Nuremberg in February

December owns Nuremberg thanks to the Christkindlmärkte, but prepare for crowds and inflated prices. The main market on Hauptmarkt draws two million visitors, so book accommodation months ahead. That said, sipping Glühwein while snow dusts the medieval rooftops? Worth the hassle. May through September offers the sweet spot. Warm weather opens the beer gardens, street performers fill the squares, and you can actually move through the Altstadt without shoulder-to-shoulder tourists. July and August get busy with German school holidays, but the outdoor dining scene peaks. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) bring fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. The Imperial Castle gardens bloom beautifully in spring, while October's golden light makes everything photogenic. Just pack layers – Bavarian weather changes its mind frequently.