Don’t miss this overlooked gem in the heart of Europe
The German city is one of the continent’s busiest travel destinations
Blankets of snow and strong summer sunshine only enhance the beauty of Frankfurt, Germany.
Thousands of flights carry Canadians to this worldwide hub in the heart of Europe every year.
Whether you’re travelling for business, pleasure, or adventure, it’s not hard to find what you’re looking for when you visit Frankfurt.
DON'T MISS: Cancun's ideal weather makes it Canada’s favourite tropical escape
Frankfurt is a major global hub
Frankfurt am Main is a major global draw for both commerce and tourism in the western part of Germany. Usually shortened to just Frankfurt, its full name means “Frankfurt on the Main,” referring to the Main River which winds through the city centre.
Around three-quarters of a million people live in Frankfurt proper, roughly putting it on par with Winnipeg. That’s just the city; the greater metropolitan area is the second-largest in Germany with more than 5 million residents.
This hub is a major destination for travellers from around the world. Frankfurt is home to one of Europe’s busiest airports, hosting more than 60 million passengers every year with flights to and from hundreds of destinations.
During the warm season, Canada sends Frankfurt more than 50 flights per week between Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax, making it the country’s third-busiest European route behind Paris and London.
Frankfurt has character in all four seasons
What conditions can those thousands of visitors expect when they land? Sitting in the middle of the continent at roughly the same latitude as Regina, Sask., the climate in Frankfurt runs through all four seasons with vigour.
RELATED: San Francisco is a city of fog, history, and unforgettable sights
Frankfurt experiences a decent temperature range throughout the year, ranging from toasty on a midsummer afternoon to downright chilly at night during the heart of winter.
While summers are generally tolerable, extreme heat can build from time to time. In fact, Frankfurt has the warmest average daytime temperature during the month of July of most of Germany’s major cities.
Folks in Frankfurt sweltered through one of Germany’s hottest-ever temperatures during a brutal heat wave in July 2019, during which readings cracked 40°C.
Precipitation remains fairly consistent throughout the year, with reliable bouts of rain and snow during the cooler months. A slight uptick in precipitation arrives between May and August as afternoon thunderstorms bubble across the region.
Planning a trip? Check out The Weather Network's vacation hub!
Winters can prove snowy across much of Germany, and Frankfurt is no exception. Between 1991 and 2020, the city’s airport averaged about 70 cm of snowfall in a typical season. Most of that snow falls between December and January.
Frankfurt hosts a rich variety of attractions
A blend of old architecture, new construction, riverwalks, and the nearby Taunus mountains offer irresistible views for nature lovers, photography fans, and folks who appreciate the buzz of urban life.
Frankfurt is home to more museums than a history buff could possibly visit in one vacation. Bustling nightlife and gorgeous concert halls greet those who crave a dose of culture.
Bibliophiles might look forward to the Frankfurt Book Fair held every October, which is often hailed as the largest book fair in the world.
World-famous boat tours of the nearby Rhine River are just a short drive from the city centre.
Visitors are spoiled with choices; after all, the city is smack dab in the middle of western Europe, making just about any attraction in the region just a short plane, train, or road trip away.
Header image created using graphics and imagery from Canva.