Spring in Munich feels like a real change from the cold, gray days of winter. Daytime temperatures start out in the low 40s °F (about 6 °C) in early March and work their way up to the upper 60s °F (around 19 °C) by late May.
Nights stay pretty cool at first, especially in March, but things get much more comfortable as summer approaches.
Rain shows up more often as spring goes on, with light showers and the occasional heavier downpour, especially toward May. The sky tends to stay partly or mostly cloudy, but the days are longer, so there’s more time to wander Munich’s parks, beer gardens, or catch outdoor events.
If you’re thinking about visiting, spring actually offers a nice balance: mild weather, fewer tourists than in summer, and a lively atmosphere. You’ll see gardens waking up, street cafés buzzing, and Munich’s outdoor culture coming back to life after winter.
Overview of Spring in Munich
Spring in Munich means rising temperatures, longer days, and a mix of wet and dry spells. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons are milder, and you get a blend of cloudy skies with a bit more sunshine as the weeks pass.
Typical Climate Conditions
Each spring, daily high temperatures climb from around 42°F (6°C) in early March up to about 67°F (19°C) by late May. Nights start out cold, sometimes dropping to 28°F (-2°C), but by the end of spring, they’re closer to 49°F (9°C).
Clouds hang around a lot—about 58% of the time, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy. Rain picks up as spring moves along. The chance of a wet day climbs from 24% in March to about 45% in late May.
Snow can still show up in early March, but it disappears quickly as things warm up.
Rainfall increases too, starting at an average of 1.3 inches over a 31-day stretch in March and reaching around 4 inches by May. Even with the extra rain, humidity stays comfortable, and muggy days just don’t really happen here.
Wind eases off as spring goes on, dropping from about 7.4 mph in March to 5.9 mph in May. Most breezes come from the west, which can bring in damp, cool air, especially early in the season.
Transition from Winter to Spring
The move from winter to spring in Munich doesn’t always happen smoothly. Early March can still feel wintry, with frosty mornings and the odd snow shower.
By April, snow is rare, and rain takes over as the main kind of precipitation.
Daylight grows fast. Spring starts with just over 11 hours of daylight and stretches out to nearly 16 hours by late May.
That means earlier sunrises, later sunsets, and more chances to be outside.
The growing season typically kicks off in late April, once the frost risk drops. By May, parks and gardens are bursting with color, thanks to the warmer weather and longer days.
You’ll also spot more sunny breaks between showers, so the city looks and feels brighter.
It’s a variable time of year, honestly. Some days are cool and damp, while others suddenly feel like summer. Packing a light jacket and umbrella just makes sense.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Munich’s spring temperatures rise steadily, starting off cold and ending up much milder by late May. You’ll notice a clear difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows, and honestly, the swings can make planning a bit tricky.
Monthly Temperature Trends
March is usually the coldest spring month here. Highs average around 9°C (48°F), and lows sit close to freezing at 0°C (32°F). Snow can still fall, especially early on.
April feels better. Highs reach about 14°C (57°F), and lows rise to roughly 4°C (39°F). Days are more comfortable, but evenings can still get chilly.
May is much warmer. Highs average 19°C (66°F), and lows are near 9°C (48°F). By then, Munich’s growing season is in full swing, and frost is rare.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 9°C / 48°F | 0°C / 32°F |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 4°C / 39°F |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F |
Daytime and Nighttime Variations
Daytime temperatures climb through spring, but mornings and evenings often stay cold, especially in March and April. You’ll want a jacket for sure, even if the afternoon feels nice.
Nights warm up more slowly. In March, freezing nights are pretty common, and April still brings the occasional frost. By May, nights finally get milder, though you might still want a light coat after dark.
The biggest swings between day and night happen in March, sometimes up to 10°C (18°F) or more. By May, the gap shrinks, so evenings are more comfortable if you’re out late.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Munich’s spring weather can surprise you with extremes. Early March sometimes dips below -5°C (23°F) overnight. Snow is possible, but less likely as spring goes on.
On the flip side, late May can get up to about 25°C (77°F) during sunny spells. Occasionally, it gets even warmer, but those heat spikes don’t stick around.
After April, extreme cold is rare, though a sudden freeze can still sneak in. If you’re packing, layering is smart since Munich’s spring can be all over the place.
Precipitation Patterns in Spring
Spring in Munich means frequent rain, the odd late-season snow, and short, sometimes dramatic thunderstorms. You’ll get a mix of wet and dry days, with rain peaking in May and June.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rain is common in Munich during spring, with 12 to 15 days per month seeing measurable precipitation. Monthly totals usually land between 70 mm and 120 mm, and May is often wetter than March or April.
Rain usually comes as steady showers, not long downpours. Overcast or partly cloudy days are frequent, so sunny stretches can be hit or miss.
Because Munich sits close to the Alps, the weather can change quickly. Rain can show up even after a clear morning. If you’re out and about, having a rain jacket or umbrella is just practical.
Snowfall and Mixed Precipitation
Snow can still fall in early spring, especially March. Cold nights mean you might see occasional snow showers or sleet, but it usually melts fast.
By April, snow is rare, but mixed rain and sleet can happen when cold air lingers. These events don’t last long and usually give way to rain as the days warm up.
If you head up toward the Alps, late-season snow is more likely. In central Munich, though, spring snow is more of a quick inconvenience than anything serious.
Thunderstorms and Weather Events
Thunderstorms start popping up more often in late spring, especially in May. Warm southern air meets cooler Alpine air, and things get unstable.
These storms are usually short and localized, bringing quick bursts of heavy rain, gusty winds, and sometimes a little hail. You won’t see many long, severe storms, but weather can change fast.
If you’re traveling, it makes sense to keep your plans flexible, since sudden showers can interrupt outdoor activities. Checking the forecast each morning is just a good idea.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Spring in Munich brings a slow shift from gray to brighter days. Daylight hours stretch out, but cloud cover sticks around, especially in March and April.
By late spring, sunshine is a bit more reliable, and outdoor activities get easier.
Typical Cloud Cover Levels
Munich usually starts spring under a lot of clouds. In March, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy more than half the time, which can make it feel colder than it actually is.
By April, clouds break up more often, though rain showers still form under passing weather systems. Many afternoons bring a mix of sun and clouds.
May is usually the clearest month of spring. Showers still happen, but clouds break up faster, and sunny spells last longer. Overall, the season goes from mostly gray in March to partly sunny by May.
| Month | Cloud Cover Tendency | Conditions You See Most Often |
|---|---|---|
| March | Heavier, overcast | Gray skies, limited sunshine |
| April | Mixed, variable | Alternating sun and clouds |
| May | Lighter, broken | Longer sunny periods |
Hours of Sunshine
Sunshine hours grow steadily through spring. In March, you get about 4 to 5 hours of sun each day, but it can feel short with all the clouds.
April brings a little more, with 5 to 6 hours daily. The extra light makes sightseeing easier, even if it’s still cool. Showers might interrupt, but the sun usually returns after.
May is the brightest, with around 6 to 7 hours of sunshine a day. That’s plenty for exploring parks, gardens, or just hanging out at a beer garden. The stronger sun also makes it feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight really stretches out in Munich during spring. Early March days last about 11.5 to 12 hours, so evenings still come early.
By April, you’re up to around 13.5 to 14 hours of daylight. Evenings get noticeably longer, which means more time outside after work or sightseeing.
In May, daylight reaches about 15 to 15.5 hours. Late sunsets let you enjoy dinner outdoors, festivals, or just a stroll well into the evening. The combo of longer days and warmer weather really makes spring in Munich feel special.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Munich’s spring air shifts between damp and fresh, depending on the month. Humidity drops compared to winter, and local winds—especially the Föhn—can change how the weather feels in a flash.
Average Humidity Levels
Spring humidity in Munich usually sits between 65% and 75%, landing between the wetter winter months and the drier summer. March tends to feel more humid, while May dries out a bit as it warms up.
You might notice mornings feel damp, especially after rain overnight. By afternoon, the air often feels lighter, particularly on sunny days.
Compared to December, when humidity can hit 82%, spring is more comfortable. By July, it drops to about 55%, but spring stays moderately moist.
You rarely get the sticky, heavy air of tropical climates. Instead, Munich’s spring humidity makes cool days crisp and warm days feel just right.
Influence of the Föhn Wind
The Föhn wind is a unique feature in southern Germany. It’s a warm, dry wind blowing down from the Alps, and it can hit Munich anytime—including spring.
When the Föhn kicks in, you’ll feel temperatures jump and humidity drop fast. A chilly, damp day can turn mild and dry within hours.
Locals often talk about clearer skies and better visibility during these winds. The Föhn can also bring sudden weather changes, sometimes messing with outdoor plans.
Some people love the warmth, while others get headaches or feel tired from the pressure shifts. If you’re visiting, just remember the Föhn can make Munich’s spring weather feel totally different from what you expected.
Other Wind Patterns
Besides the Föhn, Munich gets a mix of westerly and northerly winds in spring. Westerly winds usually bring moist air, which means you’ll see some light rain showers.
Northerly winds can sweep in cooler air, especially early in the season. It’s not unusual to feel a real chill if the wind shifts suddenly.
Most of the time, wind speeds stay moderate, generally between 10 and 15 km/h. Gusts can pick up when weather fronts roll through, but you probably won’t have to worry about extreme wind storms.
These steady breezes keep the air feeling fresh. Sometimes, they make higher humidity less noticeable, which is a relief.
If you’re visiting, you’ll likely find spring days in Munich comfortable for walking, cycling, or just sitting outside.
Wind direction changes can really swing the temperature. When the wind shifts from a damp westerly to a dry southerly, you might notice the day feels totally different, even if the actual temperature barely changes.
What to Expect: Practical Tips for Spring Visitors
Spring in Munich brings cool mornings and mild afternoons. You’ll also get frequent rain showers.
Plan for changing weather, outdoor festivals, and seasonal foods that really matter to local culture.
Recommended Clothing
Pack layers so you can adapt as the temperature changes throughout the day. Early spring mornings often dip close to freezing. By late spring, afternoons can reach the low 20s °C (upper 60s to low 70s °F).
A light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is a must, since rain shows up often, especially in May and June. Bring comfortable walking shoes—Munich’s cobblestone streets and park paths aren’t always kind to your feet.
You’ll want a warm sweater or fleece for evenings, which can stay chilly. If you’re heading to a Biergarten, casual but neat clothing is the way to go. Locals love layers, so you’ll fit right in if you do the same.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Spring in Munich means outdoor life comes back in full swing. Biergartens start opening up again, and you’ll see locals sipping seasonal Maibock beer.
Parks like the Englischer Garten and Olympiapark fill up with people picnicking or biking as soon as the weather allows.
Festivals really make spring fun. Frühlingsfest (Springfest) at Theresienwiese brings beer tents, amusement rides, and food stalls. You can also check out the Auer Dult, a traditional market and fair held three times a year.
If you love nature, don’t skip the Munich Botanical Garden. Tulips and other spring flowers bloom in huge displays.
Around mid-April, the city turns its fountains back on, which adds a lively touch to squares and parks.
Travel Considerations
Spring feels like a shoulder season, so you’ll usually run into fewer crowds than you would in summer or during Oktoberfest. Hotels and flights can be easier on your wallet, especially if you’re looking in March or April.
By May, more tourists start showing up, so it pays to book early if you want better choices.
Rain sometimes messes with outdoor plans, so it’s smart to have indoor options like museums, palaces, or galleries in your back pocket. Many cultural spots actually stay open longer in spring, which gives you a bit more flexibility.
Public transport works well all year, but as the weather gets nicer, hopping on a bicycle becomes a pretty practical way to get around. If you decide to rent a car and head outside the city, just remember that rural spots might still feel cool and damp in early spring.