Weather in Hamburg

Planning your day in Hamburg? Check out the latest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right here to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Hamburg is characterized by a temperate maritime climate, ensuring the city enjoys mild weather without drastic temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Here, you will clearly feel the change of four seasons: winters are usually cool and damp, with an average temperature around 3-4°C; spring brings gradual warming; summer delights with moderate warmth, when average temperatures rise to 17-19°C; and autumn is distinguished by mildness and frequent rains, with gradually dropping temperatures.

One of the key features of Hamburg's climate is high humidity and a significant number of overcast and rainy days throughout the year. Data shows that the number of days with precipitation remains consistently high, varying from about 11 to 16 days per month. Although the indicated amount of precipitation in millimetres for each month is small (2-3 mm), this suggests that light rain or drizzle can catch you in any season. Therefore, having an umbrella or a light raincoat will be very handy during your trip to Hamburg, regardless of the time of year.

The annual temperature progression in Hamburg is distinguished by moderation, characteristic of a maritime climate. The coldest months are traditionally January and February, when the average air temperature holds at the level of 3.3°C - 4.0°C. During these winter months, daytime highs rarely exceed 5.2°C - 6.7°C, and nighttime lows can drop to 1.3°C - 1.4°C. Conversely, the peak of warmth falls on July and August, with average temperatures of 17.9°C and 18.6°C respectively. In the height of summer, the daytime air temperature often reaches a pleasant 22.1°C - 22.9°C.

Summer months in Hamburg, from June to August, give the city comfortable warmth. Average daytime temperatures fluctuate from 22.0°C to 22.9°C, and nighttime temperatures drop to 12.9°C - 14.3°C. Such conditions are ideal for long walks and exploring the city. The winter period, from December to February, is characterized by cool weather. Average daytime temperatures are around 5.2°C - 6.7°C, and nighttime temperatures are approximately 1.3°C - 2.3°C. Although severe frosts are rare, the temperature can approach zero. Diurnal temperature variations are more pronounced in summer, when the difference between the daytime high and nighttime low can reach 8-9°C, while in winter this difference usually does not exceed 3-5°C.

Spring and autumn serve as smooth transitional periods. In spring, from March to May, gradual warming is observed: the average temperature rises from 5.4°C in March to 13.0°C in May, with daytime highs in May reaching 17.6°C. In autumn, from September to November, the temperature likewise gradually decreases, from an average of 15.3°C in September (with daytime peaks up to 19.2°C) to 6.4°C in November. During these inter-seasonal periods, the weather can be changeable, with moderate diurnal temperature fluctuations.

Precipitation in Hamburg is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, so it is difficult to single out a clearly defined rainy season or dry period. This means that the probability of encountering precipitation exists in practically any month of your visit.

If we consider the amount of precipitation in millimetres, it remains consistently low throughout the year, fluctuating between 2 mm and 3 mm per month. Slightly more precipitation, namely 3 mm, falls in January, February, July, October, and December. In the remaining months – March, April, May, June, August, September, and November – the amount of precipitation is about 2 mm. Such a slight difference and the overall small amount of precipitation in millimetres with its rather frequent occurrence indicate that frequent but not heavy rains or prolonged drizzle are more characteristic for Hamburg than short and intensive downpours.

In terms of the number of days with precipitation, the "wettest" months can be called January and December, when precipitation is recorded for an average of 16 days. There are slightly fewer rainy days in October (15 days), as well as in February, July, and August (14 days each). The lowest number of days with precipitation is usually observed in April and September – about 11 days. Considering winter temperatures, especially in January, February, and December, when average values fluctuate around 3-4°C and minimums can drop to 1.3-2.3°C, precipitation in these months can fall not only as rain but also as sleet or snow. However, a sustainable snow cover is not very characteristic for Hamburg.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Hamburg, it is important to consider its changeable maritime climate with frequent precipitation and windy weather at any time of the year. The key principle should be layering. Regardless of the season, be sure to take comfortable waterproof shoes for long walks around the city, as the probability of rain or drizzle is high (from 11 to 16 days with precipitation monthly). A light raincoat or compact umbrella will become your faithful companions. Also, do not forget a scarf or shawl, which will protect against the wind, especially noticeable near the numerous canals and the Elbe river.

If your trip falls on the winter months (December-February), when the average temperature fluctuates around 3-5°C, pack a warm, windproof jacket or coat, sweaters, warm trousers, a hat, gloves, and warm socks. Precipitation at this time can be in the form of rain or sleet. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather can be unpredictable. Average temperatures gradually rise in spring (from 5°C to 17°C) and fall in autumn (from 19°C to 6°C). You will need a mid-season jacket and several layers of clothing (t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, cardigans, or fleece jumpers) to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. In summer (June-August), it is usually moderately warm in Hamburg, with average temperatures around 17-23°C. Take light clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, and skirts, but do not forget a light jacket or jumper for cool evenings or in case of rain. Sunscreen and sunglasses will also come in handy on clear summer days.

Regardless of the time of year, remember that in Hamburg you will be walking a lot, exploring its sights, embankments, and parks. Therefore, comfortable shoes are an absolute necessity. Given the frequent, though not always heavy, precipitation (2-3 mm per month, but up to 16 rainy days), preference should be given to models with good moisture protection. A power adapter and a portable charger will also be useful during your journey through Germany.