I'll be traveling to Northern Germany in mid-September, and I'd like to know when to follow-up with a visit to Munich. If I go after my Northern trip, I'll be in Munich in late September,(smack in the middle of Oktoberfest!) but if I go before my Northern trip, I'll be there in late August.(Still the summer!) My main concerns are; 1) too many tourists? I'm a museum lover, not a big partier, 2) Big noisy crowds... at night? 3) Much higher prices for everything (especially rooms) during Oktoberfest? and, 4) How hot/cool are these slightly different times of year? (I know that if I'm to be in Munich during Oktoberfest, that I have to reserve a room(s) very soon!!!(if not sooner!) Thanks
It seems you've already answered your own question. You don't like rowdy crowds, partying and exorbitant prices...by all means stay away from Octoberfest!
Temperatures are unpredictable this far out. In August, it can be mild or you could get hit with a brief heat wave. Late September is usually very pleasent. Except during Oktoberfest, I wouldn't worry about Munich being overrun with tourists. It's the 3rd largest city in Germany, so at any given time, tourists are a tiny minority compared to the citizens. Although I've never visited in August, from what I understand, the sites there never become nearly as congested as some of the popular museums in Rome or Paris.
Hotels pretty much fill up during Oktoberfest and prices about triple. If that isn't a reason not to go then, I don't know what is... Also, fall is a very busy time for conventions in Munich and hotels can fill up/price increases for those. So August is a great time.
Seems that ANYTIME is a great time for a convention in Munich which ALWAYS makes hotel prices skyrocket. We've been bringing student groups to Munich for several years now in May/June and this year we happened up some particular transport convention. Prices are sky high.
If you're not into parties and crowds, you want to avoid Oktoberfest. Unfortunately, August is the big vacation month - so you will probably get crowds then as well, hopefully a little less rowdy crowd.