Carnival Weather 2026: Rain and Storms Threaten the “Crazy Days”
Düsseldorf, 10 February 2026 – As the Rhineland and southern Germany dive into the peak of the 2026 Carnival season, the festive mood is facing a significant challenge from the heavens. Following a weekend that offered brief glimpses of spring-like sunshine in some regions, a series of Atlantic low-pressure systems is now moving in, bringing unstable conditions for the upcoming street parades.
Current Outlook: A Wet Climax to the Session
The weather situation for the remainder of the Carnival week remains volatile. Meteorologists are tracking a shift from the southwest that is increasingly bringing rain across Germany. While the previous weekend saw “Kaiserwetter” (magnificent weather) in places like Liechtenstein and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia—where the Kervenheim parade enjoyed spring-like temperatures on Saturday, 7 February—the forecast for the core days is turning “uncomfortable.”
The Forecast for the High Days
- Shrove Tuesday (10 February): Rain is beginning to push in from the southwest. While some areas remain dry during the day, the cloud cover is thickening significantly.
- Ash Wednesday (11 February): Widespread and occasionally heavy rain is expected. Experts warn of a “precarious weather situation” as rain may fall on cold ground in some northern regions, leading to localized slipperiness.
- Late Week Outlook: The trend suggests a continuation of the “March Winter” influence, with temperatures remaining chilly and a persistent risk of frost during the nights.
Storm “Marta” and Regional Warnings
International weather patterns are currently dominated by Storm “Marta,” which has caused severe flooding and landslide risks in Portugal and Spain. While the direct impact on Germany is limited, the associated moisture is contributing to the damp conditions across the Saarland and the Rhineland. In the Saarland, revellers are advised to prepare for “lots of rain and little sun” for the remaining Fastnacht events.
Historical Weather Data: 11 November (Session Start) in Düsseldorf
To understand the variability of Carnival weather, a look at the historical data for the session opening (11.11.) in Düsseldorf provides context for the current 2025/2026 session:
| Year | Temperature Range (°C) | Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 9.2 – 13.2 | 0.0 |
| 2019 | 2.5 – 8.4 | 0.2 |
Safety Advice for Parade Participants
Due to the predicted rainfall and gusty winds, several event organisers have issued updates. In Nuremberg, child carnival events are subject to cancellation in the event of “very poor weather.” In Kornelimünster, the open-air sessions are planned to proceed “regardless of sun, rain, or snow,” but participants are urged to wear waterproof layers beneath their costumes.
Key Tips for Jecken:
- Layering: With temperatures fluctuating between 8 and 12 degrees in the west, thermal underwear is essential.
- Footwear: Expect muddy conditions near parade routes; waterproof boots are recommended over traditional costume shoes.
- Glättegefahr: The German Weather Service (DWD) has warned of increased slipperiness due to freezing rain in some central regions on Wednesday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the Rosenmontag parades be cancelled?
As of 10 February 2026, most major parades have already concluded. However, for those looking back at the weekend of 8-9 February, most events proceeded under cloudy but manageable conditions. Future events this week face higher rain risks.
Is there a chance of snow during Carnival 2026?
While the current “Crazy Days” are dominated by rain, the 42-day weather trend suggests a “March Winter” is approaching, which could bring snow and frost back to Germany later in the month.
What was the hottest Carnival on record in NRW?
While not during the winter Carnival, the all-time heat record for North Rhine-Westphalia stands at 38.8 degrees Celsius, though typical February temperatures for the region hover between 2 and 10 degrees.