This February in Germany will go down in history as a month of extreme weather contrasts. While Berlin and the northern states recorded the heaviest snowfall in 14 years, the southwest of the country experienced almost summer-like warming with temperatures reaching 23 degrees Celsius. The German Weather Service (DWD) in its summary points to a winter that was milder, drier, and sunnier than the long-term average, despite sudden episodes of frost and snow.
Record Heat in the South
Temperatures in southwestern regions reached 23 degrees Celsius, an unprecedented result for February.
Snowy Winter in the North
Berlin and northern Germany recorded the most abundant snowfall since 2012 and 2014, creating a record snow cover.
DWD Balance: Mild Season
Despite the extremes, the statistical average for the winter indicates conditions warmer and sunnier than the long-term norm.
Drought in Thuringia and Saxony
Eastern states are struggling with a precipitation deficit, which, despite the winter weather, could herald problems for agriculture.
Analysis of weather data for February 2026 paints a picture of a winter full of deep contradictions and sudden twists that dominated Germany's meteorological landscape. The country became a kind of testing ground for phenomena almost unheard of at this time of year in such a short span of time. Berlin grappled with the heaviest snow cover in 14 years, which partially paralyzed transportation but also delighted winter sports enthusiasts. A similar situation was recorded in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein, where the snowiest winter since 2012 was declared. However, these frosty episodes did not prevent the season from being statistically considered very mild. The change in weather that occurred in the last days of February was drastic. In Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, thermometers showed as much as 23 degrees Celsius, prompting meteorologists to announce the probable breaking of historical heat records for this month. Such high temperatures, more typical of late spring or early summer, triggered mass outings by residents into nature but also raised concerns among climatologists. The situation in other regions, such as Hesse or Bavaria, also evolved towards spring-like conditions, forcing ski resort operators to announce the end of the season on lower slopes. In Thuringia, temperatures exceeded 20 degrees Celsius already on the penultimate day of the month, drastically changing the landscape after earlier heavy snowfall. Experts from the DWD emphasize that such rapid snowmelt combined with a lack of rainfall in some states, such as Saxony or Thuringia, paradoxically leads to soil moisture problems. Although winter is associated with moisture, the precipitation deficit across the entire eastern region of Germany for the season could negatively impact the upcoming growing season. In contrast, Saarland experienced record rainfall alongside a severe lack of sunshine, significantly worsening the social mood in this region. Systematic temperature measurements in Germany have been conducted since 1881. Historical data indicate that the frequency of heat extremes in winter months has tripled over the past half-century, which scientists link to ongoing climate change.The diversity of atmospheric conditions directly impacted daily life and the economy. While the north was clearing snow, the south was opening café terraces. The weather aspect of this month is significant because it shows the growing unpredictability of the European climate. The media widely comment on these anomalies, wondering if this is just a one-off whim of nature or a new standard we will have to get used to. The inability to predict such sharp temperature swings well in advance poses a challenge for agriculture and forestry. The finish of February, despite earlier frosts, reinforced the perception of winter as a season increasingly resembling an extended autumn, interrupted only by short, albeit intense, attacks of winter. „Der Winter war milder, trockener und sonniger als im Mittel.” (The winter was milder, drier, and sunnier than average.) — German Weather Service The final balance of February 2026 shows that the term "standard weather" is becoming an increasingly abstract concept. Temperature differences between the north and south of the country at the same time sometimes reached over ten degrees, which is typical for extreme fronts. Residents of Germany experienced the full spectrum of weather in just four weeks: from paralyzing snowstorms, through record downpours, to spring sunshine encouraging people to forgo winter coats.