The start of the new season brings chilly mornings and rainy weather to the Bavarian capital, but this in no way affects the general mood of the city. At the end of the first month of autumn, Munich's colourful outfits come into their own in all their splendour and beauty. And the number of visitors is multiplied by the thousands of tourists who flock here for the Oktoberfest beer festival.
Here's an overview of Munich in September and what to expect if you're planning a trip during this time.
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Holidays in Munich in September: pros and cons
If you decide to spend a short holiday in Munich in September, you should know that the weather here in early autumn is a real lottery. You might be lucky enough to have sunshine for the whole of your holiday. But you might also end up with an umbrella and a raincoat, as the weather can vary depending on the weather forecast.
However, despite the vagaries of the weather, the reviews that tourists leave about their September break in Munich are the most positive — the city is unusually friendly, interesting and hospitable, whatever the season and the weather.
Let us introduce you to the advantages of a trip to Munich in September:
- Temperatures are usually between +15°C and +20°C, which encourages long walks around the city and sightseeing.
- There are fewer tourists at the beginning of the month than in the summer months, so there the queues at museums and galleries are not so long.
- The autumnal views of Munich are well worth admiring from the vantage points — many of the plantings are in all shades of yellow by the end of September, making the cityscape particularly attractive.
- The second half of the month sees the start of the world famous Oktoberfest beer festival. So there's plenty of fun to be had and no need to be bored.
There are some disadvantages to travelling in September. They are minor, but it is better to be aware of them beforehand so that you can plan your holiday properly:
- The weather can be unpredictable: rainy, windy and cold for several days. In this case, check the weather forecast and bring warm clothes.
- If you are planning a trip with children in the second half of September, be aware that the number of tourists increases many times over during the Oktoberfest, so expect queues, noise and crowds everywhere. Consider how comfortable you will be with your baby during this time.
Munich weather in September
Autumn has arrived in Munich. Its imperceptible footsteps can only be heard in the cool mornings, crisp nights and drizzle. Although the weather in September and October can no longer be called summer.
There are times when early autumn feels more like summer, with sunshine and temperatures above +25°C. The milder temperatures of September and October can make life a little more bearable. However, this is the exception rather than the rule. Early September is warm with temperatures around +20°C. However, it can sometimes drop or rise by five or six degrees.
You'll definitely need warm clothes for evening or night out.
The weather in Munich at the end of the month makes it hard to forget that autumn has really arrived, with daytime temperatures between +10°C and +15°C.
In mid-September, temperatures in Munich rarely drop below +15°C and there are even occasional warm days that bring the thermometer back up to +25°C and bring summer back to the city for a few days.
Air temperature
Munich's temperate climate makes for a warm, rainy autumn with no sudden changes in the weather. Although the vagaries of the climate can sometimes manifest themselves in a sudden chilly wind or drizzle, forcing tourists to change their plans and pack a spare jacket or jumper. However, the opposite can also happen, with a return to summer temperatures of up to +25°C for a few days.
The average temperature in Munich in September is around +15°C, rising and falling by about five degrees between day and night.
Air temperature in Munich in September
Daytime temperatures in the Bavarian capital can drop as low as +10°C and rise above +25°C during the month, with an average of +18.1°C. Nighttime temperatures are slightly lower, requiring warmer clothing for late night walks. According to the weather forecasters' observations over the past few years, they've ranged from +8°C to +20°C, with an average of +9.5°C.
Amount of precipitation
September is one of the wettest months of the year. Rainfall is 98.3 millimetres and there are only six rainy days. So it's best to carry an umbrella with you when you're out and about, just in case Munich's autumn skies have a quiet cry.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Sunny days are not uncommon in September, but there are only 13 days during the month. There are about 7 cloudy days and about 10 days with variable cloudiness.
Tour Holidays: Where to go in September
Munich is a wonderful city to spend weeks exploring. There are so many places to visit. But the city is not short of tourists either, as September is a popular month for travel.
And with the start of the Beer Festival, the queues at the sights are much longer in the latter part of the month. So where should the family spend its time?
The Frauenkirche, or the Church of Our Dear Lady is definitely worth a visit. The two towers of this 100-metre-high Gothic building dominate the city with their green domes.
In accordance with a law passed in 2004, no buildings within Munich city limits may be built taller than the Frauenkirche towers.
That's why the observation decks in the towers, which can be accessed for €3, offer a magnificent view of the Bavarian capital. At the entrance to the cathedral is a tile with a footprint. Legend has it that the devil himself left it there.
On a sunny day in early September, take the kids to Munich's zoo. It has around 15,000 inhabitants, divided into zones according to their habitat. There are pink flamingos, giant giraffes, graceful leopards and playful chimpanzees. And if your little one wants to feed the animals, there is a special vending machine nearby that will provide the appropriate food for a small fee.
If the weather in mid-September turns nasty and cloudy or rainy, head to the BMW Museum. Munich is also home to the company's headquarters, which is housed in a large four-cylinder building.
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The museum building, on the other hand, is round, shaped like a petrol tank lid, with the company logo on the flat roof. A fascinating tour takes you back many years to the origins of the company, with the main models produced by the designers. The last room is a futuristic installation that is truly magical and fascinating.
Munich's art galleries offer both rare vintage pieces and unique contemporary works. After a stroll through the autumnal city at the end of September, stop off at the Pinakothek. There are three: the Old, the New and the Modern Pinakothek.
You'll have to choose one — it's impossible to see all three at once, as the number of exhibits is immense. The old gallery has Rembrandt, Botticelli and Velázquez. The New Pinakothek focuses on French Impressionism, English Romanticism and German Expressionism, while the Modern Pinakothek is for connoisseurs of 20th-century art.
Holidays, events and festivals
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Every tourist who comes to Munich dreams of tasting its traditional beer and sausages and having fun. Autumn is the long-awaited time when these dreams are officially fulfilled. From the second half of September, the Bavarian capital kicks off a festival that locals and visitors alike look forward to all year round — the Oktoberfest.
It dwarfs all other September festivals in Munich and attracts thousands of party-goers to its tents. So book your hotels well in advance for the second half of September — there is no room left before the Oktoberfest.
Despite its name, which derives from the word 'October', the festival always starts 16 days before the first Sunday of the month, so the opening ceremony takes place in the second half of September.
To get an idea of the scale of the event, it is estimated that around 6 million people (almost four times the population of Munich) attend the festival over a two-week period. The event takes place on the Theresienwiese, a 42-hectare site in the centre of the Bavarian capital, not far from the railway station.
To get into the festive beer tents, it's best to buy a ticket in advance, which costs around 100 euros. This will save you from having to queue.
The Lord Mayor opens the festivities by tapping the first keg of beer before it is served in the tents. Guests are then entertained by a festive procession of tent owners and a fortnight of beer, traditional snacks and endless merriment. So your trip to Munich in early autumn promises to be quite crowded, noisy and active.
Shopping
With the start of the autumn season, shopping centres are winding down their summer sales and launching their autumn/winter collections. It's a great opportunity to get your hands on the latest fashions, especially as there's still a huge range of styles and sizes available. But if you've missed out on the sales season and really wanted to, don't worry.
There are always outlets on the outskirts of the city offering great deals and discounts on last season's collections from top designers.
Cost of vacation
With the population of the Bavarian capital almost quadrupling in the second half of the month due to Oktoberfest tourists, prices in Munich in September are not exactly low.
Airfares
Airlines may increase their prices slightly, by 5-10%, which is still quite high compared to the popular summer months. With so many tourists dreaming of attending Europe's most famous beer festival, it is worth booking tickets in advance, not only to save money but also to be sure of availability.
Package tours
The same goes for tour prices. Tour operators are unlikely to drop them, as the popularity of September trips to Munich is quite high.
Hotels
It is advisable to book your hotel or apartment well in advance, as there are not many options closer to your trip: travel agents and independent travellers quickly buy up good room options when planning your trip to the festival. It is worth noting that September and October have some of the highest room prices of the year. The average price of a hotel room in September is €275.
Food
Food prices vary little depending on the season, but can rise slightly during the beer festival. For example, a litre of beer in the festival tents costs between 12,60 and 13,80 euros, and sausages and cabbage also cost around 10 euros. For breakfast or a snack, you can order a doughnut or sausage for €4, a pastry from €1.5 to €4 or a prawn sandwich for €5. Budget lunch or dinner for two with a beer costs between €30 and €60.
Tips for holidays with children
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September is not a bad month for travelling: it's not cold yet, but it's not hot either, so it's comfortable to travel with a pushchair. However, it is advisable to choose the first half of the month for travelling with children, as the festivities take place and hotels, streets and sights are crowded with tourists.
Don't forget that the weather can be unpredictable at this time of year. So it's a good idea to bring extra warm clothes for you and your child, as well as an umbrella and a raincoat to keep you dry during your walks in case of rain.
Holidays in Munich are always full of excursions, events, positive emotions and the promise of a great experience. And if you're a fan of the festivities and have always wanted to see the Bavarian capital in all its glory, plan your trip to the Oktoberfest well in advance and don't forget to buy your ticket so you don't have to queue in the long lines outside the beer tents.
Kidpassage hopes that the advice and tips in this article will help you plan your trip well and make your holiday unforgettable.
