Every autumn in Germany, one question sparks both anticipation and debate: when will the first snowflakes fall? For many, the first snowfall brings back childhood memories, marks the beginning of the Christmas market season, and signals that winter has truly arrived.
Historically, snow appears in Germany’s lowlands between late November and early December.
In higher regions such as the Harz, the Ore Mountains, or the Black Forest, the first flakes are often recorded as early as mid- to late October.
Looking back, the 1960s and 1970s often saw earlier snow, while in recent decades the first snowfall has shifted later—partly due to climate change and milder autumns.
Regional differences across Germany
Snowfall patterns vary widely depending on location:
- Munich: Average first snow around November 16.
- Berlin: End of November to early December.
- Ruhr region and Hamburg: Usually December, with snow often melting quickly.
- Zugspitze: Germany’s highest peak often sees snow as early as September.
Statistics show that the gap between the earliest and latest first snowfall in lower altitudes can span up to six weeks.
Cold air outbreaks from the north or east can also trigger surprise snowfalls—even when trees are still in full leaf.
Snow outlook for winter 2025
Long-term forecasts suggest that due to the current state of the polar vortex, cold air intrusions could become more frequent in November.
This increases the chance of snow arriving earlier than average, especially in central and southern Germany—possibly by mid-November.
However, meteorologists caution that the Atlantic’s strong influence may just as easily delay the snow.
The only certainty is uncertainty: snow statistics consistently show unpredictable variations, which is exactly what makes the first snowfall so captivating.
