Before your trip, a look into the weather and climate in Germany is necessary. The macro climate in Germany is the typical temperate climate of Central Europe. However, there are considerable regional climate differences due to the east-west expansion and the considerable south-north expansion as well as the numerous low mountain ranges.
The climate in western Germany is strongly characterized by Atlantic influences with typical western weather conditions (oceanic climate). The warm, temperate climate is characterized by rainy winters and moderately warm summers.
The influence of the ocean decreases significantly to the east and south-east. Here there are clearly continental features of the climate with large temperature differences between warm to hot summers and cold winters.
In northern Germany, the climate is very strongly influenced by the maritime climate of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. But here, too, there are differences between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The North Sea coast and its hinterland are characterized by rainy summers and mild winters with severe storms.
On the Baltic Sea, on the other hand, the summers have less precipitation and are hotter, here the continental one is noticeable.
The southwest of Germany with its much greater distance from the sea has a humid subtropical climate. It is mild here all year round. The highest average annual temperatures in Germany are measured in this region. The reasons for this include the location of the Upper Rhine Graben and the so-called Burgundy Gate, through which the warm Mediterranean air can flow to the south-west. On the other hand, the Vosges to the west protect against bad weather fronts.
Southeast Germany has a distinctly continental climate with lots of snow in cold winters and hot, comparatively dry summers.
The climate in the Alps corresponds to the typical mountain climate.
In some low mountain ranges (Harz, Ore Mountains and low mountain ranges on the edge of the Alps) there is a sub-polar climate. Depending on the altitude, it can be very rough here and snow heavily in winter.
Identification of the climate zones in Germany
Humid subtropical climate: mild, no pronounced dry period, hot summers
Humid continental climate: humid climate, no pronounced dry period. Cold winters and warm summers
Subarctic climate (boreal coniferous forest climate): cold winters and cool summers, no pronounced dry period
Tundra climate: cold winters, short and cool summers
Germany best travel time
All year round there are regions in Germany that allow all kinds of activities with a comparatively stable weather situation. You can already enjoy the apple blossoms in the extreme south-west in early spring, when the typical bad weather prevails in the north.
In summer there are longer periods of fine weather, especially in the east and south-east. It can be dry for a very long time, especially on the Baltic Sea.
Autumn is a good time to travel to the south and west, mild days with a hair dryer in the Alps and mild Mediterranean influences in the Upper Rhine Graben make a trip here attractive.
Anyone looking for snow will find it in the northern low mountain ranges, the Alps, the Black Forest and the Bavarian Forest in winter. The ski season in the winter sports areas of Germany lasts from December to March.
Here you will find more information about the climate and the best time to travel in Germany.
Monthly overview
For a detailed monthly overview of maximum temperatures, average temperatures, night-time temperatures and rain and snow in Germany, simply click on the desired month:
About the Author: Elle Johnson, travel writer living in Germany, an avid explorer fueled by wanderlust, uncovers Germany's hidden treasures. From mountains to luxury hotels, spontaneous trips to meticulous planning, she embraces diverse experiences. Join her in unraveling Germany's wonders and creating lifelong memories.
