Best months
May, June, and July
Warmest month
July, 26°C
Wettest month
July, 85 mm
Cologne weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C / 2°C | 68 mm · 9 days | Cold |
| February | 8°C / 2°C | 55 mm · 7 days | Cold |
| March | 12°C / 4°C | 58 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| April | 17°C / 6°C | 41 mm · 5 days | Good |
| May | 20°C / 10°C | 68 mm · 7 days | Great |
| June | 24°C / 14°C | 69 mm · 7 days | Great |
| July | 26°C / 16°C | 85 mm · 8 days | Great |
| August | 25°C / 15°C | 85 mm · 8 days | Great |
| September | 22°C / 12°C | 54 mm · 6 days | Great |
| October | 16°C / 9°C | 59 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| November | 11°C / 5°C | 68 mm · 7 days | Cold |
| December | 8°C / 3°C | 76 mm · 10 days | Cold |
Cologne by season
Spring
Spring sees the city awaken with blooming flowers in the Rheinpark and outdoor cafes filling up. Temperatures are mild, perfect for exploring on foot.
- + Pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer
- + Outdoor seating returns to cafes
- + Easter markets in April
- − Can be unpredictable with rain
- − Not yet warm enough for Rhine swimming
Summer
Warm, long days with average highs around 24°C. The Rhine promenade and beer gardens are packed, and the city buzzes with festivals and open-air events.
- + Ideal for Rhine cruises and beer gardens
- + Christopher Street Day (Pride) in July
- + Outdoor cinema and festivals
- − Peak tourist season, can be crowded
- − Accommodation prices are highest
Autumn
Crisp air and golden leaves create a picturesque atmosphere. The summer crowds thin out, making it a great time for museum visits and cozy Brauhaus evenings.
- + Beautiful foliage, especially in Stadtgarten
- + Oktoberfest-style events (though not the real thing)
- + Cultural season begins
- − Days get shorter and rain increases
- − Can be chilly by November
Winter
Cold and often grey, but magically transformed by Germany's some of the best Christmas markets, with the cathedral as a stunning backdrop. Temperatures hover around 4°C.
- + Magical Christmas markets (end Nov-23 Dec)
- + Cozy Glühwein (mulled wine) and festive atmosphere
- + Fewer tourists post-Christmas
- − Very cold and short daylight hours
- − Some attractions have reduced hours
Cologne month by month
Cologne in January
ColdIn January, Cologne averages highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C, with about 9 rainy days and 68 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Cologne in February
ColdIn February, Cologne averages highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C, with about 7 rainy days and 55 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Cologne in March
FairIn March, Cologne averages highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C, with about 7 rainy days and 58 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Cologne in April
GoodIn April, Cologne averages highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C, with about 5 rainy days and 41 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Cologne in May
GreatIn May, Cologne averages highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C, with about 7 rainy days and 68 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Cologne in June
GreatIn June, Cologne averages highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C, with about 7 rainy days and 69 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Cologne in July
GreatIn July, Cologne averages highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C, with about 8 rainy days and 85 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Cologne in August
GreatIn August, Cologne averages highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C, with about 8 rainy days and 85 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Cologne in September
GreatIn September, Cologne averages highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C, with about 6 rainy days and 54 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Cologne in October
FairIn October, Cologne averages highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C, with about 7 rainy days and 59 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Cologne in November
ColdIn November, Cologne averages highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C, with about 7 rainy days and 68 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Cologne in December
ColdIn December, Cologne averages highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C, with about 10 rainy days and 76 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Top tours and experiences in Cologne
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
All things to do in Cologne →
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Plan your Cologne trip
Best time to visit Cologne: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Cologne?+
May is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 20°C. June and July are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Cologne?+
July is the wettest month, with about 85 mm of rain.
How hot does Cologne get?+
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 2°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the KOLN-STAMMHEIM weather station (6 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.