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Denmark is a beautiful place to visit, and it’s home to quaint villages, scenic nature reserves, and the bustling city of Copenhagen. The coastal nation is known for colorful architecture, winter weather, and seafood cuisine, making it a haven for European and international tourists.
Plan your next trip to Denmark with us and make the most of your time by traveling in the best season. We’ll also show you the cheapest and least touristy times in Denmark and tips for going during the worst month. Let us be your guide!
Why You Should Visit Denmark
Denmark is an autonomous nation in northern Europe with around 5.8 million citizens. The country has a rich history dating back to the Vikings, and you can visit dozens of museums, castles, and cathedrals. Denmark also has endless miles of lush natural beauty, ideal for hiking, boating, and touring ancient sites.
Overall Best Time to Visit Denmark
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The best time to visit Denmark is from May to October. It’s the height of the warm season, and travelers can enjoy longer days and comfortable temperatures.
Go outside and tour a castle, check out a cultural festival, or stroll the streets of Copenhagen and bask in the excellent weather. Temperatures are warmest at the best time, making it easier to travel without delays.
However, Denmark has quite cool weather year-round, so you won’t have to worry about sweltering heat if you visit in the summer. Copenhagen hovers around 50°F during the summer and peaks at 70°F for a high in July, but it may be colder in more northern cities.
The tourist season is in full swing in the summer and early fall and features many activities and events. Roskilde Festival, in June or July, is the largest music festival in the area, and it celebrates local culture and welcomes international musicians.
Also, check out the colorful Aalborg Carnival in May or sample Danish cuisine at the Aarhus Food Festival in September. Summer and early fall are ideal for walking tours, and you can learn about local history with a guided tour in English in a place like Copenhagen.
The Nyhavn area is a port in Copenhagen popular with tourists, and it’s associated with the beloved author Hans Christian Andersen. Also, consider heading up to Rosenburg Castle on a sunny day.
Cheapest Time to Visit Denmark
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March to April is the cheapest time to visit Denmark. It’s just before the tourist season and features cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Accommodation, flights, and things to do are all cheaper as a result of the low tourism.
Compared to the best time, the cheapest time isn’t as great. It’s colder outside, and there are fewer activities in big cities like Copenhagen or Aarhus.
However, you can still enjoy Denmark in the cheaper season and score deals on travel while taking advantage of the smaller crowds. Expect temperatures in the 30s and 40s, and bring warm clothing.
Most days are cloudy, and you may see a few days of rain, so consider a light rain jacket or an umbrella. If you visit in March, you’ll likely see snowfall, which is beautiful on the colorful rooftops of Denmark’s villages.
Score deals on flights by flying into a major airport with cheaper fares. You can fly into Copenhagen Airport and take a train to your destination.
Travelers can also save by doing free activities, like the Botanical Garden in the Natural History Museum of Copenhagen or the Møns Klint nature hike near Moen.
Least Busy Time to Visit Denmark
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November to February is the least busy time in Denmark. At the height of the offseason, the cold winter months discourage travelers from going to Denmark.
You can take advantage of the decreased tourism and experience Denmark at its quietest, enjoying peak winter in Denmark with its snowy days, late sunrises, and cozy hygge culture.
Mid-November starts the holiday festivities, and visitors are welcome to partake in local traditions like Christmas markets, Nutcracker ballet showings, and warming mugs of Danish Glogg wine.
Head to Amalienborg Square on New Year’s Eve for a parade and fireworks, or stick around until February for a jazz festival. Snowfall peaks during the least busy time, and you’ll see a few light inches of snow in Copenhagen.
Northern cities like Aalborg have more snow and ice, so it’s prudent to keep travel plans flexible during a winter storm.
There’s very little sunlight during the winter, and some areas of Denmark have as little as seven hours a day, so it’s best to plan outdoor activities at midday. In addition, you can save money on flights by booking your trip to Denmark at least two months in advance.
Also, consider alternative forms of travel, as it can be expensive to fly into Denmark. The country has an extensive rail system that connects with other major cities and most of mainland Europe.
Worst Time to Visit Denmark
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January is the worst month to visit Denmark. The weather is cold, fewer events are happening, and flights may be more difficult to book due to winter weather.
We recommend traveling during a different time, but we’re here to help if you want to visit in January. The weather in January ranges from 30°F to 37°F in Copenhagen and is even colder in northern areas.
Even southern destinations like coastal Gedser Odde have freezing temperatures in January, so you’ll need to pack warm clothes and plan on spending time indoors. Expect a few days of rain and short days with early sunsets.
You can still have a pleasant vacation if you visit in January. Plan some indoor activities, like Christiansborg Palace, The National Museum of Denmark, or Aarhus Theatre.
Also, check out The Lego House in Billund and National Aquarium Denmark, the largest aquarium in northern Europe. New Year’s celebrations happen in January and typically occur in Copenhagen.
There aren’t any music festivals or other holidays, but you can still enjoy your time. If you don’t mind a quiet vacation, retreat to a village like Roskilde or Dragor, both within driving distance of Copenhagen but more secluded and peaceful.
Things to Consider
Consider these tips for the best vacation in Denmark:
- Figure out your currency. Denmark is becoming a cashless nation, and it’s best to have an international credit card. If you want to use cash, the Danish Krone is the main currency, and you may have trouble finding places that accept Euros.
- Rent a bike. Bikes are a great way of getting around many major cities, and you can rent them for the day or your entire trip.
- Be aware of safety issues. The US government lists Denmark as a Level 2 safety concern due to terrorism, so be on your guard in busy public places.
- Check up on your Visa requirements. American and United Kingdom citizens can stay up to 90 days without a Visa, and European Union citizens can travel freely without a passport.
- Try the food. Don’t leave Denmark without trying the street food! You can find Danish hot dogs, pork sandwiches, and crispy fried meatballs on the streets of Copenhagen.
- English is common. Many Danes speak English comfortably, and you should have no trouble navigating the cities as an English speaker.
- There are some cultural differences in Denmark. While Danes are very polite, they may not say “thank you” as often, as it’s usually a given.
- It’s cozy. Fall in love with the hygge culture in a cozy Danish village. Hygge (pronounced “Hooga”) is the Danish practice of coziness, and you can experience it by lighting candles, putting on a warm sweater, and drinking a cup of Glogg.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check out these frequently asked questions before you head to Denmark:
How many days are enough for Denmark?
Three to seven days is the ideal time to spend in Denmark, and you can see all the major sights and attractions with plenty of time for relaxing. Denmark is a small country, and it’s easy to get around with the train system. You could reasonably see Copenhagen and other coastal villages in less than a week.
Is Denmark better in summer or winter?
Denmark is beautiful year-round, but it’s better to visit in the summer. The temperatures are warm, prices are reasonable, and there are tons of festivals happening. Consider going in the winter if you want a secluded vacation and don’t mind the cold.
What is high season in Denmark?
June to August is the high season in Denmark. Tourism is at its peak, prices are higher, and there are more events and things to do. Save money in the high season by visiting a smaller town and avoiding busy areas like Copenhagen.
What is the rainy season in Denmark?
Denmark’s rainy season runs from June to January. December is the peak, with 9.6 days of rain in the capital city area. That said, rain isn’t usually obtrusive in Denmark and is just light showers.
Is Denmark expensive?
Yes, Denmark is an expensive country to visit. Save money by traveling midweek in the offseason, or try free activities like outdoor parks and self-guided castle tours.
What is the best way to travel around Denmark?
The best way to travel around Denmark is by car or train. The country has an excellent road system, and tourists can rent a car after flying into Denmark. Also, consider getting a Eurail Denmark pass, which will get you access to the nation’s rail system.
What month is best to go to Copenhagen?
The summer and early fall are the best times to go to Denmark, and August is the peak month. Visit in August for long days of sunlight, warm temperatures, and events like the Shakespeare Festival and Vanguard Music Festival.
What is the darkest month in Denmark?
December is the darkest month in Denmark, with seven hours of daylight on average. You can plan sightseeing earlier in the day and spend the evenings inside a cozy restaurant like Garden & Gaden in Norrebrogade. Or, head into a city for a Christmas lights display or fireworks on December 31st.
So, When Should You Visit Denmark?
The best time to visit Denmark is from May to October. The warmer months are best for seeing top sights like castles and ancient Viking sights, but you can save money and visit in the winter if you don’t mind staying indoors.
Your trip will be fantastic whenever you go, so start planning your journey to Denmark for the vacation of a lifetime!