Best Time to Visit Germany

Summer in Germany: June to August

Running from June until August, summer is the peak season in Germany. Scores of holidaymakers from North America and Europe travel during this period so you can probably expect higher prices and thicker crowds. Germany enjoys milder summers than southern European countries, though you should expect a bit of hot weather this time of year. Heatwaves are not uncommon nowadays and some scorching days can reach up to 38°C (100F).

Highlights:

• Hike stunning trails in the Black Forest or swim in Germany’s crystal-clear rivers.
• Sightsee in cities like Munich and Berlin, or party the night away in a sweaty summer club.

Travel Tips:

• Pack for a mix of hot and mild weather in Germany.

In-depth seasonal guides:
Germany in June
Germany in July
Germany in August

Autumn in Germany: September to November

Autumn in Germany runs from September to November. The start of this season is one of the best times of the year to visit Germany as the weather remains relatively mild and the summer holiday hordes have gone home. Fewer tourists mean you’ll get favorable deals on Germany tours and accommodation. Aim for early in the month to enjoy more pleasant weather, especially if you plan on spending lots of time outdoors.

Highlights:

• Peak leaf-peeping season runs from September to October—try the Black Forest or Baden Baden.
• Oktoberfest kicks off in mid-September. The frothy beer-fueled extravaganza sees travelers overwhelm Munich from all corners of Europe.

Travel tips:

• Pack a mix of warm and light-weather clothing.

In-depth seasonal guides:
Germany in September
Germany in October
Germany in November

Winter in Germany: December to February

Winter hits Germany from December until February when ice-cold winds and heavy snowfall become the norm. These frigid temperatures make winter the least popular time to visit Germany. However, that doesn’t mean you should rule it out. From Christmas markets to alpine adventures, a German winter has plenty of appeal. Christmas sees a huge spike in travel demand as families reunite for the holiday period. Don’t expect many discounts for airfares or accommodation between 20 December and 10 January each year.

Highlights:

• Explore enchanting Christmas markets in cities like Nuremberg and Cologne.
• Hurtle downhill at an adrenaline-pumping ski run in the Bavarian Alps.

Travel tips:

• Pack for sub-zero temperatures.

In-depth seasonal guides:
Germany in December
Germany in January
Germany in February

Spring in Germany: March to May

As the snowfall melts and the flowers bloom, spring (March to May) is a vibrant time to visit Germany. The weather becomes much more pleasant towards the end of the season, with May offering some of the most comfortable temperatures of the year. But spring can be somewhat unpredictable, with many cities experiencing four seasons in one day. Nonetheless, the season offers a nice balance between agreeable weather and thinner crowds.

Highlights:

• Check out cherry blossom festivals in cities like Bonn and Hamburg.
• Admire blooming flowers in places like Sanssouci Park in Potsdam or the English Garden in Munich.

Travel Tips:

• Dress in layers and pack a lightweight poncho because you never know what weather to expect.

In-depth seasonal guides:
Germany in March
Germany in April

Germany is a land of stark contrasts. Lederhosen-clad Bavarians make merry at Oktoberfest, while snow-sprinkled Christmas markets evoke an enchanting atmosphere. Then there are hip urban hubs like Berlin, which brim with thriving arts and entertainment scenes.

For an in-depth guide on the best time to visit and how many days to spend in Germany, read our comprehensive Germany travel guide. If you want to plan a customized trip to Germany, reach out to our local travel experts who are more than happy to create a personalized itinerary for you.