Munich (München) sits on the Bavarian plateau at 520 meters above sea level, 70km north of the Alps. This elevation and proximity to the mountains produce a climate distinct from the rest of Germany: warmer summers with more thunderstorms, colder winters with reliable snowfall, and the notorious Föhn wind that can raise winter temperatures by 15°C in a matter of hours.
The city receives about 960mm of precipitation annually, making it one of Germany’s wetter major cities, with rain distributed throughout the year rather than concentrated in a single season. This month-by-month guide uses 30-year averages from Munich Airport (MUC) to help you plan for Bavarian weather patterns.
Munich Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall and Sunshine Table
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Snow Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 (37) | -4 (25) | 48 | 9 | 8 | 2 |
| February | 5 (41) | -3 (27) | 45 | 8 | 7 | 3 |
| March | 10 (50) | 0 (32) | 60 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
| April | 14 (57) | 3 (37) | 70 | 10 | 1 | 5 |
| May | 19 (66) | 8 (46) | 100 | 11 | 0 | 7 |
| June | 22 (72) | 11 (52) | 120 | 12 | 0 | 7 |
| July | 24 (75) | 13 (55) | 120 | 12 | 0 | 8 |
| August | 24 (75) | 13 (55) | 110 | 11 | 0 | 7 |
| September | 19 (66) | 9 (48) | 80 | 9 | 0 | 5 |
| October | 14 (57) | 5 (41) | 60 | 8 | 0 | 4 |
| November | 7 (45) | 0 (32) | 60 | 9 | 3 | 2 |
| December | 4 (39) | -3 (27) | 55 | 10 | 7 | 2 |
January Weather in Munich: Cold, Grey, and Snow-Covered
January is Munich’s coldest month with highs of just 3°C (37°F) and overnight lows of -4°C (25°F). Snow falls on about 8 days, and the city almost always has snow cover in January. Rain totals 48mm over 9 days. You’ll get barely 2 hours of daily sun. The Christmas markets have wrapped up by January 6 (Epiphany), and this is the quietest month for tourism.
The upside: Munich hotels are at their cheapest, and the nearby ski resorts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (90 minutes by train) have reliable snow. Pack thermal layers, a heavy coat, waterproof boots, and gloves.
February: Fasching Season and Lingering Cold
February warms slightly to 5°C (41°F) highs with lows of -3°C (27°F). Snow days decrease to 7. Rain holds at 45mm. Fasching (Carnival) celebrations peak in the week before Ash Wednesday, with street parties and costume balls throughout the city, particularly on Faschingsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday). The Föhn wind can bring sudden warm spells where temperatures jump to 15°C (59°F) for a day or two. Pack similarly to January but add a layer that can be shed if the Föhn arrives.
March Weather in Munich: The Transition Month
March brings highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F). Rain increases to 60mm over 10 days, often as rain-snow mix early in the month. Snow days drop to 4. You’ll get 4 hours of daily sun. This is Munich’s most unpredictable month: you can experience snow flurries and 18°C (64°F) sunshine in the same week. Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival), Munich’s Lenten tradition, runs through mid-March. Pack layers including a waterproof jacket.
April: Spring Arrives with Mixed Weather
April delivers highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). Rain increases to 70mm over 10 days, and April is known for its capricious weather: the German phrase “April, April, der macht was er will” (April does what it wants) applies. The beer gardens begin opening when temperatures permit, and the English Garden turns green.
Pack a mix of warm and light layers plus a rain jacket. The best time to visit Munich for outdoor activities begins in late April.
May Weather in Munich: Beer Garden Season Begins
May brings highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). It’s one of Munich’s rainiest months at 100mm over 11 days, but the rain typically comes as showers between sunny periods. You’ll enjoy 7 hours of daily sun. This is when Munich’s beer gardens hit their stride, the chestnut trees leaf out, and outdoor life returns.
It’s an excellent month for visiting Munich attractions with pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds. Pack layers and carry a compact umbrella.
June: Long Days and Thunderstorm Season
June delivers highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). It matches July for the most rain at 120mm over 12 days, much of it from afternoon thunderstorms that build over the Alps and roll across the plateau. You’ll get 7 hours of sun despite the rain, with daylight stretching until 21:30. This is a popular month for visitors and the start of peak tourist season. The outdoor swimming lakes in the surrounding countryside warm up by mid-month. Pack summer clothes plus a light rain jacket and sweater for evenings.
July in Munich: Peak Summer and Peak Tourism
July ties with August as Munich’s warmest month at 24°C (75°F) highs and 13°C (55°F) lows. Rain holds at 120mm over 12 days. You’ll get 8 hours of daily sun. The city fills with international tourists, and hotel prices reach their annual peak. The Isar River becomes a central gathering point for swimmers and sunbathers. Afternoon thunderstorms remain common. The Munich Opera Festival runs through July. Pack summer clothes, swimwear for the Isar or lakes, and rain protection.
August: Warm, Wet, and Busy
August matches July’s 24°C (75°F) highs with slightly less rain at 110mm over 11 days. This is the peak holiday month for Germans, meaning the city has fewer locals but plenty of international tourists. Many small, independent shops close for 1-2 weeks in August as owners take holidays.
The beer gardens remain packed. Thunderstorms can be dramatic. Hotel rates stay at July levels. See the Munich neighborhoods guide for areas with swimming access to the Isar.
September: Oktoberfest Begins and Autumn Arrives
September brings highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). Rain drops to 80mm over 9 days. The weather is pleasant for sightseeing, but the real story is Oktoberfest: the world’s largest folk festival runs for 16-18 days starting in mid-September and ending the first Sunday in October. During Oktoberfest, hotel prices triple and the city operates at maximum capacity.
The Munich events calendar covers exact dates. If you’re not attending Oktoberfest, avoid Munich entirely during these dates, or visit in early September before it starts. Pack layers as evenings cool noticeably.
October Weather in Munich: Golden Autumn
October delivers highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). Rain decreases to 60mm. The first week may still include Oktoberfest. After the festival ends, the city breathes a sigh of relief and hotel prices normalize. The foliage in the English Garden and along the Isar turns gold. This is a favorite month for hiking in the nearby Alps. Sun drops to 4 hours daily. Pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
November: Grey, Cool, and Quiet
November brings highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F). Rain holds at 60mm with snow returning on about 3 days. Sunshine drops to just 2 hours, and the grey skies are persistent. This is Munich’s quietest month for tourism. The Christmas markets begin opening in the last week of November. Hotel prices are at their lowest outside of January. Pack winter clothing and prepare for short, dark days.
December: Christmas Markets and Cold
December brings highs of 4°C (39°F) and lows of -3°C (27°F). Snow falls on about 7 days and often provides the ideal backdrop for Munich’s Christmas markets. The Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz (November 25-December 24) is the main market, with a medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz and additional markets across the city.
Hotel prices spike during the Christmas market season and again for New Year’s Eve. Munich is at its most atmospheric in December if you don’t mind the cold. Check the Munich weather details and pack thermal layers, heavy coat, boots, gloves, and hat.
