That Berlin’s winters are notorious for having grey, overcast skies, cold temperatures, and short days.
And that the city is in hibernation and doesn’t wake up till spring.
But what if I were to tell you that these locals are wrong?
Well, about the last bit at least.
Do you like to save hundreds of euros, pounds, or dollars on flights and hotels?
How about small crowds at museums and popular attractions?
Then this video is for you.
So, let’s get started.
DISCOUNTED FLIGHTS
I don’t think you are surprised to hear that airfare in this period is at a discount.
And as you can see in this graph of ticket prices from Google Flights for airfare from London to Berlin.
The range, and in particular the lowest prices, are significantly lower than peak summer travel.
On average, it’s between 3 and 4x cheaper.
Of course, prices are dependent on factors such as weekday vs. weekend travel.
Or, where you are flying from. But you get the picture.
And the same goes for hotel prices, for the most part, that is.
Many hotels offer special winter packages,
Or pay for two and stay for 3 deals
Be aware, however, that prices for hotels could still be high near convention centers.
Or, during the winter school break, when Germans may visit the capital.
But again, you get the point.
Winter also means shorter lines at attractions.
It’s also easier to get dinner reservations or show tickets.
WEATHER
OK. We all know it.
One of the key reasons for these discounts is the weather.
Let’s get something straight: Berlin’s winter weather isn’t great.
But we’re not talking Siberia here.
And Germans have a saying.
There’s no bad weather, just wrong clothing.
So pack smartly.
Daily afternoon high temperatures in January and February will be mostly around 3-5 C
(in the upper 30’s F to near 40 F).
with evening and morning low temperatures around -2 to -3 C
(the mid to upper 20’s F).
Things warm up in March
With an average low of 1 degree and a high of 9 Celsius.
That’s a low of 34 to a high of 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
There’s about a 33% chance you’ll need an umbrella.
Another ⅓ of the time it feels wet even without rain.
And another ⅓ where it’s sunny or partly sunny and dry.
And snow is not a big deal here
Even when it snows, it usually doesn’t stick.
The chances that snow or other inclement weather here disrupts your trip are very low.
And because Berlin is located 52 degrees north in latitude,
The sun hangs low on the horizon.
This means just 8 hours of daylight in January, moving up to 10 each day by March.
On the other hand, on sunny days, you will have a much longer period of golden hours.
I’m not a photographer, but something about this feels potentially appealing.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Less than pleasant weather means more time inside.
And in this area, Berlin doesn’t disappoint.
Berlin has roughly 170 museums, including its famed 5 on Museum Island.
Likewise, some of the city’s most popular and unique attractions are indoors.
Such as the Reichstag, the TV Tower, the Berlin Cathedral, and Schloss Charlotenburg, to name a few.
Add to that sporting events.
Both major football teams, FC Union and Hertha, have regular season games in winter.
as well as Alba, Berlin’s basketball team, and the Ice Bears, Berlin’s hockey team.
Both of whom play during the winter months.
Why not take advantage of Berlin’s many spa and wellness centers?
Such as the popular Vabali, a Bali-inspired spa and massage center just a short walk from the Hauptbanhof.
On Booking.com alone, there are 38 hotels in central Berlin offering spa treatments.
And, if shopping is your thing, Berlin has KaDaWe, the world’s largest department store.
Sort of Berlin’s Harrods.
Or stop by Bikini Berlin, where you will always find stands for up-and-coming clothing designers.
And it’s got the Monkey Bar overlooking the monkey enclosure of the Berlin Zoo.
Each winter, Berlin hosts over a dozen major trade fairs and film festivals.
All taking place either at Berlin’s convention centers or at indoor venues throughout the city.
And don’t discount Berlin’s nightlife.
Berlin’s legendary clubs are fully operational during the winter.
And you will find the wide variety of bars, theaters, and music venues Berlin’s also famous for.
GERMAN FOOD
OK. Now, nobody is going to mistake German cuisine with French, Italian, or Thai cooking.
And Berlin is a big city with a bustling and interesting international food scene.
However, there’s something about traditional Germanic dishes that just pairs well with a cold climate.
If your palate appreciates meat and potato dishes, all doused in rich and creamy sauces, even just a bit…
Then dining out is likely going to be a highlight of your winter trip to Berlin.
From the roasted Schweinehaxe (or it’s boiled version—called Eisbein),
veal, pork, and chicken schnitzels
Sausages of all varieties
All paired with potatoes, boiled, fried…
Or even served in dumpling form,
or as a noodle called spaetzel.
I created a map of Germanic restaurants, including Bavarian and Austrian.
All throughout Berlin that have been recommended by members of my Facebook group.
I will link to this map and group in this video’s description.
And definitely don’t forget.
As the Germans say, there’s no bad weather, just wrong clothes.
You will still see people on walking tours, visiting flea markets.
People even sit outside at cafes and bars with blankets.
It’s all part of the experience.
Now, check out more Berlin travel tips with this playlist.
Or, follow me on some Berlin walking tours in this playlist here.
And, if you are looking for a tour guide when here in Berlin,
My contact details are located in the description below.
See you in the next video.
Tschuess!
