Copenhagen sits on the eastern coast of Zealand, Denmark’s largest island, where the Baltic Sea meets the Øresund strait. The city has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with mild summers and cool winters, heavily influenced by surrounding water. Daylight swings from just 7 hours in December to 17.5 hours in June, and rain falls year-round with no true dry season. Below is the complete monthly breakdown with actual temperature, rainfall, sunshine, humidity, and sea temperature data. For more on this topic, see our Best Time to Visit Copenhagen guide. For more on this topic, see our Things to Do in Copenhagen guide.
Copenhagen Weather by Month: Temperature, Rain and Sunshine
| Month | Avg High / Low | Rainfall | Sun (hrs) | Humidity | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2°C / -1°C (36/30°F) | 46mm | 1.4 | 86% | 3°C (37°F) |
| Feb | 3°C / -1°C (37/30°F) | 30mm | 2.3 | 84% | 2°C (36°F) |
| Mar | 6°C / 1°C (43/34°F) | 33mm | 3.9 | 80% | 3°C (37°F) |
| Apr | 11°C / 4°C (52/39°F) | 33mm | 5.9 | 75% | 5°C (41°F) |
| May | 16°C / 8°C (61/46°F) | 43mm | 7.8 | 72% | 9°C (48°F) |
| Jun | 20°C / 12°C (68/54°F) | 55mm | 8.2 | 72% | 14°C (57°F) |
| Jul | 22°C / 14°C (72/57°F) | 66mm | 7.5 | 74% | 17°C (63°F) |
| Aug | 21°C / 14°C (70/57°F) | 67mm | 6.7 | 76% | 18°C (64°F) |
| Sep | 17°C / 11°C (63/52°F) | 58mm | 5.0 | 80% | 15°C (59°F) |
| Oct | 12°C / 7°C (54/45°F) | 60mm | 3.2 | 84% | 12°C (54°F) |
| Nov | 7°C / 3°C (45/37°F) | 53mm | 1.8 | 87% | 8°C (46°F) |
| Dec | 4°C / 0°C (39/32°F) | 53mm | 1.2 | 88% | 4°C (39°F) |
Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed across the year, though July and August are the wettest months with 66 to 67mm each. February is the driest month at 30mm. Rain typically comes as light drizzle rather than heavy downpours and there are roughly 170 rain days annually. Snow occurs on about 20 days per year but rarely lies for more than a few days, with January and February seeing the most snowfall days (5 to 6 each). For more on this topic, see our Copenhagen Events and Festivals guide. For more on this topic, see our Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen guide.
Copenhagen Weather by Month: Seasonal Patterns
Winter (December to February)
Daytime highs hover around 2 to 4°C (36 to 39°F) with overnight lows dipping to -1°C (30°F). Copenhagen winters are dark: December averages just 7 hours of daylight with only 1.2 hours of actual sunshine. Snowfall is light and intermittent; expect 13 to 15 snow days across the season, but accumulation rarely exceeds 10cm. Wind chill from the Øresund can make it feel 5 to 7°C colder than the air temperature, so a windproof jacket is essential. The Christmas markets in Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn run from mid-November through December 23, drawing crowds despite the cold. For more on this topic, see our Where to Stay in Copenhagen guide. For more on this topic, see our Copenhagen Travel Tips and FAQ guide.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is slow to arrive. March still averages 6°C (43°F) and frost remains possible through early April. By May, temperatures rise to 16°C (61°F) daytime and the city transforms; outdoor cafes reopen, the Tivoli Gardens season begins (usually mid-April), and cherry blossoms peak in Bispebjerg Cemetery around late April. Rainfall stays moderate at 33 to 43mm per month. This is Copenhagen’s driest season overall.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is Copenhagen’s peak season and for good reason. July highs average 22°C (72°F) with long daylight; the sun sets after 10pm in June and July. Heatwaves are rare but do occur: the record high is 33.8°C (93°F) set in August 1975. July and August are also the wettest months (66 to 67mm) so pack a light rain jacket. Sea temperature at Amager Strandpark reaches 17 to 18°C (63 to 64°F) in August, swimmable for most visitors. Humidity stays moderate at 72 to 76%, comfortable for sightseeing.
Autumn (September to November)
September starts pleasantly at 17°C (63°F) but by November the high drops to 7°C (45°F). October is the second-wettest month at 60mm. Storms roll in from the North Sea, bringing strong winds; November 2013 saw gusts of 193 km/h during Cyclone Bodil. On calm days, autumn foliage in Frederiksberg Gardens and Dyrehaven is spectacular through mid-October. Tivoli’s Halloween season runs mid-October to early November, and Christmas markets begin mid-November.
Copenhagen Weather by Month: What to Pack
- Winter: Thermal base layers, waterproof boots with good grip (icy cobblestones), a windproof insulated jacket, wool hat and gloves. An umbrella won’t survive the wind; a hooded waterproof shell is better.
- Spring: Layers are key; a light sweater, scarf, and water-resistant jacket. Waterproof shoes are still useful through April. Sunglasses for the rapidly lengthening days.
- Summer: T-shirts and shorts for daytime, but always pack a light sweater and rain jacket for evenings. Copenhagen summer evenings cool to 12 to 14°C even in July. Swimwear for harbor baths.
- Autumn: Mid-weight coat by October, wool layers, waterproof footwear. A compact umbrella works in September but by November you’ll want full rain gear.
