The best time to visit Germany is from June to September, when the country has warm, sunny weather perfect for exploring cities and countryside alike. It’s a popular time for Germany holidays, so you’ll find a lively atmosphere, but the pleasant temperatures make it well worth planning a trip during these peak months.
When is the best time to visit Germany?
The best time to visit Germany is between June and September. This period offers the warmest temperatures, averaging 14-23°C, and the highest number of sunshine hours, making it ideal for everything from city sightseeing to outdoor adventures.
Germany in spring: 5-14°C, mild days and blossoming landscapes
Spring sees Germany emerge from the cold of winter. From March to May, temperatures climb steadily from chilly to pleasantly mild, and the days get longer with around five hours of sunshine. Rainfall is at its lowest for the year in April, making it a great month for exploring without the summer crowds. It’s a beautiful time to watch the parks and forests come back to life.
Germany in summer: 14-23°C, warm weather and long sunny days
Summer is peak season, and for good reason. From June to August, you can expect the warmest weather of the year, with average highs hitting 24°C in August. This is the sunniest time to visit, especially in August which sees over six hours of sunshine a day. It’s also the wettest period, with July receiving the most rainfall, but showers are often short and sharp, clearing quickly to leave fresh, sunny afternoons.
Germany in autumn: 8-14°C, colourful scenery and comfortable temperatures
Autumn brings a beautiful change to the scenery as leaves turn golden and red. September continues the mild weather of late summer with comfortable highs of 20°C, before temperatures cool down through October and November. Sunshine hours remain decent, and it’s a wonderful season for city breaks and enjoying the country’s rich culture as the summer crowds begin to thin.
Germany in winter: 0-5°C, crisp, cold and festive
Winter in Germany is cold, with temperatures often hovering around freezing. From December to February, you can expect short days with only three hours of sunshine on average. The trade-off is the magical atmosphere of the world-famous Christmas markets. December sees a good chance of snow, adding to the festive feel, making it a popular time to visit despite the cold.
Average weather in Germany by month
The weather in Germany is varied, with the warmest month being August, averaging highs of 24°C, and the coolest being January, when temperatures can drop to -1°C. July is typically the wettest month. The figures below are an average across several key regions; local climates can differ, with western cities like Dusseldorf often being milder and southern areas near the Alps like Lindau being cooler.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm/month) | Sunshine (avg hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1-4°C | 72mm | 2.9 |
| February | 0-5°C | 57mm | 3.4 |
| March | 2-10°C | 53mm | 4.5 |
| April | 5-14°C | 49mm | 5.3 |
| May | 8-18°C | 81mm | 4.9 |
| June | 12-22°C | 88mm | 5.6 |
| July | 14-23°C | 97mm | 5.5 |
| August | 14-24°C | 93mm | 6.1 |
| September | 11-20°C | 65mm | 5.9 |
| October | 8-14°C | 72mm | 4.8 |
| November | 4-9°C | 68mm | 4.0 |
| December | 1-5°C | 83mm | 2.9 |
Best time to visit Germany for city breaks
The best months for city breaks in places like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg are in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. Months like April, May, September and October offer comfortable temperatures for walking around, fewer crowds than in summer, and a good amount of sunshine. April is particularly appealing as it’s the driest month of the year.
Best time to visit Germany for outdoor activities
For hiking, cycling and enjoying Germany’s beautiful lakes and forests, the summer months of June, July and August are ideal. This is when you’ll get the warmest weather and the most daylight, with average highs reaching a pleasant 24°C. While summer is also the wettest season, the rain often comes in brief downpours that pass quickly.
Best time to visit Germany for Christmas markets
To see the famous German Christmas markets in full swing, you should visit from late November through December. The weather is cold and crisp, with temperatures around 1-5°C, and there’s a real possibility of snowfall in December which creates a truly magical atmosphere. Just be sure to pack warm layers, a hat and gloves.
