🌤️ When to go?
Best time to visit Germany
The best time to visit Germany for backpacking is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). This allows for comfortable exploration of the country's cities, towns, and natural landscapes.In addition to favorable weather conditions, summer offers a wide range of outdoor activities and events. You can hike in the Black Forest, explore the picturesque Bavarian Alps, or visit the beautiful castles along the Rhine River. Germany also hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during the summer.
However, it's worth noting that summer is also the peak tourist season in Germany, which means that popular attractions can be crowded and accommodation prices may be higher. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October), when the weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.
Why visit Germany in May?
May is a great time to visit Germany for a variety of reasons. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful landscapes and cities. The spring blooms are in full swing, creating a colorful and picturesque backdrop for your travels. You can enjoy the famous beer gardens and outdoor dining without the summer crowds, and the longer days allow for more time to explore the many cultural and historical attractions that Germany has to offer.On the downside, May can also bring unpredictable weather, with occasional showers and cooler temperatures. It’s important to pack layers and be prepared for changing conditions. Additionally, May is a popular time for tourists to visit, so some popular attractions and accommodations may be busier and more expensive. It’s important to plan ahead and book accommodations and activities in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Overall, visiting Germany in May offers a great opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities without the peak summer crowds, but it’s important to be prepared for potential weather fluctuations and increased tourist activity.
Why visit Germany in June?
In June, Germany offers a pleasant climate with longer days and warmer temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s outdoor attractions. The lush green landscapes, blooming flowers, and bustling beer gardens create a vibrant and lively atmosphere that is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Visitors can enjoy the numerous festivals and events that take place throughout the country, such as the Berlin Carnival of Cultures, Munich Film Festival, and Hamburg Harley Days, providing a unique cultural experience.However, June is also a popular tourist season in Germany, which means that popular attractions and cities can be crowded and accommodations may be more expensive. Additionally, some regions, particularly in the southern part of the country, can experience occasional rainfall, so it’s important to be prepared for unpredictable weather. Despite these potential drawbacks, the abundance of outdoor activities, cultural events, and the overall lively atmosphere make June a great time to visit Germany.
Why visit Germany in July?
July is a great time to visit Germany because the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s beautiful landscapes. Whether you want to hike in the Bavarian Alps, relax on the beaches of the North Sea, or explore the picturesque vineyards along the Rhine River, July offers ideal conditions for enjoying the natural beauty of Germany.Additionally, July is a month filled with cultural events and festivals throughout Germany. From the famous Berlin International Film Festival to the vibrant Christopher Street Day celebrations, there are numerous opportunities to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and modern artistic scene. The warm summer evenings also provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor concerts, open-air theater performances, and lively street festivals, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Moreover, July is the peak season for many tourist attractions in Germany, so visitors can take advantage of longer opening hours and a wider range of activities. Whether you want to explore the historic cities of Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, or visit iconic landmarks such as Neuschwanstein Castle or the Brandenburg Gate, July offers the perfect opportunity to experience the best that Germany has to offer.
Why visit Germany in August?
August is a fantastic time to visit Germany due to the pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events and activities. The warm temperatures and longer days make it ideal for exploring the country’s beautiful landscapes, from the lush forests of the Black Forest to the stunning coastline of the Baltic Sea.One of the biggest draws of visiting Germany in August is the abundance of festivals and events. From the world-renowned Berlin International Beer Festival to the colorful and lively Christopher Street Day celebrations, there is no shortage of cultural and entertainment opportunities to immerse yourself in.
On the flip side, August is also peak tourist season in Germany, which means popular attractions and cities can be crowded and accommodation prices may be higher. It’s important to plan ahead and book accommodations and tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long lines and potential disappointment.
Overall, visiting Germany in August offers the chance to experience the country at its liveliest, with an array of outdoor activities and cultural events to enjoy. However, travelers should be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this peak tourist season.
Why visit Germany in September?
September is a fantastic time to visit Germany for those who want to experience the country’s famous Oktoberfest. This world-renowned beer festival takes place in Munich and offers visitors the chance to sample a wide variety of traditional German beers, enjoy live music, and immerse themselves in the lively and festive atmosphere. The weather in September is also generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.On the other hand, September can also bring some unpredictable weather, with occasional rain showers and cooler temperatures. This may not be ideal for outdoor activities or sightseeing, especially in more rural or natural areas. Additionally, popular tourist destinations such as Munich and other cities may still be quite busy during this time, particularly during the Oktoberfest period, which could result in higher prices and limited availability for accommodations and attractions.
Overall, visiting Germany in September offers the unique opportunity to partake in the country’s most famous cultural event, Oktoberfest, while also enjoying pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, travelers should be prepared for potential weather-related disruptions and the possibility of higher tourist activity in certain areas.
🌤️ Climate in Germany
In most of Germany, there is a moderately continental climate, characterized by cold winters, with average daily temperatures around freezing or slightly above, and warm summers.Then, there is the mountain climate in some massifs of south-central Germany and in the small portion of the Alps in the far south, which becomes of course colder as altitude increases.
Germany is a country located in the center of Europe, from 47 to 55 degrees north latitude.
The northernmost area (see Bremen, Hamburg, Lübeck, Rostock, Kiel) is slightly milder, but it's also rainier and windier because of the stronger influence of the Atlantic Ocean.
The prevailing currents come from the Atlantic Ocean: those coming from the North Sea or the North Atlantic are cold, while those coming from the southwest, the Azores or the Iberian Peninsula, are mild or warm. More rarely, cold currents from the Arctic or Siberia can arrive in winter.
All in all, due to different types of currents, there is an unstable climate, so that there can be cold or warm weather, as well as wind, fog, snow and thunderstorms.
Precipitation in Germany is generally not abundant at low altitude, but it is are frequent and well distributed throughout the year.
The least rainy area is the plain of the former GDR (see Berlin, Leipzig), where about 530-550 millimeters (20.8-21.5 inches) of rain (or snow) fall per year. In the center-south at low altitudes (see Frankfurt, Nuremberg), rainfall amounts to about 600 mm (23.5 in) per year. In the north-west facing the North Sea (see Hamburg, Kiel) it reaches 700-750 mm (27.5-29.5 in) per year, while in Rhineland-Westphalia (see Cologne, Düsseldorf) it ranges from 750 to 850 mm (29.5 to 33.5 in) per year, but with peaks of 1,150 mm (45.2 in) in the cities close to the hills (see Wuppertal). In Bavaria, where summer rains are more abundant, it reaches 950 mm (37.5 in) in Munich.
In the mountains, precipitation is more abundant, and exceeds 1,500 mm (60 in) in the Harz massif, in the north, and in the Alps, in the south.
The sun in Germany does not shine often. In winter, even when there is high pressure, a cloud layer often forms on the lowlands, while the sunniest period is from April to September.
On average, there are about 1,600 hours of sunshine per year in the north-west (see Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia), just over 1,700 hours in the north-east (see Berlin), while at most 1,800/1,850 hours are reached on the Baltic coast (see Rostock), in the south-west (see Frankfurt, Freiburg) and in Bavaria (see Munich). However, in Zugspitze, Germany's Alpine peak, there are 1,900 hours of sunshine per year.
source: climatestotravel.com
Explore Germany
Does the weather seem nice in the period you would like to go? Find all the info you need to start your trip, including reasons why to go, general country info and health and safety advice.