Schools commence in Germany amid soaring summer temperatures
Germany's School Year and Holiday Schedule for 2025/26: A Breakdown
Germany's school year and holiday schedule for the 2025/26 academic year are taking shape, with most states set to resume classes in early to mid-September 2025. The specific start dates, however, depend on each state's school holiday calendar.
The traditional three-month summer holidays in Germany are designed to distribute the population evenly, allowing for a window between June 20 and September 15. This year, the debate about the "rolling system" for holiday periods has resurfaced, with long-term planning for holiday periods from 2030 onwards underway. Some federal states are keen to go on holiday last at some point.
In contrast, Bavaria, a staunch advocate of its holiday rhythm, is not willing to compromise. Bavaria, along with Baden-Württemberg, will return on September 4 and 15, respectively. Hamburg, Berlin, and Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the Saarland will return on August 8, 15, and 18, respectively.
Students in Lower Saxony and Bremen will return to school on August 14. North Rhine-Westphalia will follow suit on August 27. Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate will return on August 18, while the autumn school holidays begin in Hesse, Saxony, and Thuringia on October 6.
Universities in Germany have different academic calendars. The typical Winter Intake for university studies usually begins in October, while the Summer Intake (starting in March-April 2026) is less relevant for traditional school years.
Minister-President Markus Söder stated that Bavaria's holiday rhythm is deeply ingrained in the DNA of the Bavarians. Meanwhile, a heatwave is expected to hit Germany, according to the German Weather Service (DWD), with temperatures reaching up to 35°C in some areas. The heat front is expected to start spreading towards the center of the country from today.
It's important to note that precise start dates for a particular German state can be confirmed by checking that state's education ministry or official school calendar. For instance, the first federal states to return to school in the 2025/26 academic year are Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, starting today. The remaining German states typically start the 2025/26 academic year in early to mid-September 2025, with exact dates varying by state.
As the summer holidays draw to a close, prices and crowds at tourist attractions may be cheaper and less crowded from mid-September onwards for those without school-aged children. October 3 is a public holiday for everyone in Germany (German Unity Day).
With the school year approaching and temperatures soaring, it's a busy time for Germany. Keep an eye on your local education ministry or school calendar for precise dates and preparations for the new academic year.
Organizing education-and-self-development plans during the upcoming season requires considering both the German school schedule and the unpredictable weather. For example, the expected heatwave, set to reach up to 35°C, may impact plans for the commencement of the academic year in September, as advised by the German Weather Service (DWD).
