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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, in Bavaria, features a temperate oceanic climate with mild, sunny summers and cold, damp winters. The town experiences distinct seasons, moderate rainfall year-round, and occasional winter snow. With vibrant springs, long summer days, and atmospheric autumns, Rothenburg is a picturesque destination for travellers seeking medieval charm in any season.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
The climate of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s climate is characterised by moderate temperatures, consistent rainfall, and clear seasonal changes. Summers (June–August) are mild and pleasant, with average highs of 22–25°C and lows around 12–14°C. July and August are the warmest and sunniest months, offering 7–8 hours of sunshine daily and up to 235 hours of sun per month. Rainfall is moderate, with June and July being the wettest months (70–90 mm), often as short showers or thunderstorms. Humidity is comfortable, and gentle breezes are common, making summer ideal for exploring the old town and countryside.
Winters (December–February) are cold and damp, with average highs of 3–5°C and lows of -2 to -3°C. Snow is common, especially from December to February, but accumulations are usually light (20–30 cm annually). Rain and snow are evenly distributed, with February typically the driest month (40–50 mm). Days are short and cloudy, with only 1–2 hours of sunshine in December and January. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with mild to cool temperatures (10–18°C), frequent showers, and vibrant foliage or blossoming flowers. May is the wettest month, while April is the driest. Winds are generally light to moderate, averaging 15–20 km/h, and the town enjoys about 1,600–1,700 hours of sunshine per year.
| Average climate data for Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 2 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 4 | 24 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -2 | -2 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 2 | -1 | -2 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 31 | 28 | 27 | 30 | 67 | 62 | 60 | 74 | 38 | 32 | 30 | 45 | 524 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 7 | 7 | 12 | 13 | 19 | 19 | 21 | 18 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 12 | 163 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 69 | 50 | 32 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 27 | 74 | 267 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 9 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 32 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 90 | 85 | 82 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 74 | 75 | 79 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 81 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 12 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 64 | 61 | 52 | 39 | 44 | 41 | 35 | 35 | 39 | 45 | 53 | 65 | 48 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Travel info
- Spring (March–May): Cool to mild, with highs from 10–18°C. Frequent showers and blooming gardens. Ideal for city walks and fewer crowds – bring layers and a rain jacket.
- Summer (June–August): Mild and sunny, with highs of 22–25°C. Occasional thunderstorms and long daylight hours. Perfect for sightseeing, festivals, and outdoor dining – pack sun protection, light clothing, and a jumper for cool evenings.
- Autumn (September–November): Pleasant in September (up to 18°C), cooling to 8°C by November. Rainfall increases and days shorten. Early autumn is great for sightseeing and fewer tourists – bring layers and rain gear.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and damp, with highs of 3–5°C and lows near -2°C. Frequent rain, snow, and short days. Dress warmly and bring waterproof gear. Enjoy festive Christmas markets and cosy cafés.
- General tips: Weather is changeable – dress in layers and always carry rain gear. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. Book early for summer festivals and Christmas events. Fog and humidity are common in winter – plan indoor activities accordingly.
The best time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The best time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber is from May to September, when temperatures are warmest (18–25°C), days are longest, and the town is lively with festivals, outdoor events, and vibrant gardens. These months offer ideal conditions for sightseeing, walking tours, and enjoying the medieval atmosphere with pleasant evenings and a festive vibe.
The worst time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The least favourable time to visit is from November to February, when temperatures are lowest, days are shortest, and frequent rain, snow, or fog can limit outdoor activities. While winter is festive with Christmas markets, cold, damp, and dark conditions may not appeal to all travellers, though the town remains charming for those seeking a cosy atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a temperate oceanic climate with mild, sunny summers and cold, damp winters. Rain and snow fall year-round, with peaks in late spring and summer. Winters are chilly with occasional snow cover.
The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm, days are long, and the town is vibrant with festivals and outdoor activities. Early autumn is also pleasant for sightseeing and colourful landscapes.
Yes, snow is common from December to February, but accumulations are usually light (20–30 cm annually). Snow creates a picturesque winter scene, especially during the Christmas season.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber receives moderate rainfall, averaging 700–900 mm annually. Rain falls throughout the year, with the wettest months in May, June, and July. Showers are frequent but usually brief.
Summer highs typically reach 22–25°C, with July and August being the warmest months. Heatwaves above 30°C are rare, and evenings are usually comfortable for outdoor activities.
Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, a rain jacket for showers, and sun protection for summer. In winter, bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and waterproof shoes for cold, damp conditions.
Winds are generally light to moderate, averaging 15–20 km/h. The town’s elevated location can bring breezy conditions, especially in spring and autumn, but strong winds are uncommon.
Minimum and maximum temperatures in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (23.6 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (2.1 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 13.1 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (13.6 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-2.4 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 5.3 °C.
Rainfall amount in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (73.9 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is March (27.1 mm). Over the whole year there are 524 mm of rainfall on average.
Rainfall days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The month with the most days of rain is July (20.8 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (6.7 days). Over the whole year there are 162.8 days of rain on average.
Snowfall amount in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The month with the most snowfall is December (74.5 mm). The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 267.3 mm of snowfall on average.
Snowfall days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (8.8 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are June and August (0 days). Over the whole year there are 31.6 days of snowfall on average.
Relative humidity in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The month with the highest average relative humidity is January (90.1 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is July (73.5 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 81.3 %.
Wind speed in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is December (14.6 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is August (9.2 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 11.7 km/h.
Cloud coverage in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is December (64.5 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is August (34.8 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 47.7 %.
Daylight hours and sunshine hours in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 16 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 10 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 3 h). Over the whole year there are 6.5 h of sunlight per day on average.
UV index in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 5). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, October, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.2.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber climate overview
- Climate table
- Related travel information for Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- The best time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- The worst time to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Frequently asked questions
- Temperature summary
- Rainfall amount summary
- Rainfall days summary
- Snowfall amount summary
- Snowfall days summary
- Relative humidity summary
- Wind speed summary
- Cloud coverage summary
- Daylight hours and sunshine hours summary
- UV index summary
- Other recommended travel destinations