Cold and rainy. That would be the easy answer. But the weather in Denmark is a little more complex. Exciting even. The Danish climate isn’t famous for making you sweat, that’s for sure, but it’s not all doom and gloom.

Shiver me timbers

If you are unfortunate enough to arrive in February, then your first experience of Danish weather will entail shivering. If you’re not a strong-willed person, it can discourage you forever, especially if you’re from a hot country.

February is the coldest month in Denmark with an average temperature of -1 degree. That’s something like 30 degrees Fahrenheit for all you Danish-speaking Americans (I know there are a lot of you out there).

There are, of course, much colder places in the world, but what makes Denmark particularly harsh during the long winters is:

The cold and sometimes bike disabling-winds.
The water.
The persistent rain.
The moody, noir sky.

Bike-surfing

No matter where you find yourself in Denmark, you will never be more than 50 km away from water. The air feels fresh during summer, but the sea breeze can both cut off your fingers and potentially blow you off your bike during winter. It’s not all bad though. If you can survive a few Danish winters, you’ll toughen up to Viking level. Winter in a milder country thus won’t seem so much like winter.

Forget Fashion

The hardest part of winter in Denmark is waking up early, or late for that matter, only to find the sun didn’t come up. Fans of Nordic noir can surely appreciate a grey sky, but the grey sky in Copenhagen looms over the city, plunging its residents into months of Tim Burton-esque scenery.

I’m a huge fan of Tim Burton. He’s my favourite director. Plus, I grew up in England where rain is a frequent visitor, so the doomed, moody sky never bothered me much. That being said, the constant drizzle of rain in winter may hinder your desire to get on a bike: which as you surely know, is undoubtedly the main form of transport in Copenhagen, regardless of the weather forecast.

There’s nothing worse than arriving at work with a wet ass after racing down Vesterbrogade on your fixie, water trashing your jeans due to lack of wheel guards. That being said, fashion often goes out of the window. People opt instead for full waterproofs, or better yet, aviator suits.

Forests of Art

I’ve painted a pretty dark picture, but it only gets better from here. The Danish weather isn’t something to fear, and in many ways, it’s quite beautiful.

Rewind. Before the Danish winter sets in, the Danish autumn must first charm you with its vibrant colour, and gentle demise. Water provides vitality. Likewise, the trees provide wonder and exploration.

In most Danish towns you’ll find a lake surrounded by trees and parks hidden behind rising oak or beech trees. The weather in Denmark gets a bit soggy towards the end of autumn, but there’s nothing more instagrammable than a Danish lake in Autumn.

Greens and yellows and oranges pop both on the trees and the ground, the air is brisk, but the temperature is mild. Perfect for morning runs and cozy dates, searching for conkers or eating a picnic in the park.

Snowdrops and Sunbathing Coffee Drinkers

So how hot do Denmark and Copenhagen get in the summer months? Well, with the sprouting of snowdrops in spring, and the first lick of sun you will see Danes appear on sidewalk benches outside cafés, soaking the rays as if they haven’t seen sun for years. When the blackened winter skies finally open up, Denmark comes alive.

Summer in Denmark is pleasant, especially if you are used to blistering temperatures and unbearable heat. Temperatures range from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius (something like 64 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit), but due to the surrounding water, a cooling freshness remains in the air.

July is the hottest month in Copenhagen, providing the perfect temperature to enjoy everything the city has to offer. The colourful houses at Nyhavn; the little, cobblestone streets, and the soft, sandy beach on Amager just 15 minutes from the centre, all make Copenhagen a perfect summer destination for any city lover.

The cycling infrastructure also makes Copenhagen an enjoyable place to be during the summer months. You can experience all the sites by bike while wearing shorts, and without having to find shade because your head is frying.

Final Thought

Denmark is a fascinating country with a diverse climate, and the Danes certainly don’t let the weather stop them from getting out. Danish culture is an active one, and the bike lanes are the first thing to be cleared in the event of snow.

Winter skies are pretty gloomy and the days wet, but that only adds to the Nordic charm. Spring fills the country with optimism. Summer injects a dizzy euphoria into the alcohol-induced youngsters, while autumn cures the sickening hangovers with a broad array of colours and soft drizzle.

Not only is the weather every-changing and diverse, it’s also one of the most talked about phenomena in Denmark. With that being said, and if you’re planning a trip or already live in Denmark, learn how to talk about the weather in Danish right here with this phrase-based video.