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Germany

Exploring Germany offers a wealth of experiences for travellers. Visitors can discover the country’s rich history, from the medieval castles of Bavaria to the historic city of Berlin. Germany is also known for its vibrant culture, with music, art, and cuisine that reflect its unique regional traditions. Nature lovers can explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from the Black Forest in the south to the rugged coastline of the Baltic Sea.

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What you’ll love most about Germany

  • Visit the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria, such as Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, and explore the beautiful alpine landscape
  • Discover the history and culture of Berlin, with its iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and Museum Island
  • Explore the historic cities of Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, and Frankfurt, each with its own unique character and attractions
  • Learn about Germany’s rich cultural heritage through its museums and galleries, such as the Museum Island in Berlin, the Bavarian National Museum in Munich, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Frankfurt
  • Experience Germany’s vibrant music scene, with classical music concerts in world-famous venues such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the Leipzig Gewandhaus, or rock and pop concerts in smaller clubs and venues
  • Sample Germany’s diverse cuisine, from traditional dishes such as sausages, sauerkraut, and schnitzel, to regional specialties such as pretzels, Black Forest cake, and beer
  • Visit some of Germany’s most famous landmarks, such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Zugspitze mountain, and the Romantic Road, which winds through picturesque towns and villages in southern Germany

Please note that the estimated temperature, rainfall and recommended months of when to go are based on Berlin’s weather patterns

  • Miltenberg town in the Bavarian region of Germany

  • Palace Charlottenburg, Berlin - GNTB/DZT/Florian Trykowski

  • Rudesheim wine region, on the Rhine in Germany

  • The village of Tüchersfeld, known for its striking rock formation, with traditional half-timbered houses built directly on the rocks - DZT/Dietmar Scherf

  • Oktoberfest beer tent

  • Couple with bicycle in the Alltstadt of Hameln - DZT/Jens Wegener

  • Aerial view of Sooneck Castle surrounded by the Bingen Forest with a view of the Rhine - Rheintouristik Tal der Loreley/Mahlow Media

  • Saxon Switzerland National Park: View of the Bastei and its surroundings – GNTB/Francesco Carovillano

  • Triumphal Arch, Munich

  • Bernau in the Black Forest - Schwarzwald Tourismus/Chris Keller

  • Bastei rock formation - GNTB/Froncois Thiertens

  • Marien Square Munich

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 3℃
  • 4℃
  • 9℃
  • 14℃
  • 19℃
  • 22℃
  • 24℃
  • 24℃
  • 19℃
  • 14℃
  • 8℃
  • 4℃
  • 9
  • 7
  • 8
  • 7
  • 8
  • 8
  • 8
  • 8
  • 7
  • 7
  • 8
  • 10

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

January is deep winter in Germany. Snow is common, especially in the south and in higher elevations like the Bavarian Alps. Cities such as Munich and Nuremberg often see frost-covered rooftops and icy cobblestones. It's a great time for skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or enjoying wintery charm in smaller towns. Expect daytime highs around 2-4°C in Berlin and even colder in the mountains.

February

Cold and often grey, February continues the winter chill, though signs of spring occasionally peek through. The Cologne Carnival livens up the Rhineland with colourful costumes and parades. In the Alps, ski season is in full swing, and spas like those in Baden-Baden offer a warm escape.

March

March is transitional - days lengthen and buds begin to appear, particularly in the west and south. Cities like Heidelberg and Freiburg start to brighten, though sudden cold snaps can still happen. Average highs in places like Frankfurt reach around 10°C, but layering is essential as the weather can shift.

April

Spring truly arrives in April. Cherry blossoms bloom in Bonn and parks across the country fill with flowers. “April, April, der weiß nicht, was er will” (“April doesn’t know what it wants”) is a common saying - expect sunshine one minute, rain the next. Temperatures in cities like Hamburg often climb into the mid-teens°C.

May

Germany shines in May. Days are pleasantly warm, gardens are in full bloom, and beer gardens open their doors. Public holidays like Labour Day (May 1) and Ascension Day bring street festivals and outdoor fun. The Rhineland and Bavaria are particularly scenic in late spring.

June

Summer begins, with long daylight hours - often up to 16-17 hours in the north. Cities like Berlin and Leipzig host open-air concerts and lakeside gatherings. Highs in June often reach 22-25°C in places like Dresden, perfect for cycling and al fresco dining.

July

Germany hits its summer peak. Expect highs around 25°C in Munich and sometimes hotter in the Rhine and Elbe valleys. Locals escape to lakes or the North and Baltic Sea coasts. Festivals abound - think open-air cinemas, music events, and the famous Bergkirchweih beer fest in Erlangen.

August

August can be hot and humid, especially in the south. The Black Forest is lush and inviting, and cities empty a bit as Germans head on holiday. Berlin’s International Beer Festival draws huge crowds. Expect peak temperatures of 27°C in cities like Stuttgart.

September

Early September often feels like an extension of summer. Warm, golden days are ideal for visiting vineyards along the Moselle and Rhine or hiking in Saxon Switzerland. Oktoberfest begins in Munich in the latter half of the month, with highs often in the low 20s°C - perfect beer garden weather.

October

Autumn colours blanket castles, forests, and countryside. The air is crisp, especially in the mornings, and many towns celebrate the harvest with food festivals and wine tastings. The Black Forest and Harz Mountains are particularly stunning. Expect highs around 14°C in central Germany.

November

Chill sets in, and the days grow shorter. While the weather turns grey, the country begins to glow with Christmas preparations. Visit museums, cosy up in cafés, or explore cities like Hamburg and Cologne before the festive rush. The first Christmas markets open at the end of the month.

December

Germany becomes a winter wonderland. From Berlin to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, cities twinkle with fairy lights and Christmas markets. Warm up with Glühwein and roasted chestnuts. In the Bavarian Alps, snow is likely, adding to the charm. Daytime highs are usually around 2-5°C in much of the country.

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