Hamburg is Germany's second largest city, but in terms of beauty and German flair, it's the first among the country's other megacities. The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg surprises and delights visitors all year round.
Modernity and the subtle spirit of the past meet here in harmony, creating a symbiosis of two very different, yet delightful, eras. If you visit Hamburg in October, you can forget about the gloomy weather and the full force of autumn; the city leaves no room for moping or boredom.
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Holidays in Hamburg in October: pros and cons
Tourists have nothing but good things to say about Hamburg in October. It is a city that leaves no one indifferent. Although autumn is not considered an attractive time for a holiday, it is a great place to spend time, enjoy beautiful nature, exquisite architecture, and learn about German history and culture.
There are several reasons to visit Hamburg in October:
- An introduction to the 'Venice of Germany'. That's what they call Hamburg, which has the unique feature of having a huge Alster lake in the middle of the city. You won't find that in other German cities. There are also many more bridges here than in Venice.
- Sightseeing. The city offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing in both rainy and sunny weather. There are historical monuments as well as modern and even futuristic objects.
- Weather. Autumn is a beautiful season, but that is not its only advantage. October encourages you to take a long walk, which is important for getting to know the city.
- Clean air. Hamburg is considered the greenest city in the country. This is due to the large number of parks.
- Seafood. The port city of Hamburg is considered the fishing capital of Germany, and holidaymakers can sample a variety of seafood in local restaurants. There is also a unique fish market that has long been a popular local attraction.
One disadvantage of visiting Hamburg at this time of year is the changeable weather. Mid-autumn in Germany can be rainy. But warm clothes, good shoes and an umbrella will keep you comfortable.
The weather in Hamburg in October
With a sunny September behind us, Hamburg's October-November weather makes you want to wrap up in a blanket and brew some hot tea. At this time of year, the city's streets are shrouded in fog and the sky is covered in grey clouds, leaving no chance for the sun to shine through.
The weather in early October will still bring clear sky for Hamburg locals and visitors. There is very little rain in the first few days of the month and the avenues and squares are often bathed in sunshine.
Temperatures in Hamburg begin to drop in mid-October. Occasional thunderstorms are possible.
The weather in Hamburg at the end of October is overcast and cold, with the thermometer reaching its lowest point of the autumn.
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Air and water temperature
Hamburg's temperate climate is mild — summers aren't too hot and you can even see green leaves on the trees in winter (there's hardly any snow or bitter frost). The cold spell in autumn is gradual, with no sudden temperature changes.
Air temperature in Hamburg in October
The average daytime temperature in Hamburg in October is +12.7°C. In the evening, it gets much cooler: the air cools down to an average of +8.5°C.
Water temperature in Hamburg in October
In summer, the beaches on the Elbe, the city lake and the North Sea coast are crowded with holidaymakers, but in autumn, with water temperatures as low as +13°C, Hamburg is of little value to beach lovers.
Amount of precipitation
Mid-autumn is a rainy period throughout Germany. The average rainfall in Hamburg during the second month of autumn is 51.8 mm.
Sunny, cloudy, overcast days
October does not offer much sunshine to residents and tourists, with a low number of days, around 25%. At the same time, the number of cloudy days during the month reaches 44%. The rest of the month is dominated by variable cloudiness.
Beach holidays in Hamburg
Germany is famous for its historic and memorable places, not its beaches. But tourists and city dwellers alike find places to sunbathe and swim in the summer. In autumn, a beach holiday is out of the question — the water is cold and the gloomy, overcast weather is generally not suitable for open-air bathing.
Alster Lake
The city's main natural attraction is the Alster lake, surrounded by a picturesque park. Although you won't be able to swim in it in the autumn, you should still take a trip here to breathe in the fresh air and admire the stunning scenery as you stroll along the promenade, pretentiously named 'Millionaires' Promenade'.
Elbe Beach
It's another picturesque part of the city. Many are reluctant to swim in the Elbe because of the uncertain purity of the water, but a picnic on the banks or a boat trip on a clear autumn day is a great way to spend the day.
Tour holidays
Europe's largest port city has been dubbed the city of a thousand bridges, but in addition to its undeniably beautiful architecture, Hamburg has many other sights worth seeing.
City Harbour
In early October, head to the port of Hamburg. The lack of strong winds and the cold will help you take full advantage of the amazing sights to be seen. It is the largest port in Germany and the third largest in Europe. In the harbour you can see huge cruise ships as well as small fishing boats. You can also visit the museum ship Cap San Diego. The waterfront is a great place for an evening stroll.
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Elbe Tunnel
If you are looking for an unusual and thrilling excursion, take a trip to the tunnel under the Elbe River. You'll find yourself underwater at a depth of 24 metres. Inside, the tunnel is so well-equipped that it's hard to imagine that there's more than a metre of water above your head. The tunnel is free for cyclists and pedestrians, but there is a charge for cars.
Fish market
The locals have a saying: you haven't felt what Hamburg is like, when you haven't been there. It's worth noting that although the market is called Fish Market, seafood vendors make up only 30% of the total number of vendors, and you can also buy vegetables, fruit, flowers, spices and many other goods.
The main feature of the market is the performers and baiters who give concerts and sing songs to attract customers, who are in fact plentiful in the market.
The city has a large number of museums: the Kunsthalle, the Hamburg History Museum, the Johannes Brahms Museum, etc. We recommend visiting them in mid- to late October, when the weather is increasingly rainy.
Hamburg also has many places to visit with children:
- The Falkenstein Doll Museum, whose exhibits reflect the luxurious atmosphere of a bygone era.
- Miniature Wonderland, a museum with the largest scale model of a working railway.
- Panopticum (Wax Museum).
- The Zoological Museum, where your children can learn about animals from all over the world. The museum is free of charge.
- The JUMP House Hamburg-Stellingen, where trampolines are available not only for children of all ages, but also for their parents.
Holidays, events, festivals
Holidays in Hamburg in October are unfortunately not very common. On 3 October, Germans celebrate an important historical event: German Unity Day. Germans hold rallies and fiery patriotic speeches are heard everywhere. There are concerts in the evening and fireworks at the end of the celebrations.
On 31 October, Germans celebrate Halloween. Children dressed up as witches, ghosts and other evil spirits go from door to door saying "Gib mir Süsses, sonst gibt es Saures", which means "Trick or treat". Fancy dress parties are held for adults, and entertainment venues transform their interiors in an ominous style using the essential attributes of the holiday: carved and decorated pumpkins.
Cost of vacation
The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is one of the most expensive places in Germany. Prices in Hamburg in October are as high as at any other time of the year: there is no high season in Germany, and every year large numbers of foreigners flock here, attracted by Germany's attractions. Tourists often travel individually, without using tour operators' services.
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Flight costs
In October, flights will cost 7% less than at the beginning of autumn. In November, prices will rise by 11%.
Accommodation
In October, the average daily price of a hotel room is almost the same as in September, at €100. In November, there is a slight price increase of 5-10% on average.
Food and transfer
From the airport, you can get to the city centre by bus (around €3), taxi (€35-40) or private transfer service (from €70).
As for public transport, there are buses and electric trains that run around the city. It is also possible to travel around Hamburg in a unique and unusual way by ferry.
Lunch in a restaurant starts at €20, a cappuccino costs around €3.5 and a glass of beer is €3.5.
Be sure to visit one of the city's fish restaurants — Hamburg is famous for its signature herring and eel soup. Don't forget to try the legendary German beer and hot sausages.
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What to wear in Hamburg
To avoid the discomfort of chilly weather (especially at the end of the month), pack warm clothes: sweaters, windbreakers, jeans, scarves and light hats for Hamburg's autumn walks.
It is also a good idea to bring a few pairs of shoes, which should be as comfortable as possible — stiletto heels and nice but tight boots make long sightseeing excursions impossible.
The city also has a lot of cobbled and grated streets, which can make walking difficult for lovers of high heels. Be sure to pack an umbrella or mackintosh in your suitcase.
Tips for holidays with children
Mid-autumn is not the best time to travel to Germany with children, especially babies. If you come to Hamburg with babies in mid or late October, you run the risk of spending days in a hotel because of bad weather. On the other hand, at the beginning of the second autumn month, the weather does not often turn bad, so there is a good chance of organising an interesting and fulfilling outdoor programme.
Hamburg is a family-friendly city with a welcoming atmosphere and an attractive infrastructure.
Today, Hamburg is one of the most popular cities in Germany: prestigious accommodation, ultra-modern buildings springing up like mushrooms after the rain, banks and financial companies opening new branches.
But foreign visitors should know that amidst all the urban sprawl there are quiet corners with a touch of history, the subtle charm of old architecture, peaceful green spaces in parks and an unforgettable sense of German authenticity.
Kidpassage's itinerary for Hamburg tells you where to go with children and where to find the quiet corners where time stands still.
