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 and rain falls all year round.
Winters here are relatively mild and summers comparatively cool.
In the east, the climate shows clear continental features; winters can be very cold for long periods, and summers can become very warm. Dry periods are often recorded.
In the centre and the south, there is a transitional climate that may be predominantly oceanic or continental, according to the general weather situation.
Winters are cool and summers warm, though maximum temperatures can exceed 30 °C for several days in a row during heat waves.
The warmest regions of Germany can be found in the southwest.
Here summers can be hot with many days exceeding 30 °C.
- Weather atlas gives a good overview of the climate per month
- Another good source of information by Region/Town is the Climatemps website. Here is an example of the weather data they have for Stuttgart
Current weather conditions
Towns with the most sunshine
Freiburg and Chemnitz are known as the towns with the most sunshine hours in Germany.
Looking for other sunny cities in Germany? You can see a comparison here.
When you don’t feel yourself during the darker months, you might suffer from Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Surviving winter in Germany. How to deal with Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or feeling blue during the winter months.
Warmest cities in Germany
Frankfurt is the warmest city in the summer.
The city with the highest average temperature for 2019 was Köln-Stammheim. Offenbach am Main is also on the list.
Rostock is the coldest on average.
Most Rainfall per city
Halle / Saale has the least rainfall. It also seldom rains in Erfurt, Berlin and Magdeburg – they still have little sunshine (3.8 to 4.4 hours/day).
According to Bild, A lot of rain falls in Oldenburg (1072 milliliters), Remscheid (942), Essen (931), Solingen (896) and Wuppertal (866).
This means that North Rhine-Westphalia is not only one of the regions with the poorest sunshine but also one of the rainiest regions.
Where to find the most Snow
The snowiest location in Germany is the Zugspitze, standing at an elevation of 3,000 meters. While snow is most common in mountainous regions, lower-lying areas also experience snowfall, though less frequently. The heaviest snowfall typically occurs in January and February.
Types of weather conditions
Precipitation refers to any form of atmospheric moisture that falls to the Earth’s surface. There are various types of precipitation that can occur depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions in a particular region. The most common types of precipitation include rain, snow, sleet, and hail. To read more about the difference between Graupel, Freezing rain, Sleet and snow, have a look on this page from NJ.
| der Regen | Rain | Rain occurs when liquid water droplets in the air combine and become heavy enough to fall to the ground |
| der Hagel | Hail | Hail is formed when strong updrafts carry water droplets high into the atmosphere where they freeze and are repeatedly cycled through rising and falling air currents, forming layers of ice. |
| der Dauerregen | Constant or persistent rain | The US National Weather Service has a good explanation of the different types of rain In Central Europe one speaks of continuous rain when it continues with uninterrupted rainfall and a severity of more than 0.5 millimeters of precipitation per hour for a period of at least six hours. |
|
der Sprühregen or der Nieselregen |
Drizzle |
Fairly uniform precipitation composed exclusively of fine drops very close together. Drizzle appears to float while following air currents, but unlike fog droplets, it falls to the ground. Quite often fog and drizzle occur together. |
| der Graupel / | Graupel |
Also known as snow pellets. |
| der Eisregen | Freezing rain |
Raindrops becomes supercooled and freeze upon impact with any surface. This results in ice that can accumulate. |
| der Schneeregen | Sleet |
Sleet is simply frozen raindrops and occurs when the layer of freezing air along the surface is thicker. This causes the raindrops to freeze before reaching the ground. |
| der Schnee | Snow |
Snow occurs when the temperature is cold enough for water vapor to freeze into ice crystals in the air. Snow is solid precipitation that falls from the sky in the form of ice crystals. The ice crystals look like six-pointed stars, needles, columns or plates.
|
| der Nebel | Fog |
In the meteorological glossary fog is defined as ‘obscurity in the surface layers of the atmosphere, which is caused by a suspension of water droplets. By international agreement (particularly for aviation purposes) fog is the name given to resulting visibility less than 1 km. However, in forecasts for the public, this generally refers to visibility less than 180 m. |
| Der Dunst | Mist |
Mist is defined as ‘when there is such obscurity and the associated visibility is equal to or exceeds 1000 m.’ Like fog, mist is still the result of the suspension of water droplets, but simply at a lower density. Mist typically is quicker to dissipate and can rapidly disappear with even slight winds, it’s also what you see when you can see your breath on a cold day. Some also say that mist forms on the ground (rises)
|
| der Eisnebel | Freezing fog |
The fog forms when the temps at the surface are below freezing. |
| der Frost | Frost |
Frost forms when an outside surface cools past the dew point. The dew point is the point where the air gets so cold, the water vapour in the atmosphere turns into liquid. Light frost occurs when temperatures are between 0 and -5 degrees, moderate frost at temperatures between -5 degrees and -10 degrees. Severe to severe frost occurs at a temperature of -10 degrees to -15 degrees. Anything below -15 degrees is called a very severe or very severe frost. |
| die Gewitter | Thunder | A thunderstorm is a meteorological phenomenon that is expressed in air-electric discharges. Lightning and thunder are formed from rising air currents. |
| der Blitz | Lightning | Lightning is an electrical discharge. This can take place either between clouds and the earth’s surface or between several clouds. For a short period of time, an arc exists through which current flows. The electrical charge is formed by the electrostatic charge of the water droplets in a cloud or raindrops. Before the lightning discharge, there is a voltage between the cloud and the ground that can be several hundred million volts. The lightning itself can reach currents of significantly more than 100,000 amperes. An average energy of 23.5 kilowatt hours is released, which is enough to keep a 100 watt light bulb lit for almost 10 days. |
Seasons
Winter in Germany
Discover everything you need to know about winter in Germany! From tips on staying warm to festive traditions and winter activities, make the most of the season.
Sources
Related pages
Layering Up – Dressing for Winter
How to Dress for the German Winter: Practical Tips for Visitors German winters are renowned for being cold, wet, and windy, characterised by slippery roads and frequent rainfall. If you’re visiting Germany this season, dressing appropriately will ensure comfort and warmth while going about daily activities like dining out or taking public transport. Here’s how to layer and choose your clothing. 🌟 This guide is not intended for winter sports like skiing or staying outdoors for extended periods, but focuses on practical tips for staying warm during everyday activities like commuting, dining out, and exploring the city. Layering is Key German winters are cold, but wearing multiple layers allows you to adjust as needed. It’s always better to have layers you can remove inside warm places like restaurants or shopping centres or on the train. Don’t forget to pay attention to your extremities, as they are susceptible to frostbite. Wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to keep your head and neck covered. If you live in windy areas make sure your headwear is windproof. Layer Why It Matters Recommended Materials Examples Tips Base LayerStart with a thermal or moisture-wicking shirt to keep you dry and warm. It keeps you dry by wicking sweat away Merino wool, synthetic Thermal tops & bottoms, long-sleeved shirts, leggings Fit snugly to keep warmth without bulk Mid LayerAdd a warm sweater or fleece. Merino wool is a great option as it retains heat but breathes well Traps heat to insulate Fleece, down, synthetic fill Fleece jackets, down vests, puffer jackets Choose a zippered option for easy temperature adjustment Outer LayerA waterproof, windproof coat or jacket is essential to shield you from the cold and wet conditions. Protects from wind, rain, and snow Waterproof, windproof (Gore-Tex) Winter jacket, ski jacket, waterproof parka When choosing a winter jacket or coat, prioritize one that is windproof and waterproof to protect against cold winds and rain, which are common in German winters. A jacket with these features will keep you dry and help retain body heat, making outdoor activities much more comfortable. Accessories Covers extremities Insulated, waterproof materials Beanie, scarf, gloves/mittens, thermal socks Use wool socks and mittens for extreme cold Extra Layer Additional warmth on very cold days Fleece or insulated vest Lightweight vest or extra fleece Add if temperatures are below freezing Jackets Waterproof or Water-Resistant: Protects you from rain and snow; look for materials like Gore-Tex or similar. Windproof: Essential for blocking cold winds, especially in open or exposed areas. Opting for a slightly longer coat that covers your hips and bum is a smart choice, as it provides extra warmth and protection, especially when sitting on cold benches or waiting for public transport. Look for deep, secure pockets, ideally lined with fleece, to keep your hands warm and store essentials like gloves or a phone. Zippers with storm flaps or Velcro closures provide extra wind protection. Consider a style that suits your activities, whether casual, professional, or sporty. Lightweight coats with good insulation are easier to wear and carry. Avoiding a jacket that is too puffy or thick is important for both comfort and practicality. While thick jackets may seem warm, they can restrict movement, making everyday activities like walking, driving, or getting on and off public transport more cumbersome. Overly bulky jackets also make it harder to layer underneath, which is a better way to regulate your temperature. Modern winter jackets with high-performance insulation (like synthetic materials or down) offer warmth without the bulk, keeping you comfortable, mobile, and well-protected against the elements. Faux Fur Many winter coats in Germany come with faux fur trim around the neck or hood. While this adds warmth and style, it can become wet and heavy during rainy weather, which might leave you feeling uncomfortable and cold. Removable Fur Trim: To avoid this issue, consider purchasing a jacket or coat with a removable fur trim or hood lining. This way, you can easily detach the faux fur when it’s wet, preventing it from becoming soggy and uncomfortable. Hats and Headbands A wool beanie or a knitted hat that covers your ears is necessary to keep your head warm, but might not provide the best wind protection. Look for those with fleece lining that helps block the wind. Another thing to consider when choosing a beanie is tassels. While they can add a fun, stylish touch, they can also become a nuisance when wearing a jacket with a hood. The tassels might get in the way or even cause discomfort if you try to pull your hood over the beanie, making it harder to keep warm and dry. Fleece or wool headbands (Stirnband) are a good alternative to hats for those who don’t like wearing a full hat but still need warmth for their ears. These can easily be slipped on and off and are great for layering under a jacket hood or for those transitioning between indoor and outdoor settings. Make sure they are lined. Ear muffs are a great alternative if you want to protect your ears without wearing a full hat. They’re typically made from soft materials like fleece or faux fur, and they can be worn over or under a hood. However, they don’t offer as much protection to the rest of your head, so they’re better paired with other headwear. Hats with Ear Flaps: While hats with ear flaps (like trapper hats) provide excellent warmth and protection against the cold, they are generally considered less fashionable in many parts of Europe Scarves A warm scarf can be wrapped around your neck to keep the cold out. You’ll want something large enough to cover your face on especially cold or windy days.Make sure your scarf works well with your jacket or coat. For example, if you wear a coat with a high collar, you may want a thinner scarf or an infinity scarf to avoid bulk. A chunky knit scarf may work better with a simple, plain coat. Snoods/ Multifunctional Scarves are similar to
Yearly Festivals and Events in Germany
Yearly Festivals and Events in Germany We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and events to attend throughout the year. If you have any ideas or recommendations regarding events or festivals that we should add to our list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us through the contact form. We value your input and suggestions in making our list as comprehensive and accurate as possible. We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and events to attend throughout the year. If you have any ideas or recommendations regarding events or festivals that we should add to our list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us through the contact form. We value your input and suggestions in making our list as comprehensive and accurate as possible. Special days and observations Germany has 16 Federal states. Make sure the event is celebrated in the Federal state you live in Festivals and Celebrations Germany has 16 Federal states. Make sure the event is celebrated in the Federal state you live inUse the search function to search by month, region, or event Date Range City or Region Type Event and Link 01-Jan All Celebration New Years Day 06-Jan All Celebration Heilige Drei Könige January and February Various Karneval Zunfttermine February and March Köln Karneval Karneval in Köln February Berlin Film Festival Berlinale March Frankfurt Traditional Festival Spring Dippemess March or April All Celebration Easter Traditions March and April Nürnberg Frühlingsfest / Volksfest Nürnberger Volksfest April and May Stuttgart Frühlingsfest / Volksfest https://www.stuttgarter-fruehlingsfest.de/de/home/ April and May Munich Frühlingsfest / Volksfest Münchner Frühlingsfest May and June Emerkingen Music Festival Musikertage in Emerkingen 01-May Various May Day May Day Traditions May Bonn Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen May Frankfrurt Volksfest Frankfurter Wäldschestag May (over Pentacost) Rothenburg ob der Tauber Traditional Festival Meistertrunk May Hamburg Celebration Port Anniversary May and June Würzburg Wine Festival Weindorf Würzburg June Kiel Martime Kieler Woche June Wittenberg Traditional Festival Luthers Hochzeit June and July Frankfurt Traditional Festival Grüne Soße Festspiele June and July Landshut Traditional Festival Landshuter Hochzeit July Ulm Volksfest Ulmer Volksfest July Ulm Traditional Festival Ulmer Nabada July Biberach Traditional Festival Biberarcher Schützenfest July Konstanz Wine Festival Konstanzer Weinfest July Bingen Rüdesheim Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen July Schloss Kaltenberg Medieval Festival Kaltenberger Ritterturnier August and September Bonn Traditional Festival Pützchens Markt August October November BW August and September Pfullendorf Music Festival Pfullywood Festival August and September Frankfurt Wine Festival Rheingau Wine Festival August and September Nürnberg Herbstfest / Volksfest Nürnberger Volksfest August and September Stuttgart Wine Festival Stuttgarter Weindorf August and September Bietigheim-Bissingen Horse show with market and events Bietigheimer Pferdemarkt August and September Bad Dürkheim Wine Festival Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt August Cohem Wine Festival Heimat-und Weinfest August Spay Koblenz Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen August Frankfurt Traditional Festival Mainfest August Frankfurt Town Festival Museumsuferfest July or August Stuttgart International Firework Festival lInternational Fireworks Festival August Potsdam Traditional Festival August Konstanz Fireworks Konstanzer Seenachtfest August Rothenburg ob der Tauber Wine Festival Rothenburg Wine Festival August Bamberg Traditional Festival Bamberger Sandkerwa September Selb Medieval Festival Festival-Mediaval September Konstanz Music Festival Gute Zeit Festival September Berlin Beer Festival Berlin Beer Week September St. Goar Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen September Oberwesel Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen September Rothenburg ob der Tauber Traditional Festival Reichsstadt Festival September Frankfurt Traditional Festival Autumn Dippmess September and October Bayern dem Allgäu Tirol September and October Neustadt an der Weinstraße Wine Festival Wine Harvest Festival September and October Munich Oktoberfest Official Oktoberfest website September and October Stuttgart Volksfest Cannstatter Volksfest September and October Berlin Oktoberfest Oktoberfest in Berlin First Sunday in October Various Harvest Festival Information in German about the Ertedankfest October Wiemar Traditional Festival Zwiebelmarkt Weimar October Berlin Celebration Berlin Festival of lights 11-Nov Various Celebration Martinstag November Bad Tölz Traditional Festival TÖLZER LEONHARDIFAHRT November and December Various Christmas Markets Christmas Markets December and January Various Christmas Gardens Christmas Garden Christmas Various Christmas Christmas Traditions 31-Dec Various Sylvester New Year’s Eve Celebrations Postdame Schlössernacht“ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [events_listcategory=”yearly-events-list”scope=”12-months”order=”ASC”pagination=”1″format=””] Month Event Town Link #_EVENTDATES{M} #_EVENTNAME #_LOCATIONTOWN View Event Karneval/Fasching/Fastnacht It is also called the fifth season, and things can get a bit “Narrisch” So what is Carnival, Fastnacht and Faching? These are the same, but they differ from region to region. Fasching – Austria, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Sachsen Fastnacht – Baden, Franconia, Hesse, Saarland, Mainz, Swabenland, Switzerland and Luxembourg Karneval – Rhineland: Aachen, Bonn, Köln and Düsseldorf Carnival is a celebration of excess and includes parades, floats, dancing, formal balls, wearing costumes, noise and a lot of partying. It is the period before Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday.Lent is a time of repentance and abstinence in preparation for Easter. NarrenzunftThis is yet another version of the carnival.The local carnival clubs of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival and some of the Rhenish carnival describe themselves as fools’ guilds. These guilds are mostly organised in the legal form of a registered association (Verein).You can find the “Zunfttermine” here.You can find a list of the associations / Vereine here. Karneval/Fasching/Fastnacht It is also called the fifth season, and things can get a bit “Narrisch” So what is Carnival, Fastnacht and Faching? These are the same, but they differ from region to region. Fasching – Austria, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Sachsen Fastnacht – Baden, Franconia, Hesse, Saarland, Mainz, Swabenland, Switzerland and Luxembourg Karneval – Rhineland: Aachen, Bonn, Köln and Düsseldorf Carnival is a celebration of excess and includes parades, floats, dancing, formal balls, wearing costumes, noise and a lot of partying. It is the period before Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday.Lent is a time of repentance and abstinence in preparation for Easter. NarrenzunftThis is yet another version of the carnival.The local carnival clubs of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival and some of the Rhenish carnival describe themselves as fools’ guilds. These guilds are mostly organised in the legal form of a registered association (Verein).You can find the “Zunfttermine” here.You
Swimming in Germany
Swimming options Private swimming pools are not so popular in Germany, but there are good public swimming options available. Public swimming pools / Öffentliche Schimmbäder / Freibad Freiseitparks like Europapark Baggersee (Man-made lakes) Lakes The ocean / Nordsee or Ostsee Rules for swimming in Lakes Never dive/jump into a lake without knowing the depth of the water first. Many lakes are quite shallow, especially near the shore. Bring a sun umbrella or some form of shelter, and of course sunscreen. Bring swimming shoes or flip-flops, to avoid stepping on broken glass or other sharp objects that may be there. Don’t stay in the water too long. Children sometimes don’t realise how cold they are and lakes may remain quite cool, even in summer. Bring plenty of towels to dry off after your swim. Bring warm clothes for after your swim Bring a picnic, some lakes have benches and tables, but not all do, so bring a big blanket to sit on. Toilets are often available near the lakes. Food stalls sometimes have ice cream or snacks. Just be careful, sweets, drinks, beer, etc. attract insects (bees and wasps) Most facilities will allow smoking and alcoholic drinks, check for signs prohibiting. Some lakes do have currents and undertows – don’t overestimate your ability, stay close to shore if you are not a strong swimmer. Careful with floating mattresses, toys, etc. Water toys do not keep children as safe as watchful eyes! Be careful with your alcohol intake. WATCH YOUR KIDS – many lakes do not have lifeguards patrolling the area. Your kids are your own responsibility! In an emergency call the national emergency number – 112 Tidbits to know Nude sunbathing is allowed in some areas around lakes Look out for FKK (Freie Körper Kultur) Zone. At public pools swimwear is obligatory Freibad does not mean for free Sommerbad means it is only open in the summer Bring coins with to public pools to make use of the lockers Some public pool facilities have hair dryers that you can use (not free) You are expected to shower before and after using a public pool Wear swimming shoes or flip flops at the pool Public pools are mostly overcrowded. Opt for indoor pools in summer if you only want to swim Some areas in pools are restricted to those who cannot swim, for example children still learning to swim No toys are allowed in public pools Food and drinks can be bought at most public pools The ground of the grass areas around lakes are usually a bit damp, so if you take a picnic blanket make sure it is lined. (Picknickdecke Wasserdicht) Related content
Germany month by month
Germany month by month We created a page for each month so you can find out what food is in season, what public holidays and festivals you can look forward to and information about the weather. If you want to read more about the weather conditions, check out our Weather in Germany page Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
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