What's the best time to visit Berlin?
The best time to visit Berlin is between May and September when the city comes alive with warm weather, long days, and a packed calendar of cultural events. This period allows for the full experience of Berlin’s outdoor sights and vibrant street life, from the colorful blooms of spring to the lively festivals of summer and the crisp, picturesque autumn.
Thinking about taking a trip to Berlin, but aren’t sure when to go? You just need to know the best time to visit Berlin and what highlights await you in each season. We’ll give you all the information you need to plan the perfect trip.
We’ll examine which months have the best weather, the lowest travel costs, and the smallest crowds. We’ll also let you know the worst times to check out the city and provide helpful hints to maximize your vacation and make some magical Berlin memories. Let’s check it out!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Berlin
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The overall best time to visit Berlin is between May and September. This period has the best weather and most moderate temperatures, which allow you to enjoy traveling through the city and seeing the many outdoor sights comfortably.
From late spring to early fall, you’re in for a treat in Berlin! The days are long, providing plenty of daylight for exploration. The days can get up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so dressing in layers is wise.
Walking the city is a joy during late spring, summer, and early fall. However, every season has its charms and virtues. Some visitors prefer cooler weather to a balmy 86-degree day. Berlin has plenty to offer throughout the year.
Springtime in Berlin
Berlin springs are beautiful and moderate. Daily temperatures range from 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The city grows abundant beautiful flowers throughout the season. Berlin’s many parks and gardens burst with tulips and daffodils.
By May, all of Berlin will be in full bloom. The warm temperatures allow you to wander the city’s parks and gardens and explore the streets. Gallery Weekend runs from late April to early May, a fantastic reason to visit for art and culture enthusiasts.
Summer in Berlin
June, July, and August are Berlin’s warmest months. The city has abundant swimming lakes for visitors to cool off in. Berlin’s longest days land in June. June temperatures often exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Berlin is full of exciting outdoor activities tailored to summertime.
The city offers bike tours, swimming, and abundant ice cream parlors. It’s the perfect setting for a dreamy summer visit. July is Berlin’s wettest month, averaging over nine days of rain. The month generally gets about 2 inches of rain.
Autumn in Berlin
If you’d rather delay your Berlin trip to cooler months, autumn in the city is beautiful and vibrantly colorful. The trees change colors, and the leaves lend the city bright, lively hues.
October weather is dry but cool. Temperatures range from 48 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures may seem chilly until you consider the wide range of physical activities Berlin offers visitors.
During Autumn, tourists enjoy:
- Kite flying
- Hiking
- Inline skating
- Biking
Autumn offers plenty of unique experiences in the autumn, including Berlin Art Week, the Festival of Lights, and The Berlin Marathon in late September. Berlin Beer Week occurs in September. The ten-day festival spreads throughout the city and includes beer tastings, food pairings, pub crawls, and karaoke.
Cheapest Time to Visit Berlin
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The cheapest time to visit Berlin is the winter months. January, February, March, and November all have lower rates for flights and hotels.
These are colder months, which tend to sideline tourism. However, the city still offers plenty during winter if you can handle the cold. Note that December rates are always a bit higher as people arrive to attend and see the city’s many Christmas attractions.
Not a fan of cold and snow? If you’re prepared to pay a bit more for more temperate weather, Berlin’s shoulder season is April through mid-June and September until Oktoberfest. The weather is warmer than in the winter, though still dicey.
Crowds are smaller, so you’ll be able to enjoy this city without needing to shoulder your way through busy crowds. If affordability is your primary determining factor, pay attention to any major festivals or events occurring.
Deals on Berlin Hotels
Hotels in Berlin offer their best nightly deals in January, July, August, and November. The average nightly hotel rates during these months run under $100.
February, March, May, and October rates run slightly higher. June, September, April, and near Christmas rates run the highest, averaging well over $150 per night.
Deals on Airfare to Berlin
Airfare is a crucial consideration for anyone traveling from a greater distance. Generally speaking, roundtrip flight costs linger around $500 to Berlin. January, May, September, and December see small spikes in prices.
Higher temperatures lead to higher plane ticket costs, so June, July, and August are the most expensive months to fly to Berlin. June is the most expensive month, costing just over $1,500, while July comes between $1,000 and $1,500.
August sees a dip, coming in just under $1,000. Red-eye flights, airline loyalty programs, and price comparison websites help you book the cheapest trip.
Least Busy Time to Visit Berlin
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Berlin is quietest and less busy in the colder months from October to January. It’s a great time to go to avoid big crowds. Tourists are drawn to the city’s many beautiful gardens, parks, and historic sites.
The best way to travel the city is on foot, so visitors prefer warmer weather for their visit. That means the months of October, November, December, and January all experience relatively low levels of tourism.
These months are chilly but cheaper, making them perfect for a budget trip! If you want smaller crowds and clearer streets, visit Berlin in winter. May and June are Berlin’s busiest months by a rather large margin.
However, if you’re looking for medium crowds, March, April, July, and August have warmer temperatures and fall firmly in the middle for visitor numbers.
Worst Time to Visit Berlin
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Winter from December to February is the worst time to visit Berlin due to the cold temperatures and short daylight hours.
Berlin is an ambulatory city with many outdoor attractions, and because its winters are frigid, you should avoid them (unless, of course, you enjoy the cold temperatures).
However, there is no truly bad time to visit Berlin. What period you avoid depends on what you’re hoping to experience or looking to evade.
April brings unpredictable weather. The month may be perfectly temperate and mild; however, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the weather you want. If your plans rely on dependable weather, avoid April.
Berlin by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Berlin? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January in Berlin is cold and often snowy, with temperatures ranging from -3 to 3°C (27-37°F). This month is perfect for exploring Berlin’s world-class museums like the Pergamon and Neues Museum, enjoying cozy cafes, and attending the Berlin Fashion Week.
February
February continues with chilly weather, ideal for experiencing the Berlin International Film Festival, exploring historic sites like the Berlin Wall Memorial, and enjoying Berlin’s vibrant nightlife.
March
As spring begins to show, temperatures in Berlin range from 1 to 8°C (34-46°F). March is great for visiting the Botanical Garden in bloom, exploring the East Side Gallery, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at one of Berlin’s Irish pubs.
April
April brings milder weather, with temperatures around 4 to 13°C (39-55°F). Enjoy cherry blossoms in Gärten der Welt, visit the Reichstag building, and explore the diverse neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg.
May
May sees warmer temperatures from 9 to 19°C (48-66°F). It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities like picnicking in Tiergarten, boating on the Spree River, and attending the Carnival of Cultures festival.
June
June brings pleasant weather, with temperatures between 14 to 22°C (57-72°F). Explore Berlin’s open-air markets, enjoy the Fête de la Musique, and relax in one of the city’s many beer gardens.
July
July is warm, with temperatures from 16 to 24°C (61-75°F). Celebrate the Berlin Pride Parade (Christopher Street Day), enjoy outdoor concerts and movies, and visit the Badeschiff floating swimming pool on the Spree.
August
August continues with warm weather, offering temperatures from 15 to 23°C (59-73°F). Visit the Museum Island, enjoy the International Berlin Beer Festival, and explore the vibrant street art scene.
September
As fall begins, temperatures in Berlin range from 11 to 19°C (52-66°F). September is perfect for attending the Berlin Art Week, exploring the Tempelhofer Feld, and enjoying the Berlin Marathon.
October
October sees cooler temperatures from 6 to 13°C (43-55°F). Enjoy the Festival of Lights, visit the Berlin Zoo, and explore the historic Charlottenburg Palace and its gardens.
November
Fall temperatures in November range from 3 to 7°C (37-45°F). This month is ideal for visiting the Berlin Jazz Festival, exploring indoor attractions like the DDR Museum, and experiencing the beginning of the Christmas market season at the end of the month.
December
Winter brings colder temperatures ranging from 0 to 4°C (32-39°F). December is festive with Christmas markets across the city, including the famous ones at Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz, and celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Brandenburg Gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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While we’ve covered the best time to visit Berlin for a range of different trip goals, a few frequently asked questions remain. Read through them to learn more and have the most successful trip possible!
How many days should I spend in Berlin?
You should spend no less than 5 days in Berlin to thoroughly see the city. Berlin is full of museums, history, and art.
You'll need enough time to experience all the city has to offer, especially if you're planning to bike or walk to visit the various attractions.
Is Berlin a walkable city?
Absolutely! Berlin is Germany's most walkable city. Walk Score granted Berlin a score of 97 out of 100 points. Get out and stretch your legs while you see the sights here.
Is Berlin friendly to tourists?
Berliners are very welcoming to tourists. Germans are personable and friendly and always prepared to welcome visitors into their homes.
What is considered rude in Germany?
Berlin has its own code of conduct and politeness. To avoid offending your host city, don't chew gum or put your hands in your pockets while in direct conversation. Keep your feet off of furniture and always be on time.
Is English spoken in Berlin?
Yes. Most Berliners are fluent in English, so English-speaking visitors will be able to communicate easily and freely.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Berlin?
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | May-September |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | January-March & November |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | October-January |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | December-February |
Berlin is beautiful year-round, with lots of sights to see and museums to visit. However, the period between May and September is definitely the best time to visit Berlin.
These months have the most moderate temperatures and the greatest amounts of daylight. You’ll be able to comfortably walk the city and take in all the sights during the late spring through the early fall.
Go during the winter months for the cheapest accommodations and flights (except for December, when rates climb). October through January is a great time to go for smaller crowds!
Try to avoid visiting in winter if you hate the cold or want to spend a lot of time outdoors. April may be the worst time to go if you’re relying on good weather for your visit – it’s really unpredictable in spring.
You’re sure to have an amazing visit that enriches you and leaves you with great memories when you visit Berlin. Go during the best time, the cheapest time, or the least busy time – whatever suits your trip goals!