Weather in Dortmund

Thinking about when to go to Dortmund? The best time to visit is May-June and September. In May and June, it is already warm, nature is green, there is enough sun for comfortable and pleasant walks, and the crowds of tourists have not yet reached their peak. September offers warm days and pleasant evenings, ideal for taking photos and strolling along the city's boulevards.

But every season has its advantages, so if you want to get to know Dortmund better, choose when to go based on your plans. For example, July-August will appeal to lovers of heat and street festivals, while December will appeal to fans of Christmas markets and the festive atmosphere. January and February are the ideal months to save on flights and accommodation.

Dortmund's climate: what you need to know

Dortmund is located in western Germany in a temperate maritime climate zone. It is not a mountainous city, but rather a flat part of the region, so there are no significant temperature differences between areas or throughout the day. Air masses come here directly from the Atlantic, resulting in high humidity all year round.

Winters here are usually cool and wet, while summers are warm but not tropical. The average annual temperature is around +10 degrees, and the average summer temperature reaches +20-22 degrees. Unlike the continental regions of Germany, winter here is more like a cold and wet autumn. The thermometer rarely drops below +2.

The climate in Dortmund is quite rainy. There is plenty of precipitation throughout the year, ranging from 700 to 1000 mm according to various sources. In summer, precipitation often comes in the form of short thunderstorms, while in winter, wet snow is also possible. The sunniest months are May-July, and the least sunny are December-January.

When is the best time to visit Dortmund by season

When is the best time to visit Dortmund is a matter of personal preference. Don't expect constant frost in winter — there are frequent thaws and slush. In summer, there are short periods of heat, but more often than not, the temperature is comfortable. The rains are not heavy, but they are prolonged and frequent, so an umbrella and a light windbreaker will always come in handy.

Spring — parks and greenery

Spring is an excellent choice. The city awakens, the trees turn green, and the buds bloom. The closer to May, the more comfortable the climate in Dortmund becomes. The days are getting longer, and the flow of tourists is still moderate. If you like walking in parks, relaxing in nature, and taking pictures with flowers, plan your trip for May. At the same time, evening walks are already more pleasant, and closer to summer, the first street events begin.

Summer is festival season

The parks and surroundings of Dortmund host a variety of sporting, musical, cultural, and other events to suit all tastes. You should check the current schedule on local websites, as it changes from year to year. There is one drawback to summer in Dortmund: at the height of summer, on weekends, and before major concerts and events, accommodation prices rise significantly.

Autumn — leaves and photography

If you want the most beautiful photos of Dortmund, it's best to go in autumn. The parks are painted in a warm palette of ochre and gold, the days remain comfortable, there are fewer tourists, and the museums are quieter. It's an excellent season for leisurely walks and photographing the city's architecture in soft light.

Winter — Christmas coziness

Winter in Dortmund is milder than in the northern regions of Germany. Snow is possible, but there is rarely a stable snow cover, and it does not last long. However, December is special, with Christmas markets and thousands of lights. Many call Dortmund one of the most beautiful Christmas cities in Europe. But be prepared for cold evenings and crowded locations.

Dortmund by month: weather

To better understand Dortmund's climate, take a closer look at the weather by month.

Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, but peaks during summer thunderstorms, and the driest month is April. There are about 120 rainy days per year. June is the sunniest month. Otherwise, just choose the right clothes, and your trip will be comfortable at any time of year.

Holidays and events in Dortmund

If your goal is to fully experience the atmosphere of the city, plan your trip so that you can catch at least a couple of interesting events.

Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt (Christmas City). Dortmund's Christmas markets are not just a few rows of stalls, but a real "city within a city" that takes over the center and surrounding streets every year. The main attraction is the famous giant Christmas tree, assembled from hundreds of live fir trees. It reaches a height of 45 meters and is one of the largest artificially assembled Christmas trees in Europe. In the evening, it shines with tens of thousands of lights, and next to it is usually the main photo spot for the whole of December. The fair has more than 300 wooden huts where you can buy products from local artisans and try local cuisine.

Juicy Beats. One of the largest summer music festivals in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. During the festival, part of the park is transformed into a series of themed areas: stages, food courts, lounge areas, art corners, and art objects. The festival format is a mix of pop music, electronic, hip-hop, indie, and dance genres, as well as an alternative stage for lovers of experimental sounds. During these days, Westfalenpark becomes like a separate city.

Borussia Dortmund matches (Signal Iduna Park). This is not exactly a holiday, but a real event for the whole city. The famous "Yellow Wall" and more than 80,000 spectators create an atmosphere that is worth experiencing at least once. It is also a great chance to take spectacular street and reportage photos.

Music and cultural events in Westfalenpark and Dortmunder U. Throughout the year, exhibitions, concerts, and local festivals are regularly held here. You can almost always find something interesting and atmospheric.

Budget tips: high and low season

High season in Dortmund is summer weekends and December with its Christmas markets. During these periods, accommodation and airfare prices rise. Low season is in winter after New Year's. Everything becomes much cheaper, hotels offer discounts, and shops have great sales. March and November can also be quite budget-friendly.

To save money, book your accommodation in advance, especially during events, holidays, and soccer matches. Take advantage of seasonal city discounts for transportation and museums. Remember that everything is a little more expensive in the center, so it makes sense to look for restaurants and other establishments deeper in the neighborhoods. Buy tickets for matches, festivals, and concerts in advance and avoid scalpers, because it's always a risk.

What to bring

Regardless of the season, thanks to Dortmund's climate, you will always need a compact umbrella, a waterproof windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes, and a power bank or spare battery.

In spring, opt for layers—for example, a light jacket and sweater. Mornings can be cool, so a scarf will come in handy. Bring a polarizing filter for photographing greenery.

In summer, you will need light clothing, a bottle of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Don't forget a raincoat or light windbreaker in case of quick but heavy thunderstorms. Comfortable and waterproof sneakers are a must for festivals.

In autumn, the same recommendations apply as in spring, but choose warmer shoes and a jacket.

In winter, you will need a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, thermal underwear if desired, as well as photo accessories for beautiful night shots of Christmas lights. We recommend shoes that are not only waterproof but also non-slip in case of light frost.