Berlin is the largest city in Germany. It's 112 miles south of the Baltic Sea and 118 miles north of the Czech-German border. Its closest neighboring country is Poland, which is 55 miles away. The city lies in the glacial valley of the Spree River. The river runs through the center of the city.
Berlin has a continental climate that is typical of Northeastern Europe. A continental climate consists of winters cold enough to support a fixed period of snow with moderate rainfall during the summer. Summers are pleasant, but temperatures can flucuate.
Summers are sometimes unpredictable in Berlin and the temperature can peak at 86 F. Such highs are an exception, and generally the summers are pleasant with a peak temperature of about 73 F. The summer lows drop to about 52 F. The autumn months (September to November) hit the seasonal high with 64 F and the low of 48 F. During the winter months (December to February), there is bitter cold, snow and frost. The maximum average winter temperature is 37 F, and the average low is 27 F. The spring season (March to May) consists of mild days that reach a maximum average temperature of 64 F and a minimum average temperature of 32 F.
If you are used to plenty of sunshine, Berlin may be a bit of a culture shock, especially if you travel in winter. You can also expect to go easy on the sun protection during most months of the year. If you travel during the fall or winter, expect things to be rather gloomy. The amount of sunlight to expect during winter months ranges between 1 to 2 hours a day. In February, it increases to 5 hours and reaches 8 hours in May. During the summer the 8-hour average continues, dropping in September to 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Don't be a minimalist and assume that you can make it with a few outfits and let Berlin's bi-polar weather leave you in the cold. Pack a light rain coat or lightweight jacket and throw in a sweater or two. Save those strappy sandals for a Florida vacation. Berliners tend to be elegant especially in the evening. There are many venues which cater to a more grown-up crowd. So, if you want to blend in, leave the hipster look at home. If traveling in June or August, pack an umbrella since those are the rainiest months.
