Germany, Europe

Munich in February

Fasching (carnival) brings costumed street parties in the old town on the last days before Lent.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 41F (5C)

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

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Munich. Fasching (carnival) brings costumed street parties in the old town on the last days before Lent.

Weather: Cold, highs near 41F (5C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What February is like in Munich

February is still winter, with highs near 41F (5C), cold mornings and the odd snowfall. Crowds stay thin and prices low. The difference from January is Fasching, Munich's carnival, which puts costumed parties in the old town on the last days before Lent, usually in February. The rest of the month is quiet, museum-and-beer-hall weather.

It suits travelers on a budget, anyone curious about carnival, and skiers using Munich as a base for the Alps. If you want sunshine, outdoor dining or hikes in the foothills, this is the wrong month, and May or June will serve you much better.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Munich this month.

Fasching in the old town

The final days before Ash Wednesday bring costume parties to the center. On the last day, the market women dance at Viktualienmarkt, a local tradition worth catching.

Peak ski conditions nearby

February is a strong month for snow in the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, all within a train ride or short drive.

Quiet palace visits

Nymphenburg Palace and the Residenz are calm, and a snowy Nymphenburg park is a lovely cold walk.

What to pack for February

A warm, water-resistant coat
Insulated boots for slush and ice
A simple costume piece or face paint if you are there for Fasching
A hat, gloves and a thick scarf

Our timing tip

Carnival dates follow Easter, so check when Ash Wednesday falls and arrive a few days before it if you want the Fasching street parties.

Book Munich for February.

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Hotels in Munich
Opens a hotel search for Munich in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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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.
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Tours and tickets in Munich
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Munich for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Fasching

The days before Ash Wednesday, usually February

Costume parties and the market-women's dance at Viktualienmarkt on the final day.

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.

Munich in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Munich?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Munich. Fasching (carnival) brings costumed street parties in the old town on the last days before Lent.

What is the weather like in Munich in February?

Cold, highs near 41F (5C).

Is Munich crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Munich; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Munich in February?

Fasching (the days before ash wednesday, usually february).