Germany, Europe

Munich in August

Many locals on vacation, the city relaxed. Good month for lakes like the Starnberger See and the Tegernsee.

GoodWarm, highs near 75F (24C)

Marienplatz and the New Town Hall, Munich — MunichPhoto: Guido Radig, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

August is a good month to visit Munich. Many locals on vacation, the city relaxed. Good month for lakes like the Starnberger See and the Tegernsee.

Weather: Warm, highs near 75F (24C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Munich

August is warm and oddly relaxed. Highs reach about 75F (24C), and many locals leave on vacation, so the city feels calmer even though tourist numbers stay high. Hotel prices are still summer level. August 15, Assumption Day, is a public holiday in Bavaria, and shops close that day. Afternoon storms still pop up.

It suits families traveling in school holidays and anyone who wants lake days and beer gardens with a slower local pace. It is not the month for bargains or for Neuschwanstein without crowds. If you can wait, early September has the same feel, cooler air and a bit more room.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Munich this month.

Lake season at its best

The Starnberger See and the Tegernsee are at their warmest. Swim, rent a pedal boat, and eat at a lakeside beer garden.

A calmer city center

With locals away, the Residenz, the Pinakotheken and the old town lanes feel less hectic on weekdays.

Olympic Park days

The lake, the grassy hills and the Olympic Tower make an easy family day, with the BMW Museum next door for car fans.

What to pack for August

Swimwear and water shoes for pebbly lake shores
A light rain jacket for storms
A sun hat and sunscreen
Comfortable sandals for city walking

Our timing tip

Some small family restaurants close for a few weeks in August, so check hours before heading across town for a specific place.

Book Munich for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Munich
Opens a hotel search for Munich in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Munich
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Munich
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Munich for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Munich

Full guide

Englischer Garten

Bigger than Central Park. Watch the Eisbach river surfers at the park's southern edge, then walk to the Chinese Tower beer garden.

Tickets and tours →

Munich Residenz

The Antiquarium hall and the Treasury are the highlights. A rainy-day half day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Deutsches Museum

Enormous; pick three sections and stop. Weekday mornings avoid school groups less than you would hope.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Pinakotheken

The Alte Pinakothek's Durer and Rubens rooms are the highlight. Sunday admission is heavily discounted, so crowds rise.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Nymphenburg Palace

Summer palace with a huge park and the royal carriage museum. The park is free.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Neuschwanstein Castle

About two hours away. Timed tickets are required and sell out weeks ahead in summer; book online.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

For Oktoberfest, go on a weekday before noon and you can usually walk into a tent. Weekend evenings need a reservation made months ahead.
Book Neuschwanstein tickets online as soon as your date is fixed in summer, and take an early train to Fussen.
Hotel rates during Oktoberfest and major trade fairs can triple. If you are flexible, check both before picking dates.
Visit the Residenz and the Pinakotheken on weekdays; Sunday discounted entry fills them with locals.

Know before you go

Bavaria has more public holidays than most of Germany (Epiphany, Ascension, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day on August 15, All Saints). Shops close, and many sights run holiday hours.
Sunday shopping is largely closed by law. Museums and beer gardens stay open.
Many museums close one day a week, often Monday. The Deutsches Museum is an exception most of the year.
Beer gardens are weather-dependent: they typically open from spring through early fall and close on cold or rainy days.