Best Time To Visit Germany

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What is the best time to visit Germany?

Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November) are considered the best time to visit Germany. The weather is pleasant at this time of the year, and enjoyable for the festivals abound, making it the ideal time to visit Germany. Swimming and hiking are crucial to a fulfilling summer in Germany, while cherry blossoms and spring fairs are a highlight in the Spring season.

Summer(June to August) is the peak tourist season in Germany, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. It's perfect for outdoor activities, including visiting the beaches at the North Sea and Baltic Sea. 

Winters during Christmas and Oktoberfest, one of the largest cultural fest are two prime festivals and a peak season in Germany. However, the airfare is at its peak, accommodation rates surge, and transportation is very crowded during the summer months. Although Winter from December to February marks the holiday season, the time during Christmas and New Year's Eve are a festive period. Waterproof boots, a winter jacket, and a warm scarf are a must, as it snows a lot. A good time for cross-country skiing.

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Seasons in Germany

Low Season in Germany
Low season in Germany is from November through the month of March except Christmas time. Winters in Germany usually begin in November and brings with itself dark and dreary days with snow and freezing rain in some places, especially the east and the south. Even though the weather is chilly and it is the country’s quietest time of the year, you can have the chance to get excellent deals on lodging and airfare. Also, get to explore the picture-perfect sights pretty much all to yourself.

Shoulder Season in Germany
The shoulder season in Germany is from April through mid-June and from September to mid-October. This time is a pretty good compromise between the peak and low seasons. Weather during the spring season can be pretty unpredictable with rainy or sunny days or perhaps snow and hail too. You won’t find a lot of tourists during this time and can find great discounted rates for lodging. September is usually characterized by diminishing crowds and warm weather which October remains wet with brilliant autumn colours all around and better deals on airfare.

Spring in Germany (March to May)

Weather in Germany in the month of March at the onset of Spring is one of the best times to be there. Although early in March, the weather is still a bit chilly but it starts to warm up towards the end of the month. The average high during this time rises to about 8°C to 10°C even in areas that get a lot of snow. With the spring officially here now, the weather in April goes up to 14-degree Celcius.  

A light jacket would be essential for early mornings and late evenings but a winter coat can be avoided. The climate in May in Germany is usually idyllic and one can find cherry blossoms in full bloom. Possibility of rain this month is higher as compared to the previous month but you can expect lots of sunshine. The average high temperature can be around 19°C making it perfect for sightseeing and all sorts of outdoor activities. This is the last spring month and weather can be pretty unpredictable so it’s best to carry an umbrella.

Key Events in Spring
• Starkbierfest: Starkbierfest or the Strong Beer Festival is a 3-week event held in Munich where attendees can enjoy amusement rides, a lot of tasty brews, lederhosen, culinary delights and more. It celebrates the Bavarian culture and is a delightful event especially if you are on a vacation and looking forward to having a good time.
• Kurt Weill Music Festival: This festival celebrates the music of composer Kurt Weill and runs for over two weeks.
• Cologne Literature Festival: This literature festival sees renowned authors of every genre from all over the world in Cologne.
• Frankfurt Spring Fair: This fair began in the 14th century and became popular for selling pottery which is referred to as ‘dibbes’.
• Walpurgis Night: As per the German Folklore, April 30th is the night of the witches throughout Germany.
• Formula E Race Berlin ePrix: Berlin would be hosting the Formula E Race and is loved by tourists across the globe.
• Hamburg Hafengeburtstag: Hamburg would celebrate its anniversary in a festive way with tugboat ballet, dragon boat races and more. There would even be historic ships’ parade.

Summer in Germany (June to August)

The weather in Germany during summer is pleasant with 22 degrees Celcius on an average reaching up to 25 degrees. Summers have slight drizzles when the north is slightly chill as the winds of the Baltic sea blow and the south is comparatively hotter. July is the peak summer season in Germany and is the time of the year when you can expect really hot weather. Brief showers occasionally help cool the weather down a bit. By August, the temperature starts to dip but the high humidity makes sightseeing uncomfortable. Carry a light waterproof jacket, lightweight clothes, plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses and you would be good to explore the beautiful country.

Key Events in Summer
• Bergkirchweih: Hosted in June annually, this festival is quite similar to the Oktoberfest and brings over a million people from all over the world.
• Berlin Culture Festival and Carnival: This is one of the biggest events organised in Berlin and is celebrated over a period of over four days featuring a huge parade, plenty of music, dancing and street festival where more than 900 artists take part.
• Kiel Week: This is the most popular sailing event in the world inviting millions of people and celebrated over nine days. Organised since 1882, there are over 200 events featuring thousands of yachts, boats, ships and other kinds of watercraft.
• Schutzenfest Hannover: Held in late-June, this festival is the biggest celebration for marksman and beer. It brings together around 5,000 marksmen and the best are featured in the largest parade of Europe.
• German American Folk Festival: This festival is held over a course of three weeks and celebrates the friendly relations between Germany and America. The focus is on American food and their way of leading life.
• Freiburg Wine Festival: Early in the week of July, the Freiburg Wine Festival brings over 400 wines which can be sampled by people in Baden-Wurttemberg
• Lesbian and Gay City Festival: An unique event, Berlin hosts this street party which draws more than 400, 000 attendees who can enjoy exhibitions, live music, performances and a plethora of culinary delights.
• The International Beer Festival: The International Beer Festival invites around 340 brewers from over 90 countries. The three-day event brings approximately 80, 000 attendees.
• Apple Wine Festival: This festival is held in Frankfurt and celebrates for ten days, the apple wine. Along with beverages, one can find live music and several items for sale.
• Gauboden Folk Festival: Held in mid-July, this festival that celebrates the national drink brings together around 2, 400 beer specialities.

Autumn in Germany (September to November)

If you have a trip planned in mid-September or towards the end of the month, it would be best to keep a light jacket as early mornings and late evenings would be quite cold. Fall comes in full swing in the month of October in Germany and the temperatures drop down relatively. Considered as the best time to visit Germany, the country is truly a delight during this time of the year.

This is unquestionably the best time to enjoy winter sports when the country is absolutely scenic. The afternoon high averages to about 13°C and one can expect lots of sunny days. The average low temperature can dip down to 6°C so it’s better to dress in layers for the cooler days.

Be prepared for the cold and possibly snow if you are looking forward to visiting Germany in November. This is especially true if you are hoping to visit the eastern and southern regions of the country. Towards the second half of the month, it truly feels like winter has arrived with the average low temperatures dipping down to 2°C in some areas. Essentials to carry are warm coats, boots, gloves, and hat. If you do not mind the cold, this could be the best time to visit Germany and wander across the country.

Key Events in Autumn
• IFA Berlin: The largest technology fair in Europe where over 1800 exhibitors present the greatest and latest in technology.
• Oktoberfest: The much-hyped festival takes place in Munich and draws more than six million attendees from all over the world. The highlight of the 16-day event is live music, Germany fare, singing, dancing and lots and lots of beer.
• Stuttgart Beer Festival: Held in Stuttgart, this is the second-largest beer festival in the country which attracts over 4 million beer lovers and features a parade, endless steins filled with beer, fair rides and more.
• Deutsches Weinlesefest: This is one of the second largest and most popular wine festivals in the world which is celebrated over a period of ten days.
• Day of German Unity Celebrations: 3rd October is a national holiday which commemorates the unification of German in 1990. Every city has its own celebrations with the most popular one being in Berlin where there is a city-wide festival featuring concerts and parades.
• Freeimarkt: This is the oldest fair of the country said to be organised since 1035 AD. Featuring a massive street party, colourful parades, and rides, approximately four million people from all around the globe come to experience this fair.
• Jazz Fest Berlin: This premier jazz festival showcases international jazz performers, big brands and massive ensembles. It’s a four-day event and hosted at various locations.
• Christmas Markets: Every year, the Christmas Markets are opened from the last week of November and with all the twinkling lights, the festive air and numerous stalls, is a sight to behold.

Winter in Germany (December to February)

The weather in Germany would vary depending on the location but, December and January are generally the darkest and coldest month of the year. December is one of the coldest with higher chances of snowfall. The average low temperature is below freezing at -1°C combined with rainfall.

If you pack the appropriate winter gear to keep yourself dry and warm, this could be an excellent time to explore the Christmas markets and enjoy the beautiful lights and warm cider. This also is the cheapest time to be in the country with accommodation charges and airfare being the lowest. Tourists can have fun at the Christmas Markets. The beautiful Christmas markets are the highlight of the month and continue throughout December.

The average high temperature in January remains around 3°C to 5°C while the average low is about freezing. There’s a high possibility of finding snow in most places however, in cities like Hamburg and Bremen, there are higher chances of rain because of the milder climate. In the East, around Berlin, it is cold while in South like Munich, expect frequent snowfall.

Regardless of where you plan on visiting in Germany, it is best to pack warm clothing. The month of February is quite similar to that of January with the only difference being a slight increase in the average high temperature and a few more sunny days.

Key Events in Winter
• Three Kings Day: January 6 is a national holiday in Saxony-Anhalt, Bavaria, and Baden-Wuerttemberg and is known as Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Festivities usually begin the day before with family and friends all coming together to ring in the New Year.
• International Green Week: You can be a part of what is claimed to be the largest exhibition in the world for sustainable agriculture and food. People attending can enjoy a variety of fresh foods, fresh produce, and sausage, drinks including beer and wine and more along with presentations.
• Bavarian Sledding Championships: Over the first weekend of January, visitors can witness exciting sledge races in the snow for three days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
• Semper Opera Ball: Held in early February, the Semper Opera Ball includes dancing and live performances with acts that bring to the stage over a hundred debutantes from all over the country.
• The Berlin Film Festival: Every year in February, the theatres all over Berlin roll out the red carpet for industry professionals.
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