Munich in all weathers: the best time to travel | simply Munich (2024)

Munich: Weather forecast

We can tell you the best time to travel to Munich to help you plan your trip to the city.

Is your favourite season spring, when the beer gardens open and the streets are filled with life? Or are you more of a summer person, eager to jump into the Isar on a hot day and then go for a stroll in the Englischer Garten? Perhaps you prefer the autumn, with the wonderful colours outside and the amazing offerings of Munich’s museums inside? Or are you a fan of snowy winters, when you can browse the Christmas markets in Munich before heading to one of the city’s world-famous museums to warm up? You can enjoy many of the city’s attractions and day trip destinations regardless of the weather – whether it’s rainy, sunny, hot and summery or freezing cold.

Most people travel to Munich between April and May, from September to October and also in December. That is when the city welcomes most of its visitors. Perhaps you, too?

The climate in Munich

According to the climate table for Munich, June, July and August are the warmest months on average, boasting the most hours of sunshine. During the spring and autumn, however, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing in the city and day trips further afield. In winter, you should dress warmly from December to February, when temperatures can fall below zero degrees.

There are an average of 8 to 11 rainy days each year; these are spread relatively evenly across the entire year, although the amount of precipitation is higher during the summer months than in other months. With over 1,700 hours of sunshine each year, the city is among the frontrunners when it comes to sun – so don’t forget your sun cream!

The best time of year for a holiday in Munich

In our view, now and always are the best times to travel to Munich – after all, every season has its own particular charm. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips for your visit to Munich in each of the different seasons.

We’re going out again – finally! Holidays in Munich in the spring

After a long, cold winter, most of which we spent cosily at home, there’s nothing more wonderful than going out again. We have put together eleven ideas for activities in Munich that are especially enjoyable in the spring. There are a great many other spring events that are worth travelling to Munich for.

• In March, Munich traditionally rings in the start of spring at the Starkbierfest strong beer festival at Nockerberg. You’ll also find a wealth of other festivals and celebrations, most notably the huge parade for St. Patrick’s Day.
• April is when Munich’s spring festivals kick off, such as the Auer Dult traditional fair and the Frühlingsfest spring festival on the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest fairground).
• Things are finally starting to get summery in May, and life spills out onto the streets as the weather gets warmer. This is when the Corso Leopold and a Vespa parade showcase the city's unique way of life. You can also pick up some bargains in the backyard flea markets, which start up again in spring each year.

To get you in the mood: Spring in Munich

The streets are alive: Summer holidays in Munich

There are many reasons why Munich is at its most beautiful in the summer – the city simply bursts into full bloom during the warm season.

• The Filmfest film festival and the Tollwood Summer Festival in June transform Munich into a huge stage.
• Dance at the traditional Kocherlball at the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) in the morning or enjoy the fireworks at the Sommernachtstraum open-air event in the Olympiapark (Olympic Park) in July.
• There’s also plenty to draw locals and tourists alike out onto the city’s lively streets in August, with open-air concerts and cinemas leaving them spoilt for choice. If you fancy a refreshing dip, you can jump into the Isar river, head to one of the city’s outdoor swimming pools or travel to one of the many lakes around Munich.

To get you in the mood: Summer in Munich

Celebrate with the whole world! Munich in autumn

The city’s major event in autumn needs no introduction: the Oktoberfest! The biggest event of the year, it kicks off in September and continues on into October. The whole world comes together on the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest fairground) – but Munich has much more to offer in autumn than just Oktoberfest.

• Find out here what else is happening in the city in September and October, for example the Kirchweihdult traditional fair or a number of sporting events.
• November can be wet and chilly, so it is the ideal time of year for some great indoor events. And at the end of November, the first Christmas markets open. Get some great ideas for your visit to Munich November here. The city’s museums, galleries and art studios, as well as its theatres and opera houses also attract visitors with the city’s Kulturherbst (Autumn of Culture) programme.

To get you in the mood: Autumn in Munich

Snuggle up and enjoy: winter in Munich

Munich is especially cosy in the winter. The Christmas markets are as numerous as they are unique, so there is the perfect place for everyone. Many also try out winter sports in the city at this time of year, or snuggle up in one of its warm retreats.

• If your heart isn’t already warmed, it can’t fail to once the Christmas markets open their gates all over the city! And there are also numerous exciting events between Christmas and the New Year as well.
• With a little luck, you’ll be able to try out some winter sports in the city, such as cross-country skiing, sledging or curling if there’s enough snow. Why not give it a go?
• Karneval (Carnival) – or Fasching, as we call the fifth season in Munich – usually falls in the month of February. Although Munich cannot be described as a Carnival stronghold, the dance of the market women at the Viktualienmarkt food market on Shrove Tuesday is a unique spectacle the world over. Winter is the best time to explore Munich on foot: we will show you the most beautiful routes – and recommend the best culinary refreshments to warm you up along the way.

To get you in the mood: Winter in Munich

Photos: Dominik Morbitzer, Redline Enterprises