When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Luxembourg?

While January may be one of the coldest and wettest months to visit Luxembourg, the country maintains its festive charm well beyond the last days of December. The city’s Winter Lights Festival, which begins in November, extends into January. This provides a unique opportunity to experience the old city in an almost fairytale-like setting, with street entertainment, exhibitions, shows and concerts, with fewer tourists around than the previous month. In addition, January is one of the best times to escape the weather and embark on cultural tours of the country’s 70 museums, featuring unique and original exhibitions from around the world.

Rainfall: 19 days

Temperature: 37°F (3°C)

This is a cold, wet, and dark month to visit Luxembourg, but that provides a unique benefit: prices for accommodation are noticeably lower. This is one of the slowest months for tourism, meaning that time won’t be wasted waiting to enter museums and attractions. This is also an excellent time to enjoy some local or international cuisine at any of the city’s popular restaurants. But if physical activity is what you’re after, the ice skating rink in Beaufort provides a perfect opportunity for ice skating and ice carting, regardless of the weather. February also marks the kick-off of carnival season, ensuring that local fuesgecken (carnival revellers), will be out to celebrate. The best-known carnival street processions are those in Diekirch, Schifflange, Remich, Pétange, and Esch-sur-Alzette.

Rainfall: 15 days

Temperature: 41°F (5°C)

The month of March is when the first respite from winter begins, and it is when Luxembourgers celebrate the departure of winter. The Buergbrennen celebration, held on the first Sunday after the carnival period, involves burning a massive bonfire on a hillside. This is meant to symbolise the dispersion of the evil spirits of winter and to welcome the arrival of spring. Every year, these traditional festivals attract thousands of people and are held in cities and towns throughout Luxembourg.

Rainfall: 13 days

Temperature: 48°F (9°C)

The weather finally begins to pick up in April and it is not uncommon to have uncharacteristically warm days dispersed throughout the month. The flowers begin to bloom and trees begin to show their leaves, making this an excellent time to explore Luxembourg’s natural beauty. From the many green areas and parks in the city, to the picturesque locations of Moselle and Echternach to the north, the natural beauty of Luxembourg is yours to behold. Easter in Luxembourg is also a unique experience. Although most businesses are closed on Easter Monday, shoppers can venture to the Palace of the Grand Dukes to buy a Péckvillercher (small whistling birds made from clay), which are only sold on that day. April is also considered low-season for tourism, meaning the price of accommodation should remain relatively low during this period.

Palace of the Grand Dukes, 17 Rue du marché-aux-Herbes, 1728 Luxembourg, +352 22 28 09

Rainfall: 13 days

Temperature: 55°F (13°C)

Luxembourg’s open green spaces begin to transform in May. This means that hiking trails open for the season, offering opportunities to get outdoors. Temperatures in May are mild, yet comfortable, making it a great time of year to visit Luxembourg. With the weather warming up, outdoor activities such as kayaking in Mullerthal, become much more popular. Visitors can kayak down the Sûre River, which is the natural border between Luxembourg and Germany.

Rainfall: 14 days

Temperature: 64°F (18°C)

June marks the beginning of Luxembourg’s tourist season and visitors can expect to experience Luxembourg weather at its finest. Days are comfortably warm and evenings are mild. While rain remains an ever-present possibility, it doesn’t last for long and usually only falls at night. Outdoor activities are extremely popular during this month, and festivals and public events are prevalent. Outdoor concerts such as Festival OMNI and Fête de la Musique transform open spaces across the capital into lively concert venues. Hotels begin to fill up from mid-June as National Day draws nearer. National Day is 23 June and celebrates the official birthday of the Grand Duke. Beginning on the day before, street processions and military shows transform the city. On the evening of 22 June, a massive fireworks display is staged alongside a live orchestra above the Adolphe Bridge. The streets of the city centre are filled with people and the street party lasts well into the next day, when most public buildings are closed. These outdoor events make June one of the best times to visit Luxembourg.

Adolphe Bridge, Uewerstad, 1116 Luxembourg

Rainfall: 13 days

Temperature: 70°F (21°C)

In order to experience Luxembourg during its warmest period, mid-July is the best time to come. But it’s important to keep in mind that July and August are considered the peak tourist season in Luxembourg, so expect long queues at museums and attractions. Although busy, there is a wealth of free things to do in July, including three music festivals: Blues Express, Blues’n Jazz Rallye, and Rock um Knuedler are all popular and free outdoor events. This is also a perfect time to explore Vianden Castle because, although busy during this period, the surroundings are at their most picturesque. The Medieval Festival is one of the annual highlights of the castle and is held every year from late July to early August. Expect to see fire acrobatics, jugglers, music, and medieval handicrafts at the festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year.

Vianden Castle, Montée du Château, 9408 Vianden, Luxembourg, +352 83 41 08 1

Rainfall: 15 days

Temperature: 73°F (23°C)

The weather in August is very similar to July, making it an ideal time to visit Luxembourg. And although this is still considered peak tourist season, the number of outdoor events make crowd-navigating much more relaxed. Similar to July, Luxembourg hosts a number of outdoor music festivals throughout the city during August. In addition, the street art festival known as Streeta(rt)nimation is held in Luxembourg City. The Place d’Armes, Place Guillaume II and the pedestrian zones in the town centre are transformed into large outdoor stages, hosting all kinds of street entertainment, from mimes and stilt walkers, to jugglers and acrobats. Additionally, the Schueberfouer (funfair) is a must-see tradition in Luxembourg City. The fair boasts over 50 unique rides, along with 80 stands and booths selling local treats. This is a fun event to attend, as weather is generally very comfortable all day and into the evening during August.

Rainfall: 14 days

Temperature: 73°F (23°C)

This is an excellent month to visit Luxembourg, especially for wine-lovers. Although the temperatures become cooler, the wine season is in full swing. The Moselle region of Luxembourg has been home to wine vineyards since Roman times and produces award-winning varieties that are renowned across the world. During September, local towns and villages invite people to enjoy their bounty of Luxembourgish wines at various festivals. One of the most popular wine festivals is the Grevenmacher Wine and Grape Festival, held on the second weekend of September, where the Wine Queen is crowned and crowds enjoy concerts, parades and fireworks over three days. The Schwebsange Wine Festival, held the first Sunday in September, invites wine-lovers to join in the annual wine-fountain tapping. Finally, the Riesling Open offers tastings and sales of the wines and champagnes made by the participating wineries.

Rainfall: 14 days

Temperature: 66°F (19°C)

This is the month where the transition from summer to autumn is most noticeable. Visiting Luxembourg at the beginning of October is the best way to witness the changing colours of the leaves. This wonderful spectacle is one of the best things about Luxembourg in the autumn. By the end of the month however, heavy rains and winds have usually brought down all the foliage and the colder temperatures begin to take hold. It would not be a good idea to plan many outdoor activities during this month due to the weather’s unpredictability. Instead, stay dry by taking a tour of the Grand Ducal Palace, Vianden Castle, or Notre Dame Cathedral. Whatever you choose to do, don’t forget to pack an umbrella!

Grand Ducal Palace, 17 Rue du marché-aux-Herbes, 1728 Luxembourg, +352 22 28 09

Vianden Castle, Montée du Château, 9408 Vianden, Luxembourg, +352 83 41 08 1

Notre Dame Cathedral, Rue Notre Dame, 2240 Luxembourg, +352 22 29 70 1

Rainfall: 16 days

Temperature: 55°F (13°C)

The city’s pop-up ice skating rink, known as Knuedler on Ice, usually opens during the last week of November. Just outside the skating rink are festive stalls serving typical Luxembourgish foods such as thüringer and mettwurst (Luxembourgish sausages), gromperekichelcher (potato pancakes) and traditional drinks such as glühwäin (mulled wine) to help keep you happy and warm. Bear in mind that the first two days of November are public holidays in Luxembourg, and many public buildings will be closed. With the weather becoming increasingly wet and cold, it is advisable to plan indoor activities.

Rainfall: 18 days

Temperature: 44°F (7°C)

The month of December is known as one of the darkest times to visit Luxembourg, with only 43 hours of sun during the entire month. But do not fret, because this is also the time of year when the temperatures drop low enough for snow to begin to stick around. This makes December one of the best times to visit one of Luxembourg City’s three Christmas markets. Stroll between the three markets in Place d’Armes, Place de la Constitution, and Place de Paris. Get your fill on local delicacies and stock up on unique, handmade gifts at the wooden stalls. But don’t forget to dress appropriately – rainfall and snow are most frequent during December, so it’s important to bundle up.

Place d’Armes, 1660 Luxembourg

Place de la Constitution, 2 Boulevard Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1116 Luxembourg

Place de Paris, 2314 Luxembourg

Rainfall: 18 days

Temperature: 39°F (4°C)

Luxembourg can be a very cold and wet place to visit in early winter. Generally speaking, early winter (from November until early January) is not considered the best time of year to be in Luxembourg by locals, let alone visitors. The likelihood of inclement weather makes it difficult to plan ahead and the few hours of sunlight can make exploring quite limited. But if that doesn’t deter you, there are still lots of fantastic things to see and do in Luxembourg during winter, as listed above!