The climate of Berlin
Berlin has a moderate continental type of climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) with warm, wet summers and cold, relatively dry winters. Berlin, the capital of
Germany, straddles the River Spree in the western borough of Spandau of the northeast part of the country. Berlin's location in the temperate latitudes and the Northern European Plain mainly influences its climate.
Berlin has a topography that consists of rivers, lakes, canals, forests, woodlands, marshlands, and flatlands with an average elevation of 34 meters above sea level. Cold air masses from Siberia and Atlantic cold currents influence the climate of Berlin. The city has different microclimates with more significant seasonal temperature differences than a typical oceanic climate. An urban heat island effect is prominent in the core area of Berlin.
Berlin experiences all four seasons distinctly, with moderate weather and rainfall quite evenly distributed throughout the year. Winter temperatures average from -1.9°C (28.6°F) to 4.1°C (39.4°F) and can be quite chilly due to the city's northern latitude. Snowfall ranges between a light dusting of 2mm (0.08") in
November to a borderline snowstorm of 44mm (1.73") in
January, with the number of snowfall days peaking at around 9.6 in January. In contrast, summers are mild to moderately warm, with temperatures topping at 24.9°C (76.8°F) in
August. Relative humidity steadies between 65% in August, to a high of 89% in January, contributing to the city's overall damp feel. Additionally, Berlin enjoys a reasonable share of sunshine ranging from 3.1 hours per day in
December, gradually increasing to the year's maximum of 10.1 hours per day in August.
The best time to visit Berlin
The most favourable time to visit
Berlin would arguably be late spring through early autumn, between
May and
September, when the city enjoys its highest temperatures, between 15.5°C (59.9°F) in May to a maximum of 24.9°C (76.8°F) in
August. This period also experiences the most sunshine, from 8.8 hours in May to 10.1 hours in August. The rainfall is consistently moderate with an increase during the summer months, notably 43mm (1.69") in
July, but it does not heavily affect outdoor activities due to warm temperatures. Tourists can comfortably explore the city under an average relative humidity ranging from 67% to 68%.
The worst time to visit Berlin
Between
December and
February,
Berlin goes through intense winter conditions, making it quite challenging for tourists who are not used to such weather. The temperature in these months typically fluctuates from a low of -1.9°C (28.6°F) in December to an average of 2.2°C (36°F) in February. Snowfall increases up to a peak of 44mm (1.73") in
January, which, coupled with an average relative humidity of 86.3%, can create difficult conditions for sightseeing trips. Moreover, the daylight hours are shortest during these months, from 7.8 hours in December, which means fewer hours for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Berlin
Spring in
Berlin marks the transition from chilly winters to mild summers. From
March to
May, temperatures warm up from 1.6°C (34.9°F) to 15.5°C (59.9°F). Simultaneously, rainfall shows a minor surge, from 18mm (0.71") in March to 26mm (1.02") in May. Relative humidity in spring fluctuates in the healthy range from 78% in March down to 67% in May. The daylight hours also increase from 11.9 hours in March to 15.8 in May, providing ample time to peruse the city's blooming flora.
Summer weather in Berlin
Summer, from
June to
August, is the warmest period to visit
Berlin. The city experiences its highest temperature of 24.9°C (76.8°F) in August. Though rainfall escalates during this period, peaking at 43mm (1.69") in
July, it often does not disrupt outdoor plans due to the warm conditions. Berlin also enjoys the maximum sunshine hours, peaking at 10.1 hours in August. Additionally, the relative humidity stays relatively low, averaging at around 66%, offering a pleasant climate to endure the minor showers.
Autumn weather in Berlin
Autumn weather in
Berlin varies from mild in
September to cooler conditions in
November. Temperature decreases from 19.9°C (67.8°F) in September to around 8.2°C (46.8°F) in November. Similarly, daylight hours decrease at a steady rate from 12.7 in September to 8.8 in November. The city gets moderate rainfall throughout this period, peaking at 24mm (0.94") in
October. The onset of cooler conditions brings an increase in relative humidity, from 71% in September to 85% in November.
Winter weather in Berlin
Winters in
Berlin - from
December to
February - come with cold days and even colder nights. The temperature oscillates from 4.1°C (39.4°F) in December down to -1.9°C (28.6°F) in
January. Snowfall is prevalent in these months, with January witnessing the highest snowfall of the year, up to 44mm (1.73"). Days are mostly short with sunlight dwindling from 3.2 hours daily in December to 2.2 hours in January. The high relative humidity of around 87% during this season accentuates the overall frigid conditions.
Weather in January
Boasting a slightly colder climate,
January in
Berlin,
Germany commences with a chilly feel compared to the end of the preceding year. Despite the chilling temperatures, life in the city carries on with its usual rhythm, undeterred by the frosty weather.
Weather in January »Weather in February
No perceptible difference differentiates the
February climate of
Berlin from that of
January. It still retains the winter chill though the intensity lessens slightly as the month advances, heralding the arrival of spring. The daylight gradually lengthens, hinting at the forthcoming changes in the seasons.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March in
Berlin experiences a noticeable transition, shifting from the dark winter period to the onset of spring. Temperatures start to rise, though a chill can still be felt in the mornings and evenings. The extended daylight hours present a brighter atmosphere, complementing the bustling energy of the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With the onset of
April,
Berlin citizens bid a welcome goodbye to the winter season. Rain replaces snow, bringing along the magical sight of Cherry Blossom trees blooming across the city. Longer daylight hours coupled with increasing temperature contribute to a brighter, more spirited atmosphere within the city.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings with it the promise of summer in the city of
Berlin. The onset of warm weather, expanding daylight hours and blooming flora set the stage for the arrival of the tourist season. The average temperature reaches up to 19°C (66.2°F), encouraging both locals and tourists to venture outdoors and appreciate the city's beauty.
Weather in May » Weather in June
By
June, the weather in
Berlin fully transitions into the summer season. Warm days filled with sunshine become the norm, with residents enjoying the expansive parks and water bodies the city hosts. A marked increase in daylight hours up to 16.7h caters to the city's lively night culture without affecting daily activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees a rise in temperature, heralding the peak of the summer season in
Berlin. The city buzzes with energy and life; the streets, parks and lakes thronged with tourists and locals alike. Open-air events, music festivals and vibrant nightlife characterize this time, adding to the city's appeal.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The warmth intensifies in
August, suggesting the summer peak progressing in
Berlin. Despite occasional thunderstorms, sunny days dominate, encouraging outdoor activities and events. August also offers a unique nightlife experience courtesy of the pleasant weather.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the commencement of the fall season in
Berlin, bringing a hint of the chill that will intensify in the coming months. Several outdoor events continue to take place, leveraging the decent temperatures and vibrant intricate fall colors.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Berlin is characterized by falling temperatures and shortening daylight hours. Autumn is in full swing, painting the city in vibrant hues and cooling the atmosphere. Residents prepare for the upcoming cold months, but not before enjoying the last of the comfortably cool days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in the first signs of winter in
Berlin. As temperatures drop, residents brace themselves for the colder months ahead. The early twilight hours render a calm atmosphere to the city, allowing for relaxed evenings. The drop in wind speed to 12.6km/h (7.8mph) mirrors the quietness of other weather parameters.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the last month of the year,
December in
Berlin falls in the winter season. Snowfall becomes a regular occurrence, decorating the city streets and parks. The holiday season's spirit, combined with the city lights, add magic to the winter wonderland.
Weather in December » [Resources]