Fall in Frankfurt really feels like a gradual shift from lingering summer warmth to that brisk, early-winter chill you sort of expect in Germany. Average daytime highs usually drop from the low 70s °F (around 22°C) in September to the low 40s °F (about 6°C) by November.
Nights cool down fast, often dipping close to freezing by late November. You can feel the change—it’s one of the most dynamic times of year to be in the city.
Clouds roll in as the weeks go by, and while rain happens pretty often, it’s usually just light to moderate. Daylight fades quicker every week, so evenings sneak up on you, adding to that crisp, cozy atmosphere.
The air stays fresh and clear, and muggy days basically don’t happen. Even when it’s chilly, walking around the city feels comfortable.
When you’re out and about, you’ll see how the weather shapes daily life. Earlier sunsets over the Main River, colorful leaves in the parks, and those cooler breezes all remind you that winter’s on the way.
Getting a sense of these patterns helps you plan—what to pack, when to go out, or just how to make the most of the outdoors.
Overview of Fall Weather in Frankfurt
Fall in Frankfurt means cooler temperatures, shorter days, and more cloudy skies. Rainfall stays pretty steady, winds pick up a bit, and the growing season wraps up by late autumn.
Typical Weather Patterns
Daily high temperatures drop from around 72°F (22°C) in early September to about 43°F (6°C) by late November. At night, lows fall from the mid-50s°F (13°C) to the mid-30s°F (1°C).
Clouds take over as the season moves along. In September, you still get clear or partly cloudy skies nearly half the time, but by late November, overcast days are the norm.
Rainfall averages about 1.6 inches (40 mm) per month, and you’ve got about a 25% chance of a wet day. Snow barely shows up in early fall but gets a bit more likely in November.
Winds average 8–9 mph, starting from the west in September and shifting more southerly later on.
Seasonal Changes from Summer to Autumn
The jump from summer to fall in Frankfurt comes with a sharp drop in daylight. You lose more than five hours of sunlight between early September and late November.
Sunsets go from just after 8:00 PM in early September to around 4:30 PM by the end of November.
Days go from warm and comfortable to chilly, sometimes damp. September usually feels mild, with highs near 70°F (21°C). In October, afternoons cool off into the upper 50s°F (14°C).
By November, many days barely reach the low 40s°F (5–7°C).
Humidity stays moderate, and muggy days just don’t happen. The growing season usually ends in late October or early November, which changes things for local gardens and vineyards in the area.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels cooler, darker, and a lot cloudier. Summer highs reach into the upper 70s°F (25°C), and you see a lot more blue sky, while fall brings more gray days and less daylight.
Winter in Frankfurt gets colder, with highs in the 30s–40s°F (1–6°C) and a bigger chance of snow. Fall is that in-between time—you might get a few mild days, but by late November, frost starts to show up.
Spring works the other way, with temperatures slowly climbing and the days stretching out. Fall, on the other hand, moves from warmth to cold, so it’s a little more unpredictable. You might get a lovely afternoon and a damp, brisk day in the same week.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Frankfurt’s temperatures drop steadily throughout fall. Early on, you still catch some late-summer warmth, but by late November, it’s cold and often close to freezing.
The change happens gradually, but you’ll notice it, and it definitely affects your clothing and plans.
September Temperature Trends
September brings some of the most comfortable conditions of the season. Daytime highs start near 72°F (22°C) and cool to about 64°F (18°C) by month’s end.
Nights drop from 55°F (13°C) early in the month to 48°F (9°C) later.
It often feels like summer’s hanging on. July averages around 77°F (25°C), so September isn’t that much cooler.
Most days are still warm enough for outdoor dining or sightseeing without heavy layers.
Rain falls moderately, and skies are clearer than in October or November. If you’re visiting, a light jacket and umbrella usually do the trick.
Evenings cool off quickly, so layering helps.
October Temperature Patterns
By October, the cooling trend really kicks in. Highs drop from about 61°F (16°C) at the start to 52°F (11°C) by the end.
Nights go from 46°F (8°C) down to 41°F (5°C).
You start to feel crisp mornings and afternoons that need a jacket. Cloudy skies and rain pick up, and October is usually the wettest month of fall.
Damp days are more common, so packing a rain jacket makes sense.
You’ll notice the drop in daylight, too. Sunsets arrive earlier, and the shorter days make it feel colder than the numbers say.
Walking around in October usually means heavier clothes, especially at night.
November Temperature Overview
November brings the sharpest temperature drop. Highs average about 43°F (6°C), and lows hover near 34°F (1°C).
Frost starts to show up, and sometimes you’ll even see a mix of rain and snow late in the month.
This is when fall really turns to winter. Rain totals stay about the same, but the cold air makes damp days feel even chillier.
Cloud cover thickens, and gray skies stick around.
You can still get outside, but you’ll want to bundle up. A heavy coat, gloves, and a hat are pretty much required, especially after dark.
By the end of November, it feels a lot more like early winter than autumn.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in Autumn
Frankfurt’s autumn rainfall stays pretty steady—no wild swings between wet and dry. You can expect moderate rain and a fair number of rainy days, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a visit or just heading out.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Frankfurt gets around 50–70 mm of rain per month in autumn. September is usually a bit drier, with close to 55 mm, while November often reaches about 70 mm.
October lands in the middle, at around 60 mm.
The difference between months isn’t huge, especially compared to some other European cities. You won’t see any dramatic shifts from early to late fall.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~55 mm |
| October | ~60 mm |
| November | ~70 mm |
Rain spreads out across the season instead of coming in big storms. Showers are usually moderate.
Frequency of Rainy Days
It’s not just how much rain falls, but how often. Expect 12 to 15 days with measurable rain each month—that includes everything from light showers and drizzle to the occasional heavier rainfall.
September tends to have about 12 rainy days. By November, you’ll get closer to 15.
The increase is gradual, so you won’t suddenly feel like you’re living under a cloud.
Most days, rain comes in short bursts and doesn’t last all day. That gives you some dry windows, even in wetter months.
Still, cloudy skies get more common, especially later in the season.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Because rainfall is steady but not extreme, you can still enjoy outdoor activities in Frankfurt during autumn. It just takes a little planning.
Carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella is smart, since showers can pop up without warning.
Parks, riverside paths, and open-air markets stay open, though things might be damp after rain. If you’re walking or cycling, waterproof shoes and layers help a lot.
Outdoor events, like October fairs, usually continue even if it’s drizzling. Only prolonged showers in late autumn might cause a few hiccups.
With a bit of preparation, you can still make the most of the season.
Wind Speed and Atmospheric Conditions
During fall, winds in Frankfurt mostly come from the west and gradually pick up as temperatures drop. These changes affect how comfy it feels outside, how the sky looks, and even how you plan your day.
Average Wind Speed by Month
In September, average wind speeds stay near 6–8 mph (10–13 km/h). The air feels mild, and breezes are steady but rarely a problem.
By October, winds get a little stronger, averaging 7–9 mph (11–15 km/h). You’ll notice more gusts, especially on gray, overcast days.
November brings the strongest winds of the season. Expect averages of 8–10 mph (13–16 km/h), with some gusts hitting 15 mph (24 km/h) or more. This makes the cool, damp feeling even more noticeable.
| Month | Avg Wind Speed | Common Direction | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 6–8 mph | West | Mild breezes |
| October | 7–9 mph | West | More gusts |
| November | 8–10 mph | West | Stronger, cooler |
Variation in Wind Strength
Wind strength in Frankfurt during fall isn’t totally consistent. Mornings often start calm, but afternoons can get breezy.
Gusts show up more in October and November, when pressure systems move faster over central Europe. These gusts can reach 12–18 mph (19–29 km/h) during stormy spells.
Even so, wind rarely gets strong enough to mess up travel or daily plans. Mostly, it just makes the air feel colder than the temperature really is.
Effects on Daily Life
Frankfurt’s fall winds change what you wear, how you get around, and even how long you want to stay outside. A light jacket might be enough in September, but by November, you’ll want something wind-resistant.
Cyclists and walkers notice the wind most, especially heading west to east. It can slow you down a bit.
Air travelers feel it too. Frankfurt Airport sometimes gets crosswinds that cause minor delays, but flights usually run smoothly. For most people, it just means adjusting to cooler, breezier weather.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
During autumn in Frankfurt, days get noticeably shorter and sunshine fades. You can really tell the difference between early September and late November—daylight windows shrink, and bright hours get fewer as fall goes on.
Changes in Daylight Duration
Day length in Frankfurt drops fast during fall. In early September, you get about 13 hours of daylight. By late November, it’s down to around 8.5 hours.
This means you’ve got a lot less time for outdoor activities in natural light. For example:
- September: 11.7–13.5 hours
- October: 9.8–11.6 hours
- November: 8.4–9.8 hours
That steady decline is typical for central Europe. As November approaches, you’ll want to plan afternoon activities earlier in the day, since dusk comes way sooner than it does in early autumn.
Average Daily Sunshine
Clouds roll in more often as the season moves along, so you get less direct sunlight. In September, you’ll probably catch about 14 sunny days, but by November, that drops to around 8 days.
The number of sunshine hours goes down too. September usually brings 4–5 hours of sun a day. By November, you might only get 1–2 hours. October lands somewhere in the middle, with 3–4 hours on average.
Even when the days are longer, skies often stay overcast. If you’re hoping for natural light for sightseeing or snapping photos, September definitely gives you the best shot. November? Not so much—it’s usually the gloomiest month.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset come earlier as autumn rolls on. Early September mornings start with the sun at about 6:45 a.m., and it sets near 7:45 p.m. By late November, sunrise slips to 7:45 a.m., and sunset arrives close to 4:30 p.m.
You’ll probably notice your routine changing as the light fades faster. Evenings outdoors shrink with the early dark, and mornings feel like they take forever to brighten up.
If you’re planning trips or outings, check local sunrise and sunset times for your dates. It really helps you squeeze the most out of the daylight, especially when days get so short late in the season.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Fall in Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s temperatures shift fast in autumn, with mild afternoons turning into chilly mornings and evenings. You’ll get more out of the season if you bring the right clothes, plan your time outdoors, and jump into local events that show off the city’s culture.
What to Pack for Autumn Weather
Early fall days usually reach the upper teens Celsius (mid-60s °F), but by November, afternoons can feel nearly wintry. Mornings and evenings get even colder, especially when the air is damp.
Pack layers so you can adjust as the day changes. Mix long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket. Toss in a waterproof coat or an umbrella—rain showers are pretty common.
You’ll want good walking shoes, since exploring outside is a big part of being here. Go for shoes that keep your feet dry and handle cobblestones well. If you’re coming later in the season, a scarf, hat, and gloves are smart additions.
A small daypack helps you carry extra layers and a reusable water bottle as you explore. Frankfurt’s weather can surprise you, so it’s worth staying comfortable.
Recommended Outdoor Activities
Autumn is honestly one of the best times to get outside in Frankfurt. The Palmengarten and Grüneburgpark burst with color, and the Main River paths are perfect for a walk or bike ride.
You could hop on a train to the Taunus Mountains for hiking trails and sweeping views of the city and countryside. Cooler air makes being active outside so much nicer than in summer.
If you prefer a slower pace, wander through neighborhoods like Sachsenhausen. Traditional taverns pour apple wine, and you might still find outdoor seating on warmer days, especially early in the season.
Boat cruises on the Main River keep running into autumn, letting you see the skyline and bridges in that softer, golden light. These are great ways to take in the city’s scenery—no need to break a sweat.
Local Events and Festivals
Frankfurt rolls out a bunch of events in autumn that mix culture with local traditions. The Frankfurt Book Fair pops up in October and, honestly, it’s massive—people fly in from all over just to check it out.
If you’re into wine, you’ll probably love the Rheingau Wine Festival. Regional vineyards show off their best bottles, and you can try Federweißer, that cloudy young wine you can only get in the fall.
The Dippemess fair shows up in September with rides, food stands, and a buzzing vibe. Locals say it’s one of the oldest folk festivals in the city.
You’ll also find smaller markets and random concerts scattered around town. These events really let you soak up Frankfurt’s cultural side, especially with the crisp air and all the autumn treats.