The best time to visit Germany
Given the variety of things to do in Germany – from festivals and events to forest treks and hiking, the ideal time for a German vacation depends just as much on the weather as it does your preference for particular activities and adventures. Remember, timing is everything.
The German climate follows a predictable central European pattern – warm between April to August and cold from September to March. If you want to increase your chances of a dry holiday, then visit between July and September. Temperatures during this period fluctuate within the 68°F – 86°F (20°C – 30°C) range. When we went in August 2020 it was 37°C!
Here are the best times to travel to Germany!
March to April
Temperatures can still be cold in March and even into April. The weather is unpredictable, and this is the height of the rainy season. However, you’ll find fewer crowds and good value at hotels. Germany’s two-week Easter school break can make spots like the Black Forest, Cologne and Bavaria crowded.
Events & Festivals
- Cologne’s Carnival celebration is a two-week festival with costumes, street parties and concerts, culminating with the Rose Monday parade on Shrove Monday.
- Saint Walpurga’s feast day is celebrated with bonfires and revelry across the country. The festivities in Heidelberg are particularly enthusiastic.
May to June
Days are comfortable and nights are slightly cool, the cherry blossoms are in full flower and Berlin’s festivals kick off, making this the best time to visit.
Events & Festivals
- Hafengeburtstag is Hamburg’s weekend-long festival which dates back more than 350 years.
July to August
The weather is warm and sunny, and this is a great time to visit if you want to hike, despite occasional rain. However, schools are on break, increasing crowds. Also, river cruise ships stop in ports along the Rhine and Danube, making them very busy. This is a great time to head up Germany’s tallest mountain, Zugspitze.
September to October
Temperatures range from comfortably cool to slightly chilly during the autumn, with highs hovering around 19°C (67°F) in September and around 8°C (47°F) in October. Oktoberfest, which happens in late September and early October, draws huge crowds to Munich — book early if you want to attend. If you’re not intending to attend the festival, we suggest avoiding the area for this period.
Events & Festivals
- Dürkheim Wurstmarkt, the world’s biggest wine festival, overtakes the Rhine Valley.
- Munich draws vast crowds for its annual beer festival — Oktoberfest.
- Unity Day is on 3rd October and sees Berlin and other cities around the country commemorate the reunification of Germany with a festival and fireworks.
November to December
Many hotels shut down in November for renovations between the busy autumn season and the beginning of the Christmas market season, making availability much more limited. Winter brings cold but not frigid temperatures, as well as snow and sometimes rain. The cities and towns swing into the Christmas spirit with Christkindlmarkts, considered some of the best in all of Europe. Because of the markets, December can be a very busy time so plan ahead.
Events & Festivals
- Festive booths selling drinks, food and gifts pop up in cities and towns across the country.
January to February
Snow is fairly common, and temperatures drop. The cities are cold but not unbearably so, though Arctic air from the north can bring brief bouts of frigid temperatures. In the mountains, it’s a good time for winter sports and playing in the snow.
Events & Festivals
- One of the Big Three international film festivals, the Berlin Film Festival features films from around the world.
- Cologne’s Carnival celebration is a two-week festival with costumes, street parties and concerts, culminating with the Rose Monday parade on Shrove Monday.
Book Tours and Purchase Tickets
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Have you been to Germany before? If so, we would love to hear in the comments below!
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