When to Visit Dresden
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the depths of Dresden's winter—cold, often overcast, and occasionally snowy. You're looking at temperatures that hover right around freezing, with short daylight hours that can make the city feel a bit somber. That said, if you don't mind bundling up, you'll have museums and palaces largely to yourself.
February
February doesn't warm up much from January, though you might notice the days starting to stretch a bit longer. It's still proper winter with temperatures barely above freezing during the day, and the city tends to feel quiet and sleepy. Rainfall is actually at its lowest point of the year, though what precipitation does fall might come as snow or sleet.
March
March is when you start seeing hints of spring, though it's definitely still coat weather. Temperatures creep up into the mid-40s°F, and you'll notice the city starting to shake off its winter drowsiness. The weather can be unpredictable—one day might feel almost springlike while the next reminds you winter isn't quite done yet.
April
April brings proper spring weather to Dresden, with temperatures climbing into the mid-50s°F and the city's gardens starting to bloom. You'll still want layers since mornings can be chilly, but afternoons are increasingly pleasant for outdoor exploration. Rain picks up slightly, so having an umbrella handy makes sense.
May
May is genuinely lovely in Dresden—temperatures settle into the comfortable mid-60s°F, the city is green and blooming, and outdoor cafés fill up with locals enjoying the warmth. It's one of the best months for walking tours and day trips to Saxon Switzerland. Rainfall increases a bit, but it tends to come as passing showers rather than all-day affairs.
June
June marks the start of proper summer, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 70°F—warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities but not oppressively hot. Tourist numbers start climbing as summer vacation season begins, and you'll notice longer daylight hours that make evening strolls along the Elbe particularly appealing. Rain increases, often arriving as afternoon thunderstorms.
July
July is Dresden's warmest month, though at 74°F it's far from sweltering by European standards. This is peak tourist season, so popular sites like the Zwinger and Frauenkirche will be busy. It's also the wettest month of the year, with afternoon thunderstorms fairly common—they typically blow through quickly but can be dramatic.
August
August mirrors July in temperature—still pleasantly warm in the mid-70s°F—and maintains the pattern of occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Crowds remain high as it's still summer holiday season across Europe. The Elbe meadows are popular spots for locals and visitors alike, and outdoor festivals take advantage of the warm evenings.
September
September is a sweet spot for visiting Dresden—temperatures cool to a comfortable mid-60s°F, summer crowds start thinning out, and you get that lovely early autumn light. Rainfall drops off considerably from the summer months, and the weather tends to be more stable. It's an excellent month for both city exploration and hiking in the surrounding countryside.
October
October brings proper autumn to Dresden, with temperatures dropping into the mid-50s°F and leaves turning golden across the city's parks. You'll definitely need a jacket, and mornings can feel quite crisp. The weather becomes more changeable, and daylight hours are noticeably shorter, but it's still perfectly pleasant for sightseeing if you dress appropriately.
November
November is when Dresden starts feeling properly wintry—temperatures drop into the 40s°F, skies are often gray, and the city takes on a quieter atmosphere. It's not the most appealing month weather-wise, though toward the end of the month the Christmas markets begin setting up, which adds some energy. Rain is fairly frequent, and you might see the first snow.
December
December transforms Dresden into a winter wonderland, particularly thanks to the famous Striezelmarkt Christmas market. Temperatures hover around freezing, and the city often looks beautiful under a dusting of snow. It's the wettest winter month, and what falls might be rain, sleet, or snow. Crowds pick up significantly around the markets, making it the busy exception to an otherwise quiet winter season.