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

Nuremberg (spelled Nürnberg in German) is the second-largest city in Bavaria, located in the southern part of Germany. The climate here is continental, meaning there are cold, occasionally freezing, winters and pleasantly warm summers. At any time of year, visitors should be prepared for unpredictable conditions as the weather can change from rain to sun to hail. Rain is common throughout the year totaling 25 inches (640 millimeters) per year, and the highest precipitation actually occurs in summer.

The best time to visit Nuremberg is around May and again in early September. These months usually offer the best of warm temperatures, low crowds, and reliably sunny days. When planning your trip you may ignore freezing temperatures and also consider visiting during Christmas. Nuremberg has one of the country's best Christmas markets and it is worth braving the cold.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: July (64 F / 18 C)
• Coldest Month: January (31 F / -1 C)
• Wettest Month: July (3.1 inches)
• Sunniest Month: July (7.6 hours per day)

Spring in Nuremberg

Spring in Nuremberg is like awakening from a long, grey nap. People emerge from their homes ready to welcome the thaw that hopefully begins by late March. Biergartens slowly open (depending on weather) with hearty Starkbier (strong beers) and the cherry blossoms arrive between April and May.

Some spring days the temperatures still dip down with snow making rare appearances until mid-March. Temperatures should significantly improve by late May with highs of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) and above. Cloud cover can be depressingly consistent but starts to break up as spring pushes on.

When planning a trip in spring, note the importance of Easter which is a major holiday in Germany. Along with Easter Sunday, Friday and Monday are national holidays and everything from grocery stores to government offices are closed. The week before and after are also a common time to travel as they are school holidays. There will be higher traffic, full accommodations, and a busy event calendar. There is also the Nürnberger Volksfeste (Nuremberg Folk Festivals) and Nürnberger Trempelmarkt (Nuremberg Flea Market) in spring.

What to pack: Pack plenty of layers to visit Nuremberg in spring. Days can get quite warm, but mornings and evenings are cool. Be prepared with a rain jacket or umbrella as rain can sweep in quickly.

Average Temperatures by Month

• March: 32 F / 48 F (0 C / 9 C)
• April: 37 F / 57 F (3 C / 14 C)
• May: 46 F / 66 F (8 C / 19 C)

Summer in Nuremberg

Summer is the busiest time to visit Nuremberg (outside of Christmas). The days are long and often sunny, but most of the year's rain also falls during this season, sometimes during violent thunderstorms. Temperatures range from mild to approaching hot at around 82 to 90 F (28 to 32 C). July is traditionally the warmest, sunniest month which means it can get uncomfortably hot as there is not much air-conditioning in businesses or homes.

People take advantage of the warmth sunbathing in the many parks, sitting at the biergarten into the evening, and enjoying endless ice cream. Festivals like Fränkisches Bierfest (Franconian Beer Festival) bring everyone to the city center. This is also the high time for tourist season with accommodation prices reaching their peak.

What to pack: Prepare for summer in Nuremberg with light slacks, shorts, dresses, and a swimsuit. Bring along sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for those days. Like the rest of the year, however, never forget something to protect you from the periodic rain showers and a sweater or jacket for evenings.

Average Temperatures by Month

• June: 54 F / 73 F (12 C / 23 C)
• July: 55 F / 77 F (13 C / 25 C)
• August: 55 F / 75 F (13 C / 24 C)

Fall in Nuremberg

Nuremberg's fall season means the days shorten once again and temperatures start to drop back down, but the transition is usually slow. Warm long evenings can continue well into September. But by November the chill is on and rainstorms can turn to hail. Snow can appear as early as November, although light frost and fog are more common. Cloudy skies return, but brilliant fall foliage adds some much-needed color. The city also starts to look a bit merrier by end of November when the legendary Christmas markets begin to open.

Between August and the opening of the Christmas markets, tourism is down so you can expect lower crowds and prices—with one big exception. Oktoberfest in nearby Munich takes place for two weeks from late September to early October and the millions of visitors there often bleed over to neighboring areas like Nuremberg. The city has its own festivals of Nürnberger Altstadtfest (Old Town Festival Nuremberg) and Mittelalterliches Burggrabenfest (Medieval Castle Moat Festival) in September.

What to pack: There will still be warm days, particularly during daylight hours, but be prepared for the lower temperatures with a rain-proof jacket, sweater, and pants. It might also be time for a scarf and mittens as the chill takes hold.

Average Temperatures by Month

• September: 48 F / 66 F (9 C / 19 C)
• October: 41 F / 57 F (5 C / 14 C)
• November: 34 F / 45 F (1 C / 7 C)

Winter in Nuremberg

Winter in Nuremberg starts in the glow of Christmas magic. Everything seems a little more special when lit by the cheery lights of the Christmas markets. Visitors stay warm through their stomachs, consuming steaming mugs of glühwein, paper cones of roasted chestnuts (heisse maronen), and drei im weggla (three sausages in a bun).

But even with a full belly, you will need to bundle up. Days are frosty, grey, and cool with daily temperatures just a few degrees above freezing. Snow adds a picturesque element to winter and falls frequently, but only occasionally accumulates. Rainfall and sunshine are at a minimum and the nights are long, and cold, and dark.

After the Christmas markets close at end of December to early January, the weather can really be a bit dreary until spring. That does mean that crowds are at their lowest from January to March and prices for travel are low.

What to wear: Bring all your warm clothes to visit Nuremberg in winter. While temperatures may not drop much lower than freezing, it is best to be prepared with slip-proof boots, a quality coat layered over a sweater, pants, and even long johns. Top all this off with mittens, scarf, and hat to stay warm.

Average Temperatures by Month:

• December: 34 F / 45 F (1 C / 7 C)
• January: 27 F / 37 F (-3 C / 3 C)
• February: 27 F / 39 F (-3 C / 4 C)

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall and Daylight Hours