Germany has a temperate maritime climate — meaning four distinct seasons, frequent rainfall spread throughout the year, and temperature ranges that require a full wardrobe. The climate varies noticeably by region: the southwest is warmest and sunniest, the north is the wettest, and Bavaria gets the coldest winters.
Spring (March–May)
Unpredictable. Average temperatures climb from 5°C in March to 18°C in May, but late frosts as late as mid-April (Eisheilige, ice saints) are common. Sunny days appear from March, followed by cold rain. The correct outfit: waterproof jacket that can be tied around the waist, a mid-layer, and layers underneath. Germans take outdoor café seating on the first sunny 12°C day of the year — consider this your baseline for wardrobe flexibility.
Summer (June–August)
Warm and generally pleasant — average highs of 24–28°C in most regions. Germany has no air conditioning infrastructure in most homes and office buildings, which makes the occasional 35°C+ heatwave genuinely uncomfortable. Thunderstorms (Gewitter) are common in summer afternoons. The south (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) is warmer and sunnier; the north (Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein) rarely stays hot for long.
Autumn (September–November)
Germany’s most beautiful season for many. September and October are warm and sunny; November turns grey, wet, and cold. Oktoberfest (late September–early October) often has weather between 8°C and 20°C — bring a light jacket even to the beer tent. The “Herbstdepression” (autumn depression) is a real phenomenon that affects around 10% of people in northern Germany as light levels drop rapidly in October–November.
Winter (December–February)
Cold but rarely extreme except in Bavaria and the Alps. Berlin averages 1–3°C in January; Munich averages -1°C. Snow is inconsistent — Berlin had several nearly snowless winters recently. Munich gets more reliable snowfall. Heating bills peak December–February. The short daylight hours (7–8 hours in December) affect mood significantly; full-spectrum light boxes (Tageslichtlampen) are popular.
The Essentials
Invest in: a waterproof outer layer for year-round rain, thermal base layers, wool socks, and proper waterproof shoes. The saying “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” (Es gibt kein schlechtes Wetter, nur falsche Kleidung) is both a cliché and genuinely true in Germany.
