When is the best time to visit Denmark? Exactly, whenever you want.
Tourists visit this Scandinavian star all year round. It is a popular destination for city breaks in autumn, winter and spring, while trips focusing on hiking and outdoor exploration tend to take place in summer.
In fact, summer is high season in the truest sense of the word. The sun shines, temperatures reach 20°C (70–80°F) – and prices reach astronomical heights. While the weather can be a little less predictable, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October offer similar appeal – but at lower prices.
Because the weather in Denmark is so changeable – and therefore a topic that every Dane talks about anytime, anywhere – you should be aware that the country is battered by winds, suffers from heavy cloudbursts in the summer months, and you must always pack waterproof clothing. As a local saying goes, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” And the locals always know best, right?
Denmark is located at a high latitude and is characterized by extreme variations in daylight hours. In winter the sun sets around 3:30 p.m.; in summer the sky can stay bright until 11 p.m. or later. In every season the passion for outdoor living – Outdoor living – applies.
In Danish culture, it is fun to indulge in this awareness of nature, as long as you wear the right clothes and know what the weather can do.
summit Hygge takes place from September to November
After the summer, the late sun stays until September. The Danes call this Subscribe – and celebrate it as its own little mini-season. In fact, the early part of autumn can be wonderful, with long golden days ideal for doing water sports, exploring small towns, visiting galleries and sitting in outdoor cafes enjoying the sun. As the days get shorter and colder (this happens quickly), Denmark moves into Hygge When you have to wrap yourself in blankets at the street cafes and there is a cozy atmosphere everywhere, this is the perfect time of year.
November and December are the best months for festive mood
From the moment the first Christmas beer is served from November 5th to Christmas Day (celebrated in Denmark on December 24th). The months of November and December are full of joy – however dark and rainy they may be. Christmas markets sprout up in farm shops, castles and manor houses and on street corners in every city. One of the best and most popular markets takes place from November 15th to January 5th in Tivoli in Copenhagen. Look forward to stalls, an ice rink, festive ballets such as The Nutcracker and attractions for all ages.
To save money, travel from January to April
After all the Christmas festivities, the real Scandinavian winter sets in. This time of year does not offer the weather you would want for a walking holiday: sometimes horizontal rain, often strong winds and short, dark days. However, it is in such weather that hotel prices are at their cheapest – except perhaps in late January in Copenhagen, when Fashion Week is taking place.
To attract visitors, Dining week in February brings menus in top restaurants at great prices – and a bit of fun. The nationwide music festival Winter Jazz tries to do the same while the Copenhagen Light Festival brings together international lighting designers in an outdoor exhibition designed to lighten the mood.
March and April bring unpredictable weather – and many festivals
As a Danish version of Carnival, Carnivalapproaches, bakery hysteria reaches its peakChildren gather to hit a piñata-like barrel full of candy, and bakeries compete to bake the most sumptuous cream-filled buns.
The weather is very changeable this time of year, so be sure to pack an umbrella – but be prepared for snowflakes, strong winds or spring sunshine (or maybe all of the above). CPH:DOX Documentary Film Festival offers a safe haven from unpredictable weather and a world-class program. Horsens Prison runs a Crime Festival – very on the nose for this cozy season. And on March 22nd, hope returns as Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen opens for its summer season.
Marathon runners love May and June
The weather is wonderful, the flowers are blooming and the Danes are making the most of the time for exercise and social gatherings. Copenhagen Marathon takes place in May, as does a nationwide event initiated by King Frederik: the Royal RunA Community-oriented event that aims to get Denmark moving and takes place in several locations across the country. June brings lots of music and parties, from distortionEurope’s largest street festival, which takes place in Copenhagen; The Heartland Festival at the beautiful Egeskov Castle on Funen; North side in Aarhus; and Copenhella metal festival in Copenhagen. RoskildeDenmark’s international music festival takes place every year on the last weekend in June.
July and August are the best weather-wise
The school holidays start in July – this is when Danes usually leave the cities to go to their family summer house on the coast or in the countryside. Therefore, it is a bit quieter in the cities at this time. Among the many charming local festivals that take place across the country is Cherry Festival in Kerteminde in July, when local produce is celebrated; look out for herring festivals and other parties that focus on food and sustainability.
Every year in the forests near Fredericia, Smukfest is one of Denmark’s most beautiful music and culture festivals. Pride Week in Copenhagen takes place in August and brings traffic to a standstill with floats, live music and a large parade.
