Berlin Day trips

When planning your trip to Berlin in September, make sure to include well-known stops like the Berlin Cathedral and the Reichstag Dome. But don’t narrow your options, there’s more to explore than just the city’s iconic architecture.

Whether you’re a book lover eager to attend the International Literature Festival or an ultra-athlete ready to tackle the Berlin Marathon, you’ll find plenty of adventure when visiting Germany’s capital. This guide will show you what to do in Berlin in September, from reflective memorials of the Great War to bubbling brew and Oktoberfest.

Why go to Berlin in September?

Attend the International Literature Festival

Every September in Berlin, the city hosts the International Literature Festival Berlin, bringing together authors, poets, and novelists from around the world to celebrate the best in literature.

From poetry and graphic novels to nonfiction and children’s books, the festival features new releases, special guest speakers, and a program dedicated to children’s and young adult literature. A highlight is the Das Außergewöhnliche Buch (The Extraordinary Book) award, given to the top children’s book each year.

Enjoy ideal September weather to explore outdoors

Pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings make Berlin in September the perfect time to get outdoors. Stroll through the city’s many green spaces or wander through historic sites while taking in the architecture.

Gear up for the Berlin Marathon

Held annually at the end of September, the Berlin Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world. In fact, the 2024 marathon had over 54,000 finishers, setting a new world record. Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, you can catch the action from several spots around the city, including the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate.

What’s the weather like in Berlin in September?

Berlin’s weather in September is full of sunny days, with daylight lasting well past 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore. As the month goes on, evenings can get cooler, so it’s best to dress in layers. While some rain is possible, showers are usually brief and unlikely to put a damper on your plans.

• Average day temperature: 68 F (20 C)
• Average night temperature: 54 F (12 C)
• Average daylight per day: 12.5 hours

Top things to do in Berlin in September

Shorter days and colder nights mean winter’s on its way, but November in Berlin is anything but quiet. It’s the perfect time to ease into the holiday season, with Christmas markets opening as early as November 1.

If you’d rather stay warm indoors, Berlin Science Week brings fascinating talks to venues across the city, while Zueghausmesse showcases unique functional art from local and international designers. Whether you’re interested in holiday vibes or cultural events, this guide will help you make the most of winter in Berlin this November.

Why go to Berlin in November?

It’s a mini low season

Between Oktoberfest and Christmas, Berlin can get crowded, but November offers a bit of a break. Take advantage of the lull to see Berlin’s top sights and attractions without the usual long lines of busier months. And with several of the city’s top Christmas markets and fairs opening in November, you can experience its seasonal cheer without its seasonal crowds.

Low season means lower prices

What is Berlin like in November? With fewer tourists, there’s less demand for hotels and accommodation. Hotel room prices can drop as much as 50% compared to peak times like Christmas in December. If you’d rather spend your money sampling the best food in Berlin or exploring its top museums, low-season November is the perfect time for budget-friendly travel.

November is a historic time to visit

November 9 marks the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a day the city celebrates its reunification. Depending on the year, celebrations range from huge concerts to art events. In 2024, for example, the city turned a 2.5-mile (4-km) stretch of the old wall into a large-scale stage and art exhibit. Even in quieter years, you’ll find multiple exhibitions and events to honor the occasion.

The date is also linked to other significant historical events, including the anniversary of the Nazi rise to power in Germany before World War II and the day Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated in 1918, as World War I came to an end. For history buffs, November in Berlin is one of the most enriching times to visit.

What’s the weather like in Berlin in November?

Make sure to bundle up if you’re visiting Berlin in November. The month starts out chilly and ends downright cold, as temperatures drop towards freezing by December (around 32 F/0 C). Expect a mix of cloudy, cold days and even colder nights, with occasional showers and fog. While it’s not the wettest time of the year, light rain is common. You’ll also get a few bright, crisp sunny days. Snow is rare but not impossible as temperatures dip toward the freezing point.

• Average day temperature: 45 F (7 C)
• Average night temperature: 36 F (2 C)
• Average days of rain: 15 days
• Average daylight hours: 9 hours per day

Top things to do in Berlin in November

The party never stops in Berlin in June. The month kicks off with lively celebrations for Children’s Day, followed by parades and fireworks at the Köpenick Summer Festival. On June 21, Fête de la Musique fills the city with free concerts, and the month closes out with fascinating arts and science festivals that showcase Berlin’s creative side.

If you’re wondering what to do in Berlin in May, this guide rounds up some of the best ways to experience Germany’s capital city. Whether you’re in the mood for world-class jazz or ready to grab the mic at Mauerpark’s karaoke, you can do it all in Berlin.

Walk along the remnants of the Berlin Wall, once a symbol of division and now a terrific blend of street art and history. Or head to the Carnival of Cultures, where music, food, and parades turn the city into one big celebration. Berlin in May is an adventure you can’t miss.

Why go to Berlin in May?

Celebrate May Day

Traditionally celebrated as Labor Day in Berlin, May Day has a long and varied history. What used to be a day of protests and riots is now a day of lively celebrations like MyFest and Dance into May. These community-based events kick off the summer season with music, dancing, and good vibes. Visit Alice-Salomon-Platz in Marzahn-Hellersdorf to experience vibrant dance shows and sample tasty street food while you ring in the warmer season.

Get into the groove at the XJazz Festival

Feel the soulful rhythms of singing saxophones and trombones at Berlin’s largest jazz festival. XJazz brings together top local and international jazz artists for a weeklong celebration of music. Held during the first week of May, the festival features multiple jazz acts, from contemporary to experimental, with over 70 concerts.

Experience the Carnival of Cultures

The annual Carnival of Cultures is a major highlight of Berlin in May, celebrating the city’s rich diversity. The streets come alive with a spirited parade featuring dancers in colorful costumes and electrifying music. Sample everything from must-try German fare to Asian cuisine at the many food stalls. With visually stunning artistic expressions, global flavors, and nonstop music, this multi-day event is a feast for the senses

What’s the weather like in Berlin in May?

Berlin’s weather in May is generally pleasant, with warmer days, longer daylight, and only a slight to moderate chance of rain. Early mornings can be cool, but temperatures rise by afternoon, making outdoor activities enjoyable. When visiting Berlin in May, it’s best to dress in layers, bring a light jacket, and have an umbrella handy, as afternoon rain showers are possible.

• Average day temperature: 66 F (19 C)
• Average night temperature: 48 F (9 C)
• Average daylight: 16 hours

Top things to do in Berlin in May