Weather in Cologne

Get the latest weather information for Cologne. In this section, you will find up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and clear weather charts to help you plan your time in the city.

The climate in Cologne can be characterised as temperate maritime, with a noticeable Atlantic influence. This means there are no sharp temperature changes, and the weather is generally mild throughout the year. The average annual temperature fluctuates, providing distinct seasonal changes, but without extreme heat or severe frosts.

Cologne has four clearly defined seasons. Winters are generally cool and damp, with an average temperature of around 3-5°C in January and December, and frequent cloudy days. Spring brings gradual warming, with an increase in sunny days by May. Summer in Cologne is warm and pleasant; average temperatures in July and August reach nearly 20°C, while maximums can rise to 23-24°C. Autumn is characterised by gradual cooling and increased rainfall, especially in October and November.

A specific feature of Cologne's climate is the relatively high number of days with precipitation throughout the year, even if the total rainfall in millimetres is not high. This means that light rain or drizzle can accompany you in any season, so having an umbrella or raincoat will be useful. The highest number of rainy days occurs during the winter months, especially December and January, as well as in August and October.

The temperature pattern in Cologne demonstrates a moderate character throughout the year, without sharp extremes. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature holds around 3.9°C, and minimum night-time temperatures can drop to 1.7°C, while daytime highs rarely exceed 6.0°C. Gradual warming begins in spring, and by May, the average temperature reaches a comfortable 13.8°C. The warmest months are July and August, with average temperatures of 19.3°C and 19.7°C respectively. In August, daytime highs can reach 24.2°C, making it the hottest period of the year.

The summer months in Cologne, from June to August, are characterised by pleasantly warm weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 23.1°C in June to 24.2°C in August, while night-time temperatures drop to 13.7°C - 15.3°C. This creates comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Winter, covering December, January, and February, brings coolness, but severe frosts are not typical for Cologne. Average temperatures in the winter months vary from 3.9°C to 5.3°C, and night-time minimums rarely drop significantly below 1.7°C - 2.9°C. Daytime highs in winter are usually in the range of 6.0°C - 8.4°C.

Temperature fluctuations between day and night are most noticeable in the spring and summer months. For example, in May, the difference between the average maximum (18.6°C) and average minimum (9.1°C) temperature is about 9.5°C, and in June and July, this difference also approaches 9°C. In winter, diurnal fluctuations are less pronounced: in January, the difference between the daily high and nightly low is about 4.3°C, and in December – about 4°C. This means that even in the warm seasons, evenings can be quite cool, and a light jacket or sweater will not go amiss.

In Cologne, precipitation falls throughout the year, and the city does not have a distinctly dry season or a season of torrential rains, judging by the total volume of rainfall. Monthly precipitation is quite stable and low, fluctuating mainly between 2 to 4 mm. This means that heavy downpours are an infrequent phenomenon here, and precipitation generally takes the form of light or moderate rain, as well as drizzle.

Despite the small total amount in millimetres, the frequency of days with precipitation in Cologne can be significant. The highest number of "wet" days falls in the winter months: December leads with 19 days of precipitation, followed by January with 18 days. There is also quite a lot of precipitation (in terms of days) in October (16 days) and August (15 days). The "driest" month by precipitation frequency is June, which averages about 11 rainy days. Spring months, such as April and March, are also relatively less rainy in frequency, with 12 and 15 days respectively, although the total rainfall in March (2 mm) is one of the lowest.

The nature of precipitation in Cologne is predominantly rain. In summer, these can be short, refreshing showers, while in the autumn-winter period, it is often prolonged drizzle or light rain. Given the winter temperatures, especially in January (average temperature 3.9°C, minimum 1.7°C) and December (average 4.9°C, minimum 2.9°C), precipitation in these months can sometimes fall as sleet or snow, although the data provided indicates total precipitation in liquid equivalent. Thus, when planning a trip, it is worth being prepared for the likelihood of precipitation in any season, especially in the winter and autumn months.

When planning a trip to Cologne, it is important to consider its temperate climate with frequent precipitation throughout the year. An indispensable companion on your journey will be an umbrella or a light raincoat, as even with a small total amount of rainfall, "wet" days are not uncommon here. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are another mandatory item, as Cologne is perfect for long walks. The principle of layering in clothing will be your best friend, allowing you to easily adapt to weather changes throughout the day, which can be quite changeable.

For the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months, choose clothes that are easy to combine: t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, sweaters or fleece jackets, as well as a mid-season jacket (preferably windproof and waterproof). In summer (June-August), the weather in Cologne is usually warm, so light trousers, shorts, t-shirts, and dresses are suitable. However, even in the warmest months, when the average temperature reaches nearly 20°C, evenings can be cool, so a light jacket, cardigan, or jumper will come in handy. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for sunny days.

In winter (December-February), it is cool in Cologne, with average temperatures ranging from 3.9°C to 5.3°C, and precipitation is frequent. During this period, you will need a warm winter jacket or coat, a hat, scarf, gloves, and warm, waterproof boots. Warm sweaters, thermal underwear, and thick trousers will help you feel comfortable while walking around the city. Given the large number of days with precipitation, especially in December and January, waterproof outerwear and footwear will be particularly relevant.