Best Time to Visit Denmark | Best Months for Travel | Audley Travel US (2024)

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’s 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 — 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’s 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 50°F, and highs of about 60°F in May. It’s 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 — it’s 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 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’s 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

Fall 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’ll 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 — 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).