Zealand Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Zealand, Denmark, is characterized by a Cfb climate under the Köppen-Geiger classification, indicating a temperate maritime environment. This region experiences a temperature range that oscillates dramatically throughout the year, with minimum values plummeting to -16°C (3°F) in February, while summer peaks may reach a warm 31°C (89°F) in August. The average annual temperature hovers around a moderate 10°C (50°F), illustrating the region's distinct seasonal variations that influence both its ecosystems and human activities.

Zealand temperature by month

In Zealand, Denmark, temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal progression, beginning with the coldest months of January and February, where temperatures can dip to as low as -16°C (3°F) and hover around an average of 3°C (37°F). As spring approaches in March and April, a gradual warming trend emerges, with average temperatures climbing to 4°C (39°F) in March and reaching 7°C (45°F) in April, alongside noticeably higher maximum temperatures. The arrival of summer sees the mercury rise, with June and July showcasing averages of 17°C (62°F) and 18°C (64°F), respectively, culminating in daily highs up to 31°C (89°F). Following this peak, a gentle cooldown begins in autumn, as September still enjoys averages of 15°C (59°F), before temperatures descend again in October through December, bringing back colder conditions, with December's lows dropping to -13°C (9°F). This cyclical variation underscores Zealand's maritime climate, marked by sharp contrasts between the seasons, shaping its unique environment.

Monthly Temperatures in Zealand, Denmark

The chart illustrates Zealand's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec373739455362646459524539
Data source: Zealand temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

In Marielyst, temperatures range from a low of -6°C (21°F) in March to a high of 26°C (80°F) in July, making it a pleasant location for summer activities. In contrast, Roskilde experiences colder winters, with minimum temperatures reaching -12°C (10°F) in January, while also enjoying hot summers that peak at 31°C (88°F) in July. Frederiksberg similarly faces chilly winters, dropping to -13°C (9°F) in February, but can also warm up to 31°C (88°F) in August. For more details, check out the monthly temperatures in Marielyst, Roskilde, and Frederiksberg through the provided links: monthly temperatures in Marielyst, monthly temperatures in Roskilde, and monthly temperatures in Frederiksberg.

Precipitation Patterns in Zealand

Precipitation in Zealand, Denmark, displays a notable seasonal rhythm, with an annual distribution that highlights both wet and dry periods. The winter months of January and February receive moderate rainfall, averaging 53 mm (2.1 in) and 48 mm (1.9 in) respectively, with around 10 to 11 days of precipitation each month. As spring arrives, March sees an uptick to 61 mm (2.4 in), while April dips to 37 mm (1.5 in). May levels out again with 53 mm (2.1 in), thus keeping the region adequately moist for burgeoning plant life during this transitional season.

The summer months bring a significant increase in precipitation, with July recording 76 mm (3.0 in) and August peaking at 85 mm (3.3 in), often accompanied by 12 to 13 rainy days each month. This trend continues into the fall, as September and October follow suit with 72 mm (2.8 in) and 87 mm (3.4 in) of rainfall, respectively, and October represents the month with the highest precipitation days at 15. Overall, December concludes the year with 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain over approximately 13 days, reflecting the region's maritime climate and underscoring the importance of adequate moisture throughout the seasons.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Zealand, Denmark

The average monthly precipitation in Zealand, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec534861375351768572874863
Data source: Zealand precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

Sunshine Duration in Zealand

Sunshine duration in Zealand, Denmark, exhibits a clear seasonal pattern that reflects the region's shifting atmospheric conditions. The year begins with relatively low sunshine hours, with January receiving just 100 hours of sunlight, which gradually increases through February to 189 hours. As spring approaches, there is a pronounced increase, peaking in April at 374 hours and continuing to rise through May, ultimately reaching 428 hours. This upward trend indicates a budding excitement in the atmosphere, as longer days and more sunlight herald the awakening of nature after the winter months.

The summer months showcase the zenith of sunshine hours, with both June and July offering nearly equal durations of 449 hours and 448 hours, respectively, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities and significant ecological fuelling for the region. However, as summer transitions into fall, sunlight begins to wane significantly; August sees a decline to 406 hours, followed by 322 hours in September. By October, the hours plummet to 250, continuing into the quieter months of late fall and winter, where November and December fetch just 153 and 117 hours. This seasonal cycle not only highlights the lush luminosity of spring and summer but also serves as a reminder of the stark contrast presented by the colder, darker months ahead.

Monthly Sunshine in Zealand, Denmark

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Zealand receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec100h189h262h374h428h449h448h406h322h250h153h117h
Data source: Zealand sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Zealand UV Index Trends

The UV Index in Zealand, Denmark, exhibits distinct seasonal variations that reflect the changing intensity of sunlight throughout the year. Beginning in the depths of winter, January and December register a low UV Index of 1, allowing for prolonged outdoor exposure without significant risk of sunburn, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As winter fades, February sees a slight increase to 2, and by March, the UV Index reaches 3, marking the start of moderate exposure levels with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. This gradual rise continues into spring, culminating in April with a UV Index of 5—indicative of moderate exposure—before summer months take center stage.

The peak UV Index occurs in the summer, with June soaring to a very high level of 8, significantly reducing the safe exposure time to just 15 minutes, while July and August maintain a high UV Index of 7 and 6, respectively, each allowing for 25 minutes of burn time. As autumn sets in, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping back to 5 in September and further reducing to 3 in October—both classified as moderate. The cooler months of November and December once again yield low levels, mirroring the winter months with UV Index values of 2 and 1, highlighting the importance of seasonal awareness for sun protection when engaging in outdoor activities.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Zealand, Denmark

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Zealand. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123568765321
Data source: Zealand UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Zealand

Daylight duration in Zealand, Denmark, showcases a striking seasonal contrast that reflects the changing angle of the sun throughout the year. Beginning with the winter months, January and December are characterized by limited daylight, each offering just 7 hours. As February arrives, daylight gradually increases to 9 hours, and March follows suit with 11 hours, signaling the approach of spring. By April, daylight extends to a revitalizing 14 hours, with May reaching its peak at 16 hours, allowing for ample time to bask in the warmth and light as nature comes into full bloom.

The height of summer brings about the most daylight, with June providing an impressive 17 hours of sunshine, enhancing outdoor activities and vibrant community life. Although daylight begins to decline slightly in July back to 16 hours, it remains generous compared to other times of the year. The gradual transition into autumn sees daylight reduce to 14 hours in August, before dipping to 12 hours in September. As the year closes, October delivers 10 hours, and November returns to 8 hours, ultimately leading back to the winter cycle with 7 hours of daylight in December. This rhythmic pattern underscores the natural cycle of light and dark, influencing both the ecosystem and inhabitants of Zealand throughout the seasons.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Zealand, Denmark

This chart shows the total daylight hours Zealand receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec467h578h713h850h973h1039h1003h892h759h623h498h430h
Data source: Zealand daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Zealand's Popular Destinations

Frederiksberg, Denmark experiences a temperate climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures hovering around 3°C (37°F) and lows reaching as low as -13°C (9°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in July and August at around 18°C (64°F) to 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with July and August receiving the highest rainfall, averaging 81 mm (3.2 in) and 87 mm (3.4 in), respectively. For more details on the climate, visit Frederiksberg climate.

Kalundborg, Denmark experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. January sees temperatures ranging from -4°C to 10°C, while July can reach up to 25°C. Precipitation is fairly distributed throughout the year, peaking in October at 107 mm. Sunshine hours are greatest in the summer months, with July averaging 446 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kalundborg climate.

Lejre, Denmark experiences a temperate climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -11°C (12°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), while July sees much warmer conditions, with highs reaching up to 31°C (88°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in July and August with around 85 mm (3.4 in) of rainfall each. The sunniest months are typically May and June, boasting over 400 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Lejre climate.

The climate in Marielyst, Denmark, varies significantly throughout the year. Winters are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -6°C (21°F) in March to 3°C (38°F) in January, and precipitation is relatively high, peaking at 99 mm (3.9 in) in October. Summers are mild, with average highs reaching 18°C (65°F) in July and August, complemented by ample sunshine, particularly in May and June with over 400 hours each. Rainfall is most frequent in late summer and early autumn, with August recording 84 mm (3.3 in). For more detailed information, visit Marielyst climate.

The climate in Roskilde, Denmark, features a range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging around 3°C (37°F) and July peaking at 18°C (64°F). The city experiences moderate precipitation, with July and August being particularly wet, recording up to 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain. Sunshine is abundant in the summer months, with June offering the highest hours at 453, while winter sees significantly less sunlight, with January providing only 96 hours. For more details, visit Roskilde climate.

Vordingborg, Denmark experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 3°C (38°F) and occasional dips to -7°C (19°F). Summer brings milder weather, peaking in July with averages of 18°C (65°F) to 27°C (81°F) and plenty of sunshine, offering approximately 450 hours in June. Precipitation is relatively moderate, with the wettest month being October, receiving around 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain. For more detailed information, visit Vordingborg climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the climate and environmental data of Zealand, Denmark, reveal a rich tapestry of seasonal changes that profoundly affect the region's weather patterns, sunshine duration, UV exposure, and daylight hours. From the frigid, low-light months of winter to the vibrant, sun-drenched days of summer, these fluctuations play a crucial role in shaping both the natural ecosystems and the daily lives of residents. Understanding these climatic trends not only fosters a greater appreciation for the region's unique environment but also highlights the importance of seasonal awareness for outdoor activities and health, particularly regarding sun exposure and weather-related impacts. With each passing season, Zealand continues to offer diverse experiences, driven by its dynamic climate landscape.

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