We are planning a Germany trip for next year. Not sure when we want to visit, late April/early May or early September. I’ve heard September can be more expensive & crowded due to Oktoberfest. When does Oktoberfest start? Is it better to go earlier September? Or in the spring? We would possibly fly into Munich & stay app 6 or 7 nts. to allow for a few day trips. Then train to Berlin for 2-3 days before flying home. Another option is pairing Munich & Vienna. Both Berlin & Vienna are a 4+ hr train trip from Munich. I’d personally rather go to Vienna than Berlin, but right now the other couple we travel with is pushing for Berlin. For reference I’ve been to Munich before on a tour & always said I would like to go back. So many little towns to explore by train.

I’d be interested in your thoughts on the best time to go and itinerary suggestions!

Oktoberfest is centered in Munich and is typically held the the last two weekends of September through, typically, the first weekend of October. Dates this year are 20 Sept through 5 October. For 2026: 19 Sept through 4 Oct.

But it is only in Munich. Prices will be higher in Munich but not necessarily in other parts of the country (i.e. Berlin or elsewhere). So, you can theoretically avoid these higher prices by avoiding Munich in/around Oktoberfest and deciding to go elsewhere, for instance.

As far as suggested itineraries, it really depends on what you want to see and accomplish in your time there to determine what cities of combo of that you want to see or do. Perhaps you can provide more info on what you and the other couple wish to do to better guide you. Also, consider perusing a guidebook or two for more ideas.

Bavarian school holidays go on to mid September so that, with Oktoberfest makes it an expensive time to go.
Spring you need to define more, weather will be more variable in spring, later spring the more chance of better weather but it is anybody's guess what it will be like.
I also think you should take a night or two from Munich for whichever other city you decide upon.

I prefer Germany in September weatherwise, but it depends a little where you want to go. Oktoberfest is not a big draw card for me but September is when the harvest happens and so you have seasonal specialities like Zwetschgendatschi (a kind of plum slice) or all the wine fests and local seasonal taverns. If you just avoid Munich and environs during those couple of weeks you will not get the crazy prices and lack of rooms. If you want suggestions of areas, Rhine/Mosel for wine areas, Harz for cute towns and not many tourists, Berlin for thought-provoking and historical, Hamburg / Bremen for North Sea flair.

May is sometimes a bit chilly but if you must see Munich or Bavaria then let it be May.

Lavandula

If you want to avoid Oktoberfest crowds and high prices, I’d suggest late April or early May. The weather is usually nice, flowers are blooming, and it's less busy. Plus, it's easier to find accommodations. If you’ve already been to Munich and prefer Vienna, maybe you can split the trip a few days in each. Both are great for day trips

I personally would chose Bavaria in September, in particular for the Almabtrieb. The events also occur in Salzburgerland, an easy connection from Munich. (I am easily distracted by cows. )

I'd prefer the Mosel Rhine regions in September, fewer crowds, more lovely etc etc