After the first Wiesn weekend, it cools down – why it still stays warmer at the Oktoberfest

Munich – In addition to the price of beer, the weather is one of the most important topics for Munich residents before the start of the Oktoberfest. This year, the German Weather Service (DWD) is promising sunny and mild autumn weather for the start of the Oktoberfest on Saturday, with temperatures just over 20 degrees. The forecasts for the parade on Sunday are similar.

DWD meteorologist Reik Schaab expects “calm September weather.” At least at the weekend, visitors can leave their umbrellas at home.

Take advantage of the first Oktoberfest weekend

But the good weather could be in danger of faltering at the beginning of next week. Schaab warns of rain and temperatures below 20 degrees on Monday. “If you can, you should take advantage of the first Oktoberfest weekend – after that, it will be more changeable.” Just in time for the start of autumn on Sunday, the weather is likely to become increasingly autumnal.

Two years ago, temperatures remained at a cool ten degrees, which even allowed the ice cream stands at the festival to serve mulled wine.

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Warmer Oktoberfest climate

However, the Wiesn has its own microclimate, and in the evenings in particular it can be warmer than in the rest of the city. The reason for this is the crowds, the food stalls and the heated tents. Tens of thousands of visitors crowd the Theresienwiese, and each person radiates around 80 watts of heat – “as much as a large light bulb,” explains Bonn meteorologist Karsten Brandt.

This leads to higher temperatures on the festival grounds, especially in the evening. On Saturday around 8 p.m., temperatures of up to 20 degrees are expected on the Wiesn, while in the surrounding area it will already be 15 degrees.

The humidity is also higher on the meadow – not only because of the many kitchens and rides, but also because of the people themselves. Brandt carried out measurements at the festival over several years and compared them with data from other parts of Munich. His findings show that the Wiesn not only brings with it atmosphere, but also its very own climate.