°F | 61°F | 67°F | 74°F | 77°F | 77°F | 70°F | 61°F | 50°F | 43°F |
| Bamberg | 38°F | 40°F | 49°F | 59°F | 65°F | 72°F | 76°F | 76°F | 68°F | 58°F | 47°F | 40°F |
| Boltenhagen | 38°F | 40°F | 45°F | 54°F | 59°F | 67°F | 72°F | 72°F | 67°F | 58°F | 49°F | 41°F |
| Cochem | 38°F | 41°F | 49°F | 58°F | 63°F | 70°F | 74°F | 74°F | 67°F | 58°F | 47°F | 41°F |
| East Frisian Islands | 41°F | 41°F | 49°F | 56°F | 61°F | 67°F | 70°F | 72°F | 67°F | 58°F | 50°F | 43°F |
| Eckernförde | 40°F | 40°F | 47°F | 56°F | 61°F | 68°F | 72°F | 72°F | 65°F | 58°F | 49°F | 41°F |
Legend:
perfect weather
good weather
tolerable weather
bad weather
very bad weather
About Germany
What can I do in Germany?
Beaches / swimming
Nature and countryside
Culture and heritage
Sports
Family travel
Crafts / shopping
Gastronomy
Nightlife
Is this weather information for Germany reliable?
Climate data for Germany has been gathered every day since January 2009. The analysis of these meteorological data for Germany allows us to determine the average for each month in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Dortmund, Dresden, and 83 other cities.
So yes: this data is reliable except in cases of temporary climate disruption in the region.