Copenhagen in the fall brings crisp air, shorter days, and a steady shift toward cooler conditions. Daily high temperatures drop from the mid-60s °F in early September to the low 40s °F by late November. Lows slide from the low 50s °F to the mid-30s °F.
This steady decline really sets the tone for autumn, making it a time when you can feel the change in both weather and atmosphere.
Clouds roll in fast as the season moves along, and daylight shrinks by more than six hours between September and November. Rain falls pretty regularly, with about a one-in-three shot at a wet day, so you’ll probably want to plan for damp conditions.
At the same time, winds pick up, and the cool breeze off the water makes the air feel even colder. These shifts create a season that feels totally different from the bright, long days of summer.
If you’re planning to explore the city’s streets, enjoy the fall colors, or just experience life along the harbor, it helps to know what to expect from the weather. That way, you can make the most of your time in Copenhagen.
Overview of Fall Weather in Copenhagen
Fall in Copenhagen brings a steady cooling trend, shorter daylight hours, and more frequent cloud cover. Rain stays common, though it’s not usually extreme, and the wind grows stronger as the season moves on.
Key Fall Climate Characteristics
Daily highs drop from about 66°F (19°C) in early September to around 42°F (6°C) by late November. Lows go from 53°F (12°C) to 35°F (2°C), so you’ll get chilly mornings and evenings.
Cloud cover ramps up quickly, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies more than two-thirds of the time by November. Rainfall stays steady at about 1.9 inches (48 mm) per month, and you’ve got about a 29% chance of a wet day throughout.
Snow doesn’t show up much in fall, though you might see a mix of rain and snow late in the season. Daylight drops by more than six hours between September and November.
Early in the season, the sun sets after 8:00 PM, but by the end, it’s down before 4:00 PM. Wind speeds rise a bit, averaging 12–14 mph, often coming in from the west.
The nearby sea cools off quickly too, with water temperatures falling from 62°F (17°C) to around 43°F (6°C).
How Fall Differs From Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels colder, darker, and a lot windier. Summer highs often reach the low 70s°F (21–22°C), but by November, daytime temps get close to winter levels.
You lose almost half the daylight you had in August, which limits outdoor activities. Unlike winter, fall rarely brings heavy snow.
Winter lows often go below freezing, but fall usually stays just above. Rainfall amounts don’t change much through the year, but fall rain comes with chillier air and stronger winds, making it feel less comfortable.
Spring brings more daylight and rising temperatures, while fall heads the other way, with both dropping quickly. This shift also marks the end of the growing season, which usually wraps up by early November in Copenhagen.
Average Monthly Temperatures in Fall
Temperatures in Copenhagen change fast during the fall months. You’ll get mild days in early September, cooler afternoons in October, and chilly conditions by November as winter gets closer.
September Temperature Trends
September still feels pretty mild compared to later in the season. Average highs hit about 18°C (64°F) early in the month, but by the end, highs drop closer to 15°C (59°F). Nights cool down to 10–12°C (50–54°F), so you’ll want a light jacket after sunset.
Daylight hangs on, giving you around 12–13 hours of usable light. Rain falls steadily, and showers happen often, but nothing too wild.
The mix of mild temps and moderate rain makes this one of the comfier months to explore the city on foot or by bike. If you’re planning outdoor activities, mornings and evenings might feel damp, but midday usually brings the best weather.
October Temperature Trends
By October, you’ll definitely notice the cooling trend. Average highs fall to about 12°C (54°F), with lows near 7°C (45°F). Days get shorter, and the sun sets earlier, which makes afternoons feel cooler than you might expect.
Cloud cover increases, and overcast skies become more common. Heavy rain doesn’t hit all the time, but light rain and drizzle show up a lot.
Waterproof layers come in handy for staying comfortable as you move around the city. October is when that crisp autumn air really kicks in.
Mornings can feel pretty chilly, especially when the wind picks up near the harbor. The cooler weather nudges people indoors, but you can still enjoy outdoor walks if you dress for it.
November Temperature Trends
November brings a sharp drop in warmth. Average highs reach only 7°C (45°F), and nighttime lows hover around 3°C (37°F). Frost turns possible, and you might see some early snow, though it usually melts fast.
Daylight shrinks to less than 8 hours, making the city feel darker and colder. The air often feels damp, and wind near the water can make it feel even colder than it is.
Rain keeps coming, but you might also get sleet or flurries on colder days. If you visit in November, you’ll want to prep for chilly walks, layered clothing, and limited daylight for sightseeing.
Indoor attractions start to look a lot more appealing as the weather turns wintry.
Precipitation Patterns During Fall
Rain shows up more often in Copenhagen during autumn, and clouds take over the sky for much of the season. While rain is common, snow doesn’t usually appear until late in the year when colder air moves in.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Copenhagen gets about 728–891 mm of precipitation annually, and fall provides a steady chunk of that. Rain usually falls as light or moderate showers, not heavy downpours.
You can expect rain on plenty of days, but not in huge amounts. September tends to be wetter than October or November, with average rainfall close to 60–70 mm.
By November, totals drop a bit, averaging around 50–60 mm. Rain spreads across many days, so frequent damp conditions are the norm, even if daily amounts aren’t high.
Rainy days increase in autumn, with cloud cover rising from under half the time in early September to nearly 70% by late November. Waterproof clothing works better than an umbrella, since the wind can make umbrellas tricky.
| Month | Average Rainfall | Typical Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~65 mm | 13–15 days |
| October | ~60 mm | 14–16 days |
| November | ~55 mm | 15–17 days |
Chances of Snowfall in Autumn
Snow doesn’t really show up in Copenhagen before late November. The city’s maritime climate keeps temps above freezing for most of fall, so rain is far more likely.
Light snow showers might happen at the end of November, but they’re not a sure thing every year. On average, Copenhagen gets about 13 cm of snow annually, and most of it falls from December through February.
If you visit in September or October, you probably won’t see any snow. By late November, you might get the odd flurry, but it rarely sticks. Roads and sidewalks usually stay clear, and snow removal isn’t really needed until winter.
So if you’re planning a fall trip, expect wet weather and prep for cool rain instead of snow.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Changes
During autumn in Copenhagen, daily sunshine drops steadily and daylight hours shorten fast. These changes affect how much time you’ll have for outdoor activities and how bright the city feels.
Average Daily Sunshine in Fall
You’ll notice sunshine drops off as autumn moves along. In September, the city averages about 5.5–6 hours of sunshine per day. By October, this goes down to around 3.5–4 hours, and in November, daylight gets scarce with only 2–2.5 hours of sunshine on average.
This happens partly because the days are shorter, but also because of thicker clouds and more rain. Copenhagen’s weather gets pretty unsettled in autumn, which limits the number of sunny days.
If you’re visiting, September still gives you a decent shot at sunny afternoons, while November often feels dim and overcast. If you want to sightsee or do stuff outside, you’ll need to adjust your plans as the season moves forward.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Month | Avg. Daily Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| September | 5.5–6 |
| October | 3.5–4 |
| November | 2–2.5 |
Daylight Duration Through Autumn
Daylight hours shrink fast in Copenhagen during fall. In early September, the sun rises before 6:30 a.m. and sets around 8:00 p.m., giving you about 13.5 hours of daylight. By late November, sunrise happens after 8:00 a.m. and sunset is close to 3:45 p.m., so you only get about 7 hours of daylight.
This change really stands out. Losing nearly 6–7 hours of daylight between September and November can mess with your daily rhythm and travel plans.
Keep in mind that mornings and evenings get dark quickly, so it’s usually better to schedule outdoor activities earlier in the day. Museums, restaurants, and indoor attractions become more tempting as daylight disappears.
The difference between early and late autumn is pretty dramatic, so planning around the daylight window helps you get the most out of your time in the city.
Humidity and Wind Conditions in Autumn
Copenhagen’s fall weather brings higher humidity and steady winds that really shape how the season feels. You’ll get damp air and breezy conditions that influence how comfortable you are, what you wear, and what you do outside.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity stays fairly high in Copenhagen during autumn. Average relative humidity goes from about 72% in early fall to around 80–85% by late November. This makes the air feel cooler than the actual temperature, especially on cloudy or rainy days.
Mornings often feel the dampest, and afternoons only bring slight relief. With short daylight and moist air, evenings can feel chilly and heavy, even if the thermometer isn’t at its lowest.
Compared to spring, the air holds more moisture, so you’ll see more mist or light drizzle. Expect damp conditions more often in October and November than in September.
For comfort, pack water-resistant clothing and layers that can handle cool, moist air. Even if rain isn’t heavy, the steady humidity makes Copenhagen feel wetter than drier European cities in fall.
Prevailing Winds During Fall
Winds in Copenhagen during autumn show up steadily and noticeably. Average speeds hover around 6–13 mph, with stronger gusts becoming common later in the season. Winds mostly blow in from the west and southwest, carrying in that maritime air from the North Sea.
In September, breezes feel mild and kind of refreshing. By November, the same winds can feel a lot colder as temperatures drop, adding to the chill when you’re near the harbor or out in the open.
Windy days often show up with passing weather systems, bringing quick changes between light rain, clouds, and the occasional clear sky. This can make outdoor plans a bit unpredictable if you’re not prepared.
For travelers, a windproof jacket does more for you than a heavy coat in early fall. By late autumn, combining wind protection with warmer layers helps you stay comfortable in exposed spots like Nyhavn or along the coast.
Travel Tips and Best Time to Visit Copenhagen in Fall
Copenhagen’s fall season is short but distinct. You’ll get mild temperatures at the start, then cooler, damp conditions by November. Planning your visit around the weather and packing the right clothes makes it easier to enjoy both the city’s outdoor sights and its indoor culture.
Ideal Months for Visiting
If you’re thinking about visiting Copenhagen in the fall, aim for late September through October. Early September sometimes still feels like summer, with daytime highs hanging out in the upper teens °C (low 60s °F).
By mid-October, the temperature usually drops to around 10–13°C (50s °F). September gives you longer daylight hours, so it’s easier to wander parks like Kongens Have or Frederiksberg Have right when the leaves start to turn.
October feels cooler, but you’ll find cultural highlights like Kulturnatten (Culture Night) and Halloween at Tivoli Gardens.
By early November, most trees have already lost their leaves, and daylight shrinks to about 8 hours. Rain shows up more often, so outdoor activities get a bit less comfortable.
If you love crisp mornings, smaller crowds, and peak autumn colors, try planning your trip between the last week of September and the third week of October.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
Fall weather in Copenhagen changes fast. One minute it’s sunny, then suddenly you’re caught in the rain. So, flexible clothing just makes sense. I’d definitely toss in a waterproof jacket, a couple of warm layers, and comfortable walking shoes.
October usually brings more rain, so you’ll probably want a compact umbrella. Trust me, it comes in handy.
Pack some sweaters, scarves, and a light fleece for those cooler evenings. By the end of October, gloves and a hat might be a good idea too.
If you’re thinking about cycling (it’s a big thing there), bring wind-resistant outerwear. The breeze can surprise you.
For museums, cafés, or food halls, you’ll fit in with casual but neat clothes. Danes have this way of dressing simply, but they always look stylish—lots of layers, neutral colors.
A small daypack is super practical. You can stash water, snacks, or an extra layer while you wander around parks or along the canals.