13 Best Things to do in Berlin in Autumn

Autumn in Berlin is one of the nicest times to visit. The weather isn’t too hot or too cold, the leaves are changing, and there are fewer tourists, which means the big sights aren’t as crowded. It’s really one of my favorite times of the year in Berlin.

If you’re wondering if you should visit Berlin in the fall shoulder season, the answer is yes! There are plenty of things to do in Berlin in autumn, and it’s an enjoyable time to come here.

What is the weather in Berlin in autumn?

The autumn weather in Berlin changes drastically from the beginning to the end of the season. So while there are lots of things to do in Berlin all year round, the weather can really affect which activities you might be more interested in.

Late September, when autumn starts, can sometimes still feel like summer. At the end of fall, in early to mid December, and sometimes even in November, the temperatures have dropped, and it very much feels like winter.

Let’s take a look at the month-by-month weather in Berlin in autumn so you know how to prepare.

Weather in Berlin in September

Autumn can often be the best time to visit Berlin, especially early to mid autumn.

Towards the end of September, temperatures drop a little and fall begins. It might even still feel a bit like summer.

The average temperature in Berlin in late September is in the high 50s to low 60s (about 14-18C).

A little less than 50% of the days in September could have rain, so add a rain jacket or umbrella to your autumn Berlin packing list.

Since there is some variation in temperatures, it’s best to bring clothes you can layer. That way you can wear short sleeves during the day when it’s warmer and a light jacket at night when it’s cooler.

Plus you’ll be prepared for an unseasonably warm or cold day in Berlin September.

Weather in Berlin in October

In October, the weather in Berlin starts to officially feel like fall. There are more cloudy days than sunny ones, and the temperatures are a bit lower than September.

The average temperature in Berlin in October is in the 50s (about 10-15C), and the average even dips down into the high 40s (7-10C) towards the end of the month.

A little less than 50% of the days in October could have rain, so including a rain jacket or umbrella on your Berlin packing list is a good idea.

Layers are still good for October since the weather can occasionally be on the warm side, but it will be colder at night.

Weather in Berlin in November

November in Berlin can already start to feel like winter. The days are shorter, the sun is going down early, and the temperatures continue dropping.

The average temperature in Berlin in November is in the 40s (about 4-10C) and could even dip into the 30s (0-9C), especially towards the end of the month.

You’ll have many cloudy days in Berlin in November unfortunately. Roughly 50% of the days in November could have rain, so you should bring a rain jacket or umbrella.

Dress warm in November in Berlin. It’s not as cold as it gets in the winter, but it’s definitely not warm.

Read about what to wear in Berlin in winter, and know that a trip in November won’t be too much different.

Weather in Berlin in December

Berlin weather in December gets rather cold as autumn runs through its final days. The calendar might say autumn for a few more weeks, but the weather and the Christmas markets are already embracing Berlin winter. The days are very short, and the sun goes down by 4pm.

The average temperature in Berlin in early December is in the 30s to low 40s (about -2 to 7C). It can be quite windy in December in Berlin too, so it might feel even colder.

This is definitely a month for winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves.

December in Berlin brings many cloudy days. Roughly 50% of the days in December could have rain, so come with a rain jacket or umbrella.

What to do in Berlin in Autumn

As the heat of summer fades into fall, Berlin offers plenty of things to do and plenty of ways to enjoy the city. The crisp autumn air and gorgeous fall colors are magical. Here are some great things to do in Berlin in autumn.

Enjoy the fall foliage

Berlin has so many great green spaces and parks, so there are trees all around that will start to change colors in the fall. You’d have to try to NOT see beautiful fall leaves here.

But there are a few places that are especially worth seeking out to really enjoy the Berlin’s autumn colors and fall foliage in Berlin.

Museum Island

Lustgarten is the park in front of the Berliner Dom on Museum Island. Start there and see the city’s most famous church and its most important museums while enjoying the colorful leaves.

Charlottenburg Palace

The Charlottenburg Palace and surrounding gardens are stunning any time of year. But Berlin in autumn means gorgeous colorful leaves, and what better place to enjoy them than a palace?

The gardens and park are a wonderful free thing to do in Berlin, so go for a stroll.

Tiergarten

Right in the middle of the city is one of Berlin’s largest and most beloved parks, called Tiergarten. It’s a tree-filled park, and a fantastic place to see fall foliage in Berlin. You might even forget you’re in a city.

Viktoria Park

This park is home to Berlin’s highest natural point and its only waterfall. Even though most of the trees near the waterfall view are evergreens, there are tons of other trees in the park that do have changing colors in the fall.

Check out the (artificial) waterfall, and then go for a stroll through the rest of the park to admire the leaves. The view from the monument at the top is excellent, too.

Above the city

Seeing the leaves around the city from above is a great perspective. Two of the best places for this are the Victory Column and the TV Tower, which happen to also be two of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks.

Climb the Victory Column, and you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of Berlin from above that includes the colorful leaves in Tiergarten.

You can also get a great view of Tiergarten and the Victory Column, plus so many other places in Berlin, from the TV Tower viewing platform.

Take a beer tour in Berlin

From traditional German beer to innovative local craft beer, a beer tour can be a great way to learn about – and enjoy! – the quintessential German drink.

Since the locations are all inside, you won’t have to worry about the weather. And craft beer is seasonal, so what better way to embrace the changing weather than with an autumn brew.

Drink a beer at a beer garden

Beer gardens in Berlin are very much a summer thing, so when the weather starts cooling off, they start to close. But don’t fear, they will still be open in the earlier part of autumn.

So go grab a brew and soak up the crisp air while you still can. The beer gardens are likely to be less crowded in the fall too.

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Have questions about planning your trip to Berlin?

Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

Go on a street art tour

Berlin is a fantastic city for street art, so this should be on your Berlin bucket list any time of year.

But autumn in Berlin is an especially great time for a street art tour since the weather won’t be too hot. It’s also a great way to learn about graffiti and street art in Berlin while also enjoying the changing leaves.

I’ve personally taken this street art tour, and I highly recommend it.

Visit lots of museums

Autumn in Berlin means colder days, but it can also mean more rainy days. Berlin on a rainy day is the perfect time to visit a museum.

Supposedly there are more museums than rainy days (which just means there are lots and lots of museums!) so you’ll never run out of museums. Whether you’re interested in art, history, technology, or something quirky, there’s bound to be a museum or two to fit your interests.

Consider a museum pass if you plan on visiting multiple museums.

Go to Oktoberfest

Ok let’s make this clear: Oktoberfest is a Munich thing, not a Berlin thing.

But there are still some small festivities in Berlin in late September and early October. You’ll find an Oktoberfest celebration at Alexanderplatz as well as a few other places around the city.

Can’t make it to Berlin in autumn? Don’t worry, Berlin in spring is wonderful, too.

Check out the Berlin Marathon

Every year in mid/late September, the Berlin Marathon welcomes thousands of runners from around the world. If you’re a runner, this is one to aim for since it’s known for being such a fast course. But for the non-runners out there, it’s also a fun time to watch the running and maybe even witness a record being broken.

Dress up for Halloween

Halloween hasn’t always been a big deal in Germany, but in recent years, more and more people are dressing up for the holiday. And in a city like Berlin where anything goes, it’s definitely a fun time to be here.

If you happen to be traveling to Berlin at the end of October, be on the look out for bars doing Halloween parties and events, and join in on the festivities.

>>Read: 75 Famous Landmarks in Germany

Get illuminated at the Festival of Lights

Usually in October, the Festival of Lights is when Berlin’s famous monuments and buildings are lit up with artistic light shows. It’s an interesting time to see the sights while also experiencing unique and creative art.

It usually lasts about one week, and the fun starts well after the sun goes down. Dates change every year, so check ahead.

In 2023, the Festival of Lights runs from Friday, October 6th to Sunday, October 15th. Check out my full guide to the Festival of Lights Berlin.

Celebrate Reunification Day

Reunification Day celebrates the day when East and West Germany became one country again in 1990. After being divided for decades, piecing the country back together was a big deal.

Berlin especially celebrates this day, and each year there are special events throughout the city. Reunification Day is October 3rd.

>>Read: Guide to Visiting Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

Remember the fall of the Berlin Wall

November 9th is another important day in German history that is especially significant in Berlin.

On this is the day in 1989, an announcement was made that the residents of East Berlin would be able to cross the border to the West. This triggered a rush of people to the crossing points, and eventually they started tearing pieces of the Berlin Wall down.

Events vary from year to year, but this day is also celebrated in Berlin.

Eat seasonal food

Germany loves their seasonal produce, and it shows in German cuisine. Berlin in autumn means certain foods are more available.

You’ll see more apples, which means pies and cakes. There are lots of pumpkins and other squash, so expect pumpkin soup among other things. Potatoes, though available all year, really stand out in the fall, and you’ll see lots of potato soup on menus.

Certain types of mushrooms are in season this time of year, so keep an eye out for that. And if you’re looking for more soups, lentil soup and goulash are popular in autumn, too.

Even beer can be seasonal in Berlin. Check out one of Berlin’s craft beer bars, and you’re almost guaranteed to find an autumn themed beer on tap.

Warm up in a cafe

With so many cafes in Berlin, you won’t have to walk far to find a cozy spot for coffee and cake, the fourth meal of the day here in Germany. Take a break from the brisk weather and rest your feet from all the sightseeing.

Be merry at the Christmas Markets

In late November, Berlin’s Christmas markets get started. So even though it’s still technically autumn in Berlin, you can start enjoying some Christmas cheer.

You won’t have any trouble finding a festive Christmas market where you can start your Christmas shopping and sip on some warm Glühwein during the last week or so of the month.

Read my full guide to Berlin Christmas markets to find out which are the best ones to go to.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this list of things to do in Berlin in autumn is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!