Around 15 per cent of Munich schools reported overheating problems this year, city says

Around 15 per cent of Munich's schools reported problems with high indoor temperatures to the city's Department of Education and Sport in 2026, according to the city's head of schools, Florian Kraus. He was answering a question submitted on 23 June 2026 by city councillors Dirk Höpner, Tobias Ruff, Kathrin Schäfer and Johann Sauerer of the ÖDP/BK/ML group about heat protection in schools during long hot spells. He said the figure is an estimate, because schools sent their reports in different forms and to different offices.

The city has no comprehensive data on actual temperatures in Munich classrooms during the 2025 and 2026 heatwaves. Schools write their own heat protection plans, and the department believes most of the city's schools are still working on them. Schools also decide for themselves how to adjust lessons in hot weather, so the department usually does not know about these changes. However, a survey of vocational schools found that most of them made changes in 2026 where they could. These included moving classes to other rooms, shortening lessons, rescheduling exams and holding more demanding lessons early in the morning. Reports from some schools show that lessons were also moved outdoors, into green classrooms or shaded areas on or near school grounds.

Of the defects reported in 2026 for blinds, roller shutters and sun protection systems, 29 are still being dealt with. There are currently no open defect reports for ventilation systems relating to heat protection. Repairs are commissioned promptly, but the time they take depends on the damage, usually ranging from a few days to a few months. Shading can now be added to listed buildings in some cases. Fabric awnings have been fitted, in agreement with the heritage authorities, to the old building of the grammar school at Luisenstraße 7 and to the foreign languages institute at Amalienstraße 36. There is no full count of cases where heritage rules prevent shading.

Between 2024 and the first half of 2026, the city's Building Department installed additional shading at around 45 schools, using parasols with ground sockets, sun sails or awnings. Schools in existing buildings can request outdoor shading directly from the maintenance service. Staff then visit the site to check whether it is technically possible, taking account of fire brigade access routes and similar requirements.

As an immediate measure, more planting will be added to playgrounds at several schools in the city centre later in 2026. Trees will also be planted where conditions allow, to create cool, naturally shaded areas in the medium term. When schools are newly built or refurbished, playgrounds are planted extensively with greenery and large trees. Current plans also include green classrooms, school gardens and water play areas at primary schools, as well as parasols and sun sails over play areas.