The best time to visit Copenhagen

Effortlessly cool Copenhagen attracts travelers year-round. Summer sees more sightseers than winter, but there's really no bad time to visit the Danish capital. Its fascinating museums, cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants, and centuries' worth of historic sights mean you'll never be short of things to see and do in any season.

In November and December, Danes go all out for Christmas, making it a magical time in the city. During the warmer summer months, Copenhageners take advantage of the long days for outdoor drinking and dining and dips in the ocean that surrounds the city.

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From festivals and events to what weather to expect, here are the top times to come to Copenhagen.

June to August is the best time for busy days and bright nights

The weather in Denmark is less extreme than elsewhere in Scandinavia, with mild summers and moderate winters, but because of the country’s northerly location, the number of daylight hours can vary widely. Copenhagen’s high season runs through the summer months from May to August, when the days seem never-ending, and the sun sets as late as 10pm.

This appealing quality draws visitors who want the joy of activity-filled days and bright Scandinavian nights. Sankthansaften (St John's Eve) on June 23 is the Danish midsummer celebration, with events at locations such as Frederiksberg Have and Amager Beach Park. July is the warmest month in Copenhagen and a rewarding time to visit the city's parks, beaches and other free attractions.

In June, rock out at musical events such as Copenhell and Distortion, and embrace Nordic design at Three Days of Design. Then stay for the Royal Run race, attended by members of the Danish royal family. The focus shifts to jazz in July for the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, and there are plenty of other music events. August is busy, with Pride Week, Copenhagen Fashion Week, the Copenhagen Opera Festival, the Chart art fair and sporty events such as the PostNord Danmark bike tour and Copenhagen Ironman.

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Spring and fall get smaller crowds

The shoulder seasons in Copenhagen are in the spring (April to May) and fall (September to November), but the weather can vary widely. You might get lucky with summer-like temps in September or May, or you might be unlucky and have mainly gray and rainy skies.

However, there are fewer tourists around than in summer, and prices are a little lower. In general, the shoulder seasons are perfect for a city trip if you’re happy spending time indoors, exploring museums and historic attractions, or shopping in Copenhagen’s markets and cool design stores.

In April, Copenhagen comes alive with cherry blossoms and flea markets, and the Tivoli Gardens amusement park opens for the season. Første Maj – Copenhagen’s labor day celebration – brings crowds to Fælledparken on May 1, with rides, food trucks, partying and political talks. May also sees the Copenhagen Marathon.

After the busy summer, temperatures dip in September, and fall colors usher in a calmer time to visit. Rain is a regular occurrence this time of year, but as Scandinavians say, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”

History and culture are on show at September's GoldenDays festival, while October sees a flurry of concerts and stage shows for Copenhagen Culture Night and spirited Halloween celebrations at Tivoli Gardens. By November, winter is officially underway, and people start to look forward to Christmas; colorful decorations go up, and winter ice-skating rinks open.

December brings Christmas markets and winter cheer

If you’re looking for the most magical time to visit Copenhagen, the Danes go all out for Christmas. The streets and squares are bedazzled with string lights and decorations from mid-November, Christmas markets take place across the city's neighborhoods, and Tivoli Gardens opens each year as a winter wonderland and elf city.

Visit the holiday market in Christiania for homemade gifts for kids’ stockings, or sip a glass of glögg (mulled wine) at the festive markets at Højbro Plads or Nyhavn. If you dare, take a dip in the ocean, Viking-style, at one of the city's frosty beaches.

January to March is the best time for lower prices and cozy vibes

During the winter months, visitors get to experience Copenhagen more like its residents do, as tourists take up less space, allowing local culture to rise to the forefront. Travelers can also save money on accommodations – winter is the cheapest time to come to Copenhagen – and there are plenty of indoor activities, from museums and shopping to fine restaurants and cozy cafes.

Temperatures hover around freezing, and the sun can set as early as 3:30pm, meaning dark mornings and afternoons. Locals get through the winter with big doses of hygge – the tradition of embracing coziness, comfort and contentment. Follow their lead and cuddle up inside cafes with hot mugs of coffee, go shopping in stylish designer stores and take advantage of seasonal sales, or go ice-skating at one of the city’s many rinks.

While it's a quieter time for tourism, festivals and events dot the calendar, including Winter Jazz, the Copenhagen Light Festival, the CPH: DOX film festival and Copenhagen Dining Week. If you're deterred by the cold, the weather begins to warm by mid-March; sidewalk cafes start to fill up, and temperatures reach acceptable levels for sitting out.