Best Time to Travel in Germany: May to September
The best time to visit Germany is between May and September, when the weather is generally warm during the day and cooler at night—perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. May and June mark the shoulder season, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the enchanting beauty of cherry blossoms, along with a wide array of traditional festivals that enhance the travel experience.
Notable festivals during this time include:
- Maifest (Mayfest): A vibrant celebration of spring with maypoles decorated to reflect local history and craftsmanship.
- Spargelsamstag (Asparagus Saturday): A beloved food festival in Schwetzingen, near Heidelberg, celebrating the asparagus harvest on the first Saturday of May.
- Rhine in Flames: A dazzling event held in five cities along the Rhine River, featuring stunning fireworks and riverfront festivities.
- Karneval der Kulturen (Berlin): A multicultural carnival showcasing Berlin’s international spirit with colorful parades and global music.
- Eurovision Song Contest: A major international music competition, typically hosted in May or June.
Summer (June to September) is Germany’s peak tourist season, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming. This season also hosts some of the country’s most popular music, cultural, and folk festivals, including:
- Munich Opera Festival
- Kiel Week
- Bachfest Leipzig
- Spannungen Heimbach
- Wave-Gotik-Treffen
- Bayreuth Festival
- Kissinger Sommer
- Jazzopen Stuttgart
- Summerjam Festival
- Amphi Festival
- Beethovenfest Bonn
- Oktoberfest (Munich)
- Rheingau Musik Festival
- Berlin Biennale
- Reeperbahn Festival
- Cannstatter Volksfest (Stuttgart)
- Wurstmarkt (Bad Dürkheim)
- Festival Mediaval (Selb)
- Film Festival Hamburg
From traditional celebrations to modern music events, traveling to Germany during this period offers an unforgettable cultural experience.