Best Time to Visit Germany

Germany is a country where old-world charm meets modern energy — from fairytale castles and Alpine peaks to lively cities and scenic rivers. Each season offers something different, whether it’s summer beer gardens, colourful autumn forests, or magical Christmas markets. The best time to visit depends on your interests, from sightseeing to seasonal festivals.

Germany by Season: A Complete Guide

🌸 Spring (March – May): Blossoms, Fresh Air, and Festivals

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Germany. As temperatures rise, gardens bloom, rivers thaw, and cities come alive with outdoor cafés and spring festivals. It’s ideal for sightseeing without the summer crowds.

• Highlights: Mild temperatures (10–20 °C), perfect for exploring Berlin, Munich, and Cologne, cherry blossoms in Bonn and Heidelberg, Easter markets and May Day celebrations.

☀️ Summer (June – August): Sunshine, Festivals, and Outdoor Living

Summer is the most popular season to visit Germany, bringing warm weather and long daylight hours. Locals enjoy open-air concerts, beer gardens, and river cruises. The countryside and lakes are perfect for hiking, cycling, and swimming.

• Highlights: Warm temperatures (20–30 °C), ideal for road trips through Bavaria and the Rhine Valley, famous events and open-air festivals, expect higher prices and busy tourist areas.

🍂 Autumn (September – November): Wine, Colour, and Cosy Charm

Autumn is a wonderful time to experience Germany’s cultural and natural beauty. The forests turn golden, vineyards are ready for harvest, and traditional festivals fill the towns. The weather is mild, and crowds start to thin.

• Highlights: Comfortable temperatures (10–20 °C), perfect for wine tasting in the Moselle and Rhine regions, Oktoberfest in Munich (late September to early October), lower hotel rates and fewer tourists.

❄️ Winter (December – February): Christmas Magic and Alpine Adventures

Winter in Germany is enchanting. Towns sparkle with Christmas lights, and festive markets fill the squares with mulled wine, gingerbread, and handmade gifts. In the south, the Alps offer world-class skiing and snowboarding.

• Highlights: Cold temperatures (−5 to 7 °C), famous Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne, excellent skiing in Bavaria and the Black Forest, lower travel costs outside the holiday season.

From the medieval streets of Rothenburg and the castles of Bavaria to the riverside vineyards and vibrant cities like Berlin and Hamburg, Germany offers unforgettable experiences year-round. Whether you come for history, nature, or festive cheer, there’s always a perfect time to discover this fascinating country.

Top Travel Tips for Germany

• Visa & Entry: Germany is in the Schengen Area. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A valid passport is all that's required.
• Currency: The currency is the **Euro (EUR)**. While credit cards are common, Germany is still very much a cash-based society, especially in smaller towns, bakeries, and markets. Always have some Euros on hand.
• Tipping Etiquette: Tipping (Trinkgeld) is appreciated. In restaurants, 5-10% is standard. It's not common to leave money on the table; instead, when you pay, tell the server the total amount you want to pay (e.g., if the bill is €18.50, you hand them €20 and say "Stimmt so," which means "keep the change," or just "Zwanzig, bitte," meaning "Twenty, please"). For taxis, rounding up to the nearest Euro is fine.
• Sundays & Quiet Time: Be aware that most supermarkets, pharmacies, and retail shops are **closed on Sundays** by law. Plan your shopping accordingly! Restaurants, museums, and cafes usually remain open. Also, be mindful of "Ruhezeit" (quiet time), typically from 10 PM to 6 AM and all day on Sundays.
• Pfand (Bottle Deposit): When you buy a plastic or glass bottle or a can, you will pay a deposit (Pfand) of €0.08 - €0.25. You get this money back by returning the empty container to a reverse vending machine (Pfandautomat) found in any supermarket.

Things to do in Germany

Explore the historic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, or experience the magic of the Cologne Cathedral. Book your tours and activities easily via our trusted partners: