Time zone, time to visit, and weather in Berlin
Discover the best time to visit Berlin
From sunshine to rainy days, snowy streets and moderate temperatures: Berlin is always worth a visit. There are all sorts of things to do in the capital city, no matter the weather.
The best time to visit Berlin
May to September is the best time to visit Berlin. This is when you have the greatest chance to enjoy good weather, sunshine, and moderate temperatures. The days are long, the evenings calm and warm – ideal conditions for exploring the city. Temperatures during summer get up to 30 degrees.
Yet there is much to do in Berlin no matter the weather: walk through the blooming parks and gardens in spring. Berlin bursts to life in summer with open-air events, festivals, and long nights on the town. Autumn is colourful – not just the trees, but also at the Berlin Art Week and Festival of Lights. Berlin’s Christmas markets provide the perfect atmosphere in winter, while museums wait for you to discover the treasures they have in store.
Temperatures & climate in Berlin
The best time to visit Berlin comes down to how much time you plan for museums, city tours, and excursions out in nature. Berlin has a continental climate, meaning that there are considerable fluctuations in weather and temperature throughout the year.
Springtime weather in Berlin: blooming gardens, pleasant temperatures
The weather is usually very pleasant in spring. Temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees. March and April can also be quite pleasant. Daffodils, tulips, and other early bloomers mark the beginning of spring in the city’s parks and gardens. The cherry blossom, a very popular flower in Berlin, draws visitors in April.
Temperatures increase significantly in March, on average up to 10 degrees. It also rains less, and the days become much longer at about 12 hours. Festivals like MaerzMusik, Fashion Week, and ITB (the world’s largest travel convention) are major destinations for visitors. Now is also the perfect time for a boat tour or ride. Lean back and let the sights drift past you.
TICKETS FOR BOAT TOURS AND RIDES ON THE SPREE
April weather is unpredictable, but there are many beautiful days this month and the average highest temperature is 16 degrees! Berlin celebrates the big Spring Festival – but the mornings are often still quite cool.
Berlin blooms in May, when the weather invites you to discover new neighbourhoods and make day trips with warm temperatures. Cafes move their tables outside. For art and culture enthusiasts in particular, Berlin is worth a visit for the Gallery Weekend from late April to early May.
Summer in Berlin: outdoor activities, street festivals & fun in the water
From the swimming lakes in and near Berlin, to the banks of the Spree or rooftops throughout the city: There is always a lot to experience, and the city never seems to sleep. The warmest months are June, July, and August.
June is when the days are the longest. With lots of sunshine and average temperatures over 21 degrees, the weather is downright perfect. The same goes for July, August, and September, when the summer weather is ideal. Enjoy the vibrant life on the streets, take bike tours and day trips, go swimming and enjoy a delicious ice cream (every flavour of which can be found in Berlin).
Light festivals, Art Week & rustling leaves – autumn in Berlin
Berlin gets colourful in autumn – not just the trees, but also at the Berlin Art Week and Festival of Lights. The October weather in Berlin is usually dry, but temperatures get considerably cooler, averaging between 9 and 15 degrees. The Berlin Marathon in late September marks the last large outdoor sporting event of the year, but many people still go outside to enjoy the last pleasant Sundays of the year while they can. Kite flying, inline skating, hiking, and cycling are popular activities. After all, you hardly notice the cooler temperatures when you’re staying active. A hop on/hop off city tour is also worthwhile.
Winter in Berlin: Christmas markets & lighted streets
Berlin is always worth visiting in winter. Follow up your Christmas shopping with pleasant experiences, enjoy Berlin’s cultural wealth, and attend a Christmas concert or the traditional Nutcracker ballet. The streets and shops are decorated with festive lights, and Berlin’s Christmas markets invite you to browse.
Temperatures of -10 degrees or lower are not uncommon in Berlin in the winter. Temperatures tend to hover around freezing, while longer periods of frost with snow and ice, and a frozen Spree, are more likely to occur in January and February. Perfect opportunity to go ice skating or visit a sauna.
Berlin is cold and wet in January, with an average temperature of 1 degree. Do not forget to dress warm and pack sturdy shoes. The sun rises at 8 a.m. and sets again at 4:30 p.m. Perfect weather for visiting museums or treating yourself to a relaxed wellness day.
Visit museums and exhibitions, musicals and shows
The weather in February is not much better, but the days start to get longer and the sun peeks out from behind the clouds more frequently. Still, you should expect wintery temperatures just below freezing for about half of your stay. Invite your Valentine to a fantastic show, followed by a cosy restaurant with a fireplace.
November and December are ideal for taking walks – indoors, of course. Visit premium exhibitions and cultural sights throughout the city. If you still want to be active, you can also engage in indoor sports: fly in a wind tunnel, surf on artificial waves, or swim a few laps in Berlin’s historic indoor swimming baths. Starting in late November, the first Christmas markets open up and invite you to get in the festive spirit.
Event highlights for every month in Berlin
Tips for every type of weather
There’s something to do in Berlin for each type of weather. Whether you want to kick back or get active, are planning a shopping trip or want to discover art, culture, and history – our website contains all sorts of tips for how you can make the best of your Berlin holiday.
Regardless of season or weather, you should definitely plan good shoes for all your activities, and don’t forget your swimwear. Visit the numerous lakes in the summer, and the historic indoor swimming baths, saunas, and luxurious wellness services in the winter.
You should select your wardrobe depending on the season. Hat, scarf, and warm jackets in winter, shorts and dressed for the summer, as well as a light jumper or jacket in case the evenings get a little cooler. Precipitation remains consistent throughout the year.
Weather forecast: Berlin rain radar
It’s worth checking the weather forecast before visiting Berlin. Online weather services and local news stations offer very accurate weather forecasts for Berlin, some of which include the next 30 days. These usually also offer a rain radar and information for persons with allergies. Don’t let poor weather discourage you – there’s lots to discover in Berlin, rain or shine.
Berlin time zone
Berlin is in the Central European time zone, meaning that it is always one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Summer time, when the clocks are moved forward one hour, lasts from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October.
