Asking yourself, what time of the year is best to visit Potsdam? From the first warming sun rays in spring, a refreshing paddle tour along the river Havel,  to the lovely tastes of cinnamon and mulled wine on the Christmas Markets. Every season in Potsdam has its own flavour. For you, we have already combined some basic flavours to each season. But as Potsdam has a lot more to offer, you will have plenty of possibilities to add spices to suit your taste creating your personal Potsdam Season(ing).


Spring

Basic Flavours:

  • Sweet smell of cherry blossoms behind the New Chambers
  • Enjoyment of first warming sunrays with a warming coffee outside of one of many cafés around Gate Nauener Tor and the Dutch Quarter
  • Tender asparagus from local farmers around Potsdam added to a tasty Schnitzel


Normally spring starts in March/April: Temperatures during the day range from 15°C to 20 °C (59°F – 68°F) and with daylight begins to last longer. Due to plenty of flowers blossoming in as many colours as the rainbow, locals and their visitors reconquer the park areas and street cafés. Enjoy the first warming sunrays of the year on deck of one of the many boats of the passenger boat cruise “Weiße Flotte” and see Babelsberg Park from the riverside. Or step into the Potsdam’s barista scene around the Gate Nauener Tor, Dutch Quarter and the Brandenburger Strasse.


Summer

Basic Flavours:

  • Indulgence of music and theatre performances at the Potsdamer Schlössernacht
  • Refreshing German beer passing through the former iron curtain on a river cruise
  • Being eased by a fresh breeze on Potsdam’s highest lookout the Belvedere Pfingstberg


Between June and late August/September you can expect everything from dry Mediterranean-like heat to hazy days with long lasting “liquid sunshine”. But as all palaces are open and Potsdam as an island surrounded by the river Havel, there is a lot to see and do in any kind of weather. And, when hot outside, it will be nice and cool inside the palaces!
Revive yourself while paddling beneath the famous Glienicke Bridge or on Lake Griebnitzsee passing mansions, where Winston Churchill, Harry Truman and Josef Stalin once stayed during the Potsdam Conference in 1945. You can also cool down at Museum Barberini as its art masterpieces are always held at around 20°C/68°F.
The event highlight by far is the Potsdamer Schlössernacht, a special affair with spectacular palace illumination, taking place every year in August. Around 35,000 visitors take the chance to see the palaces at Sanssouci Park illuminated on a mild summer night. There is a broad cultural program with theatre plays, classic open air concerts and guided tours through the palaces. If you don’t want to miss this major event, please plan your trip well in advance.


Autumn

Basic Flavours:

  • A bite of an apple bought at little stalls that offer the orchard's harvest at the Russian Colony Alexandrovka
  • A feeling set back in childhood memories at the annual kite festival Drachenfest at the Volkspark


Between September and November days are getting shorter and the leaves are turning the green parks into vivid yellow and romantic red. Your perfect Indian Summer only in Potsdam style. As the visitor streams are decreasing this is the best season for a romantic weekend getaway.
Even if you have been to the Potsdamer Schlössernacht in summer, you may not want to miss the Potsdamer Lichtspektakel (Festival of Lights in Potsdam) in November. In contrast to the Potsdamer Schlössernacht, this event shows great illuminations in the city centre. Attractions such as the Gate Nauener Tor, the Dutch Quarter and many more are artfully illuminated.
Are you after a lighter snack? Take a stroll through the Russian Colony Alexandrovka. Behind fairy tale-like wooden blockhouses there are several apple orchards. Some of the owners offer their harvest in little stalls with self-service along the street.


If the wind is blowing too strong for a walk through the Parks, check out the small courtyards off of Brandenburger Strasse. Regional shops and boutiques invite you to linger. Maybe you will find just the right souvenir for your loved ones at home.


Also, the palaces will offer you their royal shelter, should the weather not be as promising as advertised by us. Sanssouci Palace, Cecilienhof Country House, and the New Palace are open all year round.


Winter

Basic Flavours:

  • Smell of cinnamon and aniseed on the city's Christmas Markets
  • Romantic stroll through the less crowded park areas
  • Warming your hands at the Biosphere Potsdam after a nice walk on a freezing day


From December to March day temperatures rarely drop down to -5°C (23°F). But of course the climate change hasn’t stopped at the city's borders, making winters milder, now with an average temperature between 10°C and 0°C (32°F – 50°F).


The best way to warm up is to take a good sip of mulled wine served at one of the many different Christmas Markets taking place between late November and Christmas Eve. From the Polish Market to the Dutch Sinterklaas-Festival, there is a Christmas Market for every taste.  Lest there is snow, we encourage you to head out to the parks and palaces: A picturesque winter scenery seemingly wrapped in candyfloss.


On the roof of the city's indoor pool “blu” you will find the perfect oasis of peace with a feel-good guarantee. Several saunas, a steam bath, an oriental hamam as well as various rest areas and a large roof garden with a wonderful view invite to relax. Also the Biosphere Potsdam with its gigantic tropical jungle and lush temperatures, is worth a visit.