Yes, many hotels in Germany have air conditioning (AC), especially larger chains and newer hotels in big cities, but it's not universal, particularly in smaller, older, or more traditional establishments where AC is often considered a premium amenity, can be an extra charge, or isn't installed due to historically mild climates. Expect AC in international chains (Hilton, Marriott) but always verify amenities when booking, as even with AC, the cooling power might differ from US standards.
While German law requires landlords to ensure apartments can reach minimum temperatures in the winter, there are no explicit requirements for the summer. "It is really the exception for heat to be considered a rental defect,” said Jutta Hartmann of the German Tenants' Association.
You can expect to pay between $73 and $165 per night for hotels with air conditioning in Germany.
Suffice it to say when it comes to “comfort cooling” or residential A/C, we simply do not have enough hot days each summer to justify expense of installing, operating, and maintaining A/C. In Germany we need over 650 hours with a dry-bulb temperature above 26.7 degrees Celsius, or 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unlike in Canada and the United States, most European homes and apartments — and even lots of hotels — don't have air conditioning (AC). That's right. A hot summer night and no AC to keep you cool. I was born in the UK but live in France, so I know our lack of AC does sometimes surprise North Americans.
That's because German buildings are constructed with thick walls and good insulation – keeping your apartment warm in winter and cool in summer, as long as you don't introduce the external heat of sunlight!
In northern Europe, on the other hand, summers were once mild enough that cooling was rarely needed. Air conditioning, when it appeared in Europe, was seen as a luxury or even a health risk. Many Europeans still believe exposure to cold air can make you sick, and the stereotype persists that AC is for rich people.
Quick Easy Tips. Close shutters or curtains during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight. Open windows at night and early morning to create airflow and cool rooms naturally. Drink water regularly and switch to herbal teas like mint or chamomile for cooling effects.
In Switzerland, air conditioning use requires a permit typically only granted for health reasons or similar concerns. Air conditioning is even less common in Pacific Island nations such as Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga with alternative solutions like open-design housing helping to keep people cool.
Many Paris buildings—especially those constructed before the 1950s—were not designed with modern insulation or airflow systems in mind. Even in newer properties, it's rare to find full HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) setups like those in the U.S.
Germany's 10 PM rule refers to Ruhezeit (quiet hours), a cultural and legal norm banning loud noises like vacuuming, loud music, gardening, or car washing from 10 PM to 6 or 7 AM on weekdays and all day on Sundays and public holidays, aimed at ensuring peaceful rest, with strict enforcement often leading to neighbor complaints and fines.
A Less than Welcoming Culture
Three in ten expats (30%) say that people in Germany are not friendly towards foreign residents (vs. 18% globally), and 55% find it difficult to make local friends (vs. 36% globally).
The 3-minute rule is a simple but important guideline: wait at least three minutes after turning your air conditioner off before turning it back on. That short pause gives the refrigerant pressure in the system time to equalize.
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The most air-conditioned country in Europe is Italy, whose air-conditioning usage correlates to its intensely hot summers and life-threatening heatwaves.
Each Intercity-Express is fully air-conditioned and maintains a stylish interior with a relaxing atmosphere for a quick and comfortable journey throughout Germany and to adjoining countries.
You are free to buy and operate an AC in Germany if you want to, no law will stop you. Just because most people in a country don't want to buy or use something does not mean that they are "hostile" towards it and are under pressure to justify their behavior. The majority of people worldwide do not have an AC at home.
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From 1st January 2025, single-split air conditioning systems using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of more than 750 will be banned from sale in the UK. This move is part of the UK's F-Gas regulations, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with net-zero targets.
Recovering from the summer heat in the city
In general, forests and green spaces with trees or small ponds are often cooler than the city centre. If you can, stay in air-conditioned rooms or go out into the green where there are shady spots.
Yes, running fans is significantly cheaper and more energy-efficient than running air conditioning (AC) because fans use far fewer watts (e.g., 50-75W) to circulate air, creating a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler, while AC units use much more power (500-2,000+W) to actively lower the room's temperature, costing many times more per hour. Fans can cost just pennies an hour, whereas AC can cost tens of cents or more, making fans ideal for mild days or for boosting AC efficiency by allowing a higher thermostat setting.
A/C is becoming quite common. A recent article in the German press said that +20% of households in 2024 had A/C. In 2021 it was only 3%.
You might think that wearing less is better on hot days, but keeping the sun off you can actually cool you down. Instead of a tank top and shorts, try pants and long sleeves in the most lightweight material you can find and in a light color. They will keep the sun off you and lessen the feeling of being baked.