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Best time to visit Hamburg: month by month
Short answer
May to September is the best time, with highs of 17–24°C, long days and beach bars along the Elbe. Rain is common all year, with 8–15 rainy days a month. The Hafengeburtstag in May and the Christmas markets from late November are lively but busy and pricier.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 2°C | 14 | low |
| Feb | 7°C | 1°C | 13 | low |
| Mar | 10°C | 1°C | 12 | low |
| Apr | 12°C | 3°C | 10 | medium |
| May | 17°C | 8°C | 15 | high |
| Jun | 24°C | 13°C | 8 | high |
| Jul | 23°C | 14°C | 14 | high |
| Aug | 23°C | 14°C | 14 | high |
| Sep | 20°C | 12°C | 10 | medium |
| Oct | 15°C | 9°C | 15 | medium |
| Nov | 9°C | 4°C | 14 | medium |
| Dec | 5°C | 1°C | 17 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Cool, warming from 10°C in March to 17°C in May; the Hafengeburtstag harbour festival in May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of 23–24°C and long evenings; June is the driest month with about 8 rainy days. Festivals and outdoor bars by the water.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from 20°C to 9°C; October is grey with about 15 rainy days. Christmas markets open in late November.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Grey and cold at 5–7°C by day and around 1–2°C at night; Christmas markets in December, quiet in January–February.
Events worth planning around
- Hafengeburtstag harbour birthday festival (May)
- Hamburger DOM funfair (spring, summer and winter editions)
- Reeperbahn Festival music conference and showcase (September)
- Christmas markets, especially at the Rathaus (late November–December)
When to avoid
January to March is grey, cold and quiet, fine for museums but not for the harbour. Avoid big trade fair weeks and the Hafengeburtstag if you want low hotel prices.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Hamburg?
May to September for warm, long days; December for the Christmas markets.
Does it rain a lot in Hamburg?
Yes, on 8–15 days a month, but often as showers. Pack a jacket in any season.
When is the Hafengeburtstag?
Usually over a long weekend in May, with ship parades, fireworks and huge crowds along the harbour.