Climate of Germany

The climate of Germany

Germany's climate is moderate and generally has short periods of cold or hot weather. Coastal Germany has a maritime-influenced climate which is characterized by warm summers and mild cloudy winters. Further inland, the climate is continental, marked by greater seasonal variations in temperature, with warmer summers and colder winters. The northernmost areas like Bremen, Hamburg, Lübeck, Rostock, and Kiel are slightly milder, but one can also expect rains and winds because of the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. The German summer often brings pleasant temperatures but is not very sunny and there can be cool and rainy days. When Atlantic disturbances move over the country, the days begin with clear skies and can even be hot around mid-day, while thunderstorms often form in the afternoon. These thunderstorms are less frequent in the northernmost region, which is cooler and may experience more frequent rains due to disturbances coming from the Atlantic Ocean. On warmer days, in Berlin and other cities that are not located near the coast, the temperature can reach 35/38 °C or even a little more.

Autumn in Germany is usually around September. This is a pleasant month, but later the weather becomes progressively colder and rainy, with the first mists and the winds can be strong, especially in the northern areas. In November, the sun rarely shines. By mid-November, it is practically winter and the first snowfalls are possible. International Students would require lightweights with rainwear for summer and medium to heavy clothing for winter. A sweater is necessary at almost any time of year.