Honestly, Munich in January is a bit of a gamble. You’ve probably heard the horror stories of grey, bone-chilling mist that hangs over the Isar for weeks. But then, out of nowhere, the sky turns an impossible shade of blue and people are suddenly drinking espresso outside in shirtsleeves.
Basically, the Munich weather forecast 10 days from now is looking like a classic Bavarian rollercoaster.
We’re currently sitting in a cold snap. It’s 29°F outside right now as I write this, and the humidity is at a staggering 100%. That’s that "wet cold" that gets into your marrow. If you're walking around Marienplatz tonight, you’ll feel every bit of that 25°F wind chill. But hold on, because the next week is about to flip the script.
The 10-Day Outlook: From Freezing to Foehn?
If you’re planning a trip or just trying to figure out if you need the heavy parka for Monday's commute, here is the breakdown of what the models are showing.
Sunday, January 18, is looking like a crisp, sunny reset. We’re talking a high of 36°F and a low of 28°F. It’s perfect for a walk through the Englischer Garten, provided you’ve got a good scarf. Monday gets even weirder—the mercury is expected to climb to 42°F.
Why the sudden jump?
In Munich, we have this thing called the Foehn. It’s a warm, dry wind that comes screaming off the Alps. It’s nicknamed the "snow-eater" because it can melt a foot of powder in hours. When the Foehn hits, the visibility becomes so sharp you can see the peaks of the mountains from the top of the Alter Peter church as if they were right in the suburbs.
The Mid-Week Chill and Weekend Clouds
By Tuesday and Wednesday (January 20-21), things stabilize back to "normal" winter levels. Expect highs of 37°F and lows dropping to a frosty 19°F. It’s going to be dry, though. No snow is currently in the cards for the early part of the week.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Mostly clear, high of 33°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: A bit more cloud cover, staying around 33°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: This is where it gets gloomy. The high drops to 28°F and we’re looking at a 10% chance of light snow.
By the time we hit Sunday, January 25, the humidity is back to 100%. It’s going to be overcast and 27°F. If you’re visiting the BMW Museum or the Pinakothek, that’s your day to stay indoors.
What Most People Get Wrong About Munich Winters
People think Munich is just a frozen wasteland in January. It’s not.
Statistically, January is the sunniest of the winter months here, even if that only means about two hours of "bright" sunshine a day. The real "enemy" isn't the snow; it's the Graupel (that weird styrofoam-like hail) and the "Foehn sickness."
Local legend says the Foehn wind causes headaches and irritability. Scientists call it Föhnkrankheit. Whether it’s the change in air pressure or just the sudden temperature swing, don’t be surprised if you feel a bit "off" when the weather suddenly warms up on Monday.
Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
If you're out and about, layers are your best friend. The difference between a 42°F sunny Monday and a 19°F Tuesday night is brutal.
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- Waterproof your boots. Even if it’s not snowing, the slush and high humidity make the cobblestones slippery and cold.
- Track the "Feels Like" Temp. Don't just look at the 36°F forecast for Sunday. With the 4 mph east wind, it's going to feel significantly sharper.
- Visit the Therme Erding. If the Saturday clouds get too depressing, hop on the S-Bahn to the world's largest sauna complex. It’s the only way to beat a 28°F Bavarian grey day.
The Munich weather forecast 10 days out suggests a shift back to colder, cloudier conditions toward the end of the month, with highs struggling to break 30°F by January 26. Enjoy the sun while it lasts on Monday.
Actionable Next Steps
Check the pressure trends if you're sensitive to headaches; a rapid drop usually signals the Foehn is arriving. If you're driving toward the Alps for skiing next weekend, keep an eye on the Friday night forecast, as that 10% snow chance in the city often translates to heavy dumps in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Finally, keep a light raincoat handy for the high-humidity days toward the end of the week, as the "cloudy" forecast in Munich often means a fine, misty drizzle that doesn't quite show up as "rain" on the apps.