Comprehensive lightning statistics are presented for a large, contiguous domain covering several European countries such as France, Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Spatio-temporal variability of convective activity is investigated based on a 14-year time series (2001–2014) of lightning data. Based on the binary variable thunderstorm day, the mean spatial patterns of lightning activity and regional peculiarities regarding seasonality are discussed. Diurnal cycles are compared among several regions and evaluated with respect to major seasonal changes. Further analyzes are performed regarding interannual variability and the impact of teleconnection patterns on convection. <br><br> Mean convective activity across central Europe is characterized by a strong northwest-to-southeast gradient with pronounced secondary features superimposed. The zone of maximum values of thunderstorm days propagates southwestward along the southern Alpine range from April to July. Diurnal cycles vary substantially both between different months and regions, particularly regarding the incidence of nighttime lightning. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is shown to have a significant impact on convective activity in several regions, pointing to a crucial role of large-scale flow in steering spatio-temporal patterns of convective activity.