Winter in Germany
In this article
Germany is a popular winter destination with the famous German Markets attracting travelers
from around the world, along with many other great reasons to spend winter in Germany.
There are lots of opportunities for snowsports in Germany in winter, as well as festive
celebrations and the best Christmas markets in the world in cities such as Berlin,
Munich, and Hamburg.
Christmas markets originated in Germany, with the first recorded Christmas market being
held there as early as the 13th century. Since then, they have become an advent tradition
around the world but nowhere are Christmas markets better than in Germany.
There are also lots of different types of festivals, including a chocolate festival and lots
of entertainment leading up to Christmas in Germany to get people into the Christmas spirit.
Winter Climate in Germany
The winter months can get very cold in Germany with temperatures often dropping into the minuses
in December and January. On average, January is the coldest month of the year in Germany, with
an average temperature of -2.8°C, lows of around -6°C, and highs of around 3°C.
January averages 7 days of rain with a total of 2 inches of rainfall, while December averages
8 days of rain and 2.4 inches of rainfall. The wettest month is May, with around 13 days of rain
and 4.4 inches of rainfall.
Germany often sees snowfall in the winter months, which is another reason it is a magical place
to visit at Christmas. The mountainous areas in the Bavarian Alps receive the most snow, while
Berlin and Munich also see quite a lot of snow.
If you do not like the cold weather then you might prefer to visit Germany in the warmer months
for sightseeing instead of winter activities.
Things to Do in Germany in Winter
Due to the cold winters and frequent snow, Germany is a hotspot for snow sports during winter
and you can do all types of snow-based activities from cross-country skiing, ice skating and
snowboarding to sledding.
For travelers who prefer a more relaxed trip, there is plenty more to do, such as exploring
the local culture in German cities and villages, visiting festivals like the Stollen Festival
or wandering around the Christmas markets.
Winter Holidays in Germany
There is lots going on over winter in Germany, including:
- ChocolART Chocolate Festival, Tubingen, 29th Nov to 3rd Dec.
The ultimate festival for chocolate lovers, ChocolART takes place at the beginning of December each year, where you can buy handmade chocolates (great Christmas gifts!) and see the creative chocolate artwork. - Stollen Festival, Dresden, 3rd Dec.
One of Germany's most famous food exports, stollen, is celebrated at this festival where you can buy tasty stollen products such as the famous Dresden Stollen. - Tollwood Winter Festival, Munich, 23rd Nov to 31st Dec.
The Tollwood Festival is a magnificent celebration of Christmas, featuring acrobatic shows, live music and lots of fun entertainment. - Christmas Garden, Berlin, 17th Nov to 1st Jan.
The Botanic Garden Berlin is transformed into a magical Christmas garden with impressive light displays, food stalls and mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm you up. - Christmas markets (many locations including Berlin and Munich).
| If you arevisiting Germany in winter a visit to a Christmas market or two is the top attraction in the holiday season. Wherever you go to Germany, there will be traditional Christmas markets somewhere nearby. - Circus Krone, Munich, 25th Dec to 31st Jan.
Amazing entertainment for all the family awaits at Circus Krone, a traditional circus with a long history. - Silvester NYE celebration, Berlin.
In Germany, New Year's Eve is known as Silvester and there are some exciting events around the country, including a spectacular fireworks display in Berlin, with famous music artists playing at Brandenburg Gate.
Popular Winter Sports in Germany
Due to the frequent snowfall in Germany, it is a top winter destination for winter sports such as:
- Skiing
- Cross country skiing
- Ice skating
- Snowboarding
- Snowtubing and sledding
- Snowshoe hiking
The Bavarian Alps and the Black Forest are the best places to find good snow, including resorts such
as Feldberg, Alpsee Grunten and Zugspitze Glacier (which has the highest peak in Germany).
Our Top 10 Places to Visit in Germany in Winter
Whether you want to explore the busiest cities or find a smaller town with fewer crowds, these
are the top places to visit in Germany in winter:
1. Berlin
The largest city and the capital of Germany, Berlin is the most popular place to visit for the
full Christmas experience. From the vast Christmas markets to soak in the festive atmosphere,
to historical sites such as the Berlin Wall, there are some fun ways to spend winter days in Berlin.
2. Munich
Bavaria's capital, Munich is also a very popular destination in November and December, with stunning
architecture such as romanesque churches and the Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall). Top attractions
in Munich include the Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt (farmers' market) and Marienplatz.
3. Cologne (Koln)
Cologne is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, spanning the River Rhine and it
was one of the largest medieval cities. It is a great place for sightseeing and places to visit
including the Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig, and Cologne Chocolate Museum. The Cologne Christmas
markets are also amongst the best in the world.
4. Nuremberg
The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is another fantastic place to visit in Germany in
winter. Nuremberg Castle, the Toy Museum, and the Documentation Center Nazi are popular tourist
attractions. Walking the city walls is also a great way to see the city.
5. Hamburg
The second largest city in Germany after Berlin, Hamburg is best known for the harbor, the Port
of Hamburg and it is one of the major transportation hubs in Europe. The city has a network
of canals, beautiful architecture, and a long history to explore.
6. Fussen and Neuschwanstein Castle
Fussen lies in southwest Bavaria and is home to Neuschwanstein Castle, which is a fairytale-like
castle positioned on a hill. Many people believe that the castle inspired Disney castles and it
featured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A guided tour of the castle is one of the top day
trip choices in Bavaria.
7. Rhine Valley in Winter
If you prefer to visit somewhere with stunning views than a busy city center, Rhine Valley is
the perfect place for a winter trip. It is a popular destination for walking holidays and the
Riesling vineyards are a hit with wine lovers. A cruise along the River Rhine is a fantastic
way to see this region.
8. Stuttgart Winter and Christmas Markets
For a truly traditional Christmas market experience, Stuttgart is one of the largest and most
spectacular. There are great food stalls, mulled wine stalls, arts and crafts and elaborate
decorations that transform the town hall into a winter wonderland that sparkles in the dark at night.
9. Zugspitze Mountain
Whether you are keen on winter sports and other outdoor activities or you want to experience some
of the most breathtaking views in Germany, the highest peak in Germany, Zugspitze Mountain is an
unforgettable place to visit. It is a top destination for skiing and the perfect place to enjoy
a White Christmas.
10. Dresden
Another place that is famous for the Christmas markets, Dresden has loads going on over the winter
months, including the Stollen Festival. There are also some stunning landmarks to visit, such as
the Zwinger building and gardens, Semper Opera House and the impressive Frauenkirche Dresden.
If you’re traveling from the U.S., you might want to check out our list of
top destinations in Germany for American citizens.
Travel Requirements: Visa for Germany
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is due to come into effect in 2023,
which will mean that non-European travelers who previously did not require a visa will now need to
apply for an ETIAS to enter Germany.
The ETIAS system has not been launched yet but it will involve completing a short online form to
provide information so that authorities can screen your details before being approved for entry to
the Schengen Area. It is being introduced to help improve security and personal safety in Europe
by monitoring visitors more comprehensively.
Before entering Germany, non-EU citizens will be required to apply for the ETIAS which will
electronically link to their passport and this will be checked by border control agents.
The processing times for ETIAS applications are expected to be less than a few days, as automated
screening checks will take place and it will be much quicker than applying for a visa
to visit Germany.
The ETIAS will be applicable for tourist purposes for visits of no longer than 90 days and the
ETIAS will be valid for three years, during which time travelers can visit the Schengen area
multiple times as a tourist, provided the linked passport is still valid.
Travelers who are citizens of countries that are not listed in the visa waiver countries and who
currently require a visa will still need to obtain a visa to visit Germany by applying through their
German embassy and attending an interview.
Final Thoughts on Winter in Germany
Germany is one of the most magnificent places in Europe to visit in wintertime for those who love
Christmas. The cities and snow-filled regions of Germany make a wonderful festive setting to get
into the spirit of Christmas.
Don’t forget that
Germany is cheaper than the U.S.
in some aspects like groceries and apartment renting.
However, the weather is cold from November through to February and spring with temperatures often
going below zero. If you are looking for a sunshine holiday, visit Germany in the summer months
or take a trip to a winter sunshine destination.
As long as you take some warm clothes when you visit in winter, you can enjoy a fun and festive
visit to Germany, experiencing the best Christmas markets in the world or enjoying the thrill
of winter sports in the Black Forest.
Germany is also renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, great food and beer.
Oktoberfest (which takes place in September) is one of the major events taking place in Germany
but the winter months are just as much fun, especially if you prefer mulled wine to beer.
FAQs
1. Which months are winter in Germany?
Winter runs from December to February in Germany and you can expect snowfall, particularly in the mountain areas.2. How cold is winter in Germany?
Only some areas in France have cold weather and snowy winters. Northern France and the Alps have cold, snowy winters, while the weather in the south is milder.3. What is the coldest month in Germany?
The coldest month in Germany is January, with an average temperature of 2.6°C and colder temperatures in the mountains.4. What is a German winter like?
A German winter can be very cold with regular snowfall, making it the ideal winter sports destination. The southwest of Germany is the mildest if you do not want to risk very cold weather.5. Is Germany worth visiting in winter?
Yes, Germany is one of the most exciting places to visit in the build-up to Christmas, with the biggest and most traditional Christmas markets in the world, along with many other fantastic festive events and attractions. Germany is a top destination for winter sports but many travelers enjoy city breaks in the top cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. New Year's Eve celebrations are also spectacular in Germany, so this time of year is the perfect time to visit Germany.6. Does Germany get a lot of snow?
Germany gets a lot of snow, especially in the mountains. Berlin experiences an average of 27.7 days of snowfall each year and the Bavarian Alps receive about 20 inches of snow in January alone. If you are looking for somewhere you can enjoy skiing, all the excitement of apres-ski and other fun snow sports, as well as visits to traditional Christmas markets, Germany is a top choice.
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