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Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt, set in the heart of eastern Germany, is a region steeped in history, culture, and dramatic landscapes. It’s home to a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Bauhaus city of Dessau, the Luther sites in Wittenberg, and the stunning Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz. The Harz Mountains offer scenic hikes and fairy-tale castles, while charming towns like Quedlinburg and Naumburg reveal cobbled streets, Romanesque architecture, and timeless atmosphere. With easy rail links to Berlin and Leipzig, Saxony-Anhalt is a rewarding addition to any eastern Germany itinerary.

What you’ll love most about Saxony-Anhalt

Explore the cultural treasures of Dessau, home to the Bauhaus movement and stunning modernist architecture that shaped global design
Wander medieval lanes in Quedlinburg, a UNESCO-listed gem with over 1,000 half-timbered houses and a romantic hilltop abbey
Visit the city of Wittenberg, where Martin Luther launched the Reformation—walk in the footsteps of history at Lutherhaus and Castle Church
Marvel at the Gothic splendour of Magdeburg Cathedral and enjoy the riverside charm of Saxony-Anhalt’s capital
Discover the Romanesque architecture and serene landscapes along the scenic “Romanesque Road” route connecting abbeys, castles, and old market towns
Hike or bike through the Harz Mountains, dotted with legends, steam trains, and panoramic viewpoints that bring the region’s natural beauty to life

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

Holiday Highlights

Average temperature

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

4℃J
5℃F
10℃M
15℃A
20℃M
23℃J
25℃J
24℃A
20℃S
14℃O
8℃N
5℃D

8J
6F
7M
6A
7M
7J
7J
8A
7S
7O
7N
9D

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

Saxony-Anhalt begins the year in quiet splendour. The Harz Mountains are blanketed in snow, drawing skiers to Wernigerode and Braunlage. Towns like Quedlinburg and Halberstadt seem frozen in time, their half-timbered facades framed by frosty air. Temperatures often stay around or just below freezing, creating a peaceful, fairytale atmosphere.

February

Winter holds on with icy mornings and a hush over the landscape. Snow still covers the Harz uplands, ideal for sledding and forest walks. Meanwhile, the plains and river valleys lie dormant under pale skies. Fasching celebrations add colour in Magdeburg and Dessau, with crisp air and typical highs of 2-4°C.

March

The first signs of spring arrive along the Elbe. Crocuses bloom in Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm, and the UNESCO-listed Bauhaus buildings in Dessau feel lighter under lengthening days. Snow still lingers in higher areas, but valleys warm up, with temperatures climbing to 9-10°C by month’s end.

April

A month of changing moods. Showers give way to bursts of sun, and orchard trees bloom across the Saale-Unstrut wine region. Castles like Schloss Wernigerode and Schloss Bernburg look magnificent amid the budding landscape. Nature parks begin to stir, and hiking trails reopen after winter’s pause.

May

Saxony-Anhalt comes alive. The rivers run full, and wildflowers dot the hillsides. The Harz Mountains are perfect for hiking, and the Elberadweg cycling route is popular again. With highs reaching 18-20°C, it’s a vibrant time to explore Naumburg Cathedral, Luther’s Wittenberg, or the charming streets of Tangermünde.

June

Early summer brings long days and an easy rhythm. Vineyards thrive in the Saale valley, and open-air theatre and music festivals begin across the state. Baroque gardens, river cruises, and forest hikes are all in their element, with warm, settled weather and highs around 22°C.

July

A highlight of the year. Town squares in Halle and Quedlinburg host summer events, while canoeists take to the Saale and Elbe rivers. The air feels full of history and nature, whether you’re walking in Goethe’s footsteps in the Harz or discovering Romanesque gems on the Straße der Romanik. Expect highs in the mid-20s°C and little rainfall.

August

The warmth continues, and holidaymakers enjoy the lakes and forests. Lake Arendsee and the Garden Kingdom of Wörlitz draw visitors seeking peace and water-based fun. It’s a month of quiet pleasures - picnics in castle parks, wine tastings, and walks through shaded glades.

September

Harvest season brings golden fields and busy vineyards. The Saale-Unstrut wine route celebrates with festivals, tastings, and guided walks. Forests begin to show the first hints of autumn colour, and the pace of life slows slightly. Days remain warm, often around 19-21°C, and ideal for exploring.

October

Autumn transforms Saxony-Anhalt into a patchwork of gold and russet. The Harz is a magnet for walkers and photographers, and castles rise above forests glowing with colour. Chestnut season arrives, and the air turns crisp, especially in the evenings. Daytime highs typically hover around 13-14°C.

November

A contemplative month. Fog curls through river valleys, and towns like Merseburg and Stendal feel quiet and atmospheric. Cultural life shifts indoors, with concerts and exhibitions taking centre stage. The weather cools further, with highs around 7-9°C and the occasional flurry in higher elevations.

December

The festive season lights up Saxony-Anhalt’s historic towns. Quedlinburg’s Christmas market is particularly charming, set among medieval alleys and illuminated squares. Carol singers, handmade crafts, and spicy Glühwein fill the streets, while snow begins to settle in the Harz. Expect highs around 2-3°C and a strong sense of tradition and warmth.

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