Copenhagen in summer is filled with greenery, vibrant streets, and salty harbour air. Locals hang out on the wooden piers with cold cans of Tuborg, and swimmers leap from diving towers into the sea. Are you visiting Copenhagen this summer and wondering how to enjoy the city like a local?
From weather advice and packing tricks to the beaches, gardens, foods, and neighbourhoods that locals cherish, you will find it all here. Read on, plan your itinerary with swims and sunsets, and prepare for a perfect summer in Copenhagen, which you will talk about for years!
Key Takeaways
- Summer in Copenhagen has mild weather of 20°C during June, July, and August.
- Pack thin layers of clothing and rain gear for unexpected rain showers.
- The best places to go during summer in Copenhagen are: Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, Kalvebød Bolge, Amager Beach Park, Svanemølle Beach, Sluseholmen Harbour Bath, King’s Garden, Frederiksberg Garden, Superkilen, Botanical Garden, and Østre Anlæg.
- Fun neighbourhoods to explore during summer in Copenhagen are: Nyhavn, Nørrebro, Christianshavn, The Meatpacking District, and Refshaleøen.
- Ice cream shops, food markets, and burger places to visit this summer are: Østerberg Ice Cream, Ismageriet, Siciliansk Is, Social Foodies, Alice Ice Cream & Coffee, Reffen Street Food, TorvehallerneKBH, Gasoline Grill, Fatty’s, and Sliders.
Summer Weather in Copenhagen
June to August is considered summer in Copenhagen. During these summer months, the average temperature is the highest of the year, with 20°C, and the days stay bright past 10 PM. Compared with April’s chill or November’s wet days, summer feels mild and bright, but never truly hot.
This is why summer is the best time to visit Copenhagen! However, frequent showers and brisk winds can appear with little warning. The locals even say, “If you don’t like the Danish summer weather, wait for 5 minutes,” as it changes so quickly.
What to Pack
Pack light layers and a thin waterproof jacket, but an umbrella is not necessary as the wind can be harsh, even during summer. A fleece or sweater helps when sea breezes pick up, especially on evening canal rides. Danes wear light, waterproof trousers on drizzly days, and put on comfortable walking shoes to handle cobblestones and bike pedals if you decide to see Copenhagen on a bike.
Expect locals to embrace every bit of sunshine, benches, decks, and harbour steps fill fast, then empty just as quickly when a passing cloud bursts. Carry a small bag for shedding or adding layers on the go, and you will stay comfortable whatever the sky decides!
Where to Go during Summer in Copenhagen
Now that you know how the climate can change on a dime, let’s step outside. Copenhagen’s blue harbour, green parks, and vibrant districts are waiting for you!
Harbours & Beaches
- Islands Brygge Harbour Bath: Five lifeguarded pools sit opposite the city skyline, inviting swimmers from early morning to sunset. Wooden sundecks, diving towers, and water tested daily make it the locals’ favourite urban swim spot. Arrive early on weekends for space, then join a canal café for coffee afterwards.
- Kalvebod Bølge: A promenade shaped like a wave. It stretches into the harbour with tiered decks that double as loungers. Kayak rentals, a small swim zone, and light art at night create activity from morning to midnight.
- Amager Beach Park: Two kilometres of white sand, dunes, and a protected lagoon sit 15 minutes by metro from the centre. Kitesurfers ride the offshore wind while families splash in shallow water. Pack sunscreen, rent a paddleboard, and stay for a cold soft ice at sunset.
- Svanemølle Beach: A long beach that leads to deeper water, perfect for distance swims, and grassy banks behind the sand offer shelter on windy afternoons. Cyclists love the coastal path here.
- Sluseholmen Harbour Bath: Four seawater pools are surrounded by curves inspired by corals. There are two kiddie lagoons, perfect for family visitors. The canals next to the pools framed by modern apartments provide post-swim cafés within steps.
Parks & Gardens
- King’s Garden: Denmark’s oldest royal garden with views of Renaissance Rosenborg Castle. Spread a blanket, join a tour around the castle, or stroll by sculpted hedges buzzing with butterflies.
- Frederiksberg Garden: The park surrounds Frederiksberg Castle, with rowing boats that set a romantic tone. Summer boat tours sail past beautiful greenery, while the Chinese Pavilion offers amazing photo opportunities.
- Superkilen: This artistic urban park in Nørrebro links three themed zones painted red, black, and green. The famous white skating lines, public grills, and skate ramps attract families, street artists, and late-night dancers.
- Botanical Garden – Step into the towering palm house or walk around the alpine beds within minutes of the city’s busiest station. Over 13,000 plant species and free entry make it a perfect visit during summer.
- Østre Anlæg – Once the fortress moat, this beautiful park wraps tranquil lakes, flowering rhododendrons, and the National Gallery. It stays cooler than the streets on hot days, ideal for reading under willow trees.
Find out more details about the best parks and gardens in Copenhagen.
Neighbourhoods to Explore
- Nyhavn: Colourful buildings line a canal with outdoor dining and canal tours. Grab a soft ice, lean on a wooden quay, and watch vintage boats coming in and out of the harbour. Early morning offers calm photos while evenings explode with chatter.
- Nørrebro: Expect graffiti art, craft beer bars, and Middle Eastern bakeries side by side. Visit a chic café for a cold drink, then head over to second hand stores filled with unique outfits. This neighbourhood is where colourful international cultures meet on Danish grounds.
- Christianshavn: Cobblestone lanes and mirrored canals invite long, slow walks. Climb the spiral spire of Our Saviour’s Church, rent a GoBoat for a self-driving boat picnic, or sip coffee on wooden bridges while boats pass.
- The Meatpacking District: This district is home to former slaughterhouses that now host galleries, microbreweries, and clubs. Daytime flea markets shift to DJ sets after dusk, and street art walls colour every photo. It is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Copenhagen, full of art and music.
- Refshaleøen – An old industrial shipyard reinvented as urban spaces. Cycle past climbing walls and container bars to Reffen’s street food stalls, catch live music, and finish with a sauna session at La Banchina pier.
What to Eat during Summer in Copenhagen
After swimming and strolling, it’s time to eat! Thankfully, the city offers ice cream, outdoor food markets, and popular burger places that turn every taste into an adventure. Here are ten stellar spots that welcome visitors this summer in Copenhagen:
Ice Cream Shops & Cafes
- Østerberg Ice Cream: Catherine Østerberg blends Danish berries with exotic fruits at her ice cream lab. Try the tangy calamansi or blackcurrant flavour, then sit on the leafy Østerbro street and watch cyclists drive past. Her scientific approach to ice cream offers a perfectly balanced sweetness that locals crave on humid afternoons.
- Ismageriet: Lines form early for velvety gelato churned on site throughout the day, ensuring every scoop is fresh. Their signature flavour, liquorice salted caramel, sells out fast. Enjoy it on the canal bench outside and feel like a true Copenhagener.
- Siciliansk Is: Authentic Italian craft meets Danish produce in small-batch flavours such as pistachio or red berry rhubarb. You can find their cosy shops in Vesterbro and Nørrebro.
- Social Foodies: Every purchase funds social projects in Africa, and the ice cream tastes amazing, too. Sample avocado, apple, spinach “Dyrehaven” or classic chocolate, then browse the fair trade chocolate shelves for edible souvenirs.
- Alice Ice Cream & Coffee: Pair flaky almond croissants with seasonal sorbets like sea buckthorn. Baristas pull rich espresso that cuts the sweetness, and outdoor tables catch morning sun in Amagerbro.
Food Markets & Burgers
- Reffen Street Food: More than 50 stalls serve everything from Nepalese momo to Danish duck fat fries. The atmosphere here is unmatched during summer. People sit on pallet furniture facing the water, with a glass of beer in their hands.
- TorvehallerneKBH: Two glass halls with smørrebrød counters, organic juice bars, and Danish farm goods. From a Korean food truck to fresh vegetable stands, they have everything you need for a healthy lunch.
- Gasoline Grill: When evening hunger calls, locals queue at this former gas station for juicy cheeseburgers and hand-cut fries. With 100% organic beef and their famous Gasoline Grill sauce, their burgers are in demand for a quick takeout during summer.
- Fatty’s: Islands Brygge’s canal front burger bar pours local craft beer beside juicy smash patties. Order the signature Fatty with double-aged beef, cheddar, charred onions, and truffle mayo, then enjoy it at a picnic table outside.
- Sliders: This mini burger specialist sits on Enghave Plads with a broad terrace shaded by trees. Build a tasting flight of three bite-sized burgers such as Triple Truffle Cheese, Decadent Dane, and Cauliflower Crunch, then add sweet potato fries with smoky chipotle dip.
Conclusion
Summer in Copenhagen is easy to enjoy, with long daylight that lets you swim, cycle, and snack well into the evening. The places listed above give you a solid starting point, and we recommend enriching your summer in Copenhagen with a private tour with Amitylux.
Your guide can combine harbour swims, pastry stops, design highlights, or castle tours to fit your interests and pace. The tour can be completely customized to your preferences, so there is no rushing and no fixed route. After exploring the city, read our post on Danish summer houses to see how you can extend your holiday by the coast like a local!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Copenhagen worth visiting in summer?
Summer is the best time to visit Copenhagen. Visitors can enjoy long daylight, clean swimming spots, delicious food, and green parks in the mild summer weather.
Can you swim in Copenhagen in July?
Yes. Harbour baths like Islands Brygge and beaches such as Amager Park offer refreshing seawater pools throughout July. Water quality is monitored daily, and the average water temperature is 17°C.
When is the best month to visit Copenhagen?
July is the warmest month, but June and August pair mild temperatures with fewer crowds. Any of these months promises bright evenings and packed event calendars.
