Denmark is a diverse location in the middle of several seas. One of the most attractive and heritage-rich destinations in the world, Denmark has plenty of amazing experiences to offer.
However, if you’re planning a trip to this wonderful region, then you might decide to start with Copenhagen — the country’s best-known city.
So, how do you pack for a trip to Denmark? What kind of Copenhagen weather can you expect?
In general, Denmark has a mild climate all year round, with winds that blow warmth into the country from the rest. Denmark’s temperatures between night and day don’t fluctuate too much either, so you can wear the same outfits all day long.
Denmark’s coldest month is in February, at around 0°C, and in the warmest month, July, the region reaches temperatures of around 17°C.
Let’s take a closer look at Copenhagen weather.
Denmark weather: The climate in Denmark
Let’s start with a general overview of the kind of climate in Denmark. Denmark rarely achieves incredibly high or low temperatures. Shifts in wind style and direction, however, can drastically change the weather conditions from one moment to the next.
Rain is a very common condition in Denmark, with no real dry periods to speak of, although September to November often delivers the most wet seasons. The annual rainfall in Denmark averages around 24 inches, with 170 days of rain in total.
- Spring weather in Denmark: Spring weather in Denmark is often quite cold, remaining that way through to May. The average temperature can dip as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10°C, and it can creep up to around 16 °C in May.
- Summer weather in Denmark: Summer weather in Denmark is pleasant and cool, making it a good way to avoid too much heat if you’re searching for a break. Temperatures usually stay under 22 °C, while nights are slightly colder. The long daylight hours are great for exploring.
- Fall weather in Denmark: The opposite of the summer months, autumn in Denmark is cold and windy, often ranging between 8°C and 13 °C at most. You’ll need a good coat and some waterproof gear during these months.
- Winter weather in Denmark: In Winter, the temperatures in Denmark often hover just above freezing point. Usually, the sun sets in the early afternoon, and the region remains cold all day. The small islands throughout the country can be slightly warmer but are often windy.
Because of Denmark’s position in Europe, the day length often varies depending on the time of year. There are days in winter where the sun sets at around 3:30 pm. While there are also long summer days when the sun doesn’t set until 10 pm.
Copenhagen weather by month
Copenhagen is one of the most popular places to visit in Denmark, as the Capital and largest city. For the most part, the weather in Copenhagen follows the same rules as the weather throughout the rest of Denmark.
Let’s take a closer look at Copenhagen weather by month…
- January: Temperature of around 2°C on average. In January, Copenhagen is usually just on the edge of freezing, with temperatures that can plunge far below freezing during the night. You’ll need plenty of cold-weather gear.
- February: Temperature still around 2°C. The weather in February is around the same as January, with plenty of wind that can really cut through you. Make sure you wrap up warm.
- March: Temperature between 2°C and 7°C. The cold starts to ease off slightly in March, but the wind can be a lot more severe. The sun starts to stay out much later in March, and the greenery begins to flower.
- April: Temperatures between 4°C and 12°C. Although the weather is a lot warmer in April than it is in March, it’s also very wet. Hail, wind, and rain are all quite common. However, the cherry blossoms can start to bloom now too.
- May: Temperature between 8°C and 16°C: May is when the heat starts to pick up again, and you can enjoy those long summery days when you’re exploring the beauty of the great outdoors. You’ll see plenty of locals outside now.
- June: Temperature between around 8°C and 20°C. You get a few wonderful days and a few rainy and drizzly days — a lot like life in the UK. When you do finally encounter some of the warmer days, it’s the perfect time to explore.
- July: Temperature between 13°C and 23°C. This is easily one of the best months to visit Copenhagen, and a great time to soak up some sun. Although Denmark doesn’t get very “hot”, pleasant weathers in July are easy to enjoy.
- August: Temperature between 14°C and 22°C. This is the month with the highest precipitation level. When it rains — it rains pretty hard. However, you can enjoy plenty of warm days too.
- September: Temperature between 10°C and 17°C. September is a surprisingly crisp and pleasant month. Although there’s a little chill, you shouldn’t have to worry about too much cold. This month is remarkably similar to May.
- October: Temperature between 6°C and 12°C. The heat has begun to disappear from Denmark during October. However, you will have a few surprisingly warm days to enjoy if you visit at just the right time.
- November: Temperature between 3°C and 8°C. This is one of the months with the highest number of rainy days. If the wind isn’t too bad, then the month doesn’t feel too bad, coldness-wise. However, if that wind picks up, it has quite the bite.
- December: Temperature between 5°C and 0°C The cold really starts to pick up again in December. Although December doesn’t feel as cold as January or February. You’ll still need plenty of winter gear, though.
Copenhagen weather: January to December
Denmark and Copenhagen are a beautiful place to visit any time of year — if you have the right equipment, and you’ve adequately packed. January is probably the coldest month of the year in Copenhagen, though it’s remarkably similar in style to February.
If you’re wondering when to visit to discover the best weather in Copenhagen, then that’s going to depend on the kind of things you want to see. Copenhagen is beautiful during the winter months, particularly around the festive period.
Although, if you’re looking for warmth and sunshine, then you should generally look for a trip between late June and late August.
One reason to avoid the sunny Copenhagen weather is if you’re looking for a chance to spot the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is more likely to appear during long nights in winter.
The season for optimal viewing is also much shorter in Denmark than in many other countries throughout Scandinavia.
Although much of northern Scandinavia gets access to polar nights from September to April, Denmark experiences a lot more light before and after winter, which means that you’re more likely to spot the lights between mid-October and March.
To get the best view of this natural phenomenon, it’s best to drive a little way away from Copenhagen. The best way to spot the Northern lights is to avoid as much weather pollution as possible. This means that you might have to contend with a colder Denmark climate, and a bit of extra travel.
Good luck, and stay wrapped up warm!
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
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