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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.

SeasonAutumn
TimeCentral 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.

Plan your month

everything you need to know

Festivals

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.

Events listed on our website

Klangimpression

26/04/2025 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Immerse yourself in a world where classical and contemporary meet, woven together through wonder and attentive listening. Join opera performers South African mezzo Summer Carne and Russian mezzo Ekaterina Bazhanova, together with pianist Marco Heise, on a journey through soundscapes where classical elegance and contemporary depth enrich one another in mysterious harmony. A space where […]

Nduduzo Makhathini in Berlin

01/05/2025 @ 7:30 pm – 9:45 pm – Pianist and scholar Nduduzo Makhathini has emerged as one of the spiritual pioneers among South Africa’s new wave of talents, quickly gaining international recognition. In his latest project, he blends his jazz trio with cello, voice, trumpet, and harp to create a profound exploration of existence—what he calls ‘ntu’—and a call to rediscover what humanity […]

Jeremy Loops – Various cities (Darmstadt, Saarlouis, Dortmund)

17/08/2025 – 28/08/2025 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm – South African singer Jeremy Loops will be performing in Germany in August 2025 Tickets can be booked on Eventim The events listed on South Africans in Germany are shared for informational purposes only. We do not organize, host, or take responsibility for any of the events featured on our website. While we strive to provide […]

Pretty Yende – Dortmund – Stiffelio

06/06/2025 @ 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm – Born in the small town of Piet Retief, South African soprano Pretty Yende has risen to the top of the opera world with unparalleled speed… With her magnetic charm, acclaimed operatic and solo performances worldwide, and a critically lauded discography, South African soprano Pretty Yende has quickly become one of the brightest stars of the […]

Pretty Yende – Dresden – Lucia di Lammermoor

20/04/2025 – 08/05/2025 @ 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm – Born in the small town of Piet Retief, South African soprano Pretty Yende has risen to the top of the opera world with unparalleled speed… With her magnetic charm, acclaimed operatic and solo performances worldwide, and a critically lauded discography, South African soprano Pretty Yende has quickly become one of the brightest stars of the […]

Stage for Change: Talent Show for Ghana\’s Education

29/04/2025 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm – Summer Carne and Rotaract Club Berlin International invites you to share your talent or join the audience for a night of incredible performances in support of Charity for Children Ghana e.V. Every ticket helps provide disadvantaged Ghanian children with access to education and a brighter future. Join us and make a difference! Signup using the […]

Some foods and drinks to try

Berries

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.

Take a look at this selection of delicious recipe ideas with berries
We can also recommend this delicious Milchreis recipe 

Hearty Food

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.

Pumpkins

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.

Zwetschgen

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

Beer

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

Fruit and Veggies in Season

Vocabulary

Autumnder Herbst
Autumn leavesdie Herbstblätter
Damask plums

die Zwetschgen

Plumsdie Pflaume
Pumpkinder Kürbis
Pumpink seed oilDas Kürbiskernöl
Blueberriesdie Blaubeeren
Raspberiesdie Himbeeren
Elderberriesdie Holunderbeeren
Mirabelles or yellow plumbsdie Mirabellen  (Marillen is Apricots)

Sources

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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