The best time to visit Berlin is in the late spring (May) and in the early autumn (September). In the late spring and early autumn shoulder seasons, travellers will enjoy mild to warm temperatures and relatively dry weather conditions. These months also avoid the height of Germany’s high tourism season.
Although it’s the warmest time of year, summer isn’t the ideal season to travel to Berlin. In summer, crowds are at their highest, and it’s the wettest time of the year in Germany’s capital. Winter, likewise, isn’t overly pleasant, with cold temperatures, grey skies, and increased rainfall/snow.
Itching to plan the perfect trip? Time your journey just right with this complete Berlin weather by season and month, including what to expect and what to wear!
Why Treksplorer? Founded in 2011 by Ryan O’Rourke, Treksplorer provides travel recommendations and advice to millions of readers every year. Our content is rooted in our writers’ firsthand experiences, in-depth research, and/or collaborations with other experts and locals. Read more about our editorial policy.
Overview of weather in Berlin
Berlin sports a typical continental European climate. Falling within the oceanic and humid continental climate zones, Berlin sees four distinct seasons throughout the year. Temperature swings between seasons are large, soaring above 30°C in the height of summer and bottoming out well below 0°C in the winter months.
Germany’s reputation for grey skies isn’t absent in Berlin. Rainfall is more or less spread evenly throughout the year, with the summers seeing slightly more rain due to the heat.
On average, Berlin is one of the drier German cities. Comparing Munich, for example, Berlin gets about 375mm less rain and is, on average, warmer throughout the year despite its northern location. If you’re looking to escape the wrath of Germany’s weather, Berlin is a great place to do it!
Berlin Weather by Season
Spring
- When is spring in Berlin? Spring in Berlin is from mid-March to May.
- What to expect in spring: Shaking off a grey, cold winter, Berliners take to the streets in spring to soak in the sun and the rising temperatures. Berlin’s parks and gardens bloom while outdoor spaces open up to the rush of those escaping their winter hibernation. Cool temperatures are still common in March but soon give way to the warm days of May. Spring is, in general, one of the driest times of the year and is a great choice for travelling to Berlin. While the temperatures can’t compete with the hot summers, the bright sunny days of spring are worth wearing a few extra layers.
- What to wear in spring: The first throes of spring will require throwing warmer outerwear onto your Germany packing list and clothing to deal with the still-dipping mercury. Although spring is one of the driest seasons in Berlin, always carry a waterproof rain jacket in your daypack to be prepared for the ever-possible German rain.
Summer
- When is summer in Berlin? Summer in Berlin is from June to August.
- What to expect in summer: In summer, Berlin truly comes alive. The city is always buzzing as locals and tourists fill the streets to enjoy the heat while it lasts. Daytime temperatures peak above 30°C. Summer is the rainiest season in Berlin, although that hardly seems to stop the action. With the craziness of summer’s high season, you’ll need to choose where to stay in Berlin well ahead of time to avoid problems.
- What to wear in summer: Throughout most of the summer in Berlin, wandering around the streets is most comfortable in lightweight travel pants or shorts and a T-shirt. Nighttime gets cooler. You may need a light sweater and pants to stay comfortable. As always in Germany, carry a lightweight rain jacket in your daypack for inevitable summer showers.
Autumn
- When is autumn in Berlin?: Autumn in Berlin is from mid-September to November.
- What to expect in autumn: The intense heat of summer leaves as September rolls in. The frequent rainstorms of summer step aside for the drier days of autumn. Warmth still resides in Berlin throughout September, after which a quick cooling-down spirals into October and November. Autumn is a colourful time of year in Berlin as the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, and oranges as winter looms. Along with spring, autumn often comes on top when settling on when to visit Berlin.
- What to wear in autumn: Dropping temperatures, especially towards the end of November, means you’ll need to pack some warmer clothing, including warmer outerwear like a fleece jacket or softshell jacket. As always in Germany, keep a travel umbrella and rain jacket handy.
Winter
- When is winter in Berlin? Winter in Berlin is from December to early March.
- What to expect in winter: For most travellers, cold is the first word that’ll pop into mind when describing winter in Berlin. Winter temperatures often sit below freezing, even if just under the 0°C mark. The coldest days slip down to less than -10°C. Winter days in Berlin are not just cold but cloudy, wet, and short.
- What to wear in winter: To stay comfortable in Berlin during winter, pack thick, warm outerwear with suitable winter hats and gloves. Waterproof shoes or boots are a must for keeping your feet dry in the wet winter months.
Weather by Month
January
Overview: Bundle up! January is the coldest month in Berlin. Temperatures below freezing are common throughout January. Although Berlin is warmer than more northern European destinations like Norway or Sweden, most non-northerner travellers will find outdoor activities in Berlin less than appealing during January. Be sure to double-check your winter packing list so you won’t be left out in the cold!
What to do in January: Berlin hosts one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations in Europe. Over a million people take to the streets around Brandenburg Gate to brave the cold and set off fireworks while listening to popular German and international bands jam out in the blustery chill of January.
- Average Temperature: -1°C / 30°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: -3°C / 27°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 2°C / 36°F
- Rainfall: 42mm / 15 days
Visiting Berlin on a time crunch? Maximize your time with this complete one-day Berlin itinerary!
February
Overview: If cooler winter temperatures don’t bother you, you may not mind visiting Berlin in February. It’s slightly warmer in February than January, with less precipitation. February is, on average, the driest month in Berlin.
What to do in February: The colder weather will do little to stop move buffs from star-gazing at the Berlin International Film Festival. Berlinale, as the festival is colloquially known, is one of the biggest and most popular film festivals in the world.
- Average Temperature: 1°C / 34°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: -2°C / 28°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 4°C / 39°F
- Rainfall: 34mm / 12 days
March
Overview: The beginning of March in Berlin is still fairly winterish in outlook. Temperatures are below freezing and snow are still not quite off the books. The end of March sees the mercury rise to more spring-like highs and lows. Aside from February, March is the driest month in Berlin, alongside October.
What to do in March: With the cooler temperatures, the festival season in Berlin has yet to spring forth in March. Music lovers should check out the MaerzMusik, a contemporary music festival with a philosophical bent.
- Average Temperature: 4°C / 39°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 0°C / 32°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall: 36mm / 13 days
April
Overview: As April kicks into high gear, the spring officially feels like it’s hit Berlin. The daytime temperatures get a little warmer with March in the rearview mirror. Colder days and nights aren’t uncommon in Berlin in April. Bring some warmer clothing, just in case.
What to do in April: Culture vultures will love the chance to soak up the sounds of Festival Days Berlin, the city’s leading opera and classical music festival.
- Average Temperature: 9°C / 48°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 4°C / 39°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall: 41mm / 13 days
May
Overview: Once May rolls around, the cooler temperatures of early spring begin to swing toward the warmer days of summer. Although May is generally wetter than April, it’s a much drier month than June, the rainiest time of year in Berlin. Coupled with the warm temperatures and lower tourist crowds, May is one of the best months to travel to Berlin.
What to do in May: With the unofficial festival season still a month away, May doesn’t have much in the way of events save a couple of conferences. The pleasant May weather, though, makes it the perfect month to explore the city and hit up some fun Berlin day trips. Try out a day trip to the beautiful Prussian city of Potsdam or to other interesting German cities like Dresden or Leipzig.
- Average Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
- Rainfall: 55mm / 14 days
June
Overview: If you liked the temperature boost in May, you’ll love travelling to Berlin in June. The first official month of summer in Berlin brings more heat. Unfortunately, there’s a trade-off (or two). June is the rainiest month in Berlin, with over 71mm of rain on average. Over the month, tourist numbers also begin to climb steadily. Although not as busy as July or August, June can still get crowded. Expect to pay a little more for your accommodations, and be prepared to book ahead for several months.
What to do in June: The first month of summer sees Berlin’s festival season ramp up. At the beginning of June, Berlin showcases its diversity in the Carnival of Cultures in Kreuzberg. From mid-June to mid-July, the Berliner Volksfestsommer, the city’s largest folk festival, takes place on the Zentraler Festplatz northwest of Mitte.
- Average Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 12°C / 54°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall: 71mm / 14 days
July
Overview: On average, July is drier than June or August. Daytime highs and lows are on par with August as the two hottest months in Berlin. Tourist numbers are at their highest in July. You’ll need to choose your accommodations well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
What to do in July: The warm weather in July leaves everything within the city limits up for grabs. Several festivals kick off in Berlin in July, including the Jewish Film Festival, Berlin Fashion Week, the Lesbian and Gay City Festival in Berlin, and Classic Open Air at Gendarmenmarkt. Besides the festivals, the beautiful July weather beckons exploration of the surrounding area. Escape the bustle of the city on a relaxing trip to the Spreewald.
- Average Temperature: 18°C / 64°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 23°F / 73°F
- Rainfall: 45mm / 14 days
August
Overview: Along with July, August is the hottest month in Berlin. The warm temperatures bring with it an ever-looming possibility of rain showers. Tourism is generally close to its peak in August and begins to taper off towards the end of the month. To find better deals on hotels, push your travel plans into late August.
What to do in August: Towards the end of August, the Berlin Circus Festival kicks off at Templehofer airfield. The 10-day festival features some of Europe’s finest circus performers.
- Average Temperature: 18°C / 64°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 13°F / 55°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 23°F / 73°F
- Rainfall: 62mm / 13 days
September
Overview: With the tourist crowds of August heading back home, September is one of the best months to travel to Berlin. The temperatures in September are still generally warm, with a marked drop in the number of rainy days. Most of the popular tourist attractions in Berlin still operate in full swing, with a fraction of the summer visitors to jostle with for room.
What to do in September: As it’s a popular month to visit, much of what you’d want to do in Berlin is accessible. The warm weather and lower tourist numbers make September a great month to ply into some top Berlin day trips.
- Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 10°C / 50°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
- Rainfall: 45mm / 13 days
October
Overview: Between September and October, the fall season really starts to show its colours. Literally and figuratively. October is a fantastic time to go to Berlin to see the city at its most colourful. Although the days are getting cooler and shorter, a smart packing list will keep you comfortable in the outdoors.
What to do in October: Berlin lights up in October as the Festival of Lights transforms the city into a glowing art piece. Major Berlin tourist attractions like Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin TV Tower, and the Berliner Dom erupt into a cavalcade of colours and patterns that are absolutely spellbinding.
- Average Temperature: 10°C / 50°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 6°C / 43°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall: 36mm / 12 days
November
Overview: With autumn in full swing and winter just around the corner, expect a much chillier visit in November. In general, November is a grey and wet month and is not an ideal time of year to visit Berlin. Towards the end of the month, snowfall isn’t out of the cards. Dress warmly and pack gloves and a toque in anticipation of cooler November days.
What to do in November: Towards the end of November, the streets begin to ring with festive spirit as Berlin’s famous Christmas markets start to set up shop. The Nostalgic Christmas Market at Opernpalais opens in late November, transforming this iconic square off of Unter den Linden into a fairytale winter village.
- Average Temperature: 5°C / 41°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: 2°C / 36°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall: 48mm / 15 days
December
Overview: December is one of the coldest months in Berlin. With the days becoming increasingly shorter and the possibility of snow always on the horizon, many travellers steer clear of Berlin in December. But that could be a mistake! Bundle up and visit Berlin in December to see the city at its most magical under a thin blanket of snow and lit up with festive spirit. Let’s not forget the chance to shop at one of Berlin’s famous Christmas markets before they wind down for yet another year.
What to do: It’s okay not to love the cold days of December in Berlin. But trying to keep a smile off of your face while perusing Berlin’s Christmas markets is near impossible! Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz, Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt, and the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market are among the most popular Berlin Christmas markets to check out.
- Average Temperature: 1°C / 34°F
- Avg. Low Temperature: -1°C / 30°F
- Avg. High Temperature: 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall: 51mm / 16 days
Final recommendations
The best month to visit Berlin is May or September. Although Berlin is an awesome city to visit year-round, it’s hard not to recommend visiting in the late spring and early autumn shoulder seasons.
Why visit in May or September?
Both May and September offer warm temperatures and drier conditions than during the summer months. Although not as hot as summer, many travellers prefer the warmth of late spring and early fall to the often stifling German summer heat.
In both May and September, tourist numbers are also a far cry from those during the summer peak seasons of June to August. Finding a good place to stay in Berlin is much easier in both months. At popular tourist sites, both May and September will present shorter wait times and more elbow room.
The one disadvantage to travelling in May or September is missing out on one of Berlin’s most famous attractions: its Christmas markets. If you’re okay with cooler temperatures, darker days, and a little snowfall, time your trip instead for late November to mid-December to fill your days with some German holiday spirit.
