Sylt
Germany · Europe
The best time to visit Sylt is May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 21°C (70°F), with peaks around 29°C (84°F); in winter, nights average 1°C (34°F), dropping to around -4°C (25°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Sylt – What you should know
Sylt is a North Sea destination, which means temperature is never the argument. July and August highs sit at 20°C (68°F), and the North Sea reaches 18–19°C (64–66°F). That is swimmable for the hardy, and therein lies the island's identity — wind, space and surf rather than warmth.
The remarkable figure is spring sunshine: April and May bring 7.2 and 8.0 hours a day, more than July's 6.9. The island lies far to the west and receives above-average light in spring, before summer cloud sets in. Anyone wanting to see Sylt at its clearest should come in May — not least because the peak season has not yet started.
Winter is the hard season: 4°C (39°F) in January, 0.6 hours of sunshine a day in December — effectively permanent grey — and westerly storms that sweep the island regularly. That has its own following, though; the combination of a storm walk and a thatched-roof hotel works precisely because of it. Rain is spread across the whole year, peaking in August at 96 mm (3.8 in).
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)9 (48) | 5° (41°)0– (32–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)12 (54) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)29 (84) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)27 (81) | 18° (64°)14– (57–)23 (73) | 14° (57°)10– (50–)17 (63) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 6° (43°)0– (32–)10 (50) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 2° (36°)-6– (21–)6 (43) | 1° (34°)-4– (25–)5 (41) | 2° (36°)-3– (27–)6 (43) | 5° (41°)0– (32–)9 (48) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)13 (55) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)11– (52–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)11– (52–)18 (64) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)16 (61) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)10 (50) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)8 (46) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 1 | 3h UV 2 | 5h UV 4 | 8h UV 6 | 8h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 5 | 3h UV 3 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 1 |
🌊Water Temp | 4° (39°) | 4° (39°) | 5° (41°) | 8° (46°) | 12° (54°) | 16° (61°) | 19° (66°) | 20° (68°) | 17° (63°) | 14° (57°) | 10° (50°) | 7° (45°) |
🌧Rain Days | 10d61mm (2.4") | 7d46mm (1.8") | 7d41mm (1.6") | 6d37mm (1.5") | 7d52mm (2.0") | 7d63mm (2.5") | 9d72mm (2.8") | 10d96mm (3.8") | 10d86mm (3.4") | 11d89mm (3.5") | 11d78mm (3.1") | 10d72mm (2.8") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
April offers great weather in Sylt with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Sylt?
- The best time to visit Sylt is May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Sylt?
- In summer, daytime highs in Sylt average 21°C (70°F), with peaks around 29°C (84°F); in winter, nights average 1°C (34°F), dropping to around -4°C (25°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Sylt get?
- Sylt has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 9 rain days per month. The driest months are February, March, and April.
- How warm is the water in Sylt?
- Water temperature in Sylt ranges from 4°C (39°F) (February) to 20°C (68°F) (August). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
