This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Trier sits in the Moselle River valley in western Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate state, at 136 meters (446 feet) above sea level. Its climate is oceanic (Köppen Cfb) with mild winters, warm summers, and rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. The surrounding Eifel and Hunsrück mountains moderate temperature extremes, but the river valley can trap humidity in summer and fog in autumn. Trier averages 774mm (30.5 inches) of rain annually across roughly 160 rain days. January is the coldest month at 1.5°C (35°F), while July is the warmest at 18.6°C (65°F). The city gets approximately 1,600 hours of sunshine per year, with May and June being the sunniest months at about 200 hours each. Below is the complete month-by-month breakdown.
Trier Weather by Month: Monthly Breakdown
January
Average high 4°C (39°F), average low -1°C (30°F). Rainfall 60mm over 17 days. About 45 hours of sunshine. January is the coldest month in Trier. Frost is common overnight with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Snowfall occurs on 4-5 days but heavy accumulation is rare. The Moselle valley often fills with fog in the mornings, which can linger until midday. Pack a heavy coat, warm layers, waterproof boots, and gloves. Most outdoor attractions like the Amphitheater are open but quieter. See our best time to visit Trier guide for a detailed month-by-month verdict on weather, crowds, and prices.
February
Average high 6°C (43°F), average low 0°C (32°F). Rainfall 54mm over 14 days. About 70 hours of sunshine. Still cold but the days lengthen noticeably. The almond trees around the Roman Bridge begin showing the first blossoms by late February. Carnival (Fasching) falls in this month most years, bringing parades and street festivities to the old town. Occasional cold snaps can drop temperatures to -8°C (18°F) overnight. Pack similar winter gear as January but a slightly lighter coat works for daytime. Hotel rates remain at winter-season lows. Our things to do in Trier guide covers all the Roman monuments, museums, and attractions with ticket prices and hours.
March
Average high 10°C (50°F), average low 3°C (37°F). Rainfall 58mm over 15 days. About 115 hours of sunshine. Spring arrives with warming days but nights stay chilly. The Moselle valley turns green and outdoor cafes begin reopening along the Hauptmarkt. Expect a mix of sunny afternoons and grey drizzly days. Easter markets appear in late March or early April depending on the liturgical calendar. Pack layers: a medium jacket with a sweater underneath, and an umbrella. The first bike rental shops and river cruise operators open for the season around mid-March. The Trier events and festivals calendar lists every major festival from the Christmas market to Altstadtfest.
April
Average high 14°C (57°F), average low 5°C (41°F). Rainfall 52mm over 14 days. About 160 hours of sunshine. Peak blossom season along the Moselle. Days are generally pleasant for walking and sightseeing. April can swing between t-shirt weather (18°C/64°F) and needing a coat (8°C/46°F) within the same week. Rainfall is moderate but comes in short showers rather than all-day drizzly spells. The Moselle Wine Festival season begins toward the end of the month. Pack a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses. Read our best neighborhoods in Trier guide for a breakdown of Altstadt, Zurlauben, Olewig, and more.
May
Average high 19°C (66°F), average low 8°C (46°F). Rainfall 66mm over 15 days. About 200 hours of sunshine. One of the best months to visit. Days are long (up to 16 hours of daylight), comfortably warm, and the city is in full bloom. Occasional thunderstorms can bring heavy downpours, usually in the late afternoon. The terraced vineyards above the Moselle are lush green. Tourism begins ramping up but is not yet at summer peaks. Pack light layers, a rain jacket, and comfortable shoes for vineyard walks. Our where to stay in Trier guide recommends specific hotels in three areas for every budget.
June
Average high 22°C (72°F), average low 11°C (52°F). Rainfall 72mm over 14 days. About 205 hours of sunshine. Warm and pleasant with the longest days of the year. Temperatures rarely exceed 28°C (82°F) thanks to the moderating valley breeze. The Altstadtfest (Old Town Festival) brings music and food stalls throughout the historic center during the last weekend. Evenings stay light until after 9:30 PM. Pack short sleeves for daytime, a light sweater for evenings, and rain protection for the occasional summer shower. Hotel prices begin rising. Our Trier travel tips guide covers airports, trains, money, safety, and frequently asked questions.
July
Average high 24°C (75°F), average low 13°C (55°F). Rainfall 69mm over 14 days. About 210 hours of sunshine. The warmest month. Heatwaves can push daytime highs to 32°C (90°F) for 2-3 day stretches, but the average is a comfortable 24°C. Humidity in the river valley can make it feel warmer than the thermometer shows. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. The Moselle is warm enough for river swimming at designated spots near Zurlauben. Pack summer clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a light rain jacket. This is peak tourist season in Trier.
August
Average high 24°C (75°F), average low 13°C (55°F). Rainfall 66mm over 13 days. About 195 hours of sunshine. Very similar to July but with slightly fewer rain days. The wine harvest begins in the steep Moselle vineyards by late August. The Moselwein Fest takes over Zurlauben for a weekend of wine tasting, live music, and fireworks. Evenings are still pleasantly warm at 16-18°C (61-64°F). Pack the same as July. Tourist numbers remain high through the first three weeks before tapering slightly in the last week of August.
September
Average high 19°C (66°F), average low 10°C (50°F). Rainfall 58mm over 12 days. About 145 hours of sunshine. Crisp mornings and warm afternoons make September an excellent month for sightseeing. The vineyards turn gold and red. The grape harvest (Weinlese) is in full swing. Tourist crowds thin out after the first week when German school holidays end. The Trierer Weinfest runs in late September with stalls from dozens of Moselle wineries. Pack layers: t-shirt during the day with a sweater or light jacket for evenings. An umbrella is still useful.
October
Average high 14°C (57°F), average low 7°C (45°F). Rainfall 64mm over 15 days. About 95 hours of sunshine. Autumn brings beautiful foliage color to the Moselle valley, especially the vineyards that turn brilliant yellows and oranges. Days are noticeably shorter. Mornings often start foggy before burning off around 10-11 AM. The first frost typically arrives in the last week of October. The Trierer Saarweinfest and various autumn wine festivals fill the calendar. Pack a warm jacket, scarf, and waterproof shoes for potentially muddy vineyard paths.
November
Average high 8°C (46°F), average low 3°C (37°F). Rainfall 70mm over 17 days. About 45 hours of sunshine. Grey, damp, and quiet. November is the cloudiest month with the fewest sunshine hours. Rain falls on more than half the days. The Christmas market setup begins on Hauptmarkt around November 20 and opens on the last Monday of the month. Most river cruise operations shut down by mid-November. Pack a warm waterproof coat, hat, and sturdy shoes. Museum visits are the best indoor activity. Hotel rates are at their lowest before the Christmas market bump.
December
Average high 5°C (41°F), average low 1°C (34°F). Rainfall 72mm over 17 days. About 35 hours of sunshine. Cold, dark, and festive. The Trier Christmas Market on Hauptmarkt and Domfreihof is one of Germany’s most atmospheric, running from late November through December 22. Snow is possible but not guaranteed, 2-3 snow days per month is average. Temperatures hover just above freezing during the day and dip below at night. Ice on cobblestones makes good footwear essential. Pack winter coat, hat, gloves, and an umbrella. Glühwein at the Christmas market is the best antidote to the cold. For more travel planning resources, see our complete Trier travel guide.
Trier Weather by Month: Comparison Table
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4 / 39 | -1 / 30 | 60 | 17 | 45 |
| Feb | 6 / 43 | 0 / 32 | 54 | 14 | 70 |
| Mar | 10 / 50 | 3 / 37 | 58 | 15 | 115 |
| Apr | 14 / 57 | 5 / 41 | 52 | 14 | 160 |
| May | 19 / 66 | 8 / 46 | 66 | 15 | 200 |
| Jun | 22 / 72 | 11 / 52 | 72 | 14 | 205 |
| Jul | 24 / 75 | 13 / 55 | 69 | 14 | 210 |
| Aug | 24 / 75 | 13 / 55 | 66 | 13 | 195 |
| Sep | 19 / 66 | 10 / 50 | 58 | 12 | 145 |
| Oct | 14 / 57 | 7 / 45 | 64 | 15 | 95 |
| Nov | 8 / 46 | 3 / 37 | 70 | 17 | 45 |
| Dec | 5 / 41 | 1 / 34 | 72 | 17 | 35 |
