Travel time: Year-round
Luxembourg City features a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb), characterized by moderate temperatures and a fairly even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. Nestled at the confluence of maritime influences from the Atlantic and more continental patterns from Eastern Europe, the weather is famously changeable, often cycling through multiple conditions in a single day.
A standard day in Luxembourg City often begins with a soft morning mist or low cloud cover, particularly in the deeper valleys like the Alzette and Petrusse. As the sun rises, these mists usually burn off by mid-morning.
During the spring and summer, the late afternoon frequently brings brief, refreshing showers or localized thunderstorms. In the winter months, daylight hours are quite short, and overcast skies or "gray days" are the norm, with the sun often remaining hidden behind a persistent layer of stratus clouds for several days at a time.
Spring is a season of transition where the landscape rapidly greens. Early spring can remain chilly with morning frosts still possible in March, but by May, daytime highs reach a comfortable 18°C (64°F). This is the sunniest period for the city, though sudden "April showers" are a staple of the local climate.
Luxembourg summers are pleasantly warm but rarely oppressive. Average highs hover around 23°C (73°F). While heatwaves are becoming more frequent—with record temperatures occasionally surpassing 35°C (95°F)—the city’s lush parks and deep valleys provide natural cooling. Frequent Atlantic fronts ensure that even in the height of summer, a rainy day or a cool evening is never far away.
Autumn is often marked by an "Indian Summer" in September, with clear skies and mild temperatures. However, October and November see a sharp increase in wind and rain as Atlantic low-pressure systems become more dominant. This is when the city feels most atmospheric, as the surrounding forests change color amid frequent morning fogs.
Winters are cold and damp rather than brutally freezing. Average temperatures stay just above zero (0°C to 5°C). Snowfall is common but rarely stays on the ground for more than a few days in the city center. The season is characterized by steady drizzles and breezes blowing from the west, making the air feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
Luxembourg City’s topography creates distinct local variations. The Ville Haute (Upper Town) sits on a plateau and is more exposed to winds, whereas the lower districts like the Grund and Pfaffenthal are sheltered but more prone to retaining humidity and morning fog. Outside the city, the northern Oesling region is significantly cooler and snowier, while the Moselle Valley to the east (Luxembourg's wine region) is noticeably warmer and drier.
Historically, Luxembourg was colder; residents often recall much deeper snowfalls in the mid-20th century. In recent decades, the climate has warmed by approximately 1.2°C, leading to more unpredictable rainfall and fewer frost days.
A specific phenomenon to watch for is the "Bise," a cold, dry wind from the northeast that can occasionally sweep through in late winter or early spring, bringing clear skies but a biting chill that requires heavy protection.
Locals are highly adapted to the "gray sky" culture of the winter months, making use of the city's extensive network of indoor cultural spaces and cozy cafes. There is a saying in the region that there is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing—an outlook that sees Luxembourgers out for a walk in the forest regardless of a light drizzle. During the first warm days of May (the Péitrusshaus), the city transforms as residents flock to outdoor terraces and public squares like the Place d'Armes to soak up the long-awaited sunshine.