Explore Germany

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Germany

The most expensive times to visit Berlin align with peak tourism seasons and major events, while the cheapest periods fall during off-peak months when demand is lower.

Whether you're drawn to the festive atmosphere of Oktoberfest or Germany's amazing Christmas markets, if you're planning a trip to Germany and want to avoid high prices, knowing when to go can make a big difference.

Below, I break down the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Germany.

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Visit Germany

Most Expensive Times to Visit Germany

Travel costs in Germany rise significantly during popular festivals, holidays, and the summer season. If you’re planning to visit during these times, expect higher prices for flights, hotels, and activities.

Peak Travel Seasons

Summer (June to August): Warm weather, school holidays, and long daylight hours make this one of the busiest travel periods. Tourists flock to cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, as well as scenic regions like the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps. Flights and hotel rates increase, and popular attractions experience long lines.
Oktoberfest (Late September to Early October): This world-famous beer festival in Munich attracts millions of visitors. Hotels book up months in advance, and last-minute accommodation options can be extremely expensive. Flights to Munich also become more costly during this time.
Christmas Markets (Late November to December): The festive atmosphere of Germany’s Christmas markets draws tourists from all over the world. Cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne experience high demand for accommodations. Hotels, flights, and holiday rentals become significantly more expensive, especially as Christmas approaches.
Carnival (February): Known as Karneval or Fasching, this lively celebration is particularly popular in cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz. The influx of visitors causes hotel prices to surge, and last-minute bookings can be difficult to find.
Berlinale (February): The Berlin International Film Festival attracts film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world. This event leads to high hotel prices in Berlin, with limited availability in the city center.
Frankfurt Book Fair (Mid-October): As the largest book fair in the world, this event brings publishers, authors, and book lovers to Frankfurt. Hotels in the city experience peak pricing during the event, making it one of the most expensive times to visit.

Cheapest Times to Visit Germany

If you’re looking for budget-friendly travel dates, Germany’s off-peak seasons offer lower costs on flights, accommodations, and attractions.

Best Budget-Friendly Travel Periods

Winter (January to Early March): Outside of the holiday season, this is one of the cheapest times to visit Germany. While temperatures can be cold, major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have lower hotel prices. Winter sports destinations, such as the Bavarian Alps, also offer more affordable lodging compared to peak ski season in the Alps.
Early Spring (March to Mid-May): Before summer tourism picks up, early spring provides mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. This is a great time to explore historic towns, countryside regions, and cultural landmarks without paying peak-season rates.
Late Autumn (Mid-October to November): After Oktoberfest, travel costs drop across most of Germany. The fall foliage makes it a beautiful time to visit, and popular tourist sites become less crowded. Hotels and flights are typically more affordable compared to summer or the holiday season.

How to Save Money on Your Trip to Germany

Where you go and when you book can have a big impact on your travel costs. Here are a few tips to save money:

Book flights at least 2-3 months in advance to get better deals, especially for peak seasons.
Stay in smaller towns instead of major cities—places like Augsburg, Würzburg, or Freiburg tend to have lower accommodation costs.
Use regional trains and buses instead of high-speed trains to reduce transportation expenses.
Visit during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) when you can take advantage of lower hotel prices and fewer tourists.

Each season offers unique experiences, so choosing the right time to visit depends on your budget and travel goals. By avoiding peak travel seasons and taking advantage of off-peak discounts, you can enjoy Germany for less while still making the most of your trip.