Copenhagen's numbers look mild, and that's the trap. Highs never pass 20°C (68°F), wind off the water makes it feel colder than the forecast, and every month has at least 7 rain days. Pack a hooded rain shell and warm layers, whatever the season.
Copenhagen weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 4°C39°F | 5°C41°F | 7°C45°F | 11°C52°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 20°C68°F | 19°C66°F | 13°C55°F | 8°C46°F | 6°C43°F |
| Low | 1°C34°F | 1°C34°F | 2°C36°F | 5°C41°F | 9°C48°F | 13°C55°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 14°C57°F | 9°C48°F | 5°C41°F | 3°C37°F |
| Rain days | 14 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 10 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs are 4–6°C (39–43°F) and lows sit at 1–3°C (34–37°F), with 10 to 14 rain days a month. January is the coldest and wettest month of the winter. Pack a warm, windproof coat, a hat, gloves, a scarf and shoes that keep out wet streets.
Spring
March–MayMarch is still winter, with highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). By May highs reach 16°C (61°F) and rain drops to 8 days. Bring a warm sweater and a rain shell, and keep a hat handy for wind along the harbor.
Summer
June–AugustMild, not hot, with highs of 19–20°C (66–68°F) and lows of 13–15°C (55–59°F). July is the wettest month of the year at 15 rain days. Pack T-shirts and light trousers, but always carry a sweater and a rain shell for evenings at Nyhavn.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is fairly dry, with highs of 19°C (66°F) and only 7 rain days. October cools to 13°C (55°F), and November drops to 8°C (46°F) with 12 rain days. Layer a sweater under a rain shell, and bring a proper coat by November.
What to bring to Copenhagen
0 of 21 packedThe EU plug fits most Danish outlets, and one adapter charges a phone and a few small devices at once.
Packs into its own pocket and handles the 7 to 15 rain days Copenhagen gets every month of the year.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Copenhagen's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Keeps layers and a laptop dry on damp days, and Copenhagen has those in every season.
- A warm wrapClothing
An extra warm layer for windy winter evenings, when lows sit at 1–3°C (34–37°F), and a blanket on the flight over.
- Bellroy Lite SlingBags & Luggage
A low-profile sling that won't bounce on a bike ride or snag in the Strøget crowds.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps coffee hot on cold harbor walks and fits a daypack side pocket.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A pocket-size top-up for long days of maps and photos, with no cable to carry.
Clothing
- Warm sweaters · 2Highs never pass 20°C
- Insulated jacket · 1Winter highs of 4–6°C
- Waterproof pants · 1Useful if you plan to bike
- Hat, scarf and gloves · 1 setWind off the water feels colder
- Long-sleeve layers · 3
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pairAt least 7 rain days every month
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1
- Reflective band or clip light · 1Biking on dark winter afternoons
Health and toiletries
- Hand cream and lip balm
Documents and money
- Passport
- Contactless credit cardCards accepted almost everywhere
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
What shoes should you pack for Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is flat and compact, so walking from Nyhavn along Strøget and over to Christianshavn is easy. Wet cobblestones are common, so wear shoes with grip that can take rain. If you rent a bike, as many visitors do, sneakers beat boots or sandals.
What do people wear in Copenhagen?
Danes dress in simple, practical layers, often in neutral colors with a good rain jacket on top. Lots of people cycle everywhere in any weather, so outfits are built for movement and wind. Smart casual works for almost every restaurant.
What plugs does Copenhagen use?
Denmark uses plug types C, E, F and K at 230V. A standard EU two-pin plug fits most outlets, and a universal adapter with an EU plug covers you. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V without a converter.
Tours and things to do in Copenhagen
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Copenhagen.
What should you leave at home for Copenhagen?
Leave the umbrella, since harbor wind makes it hard to use and a hooded rain shell does the job better. Don't pack for summer in shorts alone, because evenings stay cool. You'll rarely need cash either, as cards work almost everywhere.
Around Copenhagen
Packing for Copenhagen: questions people ask
Does it get hot in Copenhagen in summer?
Not really. Highs from June to August are 19–20°C (66–68°F), with lows of 13–15°C (55–59°F), so bring a sweater even in July.
How cold is Copenhagen in winter?
Highs are 4–6°C (39–43°F) from December to February, with lows of 1–3°C (34–37°F). Wind and damp make it feel colder, so pack a windproof coat, a hat and gloves.
What is the rainiest month in Copenhagen?
July, with 15 rain days on average, then January with 14. September is one of the driest months, with 7.
What plug adapter do I need for Denmark?
Denmark uses types C, E, F and K at 230V. A standard EU two-pin plug or a universal adapter with an EU plug works in most outlets.
Should I bring an umbrella to Copenhagen?
A hooded rain shell is more useful. Harbor wind makes umbrellas hard to handle, and a shell leaves your hands free if you ride a bike.
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