Weather and Climate in Germany

Germany's climate is almost as varied as its country but mostly temperate or marine. Extreme temperature lows
and highs are rare. Winter temperatures vary from west to east, with about freezing temperatures in the west and
well below freezing in eastern Germany. Summer temperatures are typically between 20 and 30°C, with more
rainfall during the summer.
Frequent changes of weather make prognosis difficult. To be on the save side take a sweater or weather
protection with you.
Central and Southern Hills
Apart from the coastal regions and North and Southern Bavaria, Germany's climate varies little. From Leipzig and
Dresden to Stuttgart the summers are warm with frequent rainfall. Winters can be cold. The amount of snowfall
and average temperatures are influenced by altitude rather than by diverse climate regions.
The weather is continental in that it varies from year to year, so chilly spring and rainy summers can be followed
by spectacular sunshine in the next year.
Rhine regions is blessed with a particularly pleasant climate which allows for successful cultivation of vine. Close
to the borders to Switzerland in the vincinity of Freiburg im Breisgau temperatures are generally high enough to
grow tobacco, too.
Today's weather and climate overview for Cologne | Dresden | Frankfurt am Main | Freiburg im Breisgau |
Heidelberg | Münster
Baltic Coast and North German Plain
Due to the sea's influence the climate of Baltic and North Coast is pretty reliable and varies little. In contrast to
inner Germany, the difference between seasons is less distinct. However, winters can be severe with chilly winds
and freezing temperatures.
Summers are warm and pleasant. Rainfall is frequent but of short duration: the amount of sunshine is high, while
the amount of rainfall guarantees green and fertile landscape.
Today's weather and climate overview for Hamburg | Berlin
Bavarian Alps
The climate of Bavaria is similar to the climate of Austrian Alps, esp. of neighbouring Tyrol. Winters can be cold
and with frequent snowfall. Germany's highest peaks and deepest valleys make for beautiful wintersports resorts.
Especially the south is famous for its warm foehn winds, which are notoriously blamed for everything from
headaches to uncalled-for political changes. Those warm wind mostly occur in autumn and spring and account
for dramatic temperature fluctuations.
Today's weather and climate overview for Munich | Regensburg
When To Go
Germany is a fine destination year-round, but most people visit between May and September when sunny skies
are most likely and much of life moves outdoors. Beer gardens and cafes bustle at all hours; outdoor events and
festivals enliven cities and villages; and hiking, cycling and swimming are popular pursuits – at least as long as
the weather plays along. Remember that rain is a possibility in any month. The flipside of summer travel is, of
course, larger crowds at museums and other attractions. Accommodation needn't be hard to come by unless
you're drawn to beach and mountain resorts popular with German holiday-makers.
The shoulder seasons (from March to May and from October to early November) bring fewer tourists and often
surprisingly pleasant weather. In April and May, when flowers and fruit trees are in bloom, it can be mild and
sunny. Indian summers that stretch well into autumn are not uncommon.
With the exception of winter sports, activities between November and early March are likely to focus more on
culture and city life. In these months, skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing. On the
plus side, there are fewer visitors and shorter queues (except in the winter resorts). Just pack the right clothes
and keep in mind that there are only six to eight hours of daylight. In December the sun (if there is any) sets
around 15:30.