Weather in Munich: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Munich has four distinct seasons, and each season has something to offer visitors. The summer months of June and July offer lots of sunshine and plenty of places to chill in the Bavarian capital, while December's freezing temperatures pair perfectly with the many Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) and warming mugs of glühwein (mulled wine). The city's location near the Alps also make it the perfect place to enjoy winter sports. Even Oktoberfest's less than perfect weather (it frequently rains) draws massive crowds.

Here is an overview of the weather in Munich for all seasons with information on average temperatures, what to wear, and what to do any time of the year.

Fast Climate Facts for Munich:

• Hottest Month: July (66 degrees F / 19 degrees C)
• Coldest Month: January (32 degrees F / 0 degrees C)
• Wettest Month: July (4.56 inches)
• Most Sunshine: July (Averages 8 sunshine hours per day)

Spring in Munich

Munich's frühling (spring) bursts onto the scene with a burst of warmer temperatures, biergarten openings, cherry blossoms, and festivals.

The city begins to thaw by the end of March, but snow may still make a surprise appearance. As soon as the chill breaks, Müncheners flock to the outdoors and take their place at the many cafes and beer gardens.

Festivals also kick off with events like Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival), also known as the “Insider's Oktoberfest.” Boozy beers and beer tents echo the country's most popular beer festival, but with better weather. Münchner Frühlingsfest (Munich's Spring Festival) formally welcomes the spring with rides, live music, and more beer. Easter in Germany is also a national holiday with Friday and Monday off, but it has an unfortunate tendency to rain over the break. By May, festival season is officially on, starting with the charms of May Day. The maibaum (may pole) in every southern town is fancifully decorated with ribbons, flowers, and wappen (village insignia).

A full listing of May Day events in Munich can be found on the Munich city website, or discover events happening throughout Bavaria.

What to pack: Wear layers for warm days in the limited sunlight, but be prepared for colder temperatures out of the light and in the evening, as well as rain gear. A scarf is always a good idea in Germany.

Average Temperatures by Month:

• March: 40 degrees F / 4 degrees C
• April: 49 degrees F / 9 degrees C
• May: 56 degrees F / 13 degrees C

Summer in Munich

Sommer, or Summer, is an idyllic time to visit Munich. It is often warm, not hot, but some days will spike into the high 90s and you should be prepared that few homes or even businesses have air conditioning. Note that rain is common throughout the year, even in summer.

July is usually the warmest month, and the month with the most sunlight. Many people choose to visit during this month. While temperatures are similar in August, bees appear in late summer and can take away some of the relaxed vibe.

The Englischer Garten is the perfect place to lay out in the grass, and the daring can even do it nude. Leisurely shop in the many farmers markets, like the legendary Viktualienmarkt. There are also plenty of lakes accessible by public transport to take a dip like Starnberg Lake. This is also the season to take advantage of the many hiking trails in the area.

What to pack: Have your swimming and hiking gear ready, but also your rain gear.

Average Temperatures by Month:

• June: 62 degrees F / 17 degrees C
• July: 66 degrees F / 19 degrees C
• August: 64 degrees F / 18 degrees C

Fall in Munich

During the best years (a.k.a. the driest), the colorful foliage of herbst (autumn) combines with the lingering warmth of altweibersommer (Indian summer). The light does begin to fade and days get shorter quickly. Watch for the föhn, a wind that sweeps down from the mountains and is particularly strong in the fall.

Oktoberfest is the biggest event of the year in Munich, as well as the whole of Germany. It takes place—rain or shine—from late September to October. While the fairgrounds are huge and you will get rained on during poor weather, making the carnival rides less of a highlight, the bulk of the festivities take place in the beer tents protected from the elements. Many towns have smaller harvest festivals you might enjoy. This is also a low-cost time to visit, outside of Oktoberfest dates.

November is usually when the weather really turns from fresh to frosty. To cope with the coming chill, watch for the Christmas market openings in late November. For those that are mourning the loss of the heat, indulge in the German tradition of visiting the sauna.

What to pack: Temperatures can cool down quickly, and it is time to break out the boots and scarves. If you're visiting a traditional folk fest, pack or buy a Dirndl or Lederhose (traditional clothing).

Average Temperatures by Month:

• September: 57 degrees F / 14 degrees C
• October: 49 degrees F / 9 degrees C
• November: 41 degrees F / 5 degrees C

Winter in Munich

Winter in Munich is a freezing affair. Temperatures drop well below 0 degrees F regularly, and the wind chill can be shiver-inducing. To combat this, the warming enchantments of Munich Christmas markets and treats can warm you from the inside.

Embrace the cold and Munich's proximity to the Bavarian Alps by engaging in winter sports from skiing to snowshoeing. The season starts as early as November, but is best mid-winter in the new year.

To start the year, celebrate New Years (or Silvester) on December 31. Join the locals in eating mustard doughnuts, drinking sekt (sparkling wine) and lighting fireworks.

Another good reason to visit at this time is that January and February are some of the most affordable months to visit Germany. Transport costs are low, and attractions are far less crowded.

What to pack: Put on all your warm clothes for winter in Munich. Layer long johns with your warmest sweaters and top with water-proof mittens and hats. Wrap yourself up in thick, woven scarves. And slip into sturdy boots that can handle slick, icy conditions. If you really want to fit in with the Germans, keep your kidneys warm (a real belief of more superstitious members of society).

Average Temperatures by Month:

• December: 35 degrees F / 2 degrees C
• January: 32 degrees F / 0 degrees C
• February: 32 degrees F / 0 degrees C