Travel time: Year-round
Germany sits in a temperate climate zone, acting as a crossroads where the moist, mild maritime air of Western Europe meets the drier, more extreme continental air of the East. This geographical position creates a highly variable and often unpredictable weather landscape. While the country is generally characterized by four distinct seasons, the experience of these seasons differs significantly depending on whether you are near the breezy Baltic coast or in the shadow of the Alpine peaks.
Germany can be divided into four primary climatic regions, each with its own personality:
Spring is a period of rapid transition. It often begins with cold, grey days in March and ends with the first "Hitzewelle" (heatwave) in late May. Locals look out for the "Eisheiligen" (Ice Saints) in mid-May, a historical weather phenomenon where a final frost often hits after a period of warm weather, a critical time for gardeners and farmers.
German summers are generally pleasant and warm, with average highs between 22°C and 27°C. However, recent years have seen a rise in heatwaves where temperatures exceed 35°C, particularly in the south and west. Humidity can lead to sudden, violent afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the hilly central and southern regions.
September and October are often mild and sunny—known as "Altweibersommer" (Indian Summer). This is the driest and most stable time of year for many regions. By November, the typical German weather sets in: a period of grey, drizzly, and foggy days known locally as "Schmuddelwetter."
Winters are cold and often overcast. Temperatures frequently hover around freezing (0°C to 5°C). While the north and west see more rain and sleet, the south and east are more likely to experience consistent snow cover. A specific alpine wind called the Föhn can occasionally bring unseasonably warm air and clear skies to Bavaria, though it is often blamed by locals for causing headaches and irritability.
Historically, Germany was known for reliable snowfall and moderate summers. However, climatological data shows a clear warming trend; 2024 was recorded as Germany's warmest year since 1881. This hasn't just increased summer temperatures but has also shifted the timing of seasons, with winters becoming noticeably milder and wetter. Heavy precipitation events and summer droughts have become more frequent, forcing local municipalities to adapt with "Sponge City" initiatives to manage flash flooding.
Locals have a pragmatic relationship with their weather. The concept of "there is no bad weather, only bad clothing" reflects a culture that remains outdoors year-round. In the dark winter months, people adapt through Gemütlichkeit (coziness), making use of heavy indoor lighting and candles to combat the limited sunshine hours—which can be as few as seven hours of daylight in the north during December.