It's still chilly in Germany, and the capital is waiting out the frost and wind for spring to arrive. Passers-by are still wrapped in warm scarves and sipping hot coffee and mulled wine in cosy cafés, but it's the last month of winter and we want to believe that the heat will soon arrive.
In February, you won't be hampered by drizzle or too much fresh air to explore this fascinating city — its sights are particularly interesting, its museums original and its events fascinating.
Holidays in Berlin in February: pros and cons
It's no secret that the weather in February isn't exactly sunny, warm and breezy. But it's worth considering why you're going away. There are plenty of interesting and original museums and children's attractions to keep you entertained even in this seemingly unfriendly month.
And when it comes to Berlin in February, the only things you can complain about are cold winds and a bit of rain. On the other hand, Berlin in February has its advantages:
- a decrease in tourist activity, making it easy to choose your favourite hotel and avoid queuing at museums or viewpoints;
- plenty of places to spend time with children, where it's warm and cosy;
- last minute sales in shopping centres at very attractive prices;
- the world-class events Berlin has to offer in February.
You may decide to postpone your trip until the summer or spring, as there are certain 'downsides':
- it's still winter outside, and with Berlin's chilly winds as your companion, it's not a good time to go for a walk, especially if you're planning a trip with a one-year-old baby;
- many parks and squares look bleak at this time of year due to the overcast weather and lack of leaves on the trees, and the city's picturesque scenery is unlikely to be enjoyed.
The weather in Berlin in February
In the last month of winter, the thermometer reads near zero, keeping tourists off the streets and in cosy cafés. The weather in February and March is chilly and windy, not exactly conducive to long walks in the fresh air. The weather in February and March is chilly and windy, not at all conducive to outdoor excursions, but you can stock up on warm clothing, take advantage of excellent public transport and visit countless historical and other fascinating museums.
The weather in February is characterised by the fact that the month is divided into two halves: the first half is winter and the second half is spring. Towards the end of February, the weather tends to get warmer.
The weather in early February is no different from January: the same temperatures, winds and the possibility of light rain and high humidity. The temperature in Berlin in mid-February stays close to zero, sometimes rising by 3 to 5 degrees and dropping by the same amount at night. By the end of February, however, the weather in Berlin begins to change, with occasional sunshine and temperatures rising to +10°C.
Air temperature
Berlin's mild continental climate in February means you don't have to worry about cold temperatures or unusual snowfall. Temperatures in the first half of the month are usually similar to January, but from the second half of February, spring arrives and temperatures begin to rise.
Air temperature in Berlin in February
The average day temperature in February is +2°C to +3°C, but towards the end of the month the thermometer rises steadily above +5°C, often reaching +10°C. Night temperatures range from -3°C to 0°C at the beginning of the month and can rise to +4°C to +5°C by the end of February.
Amount of precipitation
Precipitation in the form of snow is rare in February, except at the beginning of the month, and not for long, as it melts quickly. The total rainfall for the month is the lowest of the year, around 26,8 mm, mostly in the form of rain, light rain and drizzle. The high humidity in the mornings contributes to frequent fog. There are only about two days of rain in February, but this doesn't vary from year to year — sometimes there are as many as four days of rain.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
February in Berlin also offers some sunshine, with as many as six sunny days during the month. Half of the month, 14 days, is overcast, while the remaining 8 days are cloudy. Spring is coming and you can't help but feel it.
Tour Holidays
In anticipation of warm, sunny days and the chirping of spring birds, Germany's capital is ready to welcome visitors to its museums, exhibitions and restaurants. Berlin has already provided for your warmth and comfort in windy or overcast weather, and awaits you in the most original and unusual places. When planning your trip, keep an eye out for these sights and museums that will keep you entertained even in bad weather.
There is a Madame Tussauds wax museum in Berlin. You didn't know that? You haven't seen it? Then you should go there right away! Especially since it's centrally located, not far from the Brandenburg Gate. What makes the museum so special is that you can touch and have your picture taken with each of the 100 exhibits on display — something you can't do anywhere else. The interior of the nine halls is pleasantly surprising and does not distract from the exhibits, and the exhibition area is 2,500 sq. m. The museum and its star inhabitants await you every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you're travelling with a little fashionista and you're into cosmetics, there's a chance to take the girls on a little tour in early February, when it's still pretty cool. Head to the Lipstick Museum.
It was founded by world-famous beautician and make-up artist Rene Koch. The collection will surprise you with lipsticks from different times and eras. There are also lipstick prints of celebrities and unique advertising posters. The museum is located in the make-up artist's private home and is open on Saturdays from 14.00 to 18.00, but you must make an appointment by calling the number on the museum's official website.
In mid-February, as throughout the month, Berlin isn't overrun with tourists, so you can visit almost anywhere in the capital without queuing. Take the Puppet Theatre Museum, for example. It houses more than 300 puppets from all over the world, and documents, books and posters trace the history of the theatre. There are also performances for children and adults, daily guided tours and puppet workshops. The museum is closed on Sundays.
If the weather is warm at the end of February, take a walk around Museum Island. It's a block of five museums that took 100 years to build. You'll need at least a day to experience six thousand years of history, an ancient collection of weapons, ancient sculptures and gold jewellery, a unique collection of paintings and the secrets of ancient civilisations.
Holidays, events and festivals
Although the main winter festivities may be behind us, February is sure to bring global events to travellers. Berlin's February festivities are significant, original and quite noisy. So plan your trip with confidence, there's plenty to see and remember. Imagine a party attended by some 300,000 guests from over a hundred countries around the world! That's the size of the annual Berlin International Film Festival Berlinale.
More than 20,000 film industry professionals come to Berlin to see the best films, showcase their own work and take home the festival awards — the Gold and Silver Bears. Travellers have a unique opportunity to see the stars of the film world on the red carpet, with premiere tickets available three days in advance.
If you're in Berlin in February, it's time to say goodbye to winter the German way. The locals call it Fasching. There's no exact date, and it varies according to the church calendar, but it's usually in February.
The event is a carnival procession of groups dressed in brightly coloured clothes and with painted faces, accompanied by loud music, songs, dancing, good humour and the scattering of sweets.
Needless to say, the children are very excited! There is a tradition of greeting festival-goers by shouting out special words. In Berlin, for example, it's "Hey-yo!". The scale of the carnival can be measured by the number of visitors (around 200,000) and the amount of sweets (around 30 tonnes) dropped from 25 moving platforms.
Shopping
If you want to mix business with pleasure and do some bargain shopping as well as sightseeing, the first half of February is the best time to do it. From the end of January to mid-February, Berlin is officially on sale. It's a great time to shop! During these days, sales in Berlin can be up to 80% off.
As February is the last month of the winter sales, there's a good chance you won't have much to choose from. But for those with an eye for the latest fashions, this is a unique opportunity to be the first to see the new spring/summer collections that hit Berlin shops in February.
In Germany the amount paid for merchandise includes 19 % value added tax (VAT). The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union.
Cost of vacation
It's fair to say that February is not a popular month for tourists, and holiday activity is low. But with two major events taking place in February, it's hard to call it a quiet month. That's why prices in Berlin drop in February, but not significantly.
Airfares
Flights to Berlin are quite popular at this time of year, after all the Berlinale is a huge world-class event and the sales are still attracting tourists. That's why prices are only 10-15% lower than in January. So if you want to join the carnival fun, see the world premieres and do some bargain shopping in February, book early.
Package Tours
Prices for February tours also drop slightly, by up to 10%. In order to be able to choose the right option, it is better to book tours in advance, in which case some travel companies may offer you good discounts.
Food
The cost of food is hardly affected by seasonality. It remains basically the same, as does its wonderful taste. Street food tempts and tantalises with its overwhelming flavours, and there's only one way out — try it. The sausages and curry sauce, priced at €4-5 each, are a hit with locals and tourists alike. A cappuccino will warm you up on the street or in a cafe for €3-3.50. A hearty and tasty breakfast in a café can be had for €5-€6.
Tips for holidays with children
The best time to visit Berlin is between April and September. In late autumn and winter, the weather can be cold, windy and unpleasantly rainy. That's right, so parents with babies shouldn't choose February — wait for the warmth and sunshine and enjoy strolling with a pushchair and sightseeing around the capital.
If older children are not afraid of the cold, you can take them to Berlin. They won't be bored in the city, which has a Legoland play centre, a café with lots of board games, the MachMit! interactive children's art museum, the Museum of Natural History, computer games and a puppet theatre.
Kids love the February carnival and trick-or-treating — it's a fun time whatever the weather. What's more, Berlin's children's activities are interesting enough to keep the whole family entertained.
Even if your holiday falls in February, when the weather is fine, the holidays are over and it doesn't feel like a good time to relax, it's still worth making the trip to Berlin. There's entertainment to suit all tastes, from film premieres and red carpet parties to discounts on official sales.
And there's always time for fun, whether it's the bright and sweet carnival or the city's vibrant nightlife. Take the good vibes with you, and Berlin in February will only add to them.
