The first time I saw the golden leaves framing the Hofgarten next to the Residenz, I knew Bavaria in autumn was something special. It’s more than just Oktoberfest; it’s a season of cozy magic.
Bavaria in the autumn has stolen my heart. Mother Nature puts on a real show in the Bavarian towns and countryside as lush trees slowly take on the hues of yellows and oranges, making the already scenic mountains and lakes all the more special. The crowds visiting Munich in the autumn are noticeably smaller if you visit after that famous beer festival (you know the one!).
Yes, the weather can be chilly and rainy. Outdoor activities and dining options can be limited, and there are fewer hours of daylight. But following the exciting weeks of Oktoberfest and other smaller local festivals, Bavaria in autumn can be as quiet or as loud as you want it to be.
This guide will help you decide when in autumn to visit Munich and Bavaria, with tips on what to see, do, and pack, whether you’re a crowd-loving festival-goer or a quiet-seeking leaf-peeper.
Why Visit Bavaria in Autumn?
Munich is beautiful any time of the year, but autumn transforms the Bavarian capital. Indeed, across the state of Bavaria, trees turn a golden shade of yellows and oranges, making the already charming scenery of small towns, mountains, and lakes into something magical.
The end of Oktoberfest, typically in early October, is the unofficial end of the peak tourist season. As the crowds decrease, a crisp chill in the air gives way to a new, cozy atmosphere.
When is the Best Time to Visit in Autumn?
When planning your trip to Munich in the autumn, there are a few different things to take into consideration. If you prefer warmer temperatures for strolling and outdoor dining and do not mind the crowds, you will want to go earlier in the fall. But if you do not mind a chill in the air and some rain, if it gets you quieter streets but means you have to head inside to eat, then post-Oktoberfest will be right for you.
| Feature | Early Autumn (Late Sept – Early Oct) | Late Autumn (Mid-Oct – Nov) |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Bustling and festive, especially during Oktoberfest. | Quiet, cozy, and more local-feeling as the peak tourist season ends. |
| Weather | Warmer temperatures with average daily highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. | Chilly, with daily highs dropping to the high 30s. November is often the driest month of fall. |
| Crowds | Larger crowds, particularly around Oktoberfest. | Noticeably smaller crowds, leading to potentially lower airfare and hotel costs. |
| Activities | Ideal for outdoor dining and strolling. Oktoberfest and other folk festivals are in full swing. | Many beer gardens close. Museums and palaces may have shorter hours. |
| Daylight | Longer days for sightseeing. | Significantly shorter daylight hours, especially in November. |
| Scenery | Trees begin their transformation into golden yellows and oranges. | Prime time for “leaf-peeping” as autumn colors are in full effect. |
Autumn Weather in Munich: What to Expect
Need to know what to pack for Munich in November and the rest of autumn? The weather will be the real deciding factor.
- In late September, the average daily highs are in the mid-60s Fahrenheit; overnight lows are in the mid-40s
- By the end of autumn in December, the daily highs are in the high 30s with lows in the high 20s
- Autumn is the second wettest season
- November is the driest month of the fall, on average
- There are also about half as many daylight hours in November as in October
Public Holidays in Bavaria to Know
There are a few holidays that you may need to plan around.
- German Unity Day on October 3rd celebrates the country’s reunification in 1990
- In Bavaria and several other German states, November 1st celebrates All Saints’ Day
- Bavarian schoolchildren have a week-long autumn holiday (the specific dates vary each year)
Seasonal Closures
With fewer tourists and colder weather, museums and palaces tend to shorten their hours in the fall – or close up altogether. For example, the park palaces across Nymphenburg Park close in mid-October and reopen in March. Nymphenburg Palace itself remains open through the fall and winter, but has reduced hours. For palaces, fortresses, and other spots managed by the Bavarian Palace Administration, check their website to see openings and closings.
Across Bavaria, you will start seeing fountains turned off and, along with statues and some monuments, boarded up to protect them from the cold temperatures and precipitation that is sure to follow over the upcoming months.
Outdoor dining tends to be hit or miss. By the end of October, many of the Biergartens in Munich will be closing up shop until spring. Restaurants may have a few tables outdoors, especially if there are heat lamps available, but wide-scale outdoor dining is no longer assured.
Crowds
After a busy summer and Oktoberfest, the crowds start to lessen in Munich in the autumn. That means museums can be less busy. Airfare and hotel rooms can be less expensive. If you look around, you can find a good deal.
Top Things to Do in Munich & Bavaria in Autumn
After everything I have just summed up, it might seem like a visit to Bavaria during the autumn is not ideal. But there are plenty of reasons to visit during the fall.
Autumn Guide to Bavaria’s Fairytale Castles
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in October combined with nearby Hohenschwangau Castle make for a great Munich day trip. Set amongst the trees on the hills overlooking the lake Alpsee, autumn makes these fairytale castles even more special. Guided tours (in German or English) allow visitors to see inside the castles. Due to high demand, it’s best to book tickets in advance.
On the outskirts of Munich, head to the tree-lined canal at Schloss Schleissheim to stroll under the autumn leaves.
And, of course, in western Munich is my favorite: Schloss Nymphenburg. The former summer residence includes a large park with several ponds that is popular with wildlife. There are several pavilions throughout the grounds that you can enjoy. I recommend enjoying the pond near the Badenburg pavilion and watching the birds.
Best Places for Autumn Colors in Bavaria
While New England in the United States is known, at least nationally, for its colorful leaves, Bavaria in the autumn might be able to give them a run for their money. A walk through Englischer Garten, under trees full of yellow leaves, and then grabbing a beer at one of the Biergarten in the park is reason enough to visit Munich in the autumn.
Or try a visit to one of Munich’s nearby lakes. With the Alps in the background, covered in trees whose leaves are turning yellow and orange, and with a calm lake in the foreground is a charming way to spend the day. The countryside comes alive in Bavaria in the autumn.
I recommend heading to the Wallberg on the Tegernsee to experience it firsthand. If you are looking for somewhere closer to Munich to enjoy the autumn colors, head to the Munich Botanical Garden.
Oktoberfest & Other Festivities
Oktoberfest is the largest and most popular event during the entire year, but it is the jewel in the crown of events for Munich in the autumn. And across Bavaria, other towns and villages will also be holding their folk festivals.
But once the world’s largest folk festival ends, things get a bit quieter in Munich as far as tourists are concerned. Instead, indulge in experiences usually saved for locals.
In Munich at Mariahilfplatz, there is the autumn Auer Dult, or Kirchweih Dult. The festival takes over the square outside the local church. There is a large flea market selling antiques, handmade items, and other household goods. There are also some carnival rides and games, as well as fair food: Steckerlfisch, chocolate-covered fruit, and more.
Just outside of Bavaria, head to Aying for the Ayinger Bräu-Kirta Beer Festival.
Christmas is Right Around the Corner
You read that right: Christmas. When you visit Munich in the autumn, Christmas is likely to be the last thing on your mind. But if you head into many stores and you will already see Christmas candy, Advent calendars, and other goodies for sale. As the holiday season approaches, the crowds will increase.
But until then, visitors in the autumn can get a sneak peek at those winter favorites. Get some roasted nuts or mulled wine at one of the stands in and around Marienplatz. Or pick up an Advent calendar from the grocery store to save for December 1st.
Perfect Autumn Weekend Itinerary
To help you make the most of your trip, here is a sample itinerary that blends Munich’s city charm with Bavaria’s fairytale landscapes.
Day 1: Munich City Charm. Spend the morning exploring Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt for some snacks. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk through the colorful Englischer Garten and head to the Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm.
Day 2: Fairytale Castle Day Trip. Head to Füssen for the day to see the stunning Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, set against autumn leaves.
Day 3: Palaces and Local Markets. Head to Schloss Nymphenburg in the morning to enjoy the grounds while it’s still quiet. In the afternoon, enjoy the excitement at the Auer Dult festival for local food and antique shopping.
Practical Tips for Your Autumn Trip
- The best advice is to be ready for everything. In addition to packing comfortable walking shoes, be sure to bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket. Dress in layers, especially for cool mornings and evenings. A scarf or winter hat may be good to have on hand, too.
- For getting around, consider using public transit. In Bavaria, it goes to most of the popular tourist attractions. Deutschland-Ticket is a great way to save money traveling Bavaria.
- Even with fewer crowds after Oktoberfest, book popular hotels and castle tours in advance for the best rates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting Bavaria after Oktoberfest?
Absolutely! Late October and November are fantastic times to visit. The crowds thin out considerably, the autumn foliage is at its peak, and you can often find better deals on flights and hotels. It’s a much more relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
What are the best photo spots for autumn colors in Munich?
For stunning autumn colors, you can’t go wrong with the Englischer Garten. The canals at Schloss Schleissheim and the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace are also spectacular. For a great day trip, the views from the Wallberg over Tegernsee are breathtaking in the fall.
Do I need to book Neuschwanstein Castle in advance in autumn?
Yes, it is always highly recommended to book tickets for Neuschwanstein online well in advance, regardless of the season. While autumn has fewer crowds than summer, the castle is one of Germany’s most popular attractions and tickets for specific time slots can sell out weeks ahead.
Now that you’ve read the guide, which sounds better to you: the bustling festivals of Early Autumn or the cozy, colorful quiet of Late Autumn? Let me know in the comments!
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All photos, as well as opinions, are my own.
