The best months to move to Germany are April – June or September. Continental. Cold winters (−2 to 5°C), warm summers (20–30°C). Berlin colder than Munich. Limited daylight in winter.

Seasonal planning guide — weather, visa timing, rental markets & expert tips

Last updated: March 2026

The best time to move to Germany is April – June or September. Continental. Cold winters (−2 to 5°C), warm summers (20–30°C). Berlin colder than Munich. Limited daylight in winter. Avoid moving during November – February (dark, cold, depressing winters) if possible.

Best Time to Move

April – June or September

Avoid If Possible

November – February (dark, cold, depressing winters)

Germany Climate Overview

Continental. Cold winters (−2 to 5°C), warm summers (20–30°C). Berlin colder than Munich. Limited daylight in winter.

Season-by-Season Guide

Spring (Mar–May)

5–18°C

Moving season begins — good apartment availability
Weather improving, days getting longer
Many job contracts start in April or May

Summer (Jun–Aug)

18–30°C

Best weather (20–28°C in Berlin) — outdoor Biergarten culture
Easier to find WG (shared apartments) as students leave
Heat waves more common — Munich can hit 35°C

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

5–15°C

Good for job market — fiscal year planning = new hires
Oktoberfest (Munich, Sep–Oct) is a cultural experience
Register Anmeldung before year-end for tax purposes

Winter (Dec–Feb)

-2–5°C

Cheapest rents — many expats leave for warmer places
Christmas markets are magical but winters are harsh
Only 7 hours of daylight in December — SAD risk is real

Visa & Immigration

Blue Card (for skilled workers) processes in 1–3 months. Freelance visa (Freiberufler) takes 2–4 months and requires a solid business plan. Apply from abroad for best results.

Rental Market

Berlin 1-bed: €900–1,500 (extremely competitive). Munich: €1,200–2,000. Bring full SCHUFA + Selbstauskunft packet to viewings. Expect 50+ applicants per apartment in Berlin.

Germany Relocation Timeline

6–12 months before

Research Germany visa options and residency pathways. Consult an immigration lawyer. Start gathering documents (apostilles, translations, police clearances).

4–6 months before

Submit your Germany visa application. Arrange international health insurance. Open a multi-currency bank account (Wise, Revolut). Start learning the local language.

2–3 months before

Book temporary accommodation in Germany for your first 2–4 weeks. Arrange international shipping if needed. Downsize and sell belongings. Get apostilles on remaining documents.

1 month before

Book flights to Germany. Set up mail forwarding. Cancel local subscriptions and memberships. Download offline maps and translation apps.

First week in country

Get a local SIM card. Open a local bank account. Register with local authorities. Explore neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to move to Germany?

The best months to move to Germany are April – June or September. Continental. Cold winters (−2 to 5°C), warm summers (20–30°C). Berlin colder than Munich. Limited daylight in winter.

What visa do I need for Germany?

Blue Card (for skilled workers) processes in 1–3 months. Freelance visa (Freiberufler) takes 2–4 months and requires a solid business plan. Apply from abroad for best results.

How much does rent cost in Germany?

Berlin 1-bed: €900–1,500 (extremely competitive). Munich: €1,200–2,000. Bring full SCHUFA + Selbstauskunft packet to viewings. Expect 50+ applicants per apartment in Berlin.

When should I avoid moving to Germany?

Try to avoid moving during November – February (dark, cold, depressing winters). This is typically the most challenging period due to weather extremes, peak pricing, or administrative slowdowns.

Best Time to Move to Germany (2026)