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Rothenburg ob der Tauber sits on a plateau at 430 metres (1,410 feet) above the Tauber river in Franconia, northern Bavaria. The inland continental climate brings cold winters, mild summers, and rain spread fairly evenly across the year. July averages a daytime high of 24°C (75°F); January reaches only 3°C (37°F) with overnight lows near -3°C (27°F). Annual precipitation is about 635 mm (25 inches) and the town records roughly 1,650 hours of sunshine per year. This guide covers the full month-by-month climate, and the Rothenburg ob der Tauber city guide gives the overview. Check the best time to visit Rothenburg before you lock in dates.
Rothenburg Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is the coldest stretch, with January and February the only months where the average low drops below freezing. January averages 3°C high and -3°C low, February 5°C and -2°C, December 4°C and -1°C. Snow falls on roughly 15 to 20 days per winter, and a thin layer often sticks around the half-timbered roofs in January, which is what makes December’s Reiterlesmarkt Christmas market so atmospheric. Daylight is short, under 8.5 hours in December. Pack a waterproof coat and layered clothing, and note that the town walls are open but icy in places after snowfall. If you want the Christmas market plus snow, book late November to mid December; see the Rothenburg events and festivals calendar for exact market dates.
Rothenburg Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring warms up steadily. March averages 9°C high and 0°C low with about 42 mm of rain, April 14°C and 3°C, and May 19°C and 7°C. Rain peaks in May at roughly 62 mm, so bring a light waterproof layer even on sunny days. This is a good period for walking the full 2.5 km town wall without summer crowds, and the Castle Garden blooms from late April. Overnight frost can still hit in March, so a warm jacket helps for evening walks. Combine a spring visit with the things to do in Rothenburg list and the Rothenburg neighborhoods guide to spread your days.
Rothenburg Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is the warmest and wettest season. June averages 22°C high and 10°C low with about 70 mm of rain, July 24°C and 12°C with 72 mm, August 24°C and 12°C with 64 mm. Rain usually arrives as short afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day drizzle, so mornings stay good for sightseeing. The town has no air conditioning as standard in older half-timbered guesthouses, so a room on a lower floor or with a fan matters on hot July nights. Daylight stretches past 16 hours in late June. Book accommodation early for August, when the Taubertal Festival and summer tourists fill the town; see the where to stay in Rothenburg guide for options inside and outside the walls.
Rothenburg Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
Autumn cools quickly after a pleasant September. September averages 19°C high and 8°C low with 52 mm of rain, October 13°C and 4°C with 48 mm, November 7°C and 1°C with 48 mm. The vineyards along the Tauber valley turn gold in October, and the Imperial City Festival on the first weekend of September usually gets mild weather. November is grey and damp, the quietest month before the Christmas market opens at the end of the month. Frost returns by mid November. A scarf and warm coat are enough for daytime sightseeing, and the shorter queues at the Medieval Crime Museum make autumn one of the most practical times to visit; cross-check dates in the Rothenburg travel tips article for transport and money.
Rothenburg Weather by Month: Climate Data Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Sun (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C (37°F) | -3°C (27°F) | 45 | 50 |
| February | 5°C (41°F) | -2°C (28°F) | 38 | 75 |
| March | 9°C (48°F) | 0°C (32°F) | 42 | 120 |
| April | 14°C (57°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 42 | 165 |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 62 | 200 |
| June | 22°C (72°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 70 | 205 |
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 | 215 |
| August | 24°C (75°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 64 | 200 |
| September | 19°C (66°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 | 150 |
| October | 13°C (55°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 48 | 100 |
| November | 7°C (45°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 | 55 |
| December | 4°C (39°F) | -1°C (30°F) | 52 | 45 |
