Copenhagen is a charming Scanvidian city known for its grand palaces, gardens, and the beautiful canal district of Nyhavn. The capital of Denmark has a very mild climate with about 18 hours of sunshine in summer and long, cold and dark winters. Although, with Christmas markets and lots of hygge (the Danes invented the idea), many travelers are happy to brave the cold, winter in December for a fun and exciting trip.
We spoke to Cecilia Fonden, an expert concierge at d’Angleterre, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, to help us figure out the best times to visit Copenhagen for its good weather, less crowds, and more.
- Peak Time: June to August and December
- Shoulder Season: April to May and September to November
- Low Season: January to March
Related: T+L’s Travel Guide to Copenhagen
Best Times to Visit Copenhagen for Small Groups
To escape the summer crowds, consider visiting Copenhagen during the shoulder season. The months of April and October are especially wonderful because you get the benefit of sunshine or autumn and a bit of heat so you can walk comfortably with just a light jacket. This is also a great time for visitors to see the lively cafe culture take hold as locals get their first and last chance to enjoy hot spots around the city.
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The Best Times to Visit Copenhagen Due to Good Weather
It has been said that when the Danish summer is good, it is the best. Expect long, bright days and nights (the sun only sets for a few hours), pleasant temperatures without extreme heat, beautiful canals in the heart of the city, and sandy beaches on the northern edge where you’ll find Copenhageners catching some rays. . Visitors can also look forward to street-side restaurants, seasonal programs at Tivoli Gardens – one of the world’s oldest amusement parks – and an all-around sense of fun (“Copenhageners are known to be some of the happiest people in the world, but they’re having the most fun in ‘summer,” says Fonden).
Best Time to Visit Copenhagen at Cheap Prices
“Copenhagen is not a cheap place, but in February and March you can find great deals,” reveals Fonden. Although the weather may not be the best, the wealth of museums, shopping, luxury hotels, and amazing restaurants continue to attract travelers – especially those looking for bargains or an easy time finding the places they covet. “Many Michelin-starred restaurants, welcoming local food markets, fine restaurants serving fresh Danish pastries, and many other interesting things make the city the center of Nordic cuisine,” says Fonden.
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Best Time to Visit Copenhagen by Bike
Although Denmark’s capital has a train system, cycling is a popular way of life for the locals, with around 50 percent of Copenhageners cycling every day. The good weather makes the period from May to September the best time to explore Copenhagen on two wheels. “You can go anywhere with your ‘iron horse’ (as the Danes call their two-wheeled best friend),” says Fonden. Choose a bike tour with a certified guide to see more sights and explore interesting areas such as Vesterbro and Nørrebro.
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The Worst Times to Visit Copenhagen
If you don’t like gray, rain, and cold wind, it’s better to avoid Copenhagen in January, when the sun rises from 9 am to 3:30 pm and it’s usually cloudy. With all that said, people who don’t mind bad weather will experience hygge for themselves. Fonden plans to use this month to visit palaces and museums without the crowds and take advantage of discounts on the main shopping street of Strøget.
