The best time to visit Denmark is in June, July and August, when daylight hours are long and temperatures sit comfortably between 15°C and 20°C 鈥� ideal for hiking in the green landscape. This is a popular time to get outdoors for visitors and locals alike, and the coast can get busy.
The weather between September and November gets cooler, slowly dropping from 18°C to 8°C as the season goes on. The crowds thin out and the longer nights are perfect for curling up under a snug blanket by a roaring fire.
December to February is cold, snowy, and windy, with average temperatures just above freezing (although it is more mild than other Nordic countries). Temperatures begin to increase in March but it remains chilly until May, meaning you鈥檒l see fewer other visitors.
Overall, Denmark is a year-round destination and when you go will depend on what you want to do when you visit. It鈥檚 more temperate than the rest of Scandinavia, and you鈥檒l find a relatively mild climate across the country thanks to its more southerly latitudes and the moderating influence of the sea.
It鈥檚 possible to see the northern lights in Denmark, though the season is more limited 鈥� October to March 鈥� and the probability somewhat lower than elsewhere in Scandinavia.
Month-by-month guide for travelling in Denmark
Visiting Denmark in December - February
December, January and February are cold months, although temperatures usually hover just above freezing. The islands can be a little warmer, but are usually windy. Days are short, and it鈥檚 normally dark by early afternoon. Winter sports are plentiful, and you have a chance of seeing the northern lights. Christmas markets open in early December in cities and villages across the country, and the Tiovli Gardens are decked out for the festive season.
Events & Festivals
- Christmas markets open at the end of November 鈥� the most well-known is probably in Tivoli Gardens, where you can enjoy a glass of gløgg and peruse the wooden stalls full of craft items and festive food.
- On New Year鈥檚 Eve, Amalienborg Square has fireworks displays and a parade by the Royal Guard.
- Vinterjazz is a country-wide jazz festival in early February.
Visiting Denmark in March - May
Spring months can still be cold, with temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F), and highs of about 16°C (60°F) in May. It鈥檚 the driest season, though the difference is minor as rainfall is pretty steady throughout the year. May can be a great time for visiting Copenhagen 鈥� it鈥檚 less busy than in the summer months, but the weather is good.
Visiting Denmark in June - August
The weather is most conducive to outdoor adventures in June, July and August. Days are warm but rarely hot, averaging between 20°C and 26°C (68°F and 78°F). Of course, the weather is wildly variable, so always be prepared for rain or a drop in temperature, even in the summer.
Landscapes are in full bloom throughout the summer, days are at their longest (up to 17 hours in July) and all the sights are open and fully operational. The coastal areas can get very busy, especially in July when the Danish take their summer break.
Events & Festivals
- Denmark鈥檚 prestigious summer jazz festival season starts in early July with the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, followed by Sommer Jazz in Arhaus in mid-July and Æro Jazz in Ærøskøbing in late July.
Visiting Denmark in September - November
Autumn is a lovely time to visit Denmark, particularly September and early October, when the weather is still good and days are still long, but the crowds are much smaller than you鈥檒l find in the summer. The changing foliage paints the landscape glowing golden, and coffee shops often have warm, welcoming fires.
The northern lights start becoming visible in October, though the probability of seeing them is somewhat lower than in other regions of Scandinavia.
Events & Festivals
- Christmas markets open at the end of November 鈥� the most well-known is probably in Tivoli Gardens, where you can enjoy a glass of gløgg and peruse the wooden stalls full of craft items and festive food.
- Every year in mid-October, over 300 museums, galleries and churches in Copenhagen open their doors after hours for Kulturnatten (Night of Culture).
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Travel advice
Practical tips for travelling to Denmark, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.
