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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

Dada Masilo/The Dance Factory with “Hamlet” in Hamburg

25/09/2024 – 29/09/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Dada Masilo/The Dance Factory with “Hamlet” from 25 to 29 September 2024 in Hamburg!! The South African choreographer and dancer Dada Masilo returns to the Kampnagel stage in Hamburg with ten dancers and her own version of Shakespeare’s most eloquent drama, “Hamlet.” The focus is on the deceptive appearance of what is said and terrible […]

Jeremy Loops Europe Tour 2025

11/02/2025 – 22/02/2025 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – With his dynamic and electrifying live performances and a modern blend of folk and pop,  South African artist Jeremy Loops has made a name for himself globally in recent years. Boasting over 300 million streams and having toured with major acts like Twenty-One Pilots and Milky Chance, his success speaks for itself. He’s also collaborated […]

Trots Afrikaans Nederland

19/10/2024 @ 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm – BOK VAN BLERK, RIAAN BENADE, LIANIE MAY, DEWALD WASSERFALL, ‘N SKOFFEL-DANS & MEER! VIR SLEGS EEN AAND IN VEENENDAAL. Tickets on Evenbrite.nl or on the deBAsiliek Venue site   Disclaimer The events listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. We are not the organizers of any events and do not assume responsibility […]

Scatterlings of Africa in Concert Sat, 21 Sept -1173 Montherod Switzerland

21/09/2024 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – This event will be the highlight of the tour featuring our three artists! Refentse Morake | Julani J | Anne-Marie van Eeden You will be welcomed at the venue with a glass of South African wine and light snacks from 17:30 – 18:00, included in the ticket price.   After the concert, there will be […]

Bok van Blerk & Riaan Benade 17.10

17/10/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Welcome, music lovers, to an evening dedicated to the unforgettable sounds of Riaan Benade and Bok van Blerk. From the vast plains of South Africa, these two extraordinary artists come together to enchant us with their unique voices and enchanting melodies. These artists enjoy world fame in their home country, so prepare yourself for an […]

Schalk Bezuidenhout keeping up – Berlin 25.09

25/09/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Newly married, Schalk feels older, wiser and much more mature (possibly), but all he wants is to stay “hip with the youth”. Can he do it? Can he Keep Up? As seen on Netflix and Comedy Central and fresh from supporting Trevor Noah on his arena tour. This is an external event,  we are not […]

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