Germany, Europe

Munich in September

Early September is ideal. Oktoberfest takes over the second half, with prices to match.

BestMild, highs near 66F (19C)

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

The straight answer

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Munich. Early September is ideal. Oktoberfest takes over the second half, with prices to match.

Weather: Mild, highs near 66F (19C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What September is like in Munich

September is two different months. The first half is ideal: highs near 66F (19C), clear air, beer gardens still open and prices easing. Then Oktoberfest starts on a Saturday in the second half of the month, and the city fills with around six million visitors over the festival. Hotel rates can double or triple, and good rooms sell out months ahead.

Early September suits nearly everyone, especially couples and families who want great weather at fair prices. The second half is for people who want Oktoberfest and have booked early. If you want neither the crowds nor the costs, stick to early September or wait until mid October.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Munich this month.

Oktoberfest

The world's most famous beer festival fills the Theresienwiese with tents, brass bands and rides. On a weekday before noon you can usually walk into a tent without a reservation.

Early September calm

The first two weeks feel like summer without the peak crowds, a perfect window for the Englischer Garten and Alpine day trips.

Family day at the fair

Oktoberfest has a family day with reduced ride prices, usually a Tuesday. Visit by day, since evenings in the tents are not for kids.

Clear mountain views

Crisp early fall air often means sharp views of the Alps from St. Peter's tower and good hiking before the cable cars wind down.

What to pack for September

A light jacket for cool evenings
Comfortable shoes for long days on your feet at the fair
Tracht (dirndl or lederhosen) if you want to blend in at Oktoberfest
A small cross-body bag, since big bags are not allowed on the festival grounds

Our timing tip

If you want Oktoberfest, book your hotel as soon as the dates are announced, or stay in Augsburg on the train line to save a lot.

Book Munich for September.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Munich
Opens a hotel search for Munich in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for September
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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in September

Oktoberfest

The second half of September through the first Sunday of October

Around six million visitors a year. Tables are free without a reservation on weekday mornings; weekends are a crush.

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 September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Munich?

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Munich. Early September is ideal. Oktoberfest takes over the second half, with prices to match.

What is the weather like in Munich in September?

Mild, highs near 66F (19C).

Is Munich crowded in September?

September is peak crowd season in Munich; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Munich in September?

Oktoberfest (the second half of september through the first sunday of october).