The Top Characteristics of the German Weather

Over the last few years, our team at Weather Station Finder has been travelling to several countries around the world to install our own weather stations and partner with others. The goal was to conduct exclusive studies for our readers. Germany was one of the first missions. And here is a summary of our crew’s conclusions.

The north and coastal regions

The climate in Germany is considered moderate with no longer periods of hot or cold weather. The Northwest region, as well as the coast, have a climate very influenced by the sea, which translates in cloudy winters and warm summers.

Once you go farther inland, you will notice that the climate is more typically continental, with greater and much more distinct variations during the seasons.

The south inland

The south registers more temperature extremes than the north, precisely because it is the most inland German region. Those extremes are felt between both summer and winter and day and night. January is the coldest month in the country. The average temperature is -2ºC (28.4ºF) in the south and around 1.5ºC (34.7ºF) up north.

During July, the warmest month, the situation reverses and you can see the difference between the more moderate north and the continental south. The north is fresher with temperatures rounding the 17ºC (62.6ºF). Meanwhile, the south of Germany usually registers an average of 21ºC (69.8ºF).

Higher altitudes

As you’ve seen, the maritime and continental climates are the most predominant across the German territory. However, the Alpine region in the extreme south, as well as the Central Uplands, even though to a lesser extent than the Alps, have a climate known as mountain climate. It is characterized by low temperatures due to the high altitudes.

The reason why the Alpine regions have a more rigorous mountain climate than the Uplands is because of the fact of conjugating both high altitudes and an inland south location.

In these regions, there is greater precipitation. In the Alps, we were able to register a phenomenon known in the German language as “föhn”, meaning “warm wind”. In this condition, warm tropical air drags across the Alps and loses moisture down south, decreasing precipitation. Some instances of the “föhn” winds have caused severe damage during the winter and even late fall.

Frequent low-pressure systems

Particularly during the months of fall and winter Atlantic low-pressure systems can bring to Germany extremely strong winds and deeply uncomfortable weather that includes heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The summer low-pressures, although weaker, can still cause thunderstorms and regularly lead to showery weather.

You are probably accustomed to see portrayals of the German winter as a very harsh and unreasonably cold season. That can be the case in the southern, eastern and mountainous regions, which can register temperatures far below 0ºC (32ºF). Anywhere else, though, winters are generally mild.

Clothing

If you are reading this not only with a weather enthusiast’s point of view, but also with a tourist’s one you are probably wondering: what should I wear on my trip to Germany?

Well, we recommend light clothing for summer, while simultaneously being armed with rainwear. Waterproof medium to heavyweights are essential for winter. And you can basically count on needing a sweater year-round.