Things to Do in Munich in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Munich
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Oktoberfest dominates the entire month - the world's largest beer festival runs from mid-September through the first weekend of October, bringing an electric atmosphere to the entire city with traditional music, parades, and genuine Bavarian culture at its most celebratory
- Perfect hiking weather in the nearby Alps - temperatures between 10-19°C (50-67°F) mean comfortable conditions for day trips to Zugspitze, Partnachklamm gorge, or lake hikes around Eibsee without the summer crowds or winter closures
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after the first week - once Oktoberfest winds down in early October, hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer, and you'll still get decent weather for exploring the city
- September light is exceptional for photography - lower sun angles create that golden-hour glow that lasts longer, making the Nymphenburg Palace gardens and English Garden particularly stunning, especially with early autumn colors starting to appear
Considerations
- Oktoberfest accommodation becomes absurdly expensive and books out 12-18 months ahead - expect to pay 3-4 times normal rates for hotels within 5 km (3.1 miles) of the city center during the festival weeks, with many properties requiring 3-5 night minimum stays
- Weather genuinely swings between summer and autumn within the same week - you might have 24°C (75°F) sunshine one day and 12°C (54°F) drizzle the next, making packing frustrating and outdoor plans somewhat unpredictable
- The city gets overwhelmed during Oktoberfest weekends - public transport is packed, restaurants need reservations days ahead, and the normally efficient Munich rhythm gets disrupted by millions of visitors who aren't familiar with local customs
Best Activities in September
Oktoberfest Beer Tent Experience
September IS Oktoberfest in Munich - the festival runs from mid-September through early October, and experiencing it is genuinely different from any other beer festival worldwide. The massive tents (each holding 6,000-10,000 people) are run by traditional Munich breweries, serving beer brewed specifically for the festival in 1-liter steins. Weekdays are notably calmer than weekends, and mornings before 11am are when locals actually go with their families. The weather in September means you can still enjoy the outdoor beer gardens between tents without freezing. Traditional costumes (dirndls and lederhosen) are worn by about 60% of attendees - locals and tourists alike - and it's not considered costume-y here, it's just what people wear.
Bavarian Alps Day Hiking
September weather is ideal for Alpine hiking before winter snow arrives - the trails around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Zugspitze (Germany's highest peak at 2,962 m or 9,718 ft), and the Partnachklamm gorge are accessible and comfortable in the 10-19°C (50-67°F) range. The summer crowds thin out significantly after schools restart in early September, and the first hints of autumn color appear at higher elevations. Cable cars and mountain railways are still running full schedules, unlike October when some start reducing services. The air clarity in September is exceptional - you'll get those postcard Alpine views more reliably than in hazy summer months.
English Garden and Beer Garden Cycling
The English Garden (one of the world's largest urban parks at 3.7 sq km or 910 acres) is perfect for cycling in September - the weather is cool enough that you won't overheat, but warm enough that sitting in a beer garden afterward is still pleasant. The park's four main beer gardens (Chinesischer Turm, Seehaus, Hirschau, Aumeister) are still fully operational with outdoor seating until late September, unlike October when they start closing sections. You'll see the famous Eisbach river surfers year-round, and the September light filtering through the trees is genuinely beautiful. Bike paths connect to the Isar River trails, extending your ride south toward the Alps or north through quiet neighborhoods.
Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens Exploration
September is actually ideal for Nymphenburg Palace - the baroque summer palace and its 200-hectare (494-acre) gardens are less crowded than summer months, and the formal gardens still look pristine before autumn weather sets in. The palace museums (including the stunning Hall of Mirrors and the Marstallmuseum with royal carriages) are comfortable to explore in variable weather. The park's canals and pavilions scattered throughout the grounds make for excellent walking, and you'll likely see locals jogging or cycling through - it's a living park, not just a tourist site. Early September still has summer opening hours with extended access.
Traditional Bavarian Food Tours in Old Town
September food tours make particular sense because Oktoberfest brings seasonal specialties that aren't available year-round - Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Obatzda (cheese spread), and Brezn (pretzels) are everywhere and at peak quality. The Viktualienmarkt (Munich's central food market since 1807) is excellent in September with late summer produce, and the weather is comfortable for walking between traditional taverns in the Altstadt. You'll learn the difference between a Wirtschaft, Brauhaus, and Biergarten - distinctions that actually matter for finding authentic experiences. Food tours also teach you beer hall etiquette before you attempt Oktoberfest on your own.
Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip
The fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney sits 120 km (75 miles) south of Munich in the Bavarian Alps, and September offers the best visiting conditions - comfortable hiking weather up to the castle viewpoints, fewer tour buses than peak summer, and the surrounding forests just beginning autumn color changes. The castle itself is fascinating for understanding Ludwig II's eccentric vision, but the real payoff is the Marienbrücke bridge viewpoint and the surrounding Alpine landscape. September weather means clear mountain views more often than not, and the trails around Alpsee lake below the castle are perfect for post-tour walks.
September Events & Festivals
Oktoberfest
The world's largest folk festival runs from mid-September through the first Sunday of October (in 2026, likely September 19 through October 4). This is not just a beer festival - it's a 200-year-old tradition with opening ceremonies, brewery parades, traditional costume processions, and genuine Bavarian culture. Six million people attend over 16 days, drinking beer brewed specifically for the festival and eating traditional foods in massive tents operated by Munich's historic breweries. Locals actually attend (especially weekday afternoons) and wear traditional dress. The atmosphere is celebratory rather than rowdy if you go at the right times - avoid Friday and Saturday evenings unless you want chaos.
Lange Nacht der Münchner Museen (Long Night of Munich Museums)
One Saturday evening in October (sometimes late September), over 90 Munich museums stay open until 2am with special exhibitions, performances, and events. A single ticket (around 15 euros) grants access to all participating museums with free shuttle buses connecting them. This is when locals actually go to museums - the atmosphere is festive rather than academic, with live music, wine, and special tours. It's an excellent backup plan if September weather turns rainy, and it shows you Munich's cultural depth beyond beer and castles.