Climate - Kiel (Germany)
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
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Climate chart - Kiel
The climate of Kiel is sub-oceanic, humid and rainy, influenced by currents from the Atlantic and the North Sea, with cold, gray winters and cool to mild summers.
The city is the capital of Schleswig-Holstein and is located in a bay overlooking the Baltic Sea. We are in the northernmost part of Germany, on the Jutland peninsula, which separates it from Denmark.
The wind blows frequently, and can be intense, especially from November to March.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 1.9 °C (35.4 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 17.7 °C (64 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Kiel - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
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| January | -0.3 | 4.1 | 1.9 | 31 | 39 | 35.4 |
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| February | -0.2 | 4.7 | 2.2 | 32 | 40 | 36 |
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| March | 1.2 | 7.9 | 4.6 | 34 | 46 | 40.2 |
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| April | 4 | 12.7 | 8.4 | 39 | 55 | 47 |
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| May | 7.2 | 16.7 | 11.9 | 45 | 62 | 53.5 |
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| June | 10.5 | 19.9 | 15.2 | 51 | 68 | 59.4 |
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| July | 13 | 22.3 | 17.7 | 55 | 72 | 63.8 |
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| August | 13.1 | 22.1 | 17.6 | 56 | 72 | 63.7 |
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| September | 10.6 | 18.3 | 14.4 | 51 | 65 | 58 |
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| October | 7.1 | 13.3 | 10.2 | 45 | 56 | 50.4 |
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| November | 3.4 | 8.1 | 5.7 | 38 | 47 | 42.3 |
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| December | 1.1 | 5.2 | 3.1 | 34 | 41 | 37.6 |
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| Year | 5.9 | 13 | 9.45 | 42.7 | 55.4 | 49 |
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Precipitation amounts to 755 millimeters (29.7 inches) per year: so, it is at an intermediate level. It ranges from 40 mm (1.6 in) in the driest month (April) to 85 mm (3.3 in) in the wettest (July). Here is the average precipitation.
Kiel - Average precipitation| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
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| January | 70 | 2.8 | 12 |
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| February | 50 | 2 | 10 |
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| March | 50 | 2 | 9 |
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| April | 40 | 1.6 | 8 |
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| May | 50 | 2 | 9 |
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| June | 65 | 2.6 | 10 |
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| July | 85 | 3.3 | 11 |
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| August | 75 | 3 | 11 |
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| September | 65 | 2.6 | 10 |
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| October | 70 | 2.8 | 11 |
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| November | 65 | 2.6 | 12 |
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| December | 70 | 2.8 | 12 |
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| Year | 755 | 29.7 | 127 |
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Although the winter is not very cold for the latitude, it is often humid, windy and rainy. There may be relatively mild periods, when Atlantic currents prevail, and other colder periods, when the temperature drops below freezing and it can snow.
Sometimes, there can be cold spells, in which temperatures can drop as low as -10 °C (14 °F) or even below. In fact, Scandinavian high pressure systems can reverse the normal circulation and bring very cold periods, which in the past were more frequent. The cold record is -25 °C (-13 °F), set in February 1940. More recently, the temperature dropped to -20.5 °C (5 °F) in February 1956, and to -18 °C (-0.5 °F) in February 1986 and in February 2012.
Even in spring, until April or the first half of May, there is often cold and unstable weather.
In summer, the temperatures are generally pleasant and lend themselves to outdoor activities, although there are cool and rainy periods, and sometimes thunderstorms can break out.
At times, hot periods can occur, generally of short duration, which in recent years are becoming more frequent due to global warming, and in which the temperature can exceed 28 °C (82 °F). However, given the latitude and the short distance from the sea, the heat is less intense and lasting than in the central-southern German plains. On the hottest days of the year, the temperature typically reaches 30/31 °C (86/88 °F). The highest record is 36.5 °C (97.7 °F) and was set in July 2022.
On average, there are around 1,675 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.
Kiel - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
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January | 1.5 | 40 | February | 2 | 60 | March | 4 | 120 | April | 6.5 | 190 | May | 8 | 245 | June | 7.5 | 230 | July | 8 | 240 | August | 7 | 215 | September | 5 | 155 | October | 3.5 | 105 | November | 1.5 | 50 | December | 1 | 30 | Year | 4.6 | 1675 |
The latitude of Kiel (54°19'N) is not high enough to observe the phenomenon of the white nights, in which the sun sets but it does not get completely dark even at midnight.
On June 21, the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 4:45 am and sets at 9:55 pm. On December 21, the shortest day of the year, the sun rises at 8:50 am and sets at 3:55 pm.
The sea temperature ranges between 2 °C (35 °F) and 18 °C (65 °F). So, it never becomes warm for swimming. Here are the average sea temperatures.
Kiel - Sea temperature| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
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January | 2.5 | 36 | February | 1.5 | 35 | March | 2.5 | 37 | April | 6 | 42 | May | 10.5 | 51 | June | 14.5 | 58 | July | 17.5 | 63 | August | 18 | 65 | September | 16 | 61 | October | 12.5 | 54 | November | 8.5 | 47 | December | 4.5 | 40 | Year | 9.5 | 49.2 |
Best Time
The best time to visit Kiel runs from mid-May to mid-September, since it is the warmest and sunniest period of the year. Sometimes, it can be hot in July and August, while in other circumstances, nights can be cool or even a little cold even in these months, so it can be useful to bring a sweatshirt or sweater and a light jacket.
Kiel - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Kiel is usually cold. The average temperature is of 1.9 °C (35 °F), with a minimum of -0.3 °C (31.4 °F) and a maximum of 4.1 °C (39.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -8.5 °C (17 °F). However, it dropped to -14.5 °C (5.9 °F) in January 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 10 °C (50 °F). However, it reached 13.5 °C (56.3 °F) in January 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 8 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 1.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 16% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 2.5 °C (36 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
In February, the weather in Kiel is usually cold. The average temperature is of 2.2 °C (36 °F), with a minimum of -0.2 °C (31.6 °F) and a maximum of 4.7 °C (40.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -7.5 °C (18.5 °F). However, it dropped to -18.1 °C (-0.6 °F) in February 2012.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 10.5 °C (51.5 °F). However, it reached 15.8 °C (60.4 °F) in February 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 2 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 22% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 1.5 °C (35 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
In March, the weather in Kiel is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 4.6 °C (40 °F), with a minimum of 1.2 °C (34.2 °F) and a maximum of 7.9 °C (46.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -5 °C (23 °F). However, it dropped to -13.6 °C (7.5 °F) in March 2005.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 15.5 °C (60 °F). However, it reached 21.9 °C (71.4 °F) in March 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 32% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 2.5 °C (36.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
In April, the weather in Kiel is usually quite mild. The average temperature is of 8.4 °C (47 °F), with a minimum of 4 °C (39.1 °F) and a maximum of 12.7 °C (54.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28 °F). However, it dropped to -6.9 °C (19.6 °F) in April 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). However, it reached 29 °C (84.2 °F) in April 1996.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 45% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 6 °C (42.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
In May, the weather in Kiel is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.9 °C (53 °F), with a minimum of 7.2 °C (44.9 °F) and a maximum of 16.7 °C (62 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0.5 °C (32.5 °F). However, it dropped to -3 °C (26.6 °F) in May 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (77 °F). However, it reached 33.6 °C (92.5 °F) in May 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 16 hours and 5 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (50.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
In June, the weather in Kiel is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 15.2 °C (59 °F), with a minimum of 10.5 °C (50.9 °F) and a maximum of 19.9 °C (67.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5 °C (41.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.6 °C (34.9 °F) in June 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28 °C (82 °F). However, it reached 34.4 °C (93.9 °F) in June 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 17 hours and 10 minutes. So the days are very long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 44% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
In July, the warmest month of the year, the weather in Kiel is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.7 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 13 °C (55.4 °F) and a maximum of 22.3 °C (72.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8.5 °C (47 °F). However, it dropped to 5.8 °C (42.4 °F) in July 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (84.5 °F). However, it reached 34.2 °C (93.6 °F) in July 1992.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 16 hours and 35 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17.5 °C (63.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.
In August, the weather in Kiel is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.6 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 13.1 °C (55.5 °F) and a maximum of 22.1 °C (71.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8 °C (46.5 °F). However, it dropped to 5.2 °C (41.4 °F) in August 2007.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85.5 °F). However, it reached 35.1 °C (95.2 °F) in August 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 50 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (64.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.
In September, the weather in Kiel is usually mild. The average temperature is of 14.4 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 10.6 °C (51 °F) and a maximum of 18.3 °C (65 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5 °C (41 °F). However, it dropped to 1.9 °C (35.4 °F) in September 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (77 °F). However, it reached 29.9 °C (85.8 °F) in September 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 41% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16 °C (60.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.
In October, the weather in Kiel is usually mild. The average temperature is of 10.2 °C (50 °F), with a minimum of 7.1 °C (44.8 °F) and a maximum of 13.3 °C (56 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0.5 °C (33 °F). However, it dropped to -6.2 °C (20.8 °F) in October 1997.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19.5 °C (66.5 °F). However, it reached 25.2 °C (77.4 °F) in October 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 33% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
In November, the weather in Kiel is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 5.7 °C (42 °F), with a minimum of 3.4 °C (38.2 °F) and a maximum of 8.1 °C (46.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -3 °C (26.5 °F). However, it dropped to -11.6 °C (11.1 °F) in November 2010.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 14 °C (57 °F). However, it reached 19.3 °C (66.7 °F) in November 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 8 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 1.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 20% of the time.
The average humidity is 85%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 8.5 °C (47.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
In December, the weather in Kiel is usually cold. The average temperature is of 3.1 °C (38 °F), with a minimum of 1.1 °C (34 °F) and a maximum of 5.2 °C (41.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6 °C (21.5 °F). However, it dropped to -15 °C (5 °F) in December 1995.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 11 °C (51.5 °F). However, it reached 14 °C (57.2 °F) in December 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 7 hours and 25 minutes. So the days are short. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There is an average of 1 hour of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 13% of the time.
The average humidity is 86%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 4.5 °C (39.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
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