Best time to visit Denmark

Denmark is on a similar latitude to the Scottish Lowlands, with gloriously long summer days.
The best time to visit Denmark is May-Aug when the days are at their longest, temperatures are mild and the countryside is in full bloom. Spring and autumn are best for birdwatching on the west coast, with migrant species passing through. For a city break in Copenhagen, any time of year will do – spring is a time for sunshine, flowering bulbs and coffee at outdoor café tables (where blankets are thoughtfully provided), summer offers pleasures like taking a dip in a Harbour Bath and autumn brings Kulturnatten (Culture Night), when art installations pop up in ‘secret’ locations.

Visiting Denmark, month by month guide

The start of the year often promises grey skies and cold temperatures with several outdoor centres closed and daylight hours only occupying an average seven hour window. That said, January and February aren’t awful months to visit Copenhagen and there’s much to be said for fewer tourists and more affordable accommodation from where to seek shelter indoors. Moving into March and temperatures are starting to rise alongside the early bulbs and if you’re heading to Denmark in April there’s a much better chance of blue sky days both in the north and the south of the country. May and June are often mentioned in the same breath as the best time to go to Denmark as you’ll find longer days, fewer crowds and ideal weather conditions for getting out and about. Visiting Denmark in July and August isn’t hideous however, there are many more tourists and Scandinavian families heading to the islands, lakes and more popular stretches of coastline, so head inland for a bit of peace and quiet as the sun shines. September is another best time to go to Denmark with ideal conditions for cyclists intending to make the most of the national cycle routes and surfers searching for the swells on Jutland’s west coast. The nights are already drawing in during early October so make the most of affordable accommodation and city breaks in places like Aarhus or Copenhagen before the Christmas markets and twinkling lights of November and December push up the prices.

Copenhagen Weather Chart

 
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
-2
2
51
FEB
-2
3
31
MAR
0
5
41
APR
3
10
41
MAY
7
16
43
JUN
11
20
54
JUL
13
21
70
AUG
13
21
62
SEP
10
17
62
OCT
7
13
57
NOV
3
8
63
DEC
0
4
59

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What happens when in Denmark

Kay Cliffe, from our supplier Skedaddle, discusses her best time to visit Denmark, and what to be wary of: “If you want to experience Denmark by bike the best time of year to visit is in the warmer summer months! This is when you’ll have the most opportunity for sunshine. But don’t forget to pack your waterproofs as, similarly to the UK, unexpected downpours can catch you off guard.”

VisitDenmark shares their own favourite time to visit the country: "Autumn is a great season for local produce and a great time to try Nordic food made with locally sourced ingredients. This is celebrated in the two major food festivals Copenhagen Cooking and Aarhus Food Festival".

Festivals & events in Denmark

Did you know about...?

A fairytale Yule

The homeland of Hans Christian Andersen loves Christmas – so much so that towns are decked out in tasteful decorations throughout November and December and parties are organised months in advance. The season officially begins on the first Friday evening in November, when Tuborg brings out its special Christmas beer, Julebryg, that’s sweeter and stronger than the regular brew. Known as J-day, it is cause for celebration right across Denmark. Shopping is a treat, with fantastic Christmas markets, sparkling shop displays and pebernødder, lightly spiced little biscuits, set on counters as a treat for customers. Glædelig jul!

Responsible Travel would like to thank the Visit Denmark tourist board for their sponsorship of this guide
Written by Emma Gregg
Photo credits: [Page banner: Nelson L.] [Intro: magnetismus] [A fairytale Yule: Stig Nygaard]