The climate of Kiel
Kiel,
Germany possesses a Marine west coast, warm summer climate or what is scientifically known as a Cfb climate under the Köppen climate classification. This is characterized partly due to its geographical position near the Baltic Sea, which greatly influences its weather dynamics. Throughout the year, the temperature fluctuates moderately from a peak of 21.8°C (71.2°F) in
August to a minimum of -0.7°C (30.7°F) in
January, demonstrating a mix of rather mild winters and warm summer months.
Rainfall is distributed reasonably evenly across the year with slight elevations in
July with 30mm (1.18") and dips down to 11mm (0.43") in
April. There is a noticeable difference in the number of rainfall days, with the highest being 15.2 days in July and lowest being 8.2 days in
February. Simultaneously, snowfall remains minimal and concentrated primarily within the winter months from
November to
March. The pressure remains relatively consistent throughout the year, averaging at around 1014mb to 1016mb.
Relative humidity, predominate around 80% to 90%, suggests a generally humid climate. Additionally, the percentage of the sky covered by clouds oscillates moderately between 43% in April and August and 71% in
December. This cloud cover, in turn, influences the amount of sunlight and daylight experienced, contributing to a distinct seasonal differentiation. Breezy winds may also be experienced more frequently, especially during winter, with wind speed ranging from 12.6km/h (7.8mph) to 18.2km/h (11.3mph).
The best time to visit Kiel
To decide the best time for a visit to
Kiel, several factors can greatly influence one's decision, such as personal preferences for temperature and weather conditions. However, considering the climate data, it can be inferred that late spring to early summer, particularly from
May to
June, could be ideal. During this period, the temperature rises steadily from 7.8°C (46°F) to 18°C (64.4°F), rainfall remains manageable within the 22mm (0.87") to 27mm (1.06") range, and daylight hours extend, allowing plenty of sunshine even during cloudy days. Moreover, the highest sea temperature, around 16.3°C (61.3°F), nicely coincides with the comfortable air temperature.
The worst time to visit Kiel
On the other hand, the period of least appeal for visiting
Kiel, considering the adverse weather circumstances, may be from
November to
February. This timeframe hosts the combination of cold temperatures, fluctuating between 2.8°C (37°F) and -0.7°C (30.7°F), low daylight hours ranging from 8 hours to 7.4 hours, and an increased tendency for snowfall. The sea temperature also stays rather icy, plummeting to a low 2.7°C (36.9°F) to 3.1°C (37.6°F), making any beach-related activities generally less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Kiel
Spring in
Kiel, from
March to
May, witnesses a sizeable transformation from winter's chilly embrace. Steady temperature escalation from 7.8°C (46°F) in March to 16°C (60.8°F) by May provides a palpable sense of warmth. Rainfall amounts are moderate during these months, remaining between 16mm (0.63") and 22mm (0.87"), while the number of days with sunshine notably increases, courtesy of the stretching day length.
Summer weather in Kiel
The summer months in
Kiel promise the utmost warmth with temperatures hovering from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). While
July experiences the most rainfall at 30mm (1.18"), the ample daylight hours extending up to 17.1 hours and sea temperatures of up to 18.4°C (65.1°F) present an opportunity for various outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Kiel
Autumn in
Kiel comes with gradually falling temperatures, measuring from 18°C (64.4°F) in
September to 7.7°C (45.9°F) come
November. Rainfall amounts stabilize near 13mm (0.51") to 17mm (0.67"), while the number of daylight hours contracts eventually to 8.5 hours by November's end. Relatively higher wind speeds become increasingly noticeable in this season.
Winter weather in Kiel
In comparison to more harsh continental climates, winters in
Kiel manifest themselves in milder, more moderated temperatures ranging from 4.3°C (39.7°F) in
December to -0.7°C (30.7°F) in the coldest month,
January. Nevertheless, the increased chances of snowfall, especially in January with 24mm (0.94"), shorter daylight hours dwindling down to 7.4 hours, and gusting winds of up to 18.2km/h (11.3mph) define Kiel's winter ambiance.
Weather in January
Brace for the coldest month, as
January carries
Kiel,
Germany into the depths of winter. Daylight is limited, with the longest stretch of sun peering out from behind the clouds reaching only eight hours. High levels of humidity accompany frequent precipitation events, often manifesting as 15mm (0.59") of snowfall on about six days of the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February maintains the distinctly winter feel of its predecessor month, albeit with longer daylight hours and a slightly warmer average temperature. Weather patterns remain dynamic, with almost daily changes seen in the wind speed and temperature.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March announces the arrival of spring, the weather begins to transition in
Kiel,
Germany. Temperatures on land and sea slowly start to climb and the UV index increases to three, indicating more sunshine and longer daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Kiel,
Germany greets
April with a significant escalation in temperature, both on land and sea. As winter coats are exchanged for lighter jackets, the thrill of sunny days and blossoming trees becomes more prevalent. Notably, April experiences only 5mm (0.2") of snowfall, mainly at the beginning of the month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings the promise of predictable weather patterns to
Kiel,
Germany, as spring moves boldly forward. Residents trade their jackets for lighter attire as temperatures continue to climb. In fact, snowfall is completely absent this month, giving way to full-blown blooming landscapes.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is a festive month, marking the official onset of summer in
Kiel,
Germany. The city basks in extended daylight lasting more than 17 hours and vast expanses of clear, blue skies. It is important to note that June experiences a spike in rainfall reaching 27mm (1.06"), although showers are intermittent and typically short-lived.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest time of the year in
Kiel,
Germany, with temperatures peaking at an average high of 21.6°C (70.9°F). The warm trend extends to the sea, reaching the highest temperature of 18.1°C (64.6°F), perfect for swimming and various water sports.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As the summer season starts to wind down, weather patterns in
Kiel,
Germany in
August follow suit. Throughout the month, the city experiences a slight reduction in temperature from the hot
July weather. Nevertheless, August still offers good swimming conditions, with sea temperatures holding steady at around 18.4°C (65.1°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signifies the onset of autumn in
Kiel,
Germany, typified by temperate weather, increasing cloud cover, and shorter daylight hours. The city experiences slight cooling from the hot summer months, although the sea remains warm, holding at a balmy 17°C (62.6°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a chill in the air as
Kiel,
Germany, transitions more fully into the autumn season. The month is characterized by further decrease in temperatures and daylight hours, as well as a slight increase in cloud cover and rainfall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November arrived, and with it, the advent of winter is felt in
Kiel,
Germany. A marked shift in weather trend is noticeable, with falling temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and increased rainfall. The start of the snowfall season is marked in November with 5mm (0.2") of snow spread across roughly one and a half days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Winter takes full effect in
December as
Kiel,
Germany braces for its second coldest month of the year. With decreasing daylight hours and prevailing cold temperatures, the city settles into its winter routine. Yet, December stands out, with snowfall amounting to 19mm (0.75") spread across about four days.
Weather in December »