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 the Cold
How to Dress for the German Winter: Practical Tips for Visitors German winters are known for being cold, wet, and windy, with slippery roads and frequent rain. 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 Purpose 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 an infinity scarf and
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. List of events Special days and observations 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 Luxumbourg 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, that 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. Oktoberfest or Bierfests The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The start date has been moved to the end of September to take advantage of the milder weather. The original festival is held in Munich on the Theresienwiese, or “Wiesn,”. Other cities are now joining in the celebrations with their own bierfests. Bierbörse or Beer exchanges are also very popular. A beer exchange is an event dedicated to the art of brewing from around the world and is not comparable to other city festivals. The fair consists of two-thirds beer outlets and one-third food outlets. The event is characterized by peaceful and cosy beer enjoyment, with visitors able to choose from several hundred local and exotic beers. The beer specialties are not only available fresh from the tap, but can also be bought as bottled beers and taken home with you. See the Bierbörse page for event dates Frühlingsfest One of the most exciting events in Germany during springtime is a Frühlingsfest. It is a wonderful opportunity to participate in traditional German music, dance, and food. From the colourful decorations to the lively crowds, there is a sense of excitement and joy in the air. It’s a time to indulge in delicious German cuisine, from sausages and pretzels to sweet pastries and refreshing drinks. A Frühlingsfest is truly a must-see event in Germany during the spring season. With so much to see and do, it’s a fantastic way to experience German culture and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Wine festivals There are a variety of wonderful wine festivals held in Germany throughout the year. From the iconic Oktoberfest (yes also for wine) to smaller, more intimate celebrations, these festivals offer a great opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest wines and experience local culture. Some of the popular festivals include the Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim, the Mosel Wine Festival in Bernkastel-Kues, and the Wine Village Festival in Freinsheim. Each festival has its unique charm and distinctive wine varietals to explore. In addition to wine tasting, visitors can also enjoy traditional German cuisine, live music, and other delightful cultural activities. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun time, these wine festivals are definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in Germany! Stuttgarter Weindorf Ulmer Weinfest Almabtrieb In the Alpine regions, the Almabtrieb (Bavarian) or Viehscheid (Allgäu) refer to the drive of cattle from the mountain pastures into the valley, where they spend the winter in the farm stables. Depending on the regional climate, the cattle drive takes place between mid-September and mid-October and is often accompanied by festive customs. The Viehscheid in Immenstadt is considered the only urban alpine cattle drive in Germany. Musical entertainment is provided all day and there are food and drinks to be enjoyed. In the afternoon, the Scheidschellenwürfeln takes place. The Almabtrieb über den Köningsee is also a highlight. Harvest festivals Harvest festivals or Erntedankfest is an annual celebration to give thanks to God for the gifts of the harvest. On this thanksgiving Sunday, churches are decorated and the steps in front of the altar are decorated with the gifts of nature. In some places, there are processions with colourfully decorated floats and music.It is always on the first Sunday in October. Ritterspiele Ritterspiele, often referred to as jousting games or tournaments, are a highly skilled and immensely entertaining art form that has its roots firmly planted in the rich traditions of European Middle Ages. It is a fascinating sport that has gained immense popularity and has since evolved into both an art form and a mode of entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide. The event often features highly skilled and well-trained knights, battling it out on horseback while using lances to strike their opponents with the objective of knocking them off their horse. The Ritterspiele events are characterized by intricate costumes, beautifully designed shields, and awe-inspiring armor that speak to the grandeur of the medieval era. It is a perfect representation of a bygone era, one that brings to life a time when courage, chivalry, and honor were the watchwords of the day.The following websites list Medieval events: Die Mittelalter Agentur Sündenfrei Mittelalterkalender.info Volksfest A Volksfest is more than just a festival; it is a deeply-rooted cultural tradition that has been observed and celebrated for many years. This type of festival is typically held in towns and cities around the country, where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy various activities and attractions. One of the main features of a
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
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