What's the best time to visit Copenhagen?
The best time to visit Copenhagen is in the summer, which experiences comfortable weather with 17 hours of daylight, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring by bike. The city comes alive with numerous festivals and attractions like Tivoli Gardens open mainly in these warmer months. Summer’s pleasant temperatures and long days make it the best time to experience local life and culture.
The city of Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is a must-visit destination for lovers of design and culture, as well as anyone who is interested in the history of Scandinavia.
Its historic center is full of charming, colorful buildings like those in Nyhavn, palaces, and more whimsical historic attractions like the Tivoli Gardens or the Little Mermaid statue. For a more modern side of the city, visit the famous anarchist quarter Christiania or one of the centers for shopping and fine dining, like Strøget.
Copenhagen is the perfect destination for a stylish city break, especially if you visit when the city is at its liveliest. Keep reading to find out the best time to visit, as well as when to avoid this part of Denmark.
Overall Best Time to Visit Copenhagen
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The best time to visit Copenhagen is the summer, when Denmark’s normally gloomy weather lets up and you have the most options when it comes to activities in the city.
Summer in Copenhagen never gets too hot. In July, you can expect average high temperatures of 71 degrees Fahrenheit, although it does get hotter some days when there are heat waves. You will still need a light jacket to sit outside in the evenings, but temperatures are nice and comfortable.
Since Copenhagen is so far north, the length of the day changes drastically depending on the season. In June and July, you can expect a whopping 17 hours of sunlight daily, with the sun only setting at 10 PM.
The glorious summer weather means locals and tourists alike spend most of their days outdoors. You can sit on the café terraces and soak up the rays, or if you’re feeling braver, take a plunge into the harbor from one of the city’s many beaches.
The warmer months are also the best time to explore the city by bike. In fact, it’s the most bike-friendly city in the world, so the best way to experience local life and explore the entire city is on two wheels.
Summer is the liveliest season in Copenhagen, as locals come outside after a long winter indoors. The café terraces and streets tend to be packed.
Many of the city’s most iconic attractions are only open during the warmer months. The Tivoli Gardens are only open from March to September, with sporadic open weeks for Halloween and Christmas. Summer is peak festival season in Copenhagen.
Get a taste of the fun at some of the following events:
- Distortion dance music festival (June)
- Copenhell rock and metal festival (June)
- Sankt Hans midsummer festival (June 23rd)
- Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July)
- Copenhagen Fashion Week (August)
- Copenhagen Pride (August)
Cheapest Time to Visit Copenhagen
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The cheapest time to visit Copenhagen is in the late winter/early spring (January–March). The city hosts the fewest amount of visitors during this time due to the dreary weather, so demand for accommodations tends to be lower.
December is busy (and expensive) thanks to the Christmas markets and decorations, but once the holiday season is over, hotel prices go down.
In January, many hotels lower their rates by 20%–30%, with some offering discounts of up to 50%. Getting to Copenhagen is also cheapest during the winter. Flights to Copenhagen Airport are usually at their lowest in January, whether you are flying from elsewhere in Europe or a different continent.
Keep an eye out for post-New Year’s sales, which many airlines offer. If you want to visit for shopping, then the best time to visit is January.
Popular shopping areas like Strøget tend to have big sales in January, so you can find discounts even on popular brands. Just keep in mind that Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and no matter when you visit, expect your trip to put a dent in your budget.
Least Busy Time to Visit Copenhagen
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The winter months are the absolute least busy time to visit Copenhagen. You can also beat the crowds by visiting in spring (April–May) or fall (September–November) and have a chance at good weather as well.
Spring is unpredictable. You can have sunny days with temperatures that are close to summer’s weather or days of rain and chilly weather. However, the unpredictability is worth it to experience Copenhagen without the overwhelming crowds.
Many seasonal summer attractions like the Tivoli Gardens begin to open in the spring, so you can get the full Copenhagen experience. Fall weather is a bit better than in the spring.
Temperatures are cool and crisp, with average highs in October around 53 degrees Fahrenheit. There is rain, but mostly in the form of sporadic drizzle. Hotel prices drop drastically by early September and continue to get cheaper throughout the season.
By November, prices are low, and there are very few tourists around. You can still experience the best that Copenhagen has to offer in the fall. Although it is chillier, many terraces are heated, so you can still experience café culture with the locals as they resist getting driven inside.
Fall is the best time to visit for culture, since galleries, theatres, and other venues restart operations after a summer pause. Fall still has a lot of good events.
Although not a traditional Danish holiday, Halloween in Copenhagen is fun, with the Tivoli Gardens reopening with decorations for the holiday and other festivities, like ghost tours. By late November, you can catch the beginning of the Christmas season without the crowds.
Other festivals during this time include:
- Golden Days cultural festival (September)
- Culture Night (October)
- Hubertus Hunt (November)
Worst Time to Visit Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid frozen on February 28, 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark/Macca Sherifi/Shutterstock
The worst time to visit Copenhagen is the winter, which is dreary and chilly and doesn’t have as much going on as other seasons. Winter isn’t as cold as it can get in other Scandinavian cities, but it’s still quite unpleasant.
Daily high temperatures hover around the freezing point and go below freezing at night. The city gets some snow, but most of the time, it’s just covered in a consistent blanket of gray clouds.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find the sun in Copenhagen in winter. Not only is this the cloudiest season, with a 70% chance of cloud cover in December, but it also has the shortest days. The sun sets before 4 PM in December and January.
The glum weather makes it hard to enjoy outdoor activities or feel motivated to do much, and the winter can feel a bit quiet. The café terraces are shut down as people huddle indoors.
There are fewer festivals and major events than the rest of the year. This being a big city, there is always something to do, but it can feel a bit slow. There are some benefits to visiting Copenhagen in the winter.
Prices and crowd levels are at their lowest, so it may be the only season when budget travelers can visit Copenhagen. This season is also the best time to explore the Danish idea of hygge, or coziness.
Although we said summer is the best time to visit, it may not be the right choice for everyone. It is the most expensive and crowded time to visit the city, so if you were planning on mostly indoor activities anyway, winter may be the better choice.
Copenhagen by Month: Climate & Activities
Copenhagen, Denmark, Nov 2, 2022 A young couple ride bikes through Christiania/Alexanderstock23/Shutterstock
Still unsure about the best time to visit Copenhagen? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January in Copenhagen is cold, with temperatures ranging from -1 to 3°C (30-37°F). This month is ideal for experiencing the cozy Danish concept of ‘hygge’, visiting the National Museum of Denmark for a cultural insight, and enjoying the winter charm of Tivoli Gardens.
February
February continues with chilly weather, perfect for exploring the Rosenborg Castle, ice skating at Frederiksberg Runddel, and savoring traditional Danish cuisine in the city’s renowned restaurants.
March
As spring begins, temperatures in Copenhagen range from 0 to 6°C (32-43°F). March is great for strolling along the picturesque Nyhavn harbor, visiting the Design Museum Denmark, and exploring the historic Christiansborg Palace.
April
Spring temperatures in April range from 3 to 9°C (37-48°F). It’s an ideal time for enjoying the blossoming cherry trees in Bispebjerg Cemetery, exploring the vibrant Nørrebro district, and visiting the Copenhagen Zoo.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 8 to 15°C (46-59°F). Explore the open-air museum at Frilandsmuseet, enjoy a bike tour around the city, and attend the Copenhagen Beer Festival.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 12 to 20°C (54-68°F). June offers opportunities for attending the Copenhagen Distortion street festival, exploring the beautiful Frederiksberg Gardens, and enjoying long summer evenings at the city’s outdoor cafes.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 14 to 22°C (57-72°F). It’s a popular month for swimming at the harbor baths, attending the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, and visiting the Tivoli Gardens for its summer program.
August
Temperatures in August range from 14 to 21°C (57-70°F). Visit the Amalienborg Palace to witness the changing of the guard, enjoy a day at the Bakken amusement park, and explore the art at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
September
As fall begins in September, temperatures in Copenhagen range from 11 to 17°C (52-63°F). September is perfect for attending the Golden Days Festival, exploring the botanical garden, and enjoying the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival.
October
October sees cooler temperatures from 8 to 12°C (46-54°F). Enjoy the Halloween festivities in Tivoli Gardens, explore the National Gallery of Denmark, and experience the night culture during the Culture Night event.
November
Fall temperatures in November range from 3 to 7°C (37-45°F). This month is ideal for visiting the Cisternerne museum for modern glass art, exploring the Meatpacking District for its culinary scene, and enjoying cozy evenings in Copenhagen’s bars and cafes.
December
Winter brings cooler temperatures ranging from 0 to 4°C (32-39°F). December is festive with Christmas markets across the city, traditional Danish holiday celebrations, and ice skating at the rinks set up around the city. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and the beautifully decorated streets and shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are a few other questions that might help with planning a trip to Copenhagen:
How many days do you need for Copenhagen?
You should spend three days in Copenhagen. That gives you enough time to check out the city’s attractions without being bored.
Is Copenhagen better in the fall or spring?
Spring is a bit better in Copenhagen because you have a higher chance of experiencing sunny, warm weather and a lot of summer attractions are open in spring as well.
What is the best time to visit Denmark?
The best time to visit Denmark is in the summer. The warm weather is perfect for exploring Copenhagen and the surrounding countryside.
Is Copenhagen expensive to visit?
Copenhagen is very expensive to visit. It has one of the highest costs of living in the world, which means the cost of accommodations, food, and other expenses will be high.
What month is cheapest for Copenhagen?
January and February are the cheapest months for Copenhagen. You can find discounts on flights, hotels, and other expenses.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Copenhagen?
For great weather and even better events, visit Copenhagen in the summer. If you want to beat the worst of the summer crowds, try a visit in late spring or early fall. Winter has the lowest prices, but only for those willing to brave the cold.
So, with so much to see and do and plenty of amazing times to visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Copenhagen has to offer. Happy travels!