December weather in Munich

Don't know if anyone can truly predicate the weather. It is winter, it is Germany, and the probability of cold and snow is good. Three years ago we spent Christmas in Munich. Cold and very snowy. Temps were in the 20s most of the time. We are from Colorado so it was typical weather for us and not a problem. We didn't take boots but took layers of clothing. We typically, even in Colorado, do not use heavy coats. Use use layers of sweaters, fleece, my winter parka is a Northface, nylon, shell with hood. I think a car would be of marginal value IN Munich. We had a car earlier but dumped it when we hit Munich.

Are you staying in the city or venturing further out, in particular, to the Alps? That makes a huge difference. You are very unlikely to need boots in urban areas. If you plan on any kind of winter hiking, then boots would be a necessity.

December temperatures in Munich, like most of Germany, aren't bitterly cold, but freezing snaps aren't unheard of, and occur a little more frequently than in other parts of the country (surprisingly, southeast Germany, on average, has the coldest winters in the country). When snow falls in German cities, it doesn't tend to accumulate much and gets quickly cleared away. But in Alpine locations, even though the walkways and roads are cleared quickly, snow accumulates throughout the winter.

Whatever coat you wear in the winter in Maryland will probably suffice in Munich. If not, you can layer with an extra warm sweater. And of course, don't forget the wool socks, gloves and a hat.

And I agree that a car is next to useless in Munich. Most German cities are easy to drive through and offer ample parking. Munich is the big exception. Most of the sites that tourists come to visit are within a compact walking distance, and those that aren't can be easily reached via public transit.

If you are staying in the city/s where outside ventures are relatively short, I would bring a medium shoe boot type, maybe a medium hiking boot (possible light snow, slush and water) and layers for a coat/outerwear. Staying in the city where you are ducking in and out of a café, store or attraction while walking or using public transportation, you should not get chilled, and if you do then get a beer and a coffee. You do not need a heavy winter coat unless you will be spending a lot of time outside, or if you travel into the country or Alps outside of Munich and it is cold! A trip say to the top of the Zugspitze could be really cold, but how long will you be outside (Restaurant/ Hütte, train/heated cable car)? Get a Schnapps or a hot chocolate. I would bring a useful pair of gloves and a scarf too. We had a relatively mild December last year, but there have been Decembers in the teens and below (Fahrenheit), but again just staying in the city you won’t need the heavy coat. Worst case you can buy a cheap coat, vest or sweater for another layer and small to large sizes could be donated towards all the recent immigrants.

It could be relatively warm but it could be quite cold, too. I would say that winter weather in Munich is similar like in Maryland. I would have boots and winter jacket just in case. Either pack it or in the worst case scenario buy it there if needed.

Hi Cathy,

We did early Dec. trips to Salzburg and Innsbruck in '10 and '13. We wore our jackets on the plane, we didn't pack them. I simply wore a t-shirt, a sweater and my jacket. For shoes I only brought the pair I was wearing, my everyday Rockport "walking" shoes. I did spray them with a water proof spray a few days before leaving. That and wool socks. These make a big difference. Our experiences, it was pretty much like here in the NYC area. One night in Rattenberg, near Innsbruck, was simply beyond cold, but then a day in Ramsau am Dachstein was so nice we didn't need jackets at all. I'd prepare for weather like Maryland and the northeast, as others mentioned. We had some snow during both our trips. Nothing that slowed us down though and when we were driving in snow, the roads were cleared quickly. Actually, in early Dec. 2013, as we were driving from Hall in Tirol to Munich airport for our flight home, it was like a blizzard. The closer we got to the airport, the worse it got. It passed after an hour or so. Have a great time, as during the Christmas markets it's very hard not to.

Paul

Like previous posters have stated, layering is the answer. Three years ago, we were delayed landing in Frankfurt due to a huge snowstorm. We flew into Munich the next day and it was a light snow fall as we drove away from the airport. In other words, you just can't predict the weather. Here is how I prepare for the weather in December. Pants--long, nylon LuLu Lemon (or similar) dance pants. I take thin, thermal pants to wear underneath, if necessary. Shoes--my daily walking shoes plus short, warm snow/cold boots. Tops--turtleneck shirt, warm vest, and thermal shirt to wear underneath, if necessary. Coat--medium length, hooded, water repellent with a warm lining. Accessories--warm hat covering ears, gloves/mittens, thick socks, scarf, hand and feet heat packets (buy at sports store). I pack everything, except the coat, in a carry-on bag that I then put inside a medium piece of luggage. Yes, I check that piece in. My carry-on is a backpack along with my heavy coat. On my return trip, I check in my medium luggage (with possible purchases) and take my carry-on bag with backpack and coat on the plane. Have a great trip!

Hi!

If you don't mind the investment, Northface makes an ultra thin but pretty warm winter coat. my high school daughter has one and she can fold it up and fit it in her backpack during the day at school. This might be an option since it would pack well and is really light.

Happy Travels!

Is there usually much snow in early December and is it bitterly cold
yet?

According to wunderground.com temps historically run between mid 40s to low 20s with rain being the higher likelihood at around 45% for any given day in Dec. As others said plan for wet, cold and cloudly but nothing that you would need snow boots and an arctic parka for. Mid range boots and a decent wool coat will be fine. You'll be in a city and a shop, resturant, u-bahn station is never far away if you get cold.

DJ