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Munich

Munich was made famous by Oktoberfest, but there’s even more to discover than the legendary beer gardens. Ornate palaces, ground-breaking art and vast green spaces all happily co-exist here, and the distinctly Alpine flavour of the city is unique to Munich.

The public squares dotted across the city are not only a useful orientation tool, they serve as the life and soul of Munich. Marienplatz is a popular meeting place, and an excellent spot to sit back and watch the world go by. You’ll also find the Neues Rathaus (New Townhall) with its striking Neogothic fascade, and helpfully, a tourist office. Another attraction in the square is Mariensäule (Mary’s Column), a 17th Century commemoration to victory over the Swedish during the 30 Years’ War. Move from there to Karlsplatz to discover Karlstor, which marks the boundary of the ancient city walls, protecting Munich from invaders until the 18th Century. Last but not least, explore the formidable Feldherrnhalle and Residenz, home to Bavaria’s Wittelsbach, who ruled until WWI. You’ll find this at Odeonsplatz – a square which sits beside the well-preserved 19th-century Maxvorstadt quarter.

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What you’ll love most about Munich

  • Immerse yourself in Bavarian culture at Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, where lively beer tents, traditional music, and hearty Bavarian cuisine create an unforgettable atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie
    Explore the historic streets of Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt), where medieval architecture and charming squares like Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage
    Marvel at the grandeur of the Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, where opulent rooms, exquisite art collections, and sprawling gardens invite visitors to step back in time and experience the splendour of Bavaria’s royal past
    Wander through the expansive Englischer Garten, one of the world’s largest urban parks, where meandering paths, tranquil lakes, and scenic beer gardens offer respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, inviting leisurely strolls and outdoor recreation
    Discover Munich’s vibrant art scene at the Pinakothek der Moderne, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Warhol, offering insight into the evolution of 20th-century art and culture
    Indulge in the culinary delights of Munich, from crispy pork knuckles and savoury pretzels to decadent Bavarian pastries and world-renowned beers, as you dine in historic beer halls, cosy taverns, and Michelin-starred restaurants that celebrate the flavours of Bavaria
  • Passers-by walk across Marienplatz in front of the New Town Hall in Munich in the summer – DZT/Dagmar Schwelle

  • Triumphal Arch, Munich

  • Munich English Garden – GNTB/Francesco Carovillano

  • Bavarian State building, Munich

  • Town hall with carillon on Marienplatz, Munich - GNTB/Jens Wegener

  • Maximilianeum building of the Bavarian Parliament

  • Oktoberfest beer tent

  • Young people sit together on a summer evening in the Transit Rooftop & Bar in Munich`s Werksviertel district - DZT/Dagmar Schwelle

  • Marienplatz and Frauenkirche from above, Munich – DZT/Dietmar Scherf

  • Sunset in Munich Olympiapark

  • Famous Christmas market in Munich

Average temperature

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

  • 3℃
  • 5℃
  • 9℃
  • 14℃
  • 19℃
  • 22℃
  • 24℃
  • 24℃
  • 19℃
  • 14℃
  • 8℃
  • 4℃
  • 9
  • 8
  • 9
  • 9
  • 11
  • 12
  • 12
  • 11
  • 9
  • 8
  • 9
  • 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

Munich begins the year in a wintry hush, with crisp mornings and snow-dusted rooftops. Locals and visitors alike head to the nearby Bavarian Alps for skiing or spend the day gliding on ice rinks like the one at Karlsplatz. Beer halls provide refuge from the cold, where warming stews and dark lagers reign. Daytime temperatures usually stay just below freezing.

February

The chill lingers, but so does the charm. Fasching (Carnival) brings bursts of colour and street celebrations - particularly lively around Viktualienmarkt and Sendlinger Tor. It’s also a prime time for visiting the city’s many museums and galleries, warm and uncrowded. Expect daytime highs around 2-4°C and the occasional snowfall.

March

Hints of spring begin to surface, though winter isn't quite finished. Crocuses emerge in the Englischer Garten, and beer gardens begin preparing for reopening. Snow remains in the mountains, making day trips for skiing still possible. By the end of the month, daytime highs often reach 9-10°C.

April

April in Munich is famously unpredictable. Sunshine and sudden hail can follow one another within the same afternoon. Yet, the city’s parks and palace gardens start to bloom - Nymphenburg’s grounds are particularly scenic. Locals say, "April, April, der macht was er will" ("April does what it wants") - and they’re not wrong.

May

Spring flourishes, and Munich truly comes alive. Outdoor cafés fill up, cyclists crisscross the Isar River paths, and locals flock to beer gardens like the one in the Englischer Garten. May also brings Frühlingsfest - the spring fair - complete with rides, food stalls, and fest tents. Highs around 18-20°C make exploring easy and pleasant.

June

The rhythm of summer begins. Long, golden evenings invite riverside picnics and lake swims at places like Feringasee or Starnberger See. Open-air concerts and film screenings start popping up, and the city’s leafy spaces buzz with life. Highs hover near 22°C, and daylight stretches well into the evening.

July

One of Munich’s sunniest, warmest months. With highs in the mid-20s°C, it’s ideal for open-air festivals like Tollwood, which combines live music, global street food, and art installations. Rooftop bars, riverside walks, and cool dips in the Isar define local summer days.

August

The heat holds, but so does the city’s appeal. Many locals take summer holidays, giving Munich a slightly quieter feel. It’s a great time to explore museums, hidden courtyards, and shaded beer gardens. Outdoor swimming pools and lakes offer respite, while the Alps remain just a short train ride away.

September

Early autumn brings warm days, cool evenings, and, of course, Oktoberfest. The Theresienwiese becomes a sea of dirndls, lederhosen, and massive beer tents. Beyond the festival, the surrounding countryside glows with late-summer light - ideal for vineyard visits or hikes. Highs often sit comfortably around 19-21°C.

October

Leaves begin to turn gold and russet, especially around the English Garden and Schlosspark Nymphenburg. As Oktoberfest wraps up, the city settles into a quieter rhythm. Chestnut trees drop their fruit, and cafes start serving hearty autumn fare. Highs cool to 13-14°C, and jackets become essential once again.

November

Misty mornings and quieter streets signal the approach of winter. It’s a contemplative month—perfect for museums, warm pastries in historic cafés, or a steamy visit to Müller'sches Volksbad. Occasional flurries dust the city, and highs hover around 7-9°C.

December

Munich sparkles in festive finery. Christmas markets take over Marienplatz, the Residenz courtyard, and many neighbourhood squares, selling gingerbread, ornaments, and Glühwein. Ice skating, brass bands, and twinkling lights transform the city into a holiday postcard. Expect daytime temperatures of around 2-3°C and a magical, snow-kissed mood.

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