Cologne has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with mild winters and warm but not hot summers. Located in the Rhine Valley at just 37 meters above sea level, it’s one of Germany’s warmest cities. Annual rainfall averages 800mm (31.5 inches) distributed evenly throughout the year. Snow is infrequent in the city center, typically occurring 5-10 days per year with little accumulation. The Rhine River moderates temperatures and increases humidity. Cologne Cathedral’s weather station has recorded data since 1857.
Cologne Monthly Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity (%) | Sun Hours/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6 / 43 | 0 / 32 | 62 | 17 | 83 | 2 |
| February | 7 / 45 | 1 / 33 | 49 | 14 | 79 | 3 |
| March | 11 / 52 | 3 / 37 | 58 | 15 | 74 | 4 |
| April | 15 / 59 | 5 / 41 | 47 | 13 | 69 | 5 |
| May | 19 / 67 | 9 / 48 | 67 | 14 | 68 | 7 |
| June | 22 / 71 | 12 / 53 | 73 | 14 | 70 | 7 |
| July | 24 / 75 | 14 / 57 | 78 | 14 | 70 | 7 |
| August | 24 / 75 | 14 / 57 | 73 | 14 | 71 | 6 |
| September | 20 / 68 | 11 / 52 | 63 | 13 | 76 | 5 |
| October | 15 / 59 | 8 / 46 | 65 | 14 | 80 | 4 |
| November | 9 / 49 | 4 / 39 | 66 | 16 | 84 | 2 |
| December | 6 / 44 | 1 / 34 | 73 | 18 | 85 | 1 |
Winter Weather in Cologne (December to February)
Winters are gray and damp but not severely cold. Daytime highs average 6-7°C (43-45°F) with overnight lows hovering around 0-1°C (32-33°F). Subzero nights occur but extended freezes are rare. December is the darkest month with just 1 hour of daily sunshine on average and 18 rain days. January has 17 rain days but only 62mm total – the rain is persistent drizzle rather than heavy downpours.
Snow falls a few days per year but rarely accumulates in the city center. The Christmas markets (late November through December 23) operate regardless of weather, with heated outdoor stalls and glühwein providing warmth. Humidity sits at 83-85%, making the cold feel more penetrating than the thermometer suggests. A waterproof coat and layers are essential. See our best time to visit Cologne guide for Christmas market dates.
Spring Weather in Cologne (March to May)
Spring arrives slowly. March still averages 11°C (52°F) with 15 rain days. By May, temperatures reach a pleasant 19°C (67°F) with 7 hours of daily sun. April is the driest month of the year at 47mm over 13 days. The Rhine riverfront and city parks bloom with cherry blossoms in April. May is the sunniest month alongside June and July (7 hours/day).
Temperature swings are common: a 20°C (68°F) day in April can be followed by an 8°C (46°F) one. Pack layers including a warm mid-layer and a waterproof shell. The beer gardens begin opening in April, though they only get reliably busy from May onward. For detailed seasonal planning, see our best time to visit Cologne guide.
Summer Weather in Cologne (June to August)
Summers are warm but rarely hot. July and August average 24°C (75°F) highs and 14°C (57°F) lows. Heatwaves can push temperatures to 32-35°C (90-95°F) but they rarely last more than 3-4 days. July is the wettest month at 78mm over 14 rain days, frequently as afternoon thunderstorms. June and July share the sunniest title at 7 hours per day.
Humidity is moderate at 68-71%. The Rhine promenades fill with locals and visitors enjoying kölsch beer at outdoor cafes. Summer is festival season: the Cologne Lights (Kölner Lichter) fireworks display in July, the Christopher Street Day parade, and numerous open-air concerts. Our Cologne events and festivals guide has the summer calendar.
Autumn Weather in Cologne (September to November)
September retains summer warmth at 20°C (68°F) but with increasing rain (63mm, 13 days). October cools to 15°C (59°F) with 14 rain days. November is the transition to winter: 9°C (49°F), 16 rain days, and just 2 hours of daily sun. The autumn colors along the Rhine are at their peak in mid-to-late October.
November is the second-darkest month after December and the start of Carnival season (November 11 at 11:11 AM). Fog is common in the Rhine Valley during autumn mornings, occasionally delaying river traffic. Pack waterproof footwear: the rain is persistent and sidewalks stay wet. The things to do in Cologne guide suggests indoor attractions for rainy autumn days.
