A Local’s Guide to Autumn in Copenhagen

Autumn in Copenhagen is by far the best time of the year. Stunning fall colors make the city even more picturesque than usual, and the summer crowds have largely disappeared. Add in the crisp Scandinavian post-summer air, and the Danish capital becomes a superb city break option in September and October.

I first visited Copenhagen in the Autumn of 2016 and instantly fell in love with the city. Four years and seven visits later, I moved here. However, it dawned on me that many of the internet’s autumn guides to Copenhagen were largely vague, which is why I’ve written this comprehensive piece to help you plan your trip.

Keep reading to discover everything you need for your autumn trip to Copenhagen. We’ll cover where to catch the best autumn colors and outline the practical information you need for your adventure, from average temperatures to daylight hours and what to wear.

When Is Autumn in Copenhagen?

Autumn in Copenhagen usually starts in late September and continues until the end of October. It’s generally a very short affair, and the leaves have normally fallen off the trees by around the second week of November. If you’re visiting after that time, check out this guide to visiting Copenhagen in the winter instead.

Minus the receding daylight hours, you get very little warning that Autumn in the Danish capital is on its way. The temperature will often be low-to-mid 20s at the start of September before the warm weather abruptly drops off (except a few unusually warm days).

Why Visit Copenhagen in the Autumn? 🌦️

Whenever people ask if Copenhagen is nice in the Autumn, my answer is a resounding yes. Firstly, because Copenhagen is nice throughout the year, but also because the atmosphere in Denmark’s capital is particularly special around this time.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should visit Copenhagen once the summer season is over.

1. Autumn Colours

Autumn is the best time to visit Copenhagen for amazing photos. The city’s numerous parks and many of the waterfront areas turn all shades of orange and yellow.

In addition to the changing leaf colors, the lighting in Copenhagen during Autumn is much softer than in summer. This, coupled with the later sunrise and earlier sunset times, offers several opportunities to capture great shots of the city in all its beauty.

2. Fewer Crowds

Most Copenhageners leave town for at least three weeks during the summer, but that’s also when the peak tourist season is. But those crowds largely dissipate around mid-September, and many locals spend more time indoors when the temperatures start cooling. That combination means that you can have more of the city to yourself.

Indre By (i.e., the district where the big tourist sites like Nyhavn are) is still busy for most of the year. But once you explore the city’s other neighborhoods, the crowds are more than manageable.

3. Hygge

You’ve almost certainly heard of hygge (pronounced hue-guh) unless you’ve been living off-grid since 2017 (and conveniently, you’d probably have unknowingly practiced hygge during that period). I’m going to be honest—it’s very difficult to explain the feeling unless you visit Denmark. Once you’ve been here, hygge will become part of your vocabulary, and nobody else will have a clue what you’re talking about.

4. Lots of Cultural Events

Autumn in Copenhagen is perfect for culture enthusiasts. Kulturnatten (Culture Night), which takes place in October, is an absolute must. For one Friday night, many places that are usually inaccessible to the public invite you to the behind-the-scenes of what makes Copenhagen tick.

Meanwhile, the famed Tivoli Gardens dresses in its best Halloween attire leading up to the end of the month. And out of the different seasons in the amusement park, it’s probably the most scenic.

5. It’s the Best Season for Fashion

Let’s not lie to ourselves here: The best thing about Autumn is wearing turtlenecks and jackets. Do you know the normie “31st August vs. 1st September” memes? Yeah, they apply perfectly to Copenhagen.

Come to Copenhagen in the Autumn if you’re all about sweaters, jackets, and fleeces. And while you’re at it, you can admire the locals in how they effortlessly dress well.

Where to See the Autumn Colors in Copenhagen 🍂

1. The Lakes

The Lakes are Copenhagen’s best meeting spot at any time of the year, but they’re particularly pleasant when the trees lining their shores have begun shedding their leaves. You’ll normally notice the seasons changing here before anywhere else, with the leaves usually turning orange during the last few weeks of September.

2. Christianshavns Kanal

Nyhavn is nice, but it doesn’t have too many trees. Christianshavns Kanal has lots of trees lining its shores. Trees look nice in autumn, and therefore, you should visit the canal at this time of year.

With cobblestone streets, this part of the city is the quintessential Copenhagen autumn scene. When the fog is rolling over the canal, as it often does in the morning, this is one of my favorite places in the Danish capital.

Virtually every part of Christianshavns Kanal is pleasant, so I suggest going for a long walk around here (and the entire neighborhood, for that matter).

3. Kongens Have

Kongens Have is the park where you’ll find Rosenborg Castle, and it’s another example of Copenhagen as you always imagined it during this time of the year. Unlike The Lakes, the autumn colors linger around here for a bit longer than elsewhere in the city.

The park is close to Nørreport Station, so it’s pretty easy to reach. It’s a fantastic place to go for a coffee on a crisp autumn morning, and from here, you can venture off to explore the rest of Indre By with ease.

4. Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have

Not many tourists know about this park behind Christiansborg Palace, which—forgive the clichés—is “a small oasis in the middle of the city”. If you want to sit down with a good book for a few hours, this is a great place to do that.

You can access this park via a throughway close to the car park at Christiansborg Palace. While you’re here, consider going to the palace’s tower for a free and nice view of Copenhagen from above. It’s also possible to visit the interior if you want to see one of Denmark’s most iconic buildings.

5. Ørstedsparken

Ørstedsparken is close to Nørreport and straddles part of HC Andersens Boulevard, which zips past Copenhagen’s City Hall. It’s one of the city’s smaller parks, with especially good photography spots close to the bridge crossing the main lake.

The park is easily accessible from both Nørreport (S-Train, Metro, bus) and Rådhuspladsen (Metro).

6. Kastellet

Kastellet is the star-shaped fortress that you’ll notice on maps of Copenhagen. It’s close to the Little Mermaid and a popular walking and running route year-round. However, it’s especially worth visiting when Autumn arrives.

From Kastellet, you can continue along the Langelinie promenade—also scenic in the Autumn—back into the city center. Østerport (S-Train, Metro) is the nearest station.

7. Frederiksberg Have

Frederiksberg in general is probably Copenhagen’s most beautiful district during the Autumn, but Frederiksberg Have really steals the show. This large park is perfect for a Sunday stroll, and you can easily spend half a day meandering through its various routes.

If you want to further admire Frederiksberg’s autumn colors, continue to Søndermarken: The park behind the big yellow palace. Alternatively, you can meander along Frederiksberg Allé. You can get to Frederiksberg Have via Frederiksberg Allé (Metro).

Things to Do in Copenhagen During the Autumn

Indoors

Autumn in Copenhagen is best spent outside, but you can enjoy plenty of activities indoors as well. Here are three of the best things to do in Copenhagen during the Autumn if you want to spend some time inside. Be sure to check out my Copenhagen and Malmö weekend itinerary for more inspiration once you’ve finished reading this guide as well 😋.

1. Museums

Copenhagen has several excellent museums worth visiting in the Autumn. Glyptoteket, which is close to Copenhagen Central Station, is one of my personal favorites. You should also check out the National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet), and the Design Museum is another one that I really enjoy visiting and can recommend.

Note that many museums in Copenhagen are closed on Mondays. Prices vary, and you can sometimes get free admission on certain days. If you’re going to visit a lot of museums, you can get the Copenhagen Card—which grants free access to many of the Danish capital’s best attractions. I’ve written a full Copenhagen Card review here.

2. Food Halls 🥕

Autumn is a great time to check out many of Copenhagen’s food halls, including Torvehallerne. Here, you’ll find fresh local produce ranging from poultry to vegetables. You can also get fresh bread, and there are several stands offering Italian food.

If you want to try smørrebrød for yourself, be sure to visit Hallernes Smørrebrød while you’re here.

For more of a street food vibe, head to Tivoli Food Hall instead. It’s opposite Copenhagen Central Station on Bernstorffsgade and has several restaurants covering multiple cuisines.

3. Bakery and Café-Hopping ☕

The Danes are masters of baked goods, and you could easily spend 90% of your Copenhagen autumn adventure hopping around the capital’s numerous bakeries. One that’s worth sitting in and grabbing some food at is Apotek 57; be warned that the queue outside can be quite long!

Meyers is worth visiting for the best cinnamon buns in Copenhagen, while BRØD on Enghave Plads is a strong contender for the best cinnamon swirl. Andersen Bakery (below) is another amazing option, and so is Sankt Peders Bageri.

Outdoors

The fresh autumn air makes being outside in Copenhagen during the Autumn a joy, regardless of the weather. Here are some of my top recommendations for outdoor activities in the Danish capital if you want to get outdoors.

1. Naturpark Amager 🥾

Naturpark Amager is a huge nature reserve that covers much of the island of Amager, which is also where you’ll find Copenhagen Airport. Here, you can walk and cycle across the numerous routes—and you can even spot deer roaming around. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider the Amarminoen walk to beautiful Dragør. It takes around seven hours one-way, and you can get the bus back from Copenhagen afterward.

2. Halloween at Tivoli 🎢

October is the best time to visit Tivoli Gardens, and the amusement park comes alive with Halloween attire. Visiting on an evening during midweek will minimize the crowds, so consider doing that.

Note that standard tickets only cover admission, but you can also purchase entry to the rides. You can book tickets online.

3. Boat Tours ⚓

Copenhagen’s boat tours run throughout the year, but they’re typically less crowded in the Autumn compared to the summer months. These tours run regularly throughout the day, and with Stromma, you can hop on and off at various points in the city.

From the water, you’ll see many of the Danish capital’s top sights from the inner harbor. This includes various iconic pieces of architecture, such as the Cirkelbroen passenger bridge.

Taking a canal tour is also a nice way to capture the atmosphere in Copenhagen without as many boats as you’ll find in the summer. It can get quite chilly and windy, so make sure you dress warmly.

My top recommendation is below.

4. Vor Frelsers Kirke

Copenhagen has many amazing viewpoints, but the Church of Our Saviour—also known as Vor Frelsers Kirke—is in my opinion—the best one. Again, it’s much less busy once the summer crowds have gone (and you’ll have the added benefit of the beautiful soft lighting in Copenhagen during the Autumn).

You’ll need to book a time slot, even if you have the Copenhagen Card. I’ve written a full guide to the church tower if you want all the details related to booking tickets, public transport and so on. The church tower is closed if it’s rainy or windy; if it is, consider visiting the Round Tower instead. One thing worth noting with Vor Frelsers Kirke is that the spiral staircase may feel uneasy if you fear heights.

5. Cycling 🚲

Cycling in Copenhagen is fun year-round, but Autumn is perhaps the best time to enjoy this activity for several reasons. First, you won’t sweat anywhere near as much in the summer (especially if you’re prone to sweating like a pig, as I am).

Unlike winter, you don’t need to worry about your hands freezing when you get home. Moreover, it’s often not *too* windy compared to the winter—meaning that you hopefully won’t feel like you’re effectively cycling with a weighted vest on.

While you can cycle aimlessly in Copenhagen and should definitely do so at some point, you’ll want to check out a few specific routes. The first goes up to Bellevue Strand, which is roughly 12 kilometers and 40 minutes from the city center. Here, you can see the famous beach with lifeguard towers designed by Arne Jacobsen. It’s an especially scenic route on a sunny autumn day.

It’s also worth cycling along The Lakes, which shouldn’t take too long. You can stop for multiple photos along the way, and there’s a handful of cafés and restaurants to dip in and out of as well. You can also do the Havneringen route, which goes around the entire inner harbor. Start close to Nyhavn before going down to trendy Sydhavn and back around. You can also walk this route if you’d prefer.

6. Dyrehaven 🦌

Dyrehaven is a large deer park just north of Copenhagen, and it’s especially beautiful when the leaves start changing colors. You’ll often see multiple deer roaming around, though you should also keep in mind that Autumn is their rutting season, and it’s therefore a good idea to keep a distance from the animals.

Dyrehaven is right next to Klampenborg Station, which is easily reachable from Copenhagen on the S-Train. Trains run frequently from Copehagen Central Station.

Copenhagen Events in Autumn 📆

Kulturnatten 🌚

Kulturnatten, known in English as The Culture Night, is my personal highlight in the annual Copenhagen calendar. For one Friday evening each October, you can access many buildings that are normally off-limits to the public. For example, my friends and I were able to see the inside of the palace in Frederiksberg Have in 2022. In 2023, we visited the Glyptoteket museum.

You can also visit multiple museums and learn more about how Copenhagen became the cultural powerhouse that it is today. You can buy tickets from 7-Eleven stores in the city, along with the Kulturnatten website.

Hubertusjagt 🏇

Hubertusjagt is an annual horse race that takes place in Dyrehaven on the first Sunday of each November. The event has become a key part of the Danish annual calendar, with the first commencing over 100 years ago. Admission is free, but expect big crowds. If you can, try to get a spot in front of Eremitageslottet—the building in the middle of the park.

Autumn Daylight Hours in Copenhagen

The daylight hours shift significantly in September, with two-and-a-half hours less daylight by the end of the month compared to the beginning. And by the end of October, it’s very clear that winter is on its way, with just over nine hours.

Here’s a breakdown of the daylight hours on a day-by-day basis from mid-September until the end of October (accurate for 2024, as per timeanddate):

Date 📆	Sunrise 🌄	Sunset 🌇
September 21	06:53	19:10
September 22	06:55	19:07
September 23	06:57	19:04
September 24	06:59	19:02
September 25	07:01	18:59
September 26	07:03	18:57
September 27	07:05	18:54
September 28	07:07	18:51
September 29	07:09	18:49
September 30	07:11	18:46
October 1	07:13	18:44
October 2	07:15	18:41
October 3	07:17	18:38
October 4	07:19	18:36
October 5	07:21	18:33
October 6	07:23	18:31
October 7	07:25	18:28
October 8	07:27	18:26
October 9	07:29	18:23
October 10	07:31	18:21
October 11	07:33	18:18
October 12	07:35	18:16
October 13	07:37	18:13
October 14	07:39	18:11
October 15	07:41	18:08
October 16	07:43	18:06
October 17	07:45	18:03
October 18	07:47	18:01
October 19	07:49	17:58
October 20	07:51	17:56
October 21	07:53	17:54
October 22	07:55	17:51
October 23	07:57	17:49
October 24	07:59	17:47
October 25	08:01	17:44
October 26	08:03	17:42
October 27 (Daylight Savings Time Takes Effect)	07:05	16:40
October 28	07:08	16:38
October 29	07:10	16:35
October 30	07:12	16:33
October 31	07:14	16:31

Copenhagen Weather in Autumn

The weather in Copenhagen is variable during the Autumn, with September often being the sunniest and warmest. Early October tends to be quite dry as well, but temperatures cool towards the end of the month, and rain is common.

Daytime temperatures are normally still in double digits at the end of October, but these typically drop into single digits by the second week of November (with the exception of a few days).

Nighttime temperatures near the end of October and the beginning of November tend to be around 4-7ºC.

What Should I Wear for an Autumn Trip to Copenhagen?

Since Copenhagen’s weather in Autumn can be unpredictable, it’s a good idea to prepare for numerous scenarios. Here’s a rough outline of what you should consider bringing with you for your adventure in the Danish capital.

1. A Good Rain Jacket 🌧️

Copenhagen is prone to rain, and you should bring a good rain jacket with you in the Autumn—regardless of what the forecast says. I personally prefer the longer ones, which are better if you plan to cycle a lot. H2O Fagerholt, RAINS, Knowledge Cotton Apparel, and Helly Hansen are the four brands I recommend the most. 

It’s also worth bringing an umbrella, but pick something sturdy, as many normal ones won’t work too well in windy conditions.

2. Comfortable and (Ideally) Waterproof Shoes 👟

If you want to blend in with Copenhageners, bring a pair of white sneakers or black boots. You probably won’t need anything heavy-duty, but you should ensure that they’re quite comfortable as you’ll probably be walking around a lot. If you can bring waterproof shoes, that’s a bonus in case it starts raining.

3. Dress in Layers 🧣

Take the air temperature with a pinch of salt. If it’s windy, it often feels 2-3ºC colder—and the weather can also feel warmer if it’s quite humid. Dressing in layers is a good idea; a pilot jacket, fleece, or cardigan normally works as an outer layer when it isn’t raining, while a T-shirt is also (mostly) fine in September.

Bring a sweater for the cooler evenings. Toward the end of October, consider wearing a turtleneck. Or, if you’re like me, wear turtlenecks from the end of September onwards.

More Tips for Visiting Copenhagen in the Autumn ✅

Here are some of my other top tips for visiting Copenhagen in autumn, based on living here for over four years.

• Remember that Tivoli isn’t open for the whole of Autumn. The theme park normally closes for a few weeks at the end of September, before reopening for Halloween in early October.
• The October school holidays usually last for one week in the middle of October. During this period, many major attractions are quite busy with locals—plus domestic and international tourists.
• If you visit Kulturnatten, you’ll need a badge to show that you’ve bought your ticket when getting them from 7-Eleven. Alternatively, you can show the ticket on your smartphone whenever you enter a venue.
• Many tours in Copenhagen operate year-round, but check to ensure that something you saw for the summer is still available.

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