The climate of Heidelberg
Heidelberg,
Germany, experiences a predominant Cfb climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This marine west coast, warm summer climate is noticeable due to the city's geographical position in southwestern Germany, located approximately 78 kilometers south of Frankfurt. The climate throughout the year is generally mild, without extreme heat or cold and with regular precipitation.
Moving from temperature highs in the range of 4°C (39.2°F) in
January to 25.8°C (78.4°F) in
August, the city exhibits a relatively high degree of seasonal variation. Conversely, the lows follow a similar pattern, falling from 15.3°C (59.5°F) in August to -0.3°C (31.5°F) in January. Heidelberg experiences a notable change in humidity levels across the year, with a shift from 86% in January to 67% in
July and August.
Rainfall tends to fluctuate relatively equally throughout the year, reaching highs in
May with 50mm (1.97"), and featuring low rainfall during the month of
April with just 19mm (0.75"). A similar pattern is seen in the number of rainy days, which peak in May (15.8 days) and dip to its lowest in April (11.4 days). In terms of snowy days, the highest counts are seen in January with 5.4 days, while from April to
October no snowfall is typically observed.
The presence of sunlight clearly varies throughout the year, where daylight hours move from 8.7 hours in January to 16.2 hours in
June. Given the advances and retreats of the sun, the UV index fluctuates from a low 2 in the winter months to a peak of 5 between May and August.
The best time to visit Heidelberg
Given its temperate conditions and plentiful rainfall, the most favorable time to visit
Heidelberg would be from
May to
August. During these months, the city enjoys its warmest temperatures, with highs typically ranging from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F). Accompanying this, daylight is at its peak, providing ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Although rainfall is quite frequent during this period, with an average of 15 to 16 rainy days per month, the climatic charm of Heidelberg is not lessened.
The worst time to visit Heidelberg
Conversely, the worst time to visit tends to be in the colder months from
November to
February when temperatures dip to between -0.3°C (31.5°F) and 5.6°C (42.1°F). Although there can be balmy days, winter's icy grip is normally felt and the daylight hours decrease significantly, dropping to around 8.3 hours in
December. In addition, these months see the maximum snowfall in
Heidelberg, peaking at 44mm (1.73") in December which can disrupt travel and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Heidelberg
In
Heidelberg, Springtime runs from
March until
May. During this period, temperatures consistently rise, moving from 10.8°C (51.4°F) in March up to 19.3°C (66.7°F) in May. However, night temperatures still remain relatively low at this time, ranging anywhere from 2.8°C (37°F) to 8.8°C (47.8°F). Spring also sees a reduction in humidity, dropping from 75% in March to 73% in May. Rainfall during this season progressively increases with 30mm (1.18") in March, peaking at 50mm (1.97") in May.
Summer weather in Heidelberg
Summers in
Heidelberg extend from
June to
August, and this is when the city experiences it warmest and sunniest weather. Temperature highs can reach up to 25.8°C (78.4°F) in August, while lows fluctuate between 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 15.3°C (59.5°F). Despite being the sunniest time, there is a fair amount of rainfall too, with precipitation levels ranging from 41mm (1.61") to 46mm (1.81").
Autumn weather in Heidelberg
Autumn in
Heidelberg spans from
September to
November, and the city witnesses a steady decline in temperatures during this period. Temperature highs decrease from 20.6°C (69.1°F) in September to around 9.1°C (48.4°F) in November. Similarly, lows drop from 11.4°C (52.5°F) to 4.1°C (39.4°F). Rainfall remains relatively consistent throughout autumn, varying marginally between 28mm (1.1") to 30mm (1.18").
Winter weather in Heidelberg
The winter season in
Heidelberg, from
December to
February, sees the coldest temperatures of the year, with highs dropping to 4°C (39.2°F) and lows to -0.3°C (31.5°F). Despite the cold, the city experiences the most amount of rainfall during this season, specifically in December with 49mm (1.93"). Additionally, Heidelberg also receives its greatest snowfall in winter, reaching up to 44mm (1.73") in December.
Weather in January
In
Heidelberg,
Germany,
January greets residents with a solid winter chill, following
December's patterns closely. Snow and frost are frequent visitors, as winter gets into full swing. The temperature plunges, hitting a significant low of -0.3°C (31.5°F) in the coldest hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Heidelberg transitions between winter and spring,
February comes as a reprieve compared to
January's intense cold. Still primarily maintaining a wintry mix, the city receives less snow than the preceding month. After experiencing the chilly low of January, the mercury pushes slightly upwards, reaching 5.6°C (42.1°F) in the warmest parts of the day.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Setting the stage for spring, the weather in
Heidelberg begins to thaw in
March. The city bids goodbye to winter, diving headfirst into a warmer climate than the earlier months. In a noticeable expansion of daylight hours, the city welcomes longer days, highlighting a tell-tale sign of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By the time
April rolls around,
Heidelberg has firmly stepped into the realm of spring. Compared to
March, the weather leans more towards the balmy side with fewer rainfalls. Nature revelers can expect to see greener sceneries, larger blue skies, and an uptick in outdoor activities.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the bridge month in
Heidelberg,
Germany, as the city transitions from the pleasant spring to summertime. The climb in temperature progresses steadily, bringing ample opportunities for sunbathing and outdoor excursions. The city gears up to accept a considerable rainfall, signaling the lead-up to
June.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June drops the curtain to
Heidelberg's summer, characterized by relatively humid and warm weather. Compared to
May, the city sees less rainfall and draws a mostly sunny and clear weather outlook. This is the month when the city enjoys increased daylight hours, setting the perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July forms the heart of summer in
Heidelberg, presenting warm afternoons and mild evenings. Those enjoying outdoor activities or sightseeing will find the climate much to their liking. An increase in UV index encourages wearing sun-protective gear during peak daylight hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August rings in the tail end of summer in
Heidelberg, with the temperature graph starting to bend downwards gradually. Despite this, the city still enjoys a predominantly warm climate, akin to
July. It remains an ideal period for tourist influx, considerably due to its pleasing summer climate.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September acts as the harbinger of autumn in
Heidelberg. With the city bidding farewell to summer, a refreshing change in weather emerges, cooling the heated air. The decrease in daytime temperature makes the month an excellent time to explore without worrying excessively about weather conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, in
Heidelberg, reveals a charming shift to fall weather, as the city cloaks itself in myriad autumn hues. The temperature witnesses a gradual drop, prompting residents and visitors to don warmer wear. There's a noticeable shortening of daylight hours as winter approaches.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November arrives,
Heidelberg transitions towards winter, leaving behind the mild autumn climate seen in
October. The weather turns notably colder, setting the stage for the forthcoming winter season. With the decrease in daylight hours, the city starts preparing to embrace the chilly winter weather.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December, winter is in full throttle in
Heidelberg. The city, swirling under the snowfall, echoes with holiday festivity and twinkling lights. After a couple of months of steady temperature fall, December brings a winter wonder with snowfall increasing significantly.
Weather in December »