A city more famous for its buzzing arts scene and lively nightlife than its sun-seeking opportunities, Berlin thrives with visitors all year round. Typically crisp and cold during the winter (November to March) and warm and sunny during the summer (June to August), Berlin is an impressive city in any weather. The varied schedule of cultural events and festivals  means there’s no shortage of things to do in the German capital, and the lively bar and clubbing scene doesn’t slow down when temperatures drop. 

Beating the Heat

Berlin has a continental climate and the city can get very hot during the summer months. There’s usually a good deal of sunshine from June to August, with temperatures typically hovering around 23 degrees C but sometimes reaching above 30 degrees C. Visitors heading to Berlin during the summer should pack plenty of light clothing for the warm days. Temperatures can drop dramatically at night, making warmer layers invaluable, too. Rain showers are always a threat whatever the time of year, so pack an umbrella. Summer months are the busiest time for tourism in Berlin, and the queues and crowds can make hot days and evenings feel even stickier. To cool down, pull up a chair at one of the city's many cafe bars and enjoy an ice-cold beer as you watch the people go by. Expect prices for accommodations to rise during high summer and bargain beds in hostels to fill up quickly. The months of May and June are good times to catch the city at its best, with warm but not stifling temperatures and fewer crowds than the height of summer.

Winter Wonders

Berlin is a beautiful city during the winter months of December through February. With temperatures often falling below zero, snow is always a possibility. Wrap up and head out to one of the city's many winter markets, where you can keep warm with a mug of steaming gluhwein, hot spiced wine, and cinammon biscuits. These markets are wonderful places to do your Christmnas shopping--with the opportunity to buy all kinds of handicrafts and gourmet treats such as spiced sausages and home-made cheeses. The winter months also provide opportunities for skaters to enjoy the outdoor ice rink in the city center.