A month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Munich

A captivating city all year round, Munich is full of fascinating history and architectural masterpieces. The iconic Marienplatz is best enjoyed during the spring or fall when there are fewer crowds. The sprawling English Garden offers an idyllic retreat for families in the summer, complete with beer gardens and sunbathing spots, while a scenic bike ride along the Isar river is perfect for couples.

Avoid the winter chill and stroll through the halls of Nymphenburg Palace and savor Bavarian delicacies at Viktualienmarkt. Discover the best time to visit Munich to fully experience its enticing culture, culinary delights, and architectural wonders.

Choosing the best time to go to Munich

Late September to early October is the best time to visit Munich to participate in the Oktoberfest celebrations. February is the best month to go to Munich on a budget when tourist numbers are lower, and accommodation prices drop significantly.

April to May are the best months to visit Munich for fewer crowds and favorable weather.

Best time for sunshine lovers

The summer months from June to August are the best time for outdoor activities in Munich. Enjoy picnics, sunbathing, and even surfing on the Eisbach River in the Englischer Garten (English Garden).

Best time for foodies

Fall is a must for food lovers as the Oktoberfest celebrations offer the chance to taste traditional Bavarian cuisine and beer.

Best time for exploring

The best time to sightsee in Munich is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). The mild temperatures make it comfortable for walking and exploring, and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, providing a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere at popular attractions.

Best time for festive shopping

Take in the festivities in Munich in December and you can get lost in the scent of mulled wine and the twinkling holiday decorations of the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, while picking up gifts for all your loved ones.

Munich through the seasons

Spring in Munich

March - May

The city blossoms with flowers, and the marvelous Englischer Garten is particularly beautiful in the spring in Munich. The Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) in April is a smaller version of Oktoberfest, offering a taste of Bavarian culture without the substantial crowds.

Summer in Munich

June - August

The summer months from June to August are perfect for outdoor activities, beer gardens, and festivals. The city hosts various events, including the Tollwood Summer Festival, which features music, arts, and international cuisine. The warm weather makes it ideal for exploring the city’s parks and nearby day trip destinations, such as Neuschwanstein Castle.

Fall in Munich

September - November

September and October are prime months to experience Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival. The city is alive with festivities, traditional Bavarian attire, and high-spirited beer tents. Fall foliage also adds a picturesque touch to the city’s parks and gardens.

Winter in Munich

December - February

Munich's Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and festive decorations transform the city into a winter wonderland come December. Expect temperatures below freezing though.

January in Munich

While it is one of the coldest months of the year, January in Munich is a magical time with lots of unique winter activities. Enjoy skiing in the Bavarian Alps or savor traditional Bavarian dishes, such as sauerkraut, apple strudel, and käsespätzle (homemade pasta tossed with onion and cheese) on a cozy food tour through Marienplatz.

Highlights

Explore nearby ski resorts on a day trip from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for sledding, snowboarding, and stunning mountain views.

Enjoy the outdoor ice skating season at the Munich Eiszauber in Karlsplatz or the Olympic Park ice rink, or see Nymphenburg Palace’s grounds at their most beautiful.

Temperature

Snow is likely in January, adding a picturesque layer to Munich’s historic streets and parks. Average daily temperatures range from -3°C to 3°C (27°F to 37°F).

February in Munich

Munich remains a picturesque winter destination in February, offering a mix of outdoor activities and indoor cultural experiences, such as ice skating, festivals, and museum visits. Cold weather and fewer tourists make it an excellent time for a cozy and culturally rich visit.

Highlights

Toward the end of February, Germany observes the pre-Lent Fasching carnival season. In Munich, you’ll find numerous parades, parties, and events in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday.

Stay warm indoors by exploring Munich’s museums, such as the Deutsches Museum, BMW Museum and Alte Pinakothek.

Temperature

February in Munich sees highs of 6°C (43°F) and lows of -4°C (25°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The occasional smattering of snowfall can be expected, but it’s usually rain showers that you’ll experience at this time of year.

March in Munich

Munich transitions from winter to spring in March, bringing better weather and the first signs of blooming flowers. Whether you’re enjoying the Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Festival), strolling through flowering gardens, or visiting historic sites, Munich in March provides a quieter experience before the busy tourist season commences.

Highlights

To celebrate Starkbierzeit, enjoy strong beers and traditional Bavarian food, along with live music and festivities at local beer halls. Don your green attire and participate in Munich’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the largest in Europe, complete with music and dancing.

Admire Munich’s iconic landmarks, such as Marienplatz, the New Town Hall, and the Frauenkirche before the summer crowds arrive in the city. Learn more about Munich’s vast history and culture at the Jüdisches Museum München, the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum), and Pinakothek der Moderne.

Temperature

March sees warmer temperatures between 6°C to 11°C (43°F to 52°F) during the day and nighttime averages of around 1°C (34°F).

April in Munich

Munich’s gardens and parks, such as the Englischer Garten and the Nymphenburg Palace gardens, are in full bloom in April, and the pleasant weather makes it an ideal time for exploring the city’s outdoor spaces.

Highlights

Discover the fairytale wonder of Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps.

Tour Munich’s famous food market, Viktualienmarkt, to sample local delicacies and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Celebrate Frühlingsfest at the Theresienwiese, the same open-air space where the Munich Oktoberfest is held. The festival features beer tents, amusement rides, and traditional Bavarian entertainment.

Temperature

Rain is common in Munich in April, so be prepared for occasional showers. Daily temperatures range from 11°C to 16°C (52°F to 61°F), while nighttime temperatures are still low at around 4°C (39°F).

May in Munich

May is an ideal time to explore Munich, just before the tourist season officially begins. There are plenty of green spaces, outdoor festivals and attractions to experience.

Highlights

Appreciate the unparalleled beauty of the blooming flowers in the Nymphenburg Palace Gardens and the Englischer Garten before the summer crowds officially roll in. On a day trip from the city, tour the magnificent grounds of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Take part in the May Day festivities on the first of the month; an ancient festival that welcomes the start of spring by raising a new Maibaum (Maypole), pouring the first Maibock beer, and celebrating with traditional dancing.

Temperature

The weather in Munich improves significantly in May, with average temperatures of around 18°C (64°F) throughout the month. You can expect a few wet days, so pack an umbrella or raincoat.

June in Munich

June’s warmer weather inspires numerous outdoor activities and cultural events, such as the Munich Film Festival and Kocherlball, an outdoor folk dance event held in the English Gardens.

Highlights

The Tollwood Summer Festival takes place at Olympiapark and features music, performances, art, and a vibrant marketplace with international food stalls.

Relish the summer sunshine at one of Munich's beer halls, such as Augustiner-Keller, Hirschgarten, or Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm. Take the short train journey to Lake Starnberg to swim, ride bikes, go on a boat trip, or just admire the scenic views.

Temperature

June is typically the wettest month in Munich, with an average of 13 wet days. Despite the rain, June is also one of the warmest months in Munich, with average daily temperatures of around 22°C (72°F).

July in Munich

Wondering what to do in Munich in July? Find somewhere to soak up the summer sunshine. Throughout the month, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Munich, events and festivals, such as the Tollwood Summer Festival, which is ideal for families of all ages.

Highlights

Spend a day in the great outdoors and relax in the beautiful parks and beer gardens, such as the famous Hofbräukeller, Olympiapark — where you can see live concerts and open-air theater performances — or the Englischer Garten, where you can surf, enjoy a leisurely walk, or admire the spectacular blooms. The Isar river also offers swimming, sunbathing, and picnic opportunities.

The Tollwood Summer Festival features music, arts, and international cuisine.

Temperature

July is one of the best months to visit Munich if you want to experience warmer weather, with pleasant temperatures of around 24°C (75°F). Like June, Munich also experiences a lot of rainfall in July.

August in Munich

Munich radiates in August with warm weather and lively outdoor events, including open-air cinemas, concerts, and festivals.

Highlights

Watch a movie under the stars at the open-air cinema Kino, Mond & Sterne at Westpark. The Munich Summer of Music (Theatron MusikSommer) hosts a series of outdoor concerts in the English Garden featuring rock, pop, metal, jazz, and more.

Olympic Park and its summer festival boasts fairground rides, beach bars, wakeboarding, live music, and plenty of food and drink stalls. Kaltenberger Ritterturnier (Kaltenberg Knights Tournament) is a medieval festival offering jousting and medieval markets just outside of Munich.

Temperature

August's weather is very similar to July's, with daytime highs of around 24°C (75°F) and lots of rainfall expected throughout the month.

September in Munich

September is a particularly exciting month to visit Munich, as it marks the beginning of the world-famous Oktoberfest. The city is alive with cultural activities, affable weather, and an exciting festive atmosphere. However, it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit.

Highlights

The world’s largest beer festival, Oktoberfest, begins in late September and runs into early October. Held at the Theresienwiese, the festival features authentic Bavarian beer, food, music, and amusement rides.

Continue with Bavarian traditions and join a guided food tour of Munich to sample local cuisines such as leberkäse (liver meatloaf), pretzels, spätzle (a special type of egg noodle with a chewy consistency), and schnitzel. Enjoy fewer crowds at Hofbräukeller and Viktualienmarkt beer gardens.

Temperature

Temperatures remain relatively warm in September in Munich, with daily averages of around 20°C (68°F) at the beginning of the month, before cooling off to around 16°C (61°F). You can also expect occasional rain showers, but less than the preceding summer months.

October in Munich

October is a glorious time to visit Munich as the city transitions from the festive atmosphere of Oktoberfest to the coziness of fall. The weather is cooler and it's one of the best places to see fall foliage.

Highlights

Catch the last few days of the Oktoberfest celebrations by visiting one of Munich’s beer gardens, such as Hofbräuhaus München or Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm. Venture to Neuschwanstein Castle, which is perfect for a day trip, especially with the stunning fall scenery and fewer crowds.

Tour the beautiful baroque Nymphenburg Palace and its expansive gardens as they transition into the new season.

Temperature

The weather starts to cool off in Munich in October, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F).

November in Munich

November is a quieter but lovely time to visit Munich. There are fewer crowds than during the busy summer months, and the festivities of the upcoming holiday season aren’t in full swing yet, so you can experience the sights without lots of people.

Highlights

Take advantage of the quieter season to discover some of Munich's world-class museums, such as the Deutsches Museum, the BMW Museum, and the Munich Residenz.

Stay cozy inside Hofbräuhaus, an authentic German beer hall with three floors that serves traditional Bavarian food and drink, or at one of Munich’s opera shows.

Temperature

Temperatures in Munich in November range from highs of 10°C (50°F) to lows of 1°C (34°F). Rain showers are common in November, and you may even experience some light snowfall, particularly toward the end of the month.

December in Munich

December is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting times to visit Munich. The city twinkles with festive decorations and Christmas markets.

Highlights

The Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is a must-visit for holiday cheer, glühwein (hot mulled wine), and to purchase unique gifts. The Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz is an alternative festive market that offers a unique medieval theme with crafts, performances, and traditional food. You can take respite from the cold with hearty dishes, such as sausages, Bavarian pretzels, and schnitzel, at local restaurants and beer halls throughout the city.

Winter sports enthusiasts can also enjoy skiing in the nearby Bavarian Alps or ice skating at Karlsplatz.

Temperature

December is one of the coldest months in Munich, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F). Snow is common, adding to the festive atmosphere, so be sure to dress warmly.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Munich on a budget?

January is typically the cheapest month to visit Munich as there are fewer crowds, so there is less demand for accommodation and flights.

What is the best month to go to Munich with kids?

April to June is the best time to visit Munich with kids as the weather is warm and pleasant, and you can enjoy various family-friendly festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural events.

What is the peak tourist season in Munich?

Munich has multiple peak tourist seasons throughout the year, including from June to August when the summer festivities are in full swing, in September and October when the city welcomes first-timers at Oktoberfest, and throughout December when Munich prepares for the Christmas market season.

What is the quietest time to visit Munich?

The shoulder season in Munich is from April to May, when the weather is generally mild and there are fewer tourists than during the busy summer season. This makes it easier to explore popular attractions without long queues.

How many days should you spend in Munich?

Three days is enough time to explore many of Munich’s top sights such as the Englischer Garten, the Old Town, and many of the city’s most famous museums.