Winter Weather Report for Berlin: Abundant Snow but Above Average Temperatures

This winter season in Berlin has been characterized by a surprising amount of snowfall, especially in February, which approached what many would consider a traditional winter month. However, despite this snowy interlude, overall temperatures have remained higher than historical averages.

The month of February 2025 witnessed significant winter characteristics with substantial snowfall, recording around 18 nights of frost and two full days of freezing temperatures. Yet, as the month draws to a close, forecasts suggest that temperatures will remain milder than what is typically expected for this time of year. Since May 2023, every month has shown a trend of warmer conditions compared to the long-term averages.

To provide context, meteorologists reference two distinct climate averages. The more recent data set spans from 1991 to 2020 and reflects the influences of climate change. Conversely, the earlier reference period from 1961 to 1990 offers a perspective closer to the average climate spanning 117 years of continuous weather observations at the Dahlem weather station in Berlin.

The meteorological winter began with a notably warm December, which recorded an average temperature of four degrees Celsius without any snowfall and only one day of frost. Historical data suggest that typical averages for December should be approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius based on the older averages and around 2.0 degrees based on the newer standards. January, usually the coldest month, also deviated from its expected averages, presenting an average of 2.8 degrees Celsius, compared to minus 0.6 degrees (old average) and 2.0 degrees (new average). Although January had 15 nights of frost, it fell short with only two days of sustained freezing temperatures.

February's forecast indicates an average temperature of about 0.9 degrees Celsius, which is situated between the old (0.6 degrees) and new (1.9 degrees) averages. It provided the expected 19 nights of frost and two freezing days, although these figures still lag behind the historical norms.

The coldest night of this winter was recorded on February 18, with temperatures plunging to minus 11.2 degrees Celsius, while the warmest day swiftly followed on February 24, reaching a balmy 15.4 degrees Celsius.

On a positive note, the month did deliver a noteworthy snowfall of 14 centimeters on February 14, marking the highest accumulation in four years. This data has been compiled by the chief meteorologist of Wettermanufaktur, who analyzed this winter's statistics. Additionally, February compensated for the lack of sunshine seen in the preceding months, though it still concluded with only about ten liters of precipitation per square meter, which is typical for the month.

Due to the relatively dry conditions in both December and February, the winter season will end below the historical average for both snowfall and rain, which could pose challenges for the upcoming spring season. Snow that melts gradually benefits the soil, and while the number of days with a continuous snow cover was above historical averages--19 days compared to the old average of 48 and the new average of 33--it remains a concern for nature's seasonal recovery.

Looking ahead, experts predict that the winter may be concluding without significant cold weather to follow. While the onset of March is anticipated to bring some warming sunshine during the day, it may still result in frosty nights due to clear skies. Fortunately, nature has not advanced as far into the growing season compared to the record-breaking warmth experienced in February 2024, which was immediately followed by frost in April, adversely impacting the fruit harvest of that year.