Hamburg has a temperate oceanic climate strongly influenced by its position on the Elbe River, 110 km from the North Sea. The city experiences cool winters, mild summers, and rainfall distributed year-round with a slight summer maximum. Wind is a constant presence, and the humidity rarely dips below 75%.
Hamburg Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall, and Sunshine
Hamburg’s weather data below comes from 30-year averages recorded at Hamburg Fuhlsbüttel Airport. The city’s network of canals and lakes moderates extreme temperatures but adds to the year-round humidity.
Hamburg Monthly Climate Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 64 | 87% | 47 |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | 0°C / 32°F | 42 | 84% | 69 |
| March | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F | 54 | 80% | 116 |
| April | 13°C / 55°F | 4°C / 39°F | 43 | 75% | 172 |
| May | 17°C / 63°F | 8°C / 46°F | 56 | 73% | 223 |
| June | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 71 | 74% | 216 |
| July | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 77 | 74% | 217 |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 72 | 75% | 202 |
| September | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 62 | 80% | 148 |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 56 | 84% | 103 |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 61 | 87% | 53 |
| December | 5°C / 41°F | 1°C / 34°F | 67 | 88% | 37 |
Hamburg Weather in Winter (December to February)
Hamburg winters are gray, damp, and cool rather than bitterly cold. January highs average 4°C (39°F) with overnight lows around 0°C (32°F). Snow falls on roughly 20 days per year but usually melts within hours. December is the darkest month with just 37 hours of sunshine. The wind from the North Sea makes it feel 3-5°C colder than the thermometer reading. Hamburg’s Christmas markets (late November through December 23) transform the city squares, but you’ll need thermal layers, a waterproof coat, gloves, and a hat to enjoy them comfortably. Rainfall: 64-67mm monthly.
Hamburg Weather in Spring (March to May)
Spring accelerates from March’s 8°C (46°F) highs to May’s 17°C (63°F). April is the driest month with just 43mm of rain. Sunshine jumps from 116 hours in March to 223 hours in May, Hamburg’s sunniest month. The cherry blossoms along the Alster lakes peak in late April, and outdoor cafe culture revives. May is arguably the most pleasant month for walking the city: warm enough for a light jacket, dry enough to skip the umbrella most days, and long daylight stretches to 16 hours.
Hamburg Weather in Summer (June to August)
Hamburg summers are mild and humid. July and August both peak at 22°C (72°F), with overnight lows of 13°C (55°F). Heatwaves are rare; temperatures above 30°C (86°F) occur on roughly 5 days per year. June and July are the wettest months at 71mm and 77mm respectively, often delivered as brief afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day rain. July delivers 217 hours of sunshine with daylight stretching past 10:00 PM at the solstice. The Outer Alster lake fills with sailboats and the beach bars along the Elbe open for the season.
Hamburg Weather in Autumn (September to November)
September still feels summery at 18°C (64°F) before October drops to 13°C (55°F) and November to 8°C (46°F). Autumn brings increasing wind and rain, with November averaging 61mm and humidity climbing back to 87%. The foliage in Planten un Blomen park and along the Alster peaks in mid-October. By November, daylight shrinks to 8 hours and sunshine to just 53 hours for the entire month. This is the season for Hamburg’s renowned indoor attractions: the Miniatur Wunderland, the Kunsthalle, and the Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
Hamburg Rainfall Patterns and What to Pack
Hamburg receives 725mm of rain annually across roughly 185 rainy days. That’s more rainy days than London (145) or Amsterdam (175). The rain is typically persistent drizzle rather than heavy downpours. A waterproof jacket with a hood is essential; umbrellas frequently invert in the wind. Hamburgers use the word “Schietwetter” (literally “bad weather”) as a term of endearment for their city’s gray skies. Pack layers year-round, a scarf for wind protection September through May, and comfortable waterproof shoes. The city is best explored on foot, and wet cobblestones are slippery.
