Lübeck has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) shaped by its position near the Baltic Sea coast in northern Germany. The city gets mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall spread fairly evenly throughout the year, totalling about 750 mm (30 inches) annually. Th See our things to do in Lübeck guide for more. For more details, see our best time to visit Lübeck guide.e Baltic Sea moderates temperatures year-round, keeping Lübeck slightly warmer in winter and cooler in summer than inland cities like Berlin or Hamburg.
Lübeck Weather by Month: Monthly Breakdown
January
January is Lübeck’s coldest month, with an average high of 3°C (37°F) and an average low of -1°C (30°F). The city sees about 60 mm of precipitation over 18 days, often a mix of rain and occasional snow. Daylight is scarce at just 7.5 hours, and you’ll get around 1.5 hours of sunshine per day. The Trave River and canals can develop ice during extended cold snaps, though this is less common than it was 20 years ago. Wind See our Lübeck events and festivals guide for more. from the Baltic makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests, so pack layers and a waterproof coat.
February
February averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F), with about 45 mm of precipitation over 15 days. Days lengthen to 10 hours of daylight, and sunshine increases to 2.5 hours daily. Snow is possible but doesn’t usually stick for more than a day or two. This is the driest month of the year, making it one of the better winter months for walking the Old Town if you don’t mind the cold. The See our best neighborhoods in Lübeck guide for more.wind chill off the Baltic remains a factor.
March
Temperatures begin to climb, with an average high of 8°C (46°F) and low of 1°C (34°F). Rainfall increases to 50 mm over 16 days. Days stretch to nearly 12 hours and sunshine reaches 3.5 hours daily. Early spring in Lübeck means unpredictable weather , you could get a sunny 12°C day or a raw 3°C drizzle. The first outdoor café tables appear on sunny days, though most remain stacked until April. Frost See our where to stay in Lübeck guide for more. is still common at night through mid-March.
April
April brings a noticeable shift, with an average high of 13°C (55°F) and low of 4°C (39°F). Rainfall stays around 45 mm over 14 days. Sunshine jumps to 5.5 hours daily across 14 hours of daylight. Cherry and magnolia trees bloom throughout the Old Town, and the outdoor seating along the Trave fills up on milder days. Pack a mix of layers , mornings can still hit 2°C while afternoons reach 16°C. April See our Lübeck travel tips guide for more. is one of the driest months for walking and sightseeing.
May
May sees an average high of 18°C (64°F) and low of 8°C (46°F). Precipitation increases to 55 mm over 15 days, often as afternoon showers. With 16 hours of daylight and 7 hours of sunshine daily, May is one of the best months for exploring the Old Town and the Baltic beaches at nearby Travemünde. The greenery in Lübeck’s parks and along the Trave is at its peak. Evenings still cool down to around 10°C, so bring a light jacket.
June
June averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and low of 11°C (52°F), with 65 mm of rain over 16 days. It’s the start of Lübeck’s peak tourist season, with the longest days of the year at 17 hours of daylight. Sunshine reaches 7.5 hours per day. The Baltic Sea temperature off Travemünde warms to about 16°C (61°F), cool but swimmable for the determined. June is also one of the wetter months, so keep a compact umbrella handy. Outdoor events kick off across the city.
July
July is Lübeck’s warmest month, with an average high of 23°C (73°F) and low of 14°C (57°F). Rainfall peaks at 75 mm over 17 days, making it the wettest month despite the warmth. Baltic Sea temperatures reach 18°C (64°F), comfortable enough for swimming. The Travemünder Woche sailing festival (late July) draws large crowds. Hotels are at their most expensive and availability is tightest. Heatwaves can push daytime temperatures to 30°C (86°F), though this is rare and usually brief.
August
August matches July’s warmth, with an average high of 23°C (73°F) and low of 14°C (57°F). Rainfall drops slightly to 70 mm over 16 days. The Baltic Sea reaches its warmest at 19°C (66°F). This is peak holiday season across Germany, so expect busy streets, full hotels, and higher prices through the first three weeks. The weather is generally pleasant for outdoor dining, boat tours on the Trave, and beach days at Travemünde. Late August sees the tourist crowds begin to thin.
September
September cools to an average high of 19°C (66°F) and low of 11°C (52°F), with about 60 mm of rain over 15 days. The Baltic Sea still holds warmth at 17°C (63°F). Days shorten to 12.5 hours and sunshine drops to 5 hours daily. This is an excellent month for sightseeing , the summer crowds have thinned, hotel prices drop, and the weather remains pleasant enough for walking. The golden autumn light on Lübeck’s brick Gothic architecture is spectacular. A light jacket suffices for evenings.
October
October brings autumn proper, with an average high of 13°C (55°F) and low of 7°C (45°F). Rainfall holds at 55 mm over 16 days. Sunshine drops to 3.5 hours across 10.5 hours of daylight. The Old Town’s tree-lined streets turn golden and red. Wind picks up off the Baltic, and you’ll want a warm coat by mid-month. The first frost usually arrives in late October. Indoor attractions like the European Hansemuseum and Niederegger Marzipan Salon become more appealing on wet days.
November
November averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and low of 3°C (37°F), with 60 mm of precipitation over 18 days. Grey skies dominate , you’ll get just 2 hours of sunshine across 8.5 hours of daylight. The famous Lübeck Christmas markets open in the last week of November (from November 24 in 2025), transforming the Old Town with lights, glühwein stalls, and artisan craft booths. The weather is raw and damp rather than deeply cold, so waterproof footwear is more important than heavy snow gear.
December
December brings an average high of 4°C (39°F) and low of 0°C (32°F), with 65 mm of precipitation over 19 days. Daylight bottoms out at 7.5 hours and sunshine is just 1 hour daily. Snow is possible but unreliable , Lübeck typically gets 5-10 snow days per winter, usually light dustings. The Christmas markets dominate the month, running through December 30, with the Old Town lit up as the self-proclaimed “Christmas City of the North.” The maritime humidity makes 0°C feel colder than the same temperature inland, so layer up with wool and windproof outerwear.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3 / 37 | -1 / 30 | 60 | 18 | 1.5 | 3 |
| Feb | 4 / 39 | -1 / 30 | 45 | 15 | 2.5 | 2 |
| Mar | 8 / 46 | 1 / 34 | 50 | 16 | 3.5 | 4 |
| Apr | 13 / 55 | 4 / 39 | 45 | 14 | 5.5 | 7 |
| May | 18 / 64 | 8 / 46 | 55 | 15 | 7.0 | 11 |
| Jun | 21 / 70 | 11 / 52 | 65 | 16 | 7.5 | 16 |
| Jul | 23 / 73 | 14 / 57 | 75 | 17 | 7.0 | 18 |
| Aug | 23 / 73 | 14 / 57 | 70 | 16 | 6.5 | 19 |
| Sep | 19 / 66 | 11 / 52 | 60 | 15 | 5.0 | 17 |
| Oct | 13 / 55 | 7 / 45 | 55 | 16 | 3.5 | 13 |
| Nov | 7 / 45 | 3 / 37 | 60 | 18 | 2.0 | 9 |
| Dec | 4 / 39 | 0 / 32 | 65 | 19 | 1.0 | 5 |
