Best time to travel to Germany

We love Christmas markets, but this year we combined them with skiing in Bavaria. It felt as if Santa had come early.![]()

Germany has four well defined seasons, with summers averaging 22-25°C. To work out the best time to go to Germany, bear in mind some surprises. You can enjoy an Alpine arcadia in Bavaria in winter, northern beaches and island escapes in summer, hike among the wildflowers of the Rennsteig in May and June, and head to the forests of Hesse for spectacular autumnal displays and the grape harvest. For ‘Weihnachten’, or Christmas, the traditional markets, be it Nürnberg, Dresden, Bremen or Heidelberg, are simply a treat.
Bavaria Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
-5
2
47
FEB
-4
4
44
MAR
1
8
49
APR
3
13
59
MAY
7
18
92
JUN
10
21
115
JUL
12
23
108
AUG
12
22
104
SEP
9
19
72
OCT
5
14
52
NOV
0
7
56
DEC
-4
3
51
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Germany, month by month
Our top Germany Holiday
Germany walking holiday
Walk the Rhine Trail and discover Germany on foot
From
£795 to £905
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2023: 1 Apr, 2 Apr, 3 Apr, 4 Apr, 5 Apr, 6 Apr, 7 Apr, 8 Apr, 9 Apr, 10 Apr, 11 Apr, 12 Apr, 13 Apr, 14 Apr, 15 Apr, 16 Apr, 17 Apr, 18 Apr, 19 Apr, 20 Apr, 21 Apr, 22 Apr, 23 Apr, 24 Apr, 25 Apr, 26 Apr, 27 Apr, 28 Apr, 29 Apr, 30 Apr, 1 May, 2 May, 3 May, 4 May, 5 May, 6 May, 7 May, 8 May, 9 May, 10 May, 11 May, 12 May, 13 May, 14 May, 15 May, 16 May, 17 May, 18 May, 19 May, 20 May, 21 May, 22 May, 23 May, 24 May, 25 May, 26 May ...
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Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Germany or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

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What happens when in Germany
Adam Jarvis, from our supplier Headwater Holidays tells us his best times to go to Germany:
“It really depends on where you go. December for the Christmas markets, October for the beer festivals, and summers are surprisingly hot so make it a good summer holiday destination. I’m going to say the summer though as that’s when the beer gardens and parks really get going. The Germans are quite an outdoorsy, active bunch and they appreciate the fresh air and greenery. When the sun is out (which is a LOT more than many might think), the parks and other outdoor spaces can be a real joy and celebration of life. Who doesn’t enjoy a good picnic?”
“It really depends on where you go. December for the Christmas markets, October for the beer festivals, and summers are surprisingly hot so make it a good summer holiday destination. I’m going to say the summer though as that’s when the beer gardens and parks really get going. The Germans are quite an outdoorsy, active bunch and they appreciate the fresh air and greenery. When the sun is out (which is a LOT more than many might think), the parks and other outdoor spaces can be a real joy and celebration of life. Who doesn’t enjoy a good picnic?”
Festivals & events
Fastnacht
Fasching is the traditional word for pre-Lenten carnivals, or fiestas before the fast. Also known as Fastnacht, celebrations in the form of processions and parties can go on for weeks before Lent begins. One of its highlight days is Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday, before the traditional ‘shut down’ of all things fun and frolics on Ash Wednesday. So, if you haven’t thought of visiting Germany in January and February, think again.

Responsible Travel would like to thank the German National Tourist Board for their sponsorship of this guide.