Heat record at the start of the Oktoberfest: a million celebrate in Munich!
The 190th Oktoberfest in Munich starts on September 20th, 2025 at temperatures of 31 degrees, with records in visitors and emergencies.

Heat record at the start of the Oktoberfest: a million celebrate in Munich!
The 190th Oktoberfest in Munich began on September 20, 2025 with an extremely hot start. At record temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius, the party-loving guests experienced a party that will go down in history right from the start. These temperatures are the highest ever recorded at the start of the Oktoberfest, since 1993. As Blick reports, around a million visitors celebrated on the Theresienwiese on the first weekend.
However, the extreme heat also brought challenges. Demand for non-alcoholic drinks in particular exploded. Some hosts struggled to provide enough water. Drinking fountains were in high demand, with ten free drinking water locations set up to supply thirsty revelers. The medical service had its hands full with a record 910 patients on the first day of the Oktoberfest. Common complaints were circulatory problems. It is hardly surprising that the Aich ambulance had to record several serious operations in the first few hours, including a tragic resuscitation, according to Merkur.
Tradition meets heat records
The traditional costume parade took place on Sunday under bright sunshine. Munich's mayor Dieter Reiter had to struggle with the heat when tapping the first barrel, but gave it his all to the delight of the numerous spectators. Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder also took the opportunity to emphasize the joy of life and relaxation that Oktoberfest brings with it. Among the prominent guests on the first day of the festival were Chancellor Friedrich Merz and pop star Jürgen Drews, who described himself as an “anti-alcoholic” and did not want to drink beer.
The security situation was also an issue. The police have had to deal with several incidents, including an incident involving a tourist who gave the Nazi salute and several cases of sexual harassment. While sales of roasted almonds and chocolate fruits were rather weak due to the heat, the fast-paced attractions enjoyed great popularity.
A look into history
The historical roots of Oktoberfest go back to 1810, when a large horse race was held for the wedding of Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Andreas Michael Dall’Armi, a civilian officer, made the suggestion that gave the festival its name: the “Theresienwiese,” today known as the Wiesn. Over the years, Oktoberfest has continued to develop and today attracts between six and seven million visitors annually, as Okoberfest.de highlights.
With the success of the festival, a high number of visitors is expected again in the coming days, even if the weather forecast for the second day of the Oktoberfest is not quite as hot with temperatures around 27 degrees and possibly light rain. The typically Bavarian joy of life, which is so closely linked to the Oktoberfest, remains unbroken, and the hope of an Oktoberfest hit like “Wackelkontakt” by Beni Hafner alias Oimara hovers over the festival.