September in Germany is a truly enchanting time of year. As the leaves begin to transform into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, and the air takes on a crisp, refreshing quality, it’s a gentle reminder that summer is giving way to autumn. This transition brings a host of new activities to enjoy, from apple picking and pumpkin carving to cozy evenings spent with loved ones. And, of course, the arrival of autumn means a delightful array of seasonal foods, including warm soups, hearty stews, and comforting baked goods.
The mornings now carry a slight chill, signaling the shift in temperatures, yet the days remain pleasantly warm, perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking through picturesque landscapes, biking along scenic trails, or enjoying a leisurely picnic, this is an ideal season to embrace the beauty of nature.
September also offers an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning Mediterranean countries. The weather remains warm and inviting, a welcome respite from the intense heat of summer. With the summer crowds having returned home, you can relish the tranquillity of the beaches and other attractions, making it a perfect time for a serene getaway.
| Season | Autumn |
| Time | Central European Time (CET), Summertime – the same time as South Africa until the last Sunday of October, when Wintertime starts (29 October 2023). |
| Weather | The temperatures average between 9.6°C and 18.3 °C. It could be warmer or colder, depending on the location. The average daily sunshine is 5.2 hours. |
The most famous festival in Germany, the Oktoberfest in Munich, starts on 21 September. Another great beer fest to visit is the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart from 27 September. Similar festivals will be celebrated all over Germany and you can search for Oktoberfest and your town to find one close to you.
Autumn is also a time for wine festivals.
If you love Pumpkins, head out to Ludwigsburg for the biggest Pumpkin festival in the world. It will run from 23 August until 3 November 2024.
Farmers throughout the region will soon begin their harvest, a time marked by the traditional “Erntedankfest,” or harvest festival. This celebration, often held on the last Sunday of September or the first Sunday of October, includes church services and processions, offering thanks for the bounty of the season.
| Holiday | Date | Information | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Holidays | |||
| None | |||
| Observations | |||
| Start of meteorological Autumn | 01.09.2024 | ||
| Weltkindertag | 20.09.2024 | Welkindertag | |
| Start of astrological Autumn | 22.09.2024 | - | |
| School Holidays and Terms | |||
| None | School Holidays |
09/08/2025 @ 7:30 pm – 11:15 pm – The Theuns Jordaan Tribute brings together the cream of South Africa’s artists in the Afas Live Arena in Amsterdam to pay tribute to the iconic Theuns Jordaan. Steve Hofmeyr, Juanita du Plessis, Kurt Darren, Ray Dylan, Dozi, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Ricus Nel, Jay du Plessis, Gerhard Steyn, Liezel Pieters, Dewald Wasserfal, Jacques […]
11/12/2025 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Monthly Topic Suggestions: January: New Year in Germany Share resolutions, cultural differences in celebrating New Year’s, and tips for winter survival. February: Navigating German Bureaucracy Cover common challenges with registering, visas, and paperwork. Share success stories and solutions. March: Finding Community and Belonging Discuss how to connect with locals and build a support network in […]
13/11/2025 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Monthly Topic Suggestions: January: New Year in Germany Share resolutions, cultural differences in celebrating New Year’s, and tips for winter survival. February: Navigating German Bureaucracy Cover common challenges with registering, visas, and paperwork. Share success stories and solutions. March: Finding Community and Belonging Discuss how to connect with locals and build a support network in […]
09/10/2025 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Monthly Topic Suggestions: January: New Year in Germany Share resolutions, cultural differences in celebrating New Year’s, and tips for winter survival. February: Navigating German Bureaucracy Cover common challenges with registering, visas, and paperwork. Share success stories and solutions. March: Finding Community and Belonging Discuss how to connect with locals and build a support network in […]
11/09/2025 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Monthly Topic Suggestions: January: New Year in Germany Share resolutions, cultural differences in celebrating New Year’s, and tips for winter survival. February: Navigating German Bureaucracy Cover common challenges with registering, visas, and paperwork. Share success stories and solutions. March: Finding Community and Belonging Discuss how to connect with locals and build a support network in […]
14/08/2025 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Monthly Topic Suggestions: January: New Year in Germany Share resolutions, cultural differences in celebrating New Year’s, and tips for winter survival. February: Navigating German Bureaucracy Cover common challenges with registering, visas, and paperwork. Share success stories and solutions. March: Finding Community and Belonging Discuss how to connect with locals and build a support network in […]
Create your own Rote Grütze and enjoy it with ice cream, Milchreis, or pudding. Rote Grütze is a classic German dessert that’s both delightful and simple to prepare. Originating in northern Germany, this dish has become a beloved treat in households across the country and beyond. To make your own Rote Grütze, gather a mix of red fruits like cherries, raspberries, and currants. Cook them with sugar and a touch of cornstarch until you achieve a thick, fruity sauce that's perfect for topping your favourite dessert.
When the weather outside is chilly and cold, there's nothing more comforting than a warm and hearty meal! Why not try some German classics like Rouladen, Linseneintopf or Kartoffelsuppe? Rouladen is a delicious beef dish that is stuffed with bacon, onions and pickles, while Linseneintopf is a hearty lentil soup that is both filling and nutritious. And if you're in the mood for something more potato-based, you can't go wrong with a steaming bowl of Kartoffelsuppe.
During the autumn season, the markets and farms are vibrant with an abundant variety of squashes and pumpkins waiting to be discovered and savoured. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the many shapes and sizes of these delicious vegetables. Among the popular varieties you'll find are butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and sugar pumpkins, each offering its own unique taste and culinary possibilities.
More information about the varieties of squashes and pumpkins.
Try a hearty pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil or Stuffed Hokkaido Pumpkin.
The Damask Plum, also known by its German name, Zwetschgen, is among the delicious and flavorful fruits that are enjoyed during particular seasons. It is important to know that these plums are not to be confused with the more common plums, known as Pflaumen, which are more widely available in many grocery stores. The Damask Plum is unique in its taste and texture, with a slightly tart yet sweet flavor which makes it perfect for use in a variety of dishes.
Here is a recipe for Zwetschgendatschi. Eat it with a big dollop of cream or ice cream.
You can substitute the Zwetschgen for Mirabellen
For Oktoberfest, Munich's breweries craft a special Festbier to mark the occasion. Traditionally, this was a Märzen bier, but since 1970, it has been replaced by a lighter, more refreshing lager that’s perfect for the festivities.
The difference between Festbier and Märzen. More information about Marzën bier
| Autumn | der Herbst |
| Autumn leaves | die Herbstblätter |
| Damask plums | die Zwetschgen |
| Plums | die Pflaume |
| Pumpkin | der Kürbis |
| Pumpink seed oil | Das Kürbiskernöl |
| Blueberries | die Blaubeeren |
| Raspberies | die Himbeeren |
| Elderberries | die Holunderbeeren |
| Mirabelles or yellow plumbs | die Mirabellen (Marillen is Apricots) |
Most South Africans love being outdoors. This can sometimes feel like a challenge in Germany, where the weather can be unpredictable and often requires a variety of warm, waterproof, and wind-resistant clothing. However, I have learned very quickly that you need to embrace all kinds of weather conditions to truly
Experience Kürbiszeit: Germany’s Pumpkin Season From July to January, Germany celebrates Kürbiszeit, its vibrant pumpkin season. Discover the rich flavors, colorful festivals, and seasonal delights that make this time of year truly special. Some facts about pumpkins Pumpkins belong to the Squash (Cucurbita) family They are native to North America
Discover Germany on Two Wheels: Where Cycling Meets Culture and Scenic Adventure** Cycling in Germany is an integral part of the country’s culture, transportation system, and lifestyle. With a well-developed infrastructure, scenic routes, and a strong cycling tradition, Germany is one of the most bike-friendly countries in Europe The following
German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater part of Germany lies in the cool/temperate climatic zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. In the northwest and the north, the climate is oceanic
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