Discover

Lower Saxony

Lower Saxony, in northwestern Germany, is a region of contrasts – where North Sea coastlines meet rolling countryside, and medieval towns sit alongside cutting-edge innovation. From the maritime charm of cities like Bremerhaven to the timber-framed beauty of Celle and Goslar, it’s a destination that rewards exploration. Nature lovers can discover the peaceful Lüneburg Heath, the dramatic cliffs of the Wadden Sea, and the winding trails of the Harz Mountains. With a rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities like Hanover, and easy access to both Hamburg and the Netherlands, Lower Saxony is an ideal starting point for discovering northern Germany.

What you’ll love most about Lower Saxony

Discover the picturesque Harz Mountains, where fairytale villages, forest trails, and steam trains create a magical escape into nature
Stroll the historic streets of Hannover, Lower Saxony’s capital, home to royal gardens, cutting-edge museums, and a lively cultural scene
Explore charming towns like Celle and Goslar, rich in half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, and centuries of Hanseatic history
Visit the Wadden Sea UNESCO site, a unique tidal ecosystem perfect for mudflat walks, birdwatching, and connecting with coastal nature
Step into the past at the Roman-Germanic archaeological site of Kalkriese, believed to be the site of the famed Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
Tour scenic wine regions and farms along the Weser River, where you can sample local specialties and enjoy peaceful riverside cycling routes

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

Holiday Highlights

Average temperature

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

4℃J
5℃F
9℃M
14℃A
19℃M
22℃J
24℃J
23℃A
19℃S
14℃O
8℃N
5℃D

10J
8F
9M
8A
8M
9J
9J
9A
9S
9O
9N
11D

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.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

January

The North Sea coast feels windswept and wild, with salty air and moody skies over the Wadden Sea. Inland, towns like Celle and Goslar take on a storybook charm with their half-timbered houses and quiet, snow-dusted streets. Temperatures often hover around freezing, and clear nights can be strikingly beautiful.

February

The cold lingers, but there's energy in the air. Carnival celebrations arrive in places like Braunschweig, offering colour and music against the winter grey. In the Harz Mountains, snow conditions often remain good for skiing and sledding, with crisp days and highs typically between 2-5°C.

March

Spring begins to stir. Crocuses and early blooms appear in the gardens of Hannover’s Herrenhausen, and the first migratory birds return to the North Sea marshlands. Snow melts in the Harz foothills, and by month’s end, temperatures can climb to around 9°C.

April

A time of contrasts. Rain showers alternate with bright sun, and cherry trees bloom across cities and towns. The Lüneburg Heath turns green again, and walking trails in nature parks become inviting. Farmers’ markets fill with fresh produce and local cheeses. The region begins to feel wide awake.

May

Nature bursts into full colour. The Harz region is a magnet for hikers, while cyclists follow rivers like the Weser and Elbe through rolling countryside. Garden festivals and asparagus season arrive in tandem, and temperatures often reach 18-20°C. Long evenings make it easy to stay outside.

June

Early summer brings warmth and rhythm. The beaches of East Frisia attract sunseekers, and ferries to the North Sea islands carry day-trippers and holidaymakers alike. Open-air concerts and lakeside picnics are common across the region, with daytime highs usually around 22°C and fresh breezes off the water.

July

Lower Saxony is at its sunniest. Hanover’s Maschsee lake is lively with paddleboarders and festivals, and beer gardens in towns like Göttingen and Oldenburg are in full swing. With temperatures in the mid-20s°C, it’s the ideal time for exploring both coast and countryside.

August

Warm, relaxed and full of seasonal flavour. Sunflowers and cornfields stretch across rural landscapes, and island escapes to places like Norderney and Borkum are at their best. Coastal walks, seafood lunches, and quiet evenings watching the tide define this gentle high point of summer.

September

The transition into autumn brings a mellow tone. Harvest season begins, and apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and wine from the southern Weserbergland add colour to the countryside. Forest walks and river cruises are particularly rewarding, with temperatures still pleasant around 19-21°C.

October

The trees turn gold and copper across the Harz and Weser Uplands. Local festivals celebrate chestnuts, mushrooms, and seasonal craft beer. Morning fog hangs over fields and river valleys, and quiet country inns become especially appealing. Cooler air settles in, with highs typically around 13-14°C.

November

Misty and contemplative, November draws focus indoors. Historic cities like Hildesheim and Lüneburg feel intimate, their medieval streets glowing under soft lights. Rain is common, but museums, thermal baths, and cosy restaurants offer shelter. Daytime temperatures drop to around 7-9°C.

December

Christmas markets arrive in full force, from Hanover to Hamelin. Stalls brim with handmade gifts, roasted almonds, and mulled wine, while the scent of pine and cinnamon fills the air. Snow may dust rooftops in higher elevations, and festive lights reflect on cobbled squares. Expect daytime highs around 2-3°C and a strong sense of tradition.

Our Ratings

Most Recommended
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Not Recommended

Top Holiday Offers

We’ve hand-picked a range of enticing offers to incredible destinations. If you want value for money on your next trip, start by reviewing our dedicated Top Holiday Offers page.