Travel time: Year-round
Berlin resides in a transitional climatic zone, where the mild, moist air of the Atlantic Ocean meets the drier, more extreme continental influences from the east. This positioning creates a dynamic environment where weather can shift rapidly, defined by four distinct seasons and a unique urban atmosphere.
Winter (December – February) Winter in Berlin is characterized by a persistent grey quilt of clouds and short daylight hours, with the sun setting as early as 3:45 PM in late December. Temperatures typically hover around freezing (0°C / 32°F), but the "feel" is often much colder due to high humidity and brisk winds. While heavy snowstorms are rare, light dusting and "Schneeregen" (rain-snow mix) are common. Every few years, "Siberian Highs" can pull frigid air from the east, plummeting temperatures to -15°C (5°F) or lower for short bursts.
Spring (March – May) Spring is a season of dramatic reawakening. March often begins with a wintery bite, but by April, the city experiences "Wechselhaftes Wetter" (changeable weather), where bright sunshine can be interrupted by sudden hailstorms or showers within minutes. May is widely considered one of the most pleasant months, as humidity is at its annual low and the city’s many parks and cherry blossoms come into full bloom.
Summer (June – August) Summers are generally warm and pleasant, with average highs of 24°C (75°F). However, Berlin is increasingly prone to heatwaves where temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F). Because the city lacks widespread air conditioning, these periods can feel stifling, particularly as humidity rises. This season also sees the highest rainfall in the form of dramatic, fast-moving afternoon thunderstorms that provide sudden relief from the heat.
Autumn (September – November) September often acts as a "Second Summer," with mild, golden afternoons perfect for the Berlin Marathon. By October, the air turns crisp and damp. November is notoriously the gloomiest month, defined by frequent "Nebel" (fog) and a steady increase in cloud cover as the city transitions back into its winter state.
As a sprawling metropolis, Berlin exhibits a significant Urban Heat Island effect. The central districts of Mitte and Friedrichshain can be 3°C to 4°C warmer than the surrounding forests and outskirts like Spandau or Köpenick, especially at night. Massive green spaces like the Tiergarten and the former airfield Tempelhofer Feld act as "cold air lungs," where temperatures are noticeably cooler than the adjacent paved streets. These areas create essential ventilation corridors that allow fresh air to flow through the city.
Locals speak fondly of the "Berliner Luft" (Berlin Air), referring to the city's historically crisp and invigorating atmosphere. While the term is immortalized in song, the modern reality is a high-latitude environment where the sun's low angle in winter creates long, soft shadows and a high-contrast aesthetic.
Berliners are highly attuned to the weather and maximize the "Draußen-Kultur" (outdoor culture). At the first sign of spring sun, cafes move tables onto sidewalks, and "Spätis" (late-night shops) become social hubs for people sitting outside. Conversely, during the dark winter months, locals embrace "Gemütlichkeit"—the seeking of indoor coziness with candles and hearty food—to combat the lack of sunlight. One quintessential local habit is "Stoßlüften" (shock-ventilation), where windows are flung wide open for five minutes even in freezing winter to exchange indoor air for the fresh, albeit cold, outside air.