Natural Hazards: Storms and Thunderstorms in Bavaria

Know before you go4 weeks ago

Every place you travel to, has specific natural hazards you can encounter during your visit. Some places on earth are safer than others and some natural hazards can really be a pain as they occur often. Here you will find out what to expect in Munich and southern Bavaria and what to do if you’re affected during your stay. But don’t worry. Munich and southern Bavaria are very safe regions concerning natural hazards like floodings, thunderstorms and severe downpour.

Storms in (southern) Bavaria

Germany can encounter storms with wind speeds up to 64 knots (12 bft, 120 km/h, 75 mph). Fortunately, severe storms only occur every 5-10 years. The last severe storms that hit southern Germany were in 1990 (storms „Vivian“ and „Wiebke“), 1999 (storms „Lothar“ and „Martin“) and 2007 (storm „Kyrill“).

Like Hurricanes, the European windstorms get names. The European windstorms usually appear during late winter (January – April) or autumn (September-November). An interesting fact is, that the different European weather services name the same storms differently. So if you travel across Europe and you watch the media in different countries while there is a storm going on, you’ll notice that the name changes from country to country. For example the 1999 December storm was called „Anatol“ in German speaking countries, but got the name „Adam“ in Denmark, „Carola“ in Sweden and „December hurricane“ in Great Britain.

In contrast to Hurricanes in the USA, European windstorms (German: „Orkan“) usually appear without rain or thunderstorms. It is actually just extremely windy. Sometimes there can even be a clear sky.

Fortunately, severe European windstorms are rare, but there can still be mediocre storms that affect for example air or rail traffic.

There is actually not much you can do as a tourists when it’s stormy. Try to check the local media before travelling. If possible, try to rebook your flight to or from another destination near Munich like Milan or Zurich and take the train from there (if these airports are not affected).

Thunderstorms in (southern) Bavaria

Thunderstorms can be encountered in Munich and southern Bavaria from late April until late October. They appear mostly during hot summer days, especially in the late afternoon when the air gets humid.

Thunderstorms in southern Bavaria and Munich can get severe, but a really heavy thunderstorm is rare. Anyway it’s quite frightening and annoying, getting caught by a thunderstorm while sitting in a beer garden or while doing sightseeing. My tip here is to use the official German Weather Centre warning app on your smartphone or use the website www.meteoalarm.eu. The App allows you to set warning options for your location and before things get serious, it will warn you via a push message.

When in a thunderstorm, try to seek shelter in a coffeeshop, restaurant or shop. Usually thunderstorms in Munich only last up to one hour. During a heavy thunderstorm, avoid being outside, especially on flat fields or in woods. Lightnings can strike and harm you. Sometimes (usually during summer) a thunderstorm in Munich can come with hail. Often the hail doesnt get bigger than small marbles, but sometimes it can get severe.

Interestingly, Munich downtown is often spared by thunderstorms. When they are rolling in from the west (which is usually the case), they either go north or south, but do not make direct hits to the city. Anyway, the western and northern districts of Munich can get a slap with heavy downpour and hail.

If you travel to the more alpine regions, south of Munich, have an eye on the weather. Especially during the hot summer months, thunderstorms can come out of nowhere. If you’re hiking in the Alps, a sudden storm can become dangerous. Lightning strikes on mountain peaks are common, and visibility can drop to near zero. If dark clouds start forming, it’s best to seek shelter immediately.

Föhn Winds – The Mysterious Alpine Weather Phenomenon

One of Bavaria’s most unique weather events is the Föhn wind, a warm, dry wind that sweeps down from the Alps. It can raise temperatures significantly within hours, turning a chilly morning into a summer-like afternoon. While it’s often welcomed for its ability to clear the air and offer stunning views of the mountains, locals sometimes associate it with headaches, dizziness, and even mood swings. Scientists believe the sudden drop in air pressure may be to blame, but nobody knows exactly.

For tourists, the Föhn can be both a blessing and a challenge. The clear visibility makes it a fantastic time for photography, as the Alps appear crisp and vibrant. However, the rapid weather shifts can catch travelers off guard—what starts as a perfect hiking day can suddenly become uncomfortably warm or dangerously windy. If you experience unusual fatigue or headaches, do it like the locals and blame it on the Föhn and take it as a sign to slow down and enjoy a relaxing break in a café.

Winter Blizzards – Bavaria’s Snowy Surprise

Winter in Bavaria can be absolutely magical, with Christmas markets, snow-covered villages, and fairytale castles in a winter wonderland. But with that beauty comes the risk of snowstorms and blizzards, particularly in the Alpine regions.

While Munich and other cities typically experience manageable snowfall, places like Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Berchtesgaden can see roads blocked, train delays, and even ski resorts temporarily shut down due to extreme conditions.

If you’re visiting Bavaria in December, January, or February, be prepared for occasional disruptions. Always check weather updates if you’re planning to travel by car or train, and dress in layers—temperatures can drop well below freezing, especially at night. Blizzards like in the USA are extremely rare, so don’t be afraid traveling to the alpine regions during the winter months.

Tornadoes in Bavaria? Very Rare but Possible!

While tornadoes are more commonly associated with the United States, they do occur in Bavaria—albeit rarely. Most Bavarian tornadoes are very small (not to say tiny) and short-lived, but in recent years, there have been a few powerful ones, particularly in the summer months when warm and cold air masses collide. In 2023, a tornado caused damage in the Upper Palatinate region, surprising many residents.

To be clear: Bavarian Tornadoes are F0 or F1 tornadoes on the Fujita Scale.

For tourists, the risk of encountering a tornado is also extremely low, near zero.