Religion & Weather in Germany

Religion

Freedom of religious practice is guaranteed in the German Constitution. Catholicism, one of Germany's two principal religions, originated with the eighth-century missionary work of Saint Boniface and slowly spread east.. In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Knights of the Teutonic Order spread German and Roman Catholic influence by force of arms along the southern Baltic Coast and into Russia.

Now, nearly half of the religious population is Lutheran and the other half is Roman Catholic; however, most Germans have little church participation, except at such events as weddings and funerals. There are also over three million Muslims, from 41 nations, who live in Germany, most of them coming from Turkey. After the World War II and the persecution of Jews, only a few thousand people of Jewish origin remained in Germany. Today the Jewish communities have nearly 100,000 members, a number that is expected to increase. The largest and fastest growing Jewish community in Germany exists in Berlin with more than 11,000 members.

Today, the number of Germans who claim a religious affiliation and those that practice their religious beliefs has dropped dramatically, especially in Eastern Germany where Communist Rule outlawed religious institutions. In the Old Eastern Germany, recent studies showed that less that 5% attended church once a week.




Weather 

Germany is temperate throughout the country with warm summers and cold winters - prolonged periods of frost or snow are rare. You could find rain any time of the year; but, it is most likely in the summer. The highest annual temperatures tend to be in the southwest, where you'll find  a Mediterranean feel in the area. Unsurprisingly, this is where much of Germany’s wine is grown.

The average January daytime temperature is 3°C (38°F) and in July is 22°C (72°F). Extremes commonly reach -10°C (5°F) in winter and 35°C (95°F) in the summer months.

Other than the unpredictability of rain, May to September are the most popular months for tourist. However, the Spring and Fall offer good weather without the high tourist levels of summer.

Because of the Christmas markets, Baden-Baden, the Black Forest, and Stuttgart are popular in the winter as are the ski areas. 

As you would expect, prices tend to be slightly higher over the summer months.

What should you wear going to Germany?

While visiting Germany, you have to adjust to the seasons and always be prepared for rain. Especially in the mountains where you should have waterproof gear and extra layers with you, no matter when you visit hiking is popular in Germany. If that is your interest take waterproof hiking boots as well.