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Contents
- The climate of Cologne
- The best time to visit Cologne
- The worst time to visit Cologne
- Spring weather in Cologne
- Summer weather in Cologne
- Autumn weather in Cologne
- Winter weather in Cologne
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
The climate of Cologne
With a categorization in the Köppen climate classification as a Marine West Coast, Warm Summer (Cfb) climate, Cologne finds its place in the heart of Germany. The geographical location bestows Cologne with a climate that patrols mild to cool conditions, and encounters precipitation in every month of the year. The city, snuggled proximate to the Rhine River, experiences a mean annual high temperature that hovers around 15.1°C (59.2°F) and a low-temperature average of 6°C (42.8°F).
An examination of climate data delineates the general weather patterns in the city. The sun graces the city's sky for 5.32 hours per day on average, illuminating the city for relatively longer durations in the summer months. Daylight duration witnesses oscillations, with the shortest daylight of 8 hours per day in winter to a generous 16.4 hours per day in the heart of summer. Rainfall graces the city's landscapes quite evenly throughout all twelfth-parts of the year, with rainfall days oscillating modestly from 14 days to 18 days in a month. The rain gauge records, on average, 72.28 millimeters of precipitation each month.
A noteworthy weather pattern in Cologne is the uniformity in precipitation. Each month sees rainfall, with June recording the highest rainfall of 90.7 millimeters and April experiencing the least precipitation with 53.9 millimeters. As for temperature variations, July tends to run the warmest with an average high of 24.4°C (75.9°F), while January poses as the coldest month with a mean low of -0.6°C (30.9°F).
An examination of climate data delineates the general weather patterns in the city. The sun graces the city's sky for 5.32 hours per day on average, illuminating the city for relatively longer durations in the summer months. Daylight duration witnesses oscillations, with the shortest daylight of 8 hours per day in winter to a generous 16.4 hours per day in the heart of summer. Rainfall graces the city's landscapes quite evenly throughout all twelfth-parts of the year, with rainfall days oscillating modestly from 14 days to 18 days in a month. The rain gauge records, on average, 72.28 millimeters of precipitation each month.
A noteworthy weather pattern in Cologne is the uniformity in precipitation. Each month sees rainfall, with June recording the highest rainfall of 90.7 millimeters and April experiencing the least precipitation with 53.9 millimeters. As for temperature variations, July tends to run the warmest with an average high of 24.4°C (75.9°F), while January poses as the coldest month with a mean low of -0.6°C (30.9°F).
The best time to visit Cologne
Those who prefer benign weather conditions with moderate temperatures would find the months from May to September most appealing for their visit. The high temperature averages between 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), while the low temperature ranges from 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 13.2°C (55.8°F) in these months. Clear skies are frequent, with an average daily sunshine of nearly 5.9 hours. Accompanied with robust daylight hours ranging from 15.6 to 16.4 hours, this period simplifies outdoor excursions.
The worst time to visit Cologne
Cologne's weather argues against visitors considering a trip during the months of January and February. During this period, the city is frequently visited by a meager amount of sunlight, averaging 1.4 to 2.6 hours of sunshine per day. Temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point, with average high temperatures of 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 6.7°C (44.1°F) and low temperatures plunging as low as -0.6°C (30.9°F) to -0.7°C (30.7°F). The days are also shorter, with an average of 8 to 10 hours of daylight expected.
Spring weather in Cologne
Spring in Cologne unravels usually mild weather, with temperatures climbing gradually from 10.9°C (51.6°F) in March to 19.3°C (66.7°F) in May. The mercury in the night thermometer dances between 2°C (35.6°F) to 8.1°C (46.6°F). Precipitation is moderate, with rainfall ranging from 53.9 millimeters in April to 72.2 millimeters in May. Sunlight hours increase, brightening the city for 3.3 hours in March and up to 5.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Cologne
Summer carries Cologne into a realm of comfortable warmth. Average high temperatures during June, July, and August fluctuate between 21.9°C (71.4°F) and 24.4°C (75.9°F). Nightly temperatures rarely drop below 11°C (51.8°F). Rainfall stays high with the wettest month being June, receiving 90.7 millimeters. Sunny periods expand from 5.9 hours in June to a peak of 5.9 hours in July, followed by a slight decrease to 5.8 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Cologne
Autumn denotes a transition in Cologne's weather pattern with temperatures slipping from 19.8°C (67.6°F) in September to 9.5°C (49.1°F) in November during the day. Similarly, nighttime temperatures fall from 9.8°C (49.6°F) in September to 3.1°C (37.6°F) in November. The amount of sunshine decrements from 4.5 to 1.8 hours per day. Rainfall remains steady with a little over 70 millimeters per month through the season.
Winter weather in Cologne
Winter grips Cologne in its cold embrace as temperatures plummet. Daytime temperatures explore the realm from 5.9°C (42.6°F) in December to a chilly 5.4°C (41.7°F) in January. The nights witness thermometers dipping to freezing temperatures from 0.4°C (32.7°F) to -0.6°C (30.9°F). Sunshine is at its annual low, offering just 1.3 to 1.4 hours of brightness daily. The rainfall gauge sees a rise in readings as it captures between 67 millimeters and 71.1 millimeters of precipitation. Winter days are shortest, yielding only 8 to 9 hours of daylight.
Weather in January
The first month of the year in Cologne, Germany typically features chilly temperatures, resulting in a frosty landscape. Compared to December, the low temperature in January is slightly lower, dropping into negative territory at -0.6°C (30.9°F). Weather in January »
Weather in February
February carries on with the winter season, with lingering cold temperatures, yet gives a sneak peek of the bright days to come. The average high temperature increases slightly from 5.4°C (41.7°F) in January to 6.7°C (44.1°F) and daylight extends to a longer 10 hours. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March marks the start of the transitional season from winter to spring. Cologne welcomes a slight upswing in the weather as temperatures rise to an average high of 10.9°C (51.6°F). The days stretch, offering almost 12 hours of daylight, allowing more exploration time for city visitors. Weather in March »
Weather in April
In April, the vibe of spring permeates through every corner of Cologne. The month witnesses a swift jump in the average high temperature to 15.1°C (59.2°F), reflective of a pleasant weather boost. It is the beginning of the leisurely outdoor season, with city-dwelling locals and tourists flocking to bustling streets, cafes and parks. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May's arrival blankets Cologne in definitive warmth. The high temperature stretches to an average of 19.3°C (66.7°F), accompanied by a moderate rise in the number of daylight hours to 15.6. It emphasizes the warm welcome of summer in the city with abundant sunshine, but sees a significant upturn in the rainfall to 72mm (2.83"). Weather in May »
Weather in June
June ushers in summer's peak in Cologne, making it the brightest month with the year's longest daylight duration with 16.4 hours. Owing to the high temperature reaching up to 21.9°C (71.4°F), locals enjoy outdoor activities and tourists revel in city exploration. Weather in June »
Weather in July
The pinnacle of the summer season manifests in July where temperatures soar to the peak of 24.4°C (75.9°F). Cologne basks in delightful sunny hours fitting for outdoor attractions and leisurely strolls around its historic sites. Weather in July »
Weather in August
In August, summer slowly starts to lose its hold in Cologne. The highest average temperature slightly dips to 24°C (75.2°F), marking a subtle transition into the more comfortable climes of fall. However, the sun continues to shower its warm rays for 5.8 hours daily, and the 12.6°C (54.7°F) nighttime temperatures add to the charm of al fresco dining and evening walks. Weather in August »
Weather in September
Fall steps into Cologne in September with a noticeable shift in the weather. An average high temperature of 19.8°C (67.6°F) indicates the slow onset of cooler days. The arrival of autumn leaves paint the city in hues of warm gold, red and orange, a sight to behold. Weather in September »
Weather in October
As October rolls in, Cologne gets wrapped in the heart of fall. The temperature experiences a severe drop falling to an average high of just 15.1°C (59.2°F), signalling the stark departure from the warmth of summer. October's overcast sky showers the city in a serene ambiance, with the richly decorated autumn foliage adding a layer of charm. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in Cologne, is chilly month, with an average temperature varying between 3.1°C (37.6°F) and 9.5°C (49.1°F). As October shifts into November, a slight alteration in temperatures is observed, with average highs reducing from a mild 15.1°C (59.2°F) to a chilly 9.5°C (49.1°F). Weather in November »
Weather in December
Winter announces its arrival in full fervour in December with Cologne dropping to average high temperatures of just 5.9°C (42.6°F). The city decks up for Christmas, turning into a winter wonderland bedecked with lights and festivities, despite 71mm (2.8") of rainfall. Weather in December »
Frequently asked questions
What month is the coldest in Cologne?
Cologne's coldest temperatures are experienced in January, with average high temperatures of 5.4°C (41.7°F) and lows of -0.6°C (30.9°F).
How many days does it rain in Cologne?
In Cologne, during the entire year, the rain falls for 192 days and collects up to 839mm (33.03") of precipitation.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Cologne?
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
What is the driest month in Cologne?
The month with the least rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 16 days and typically collects 54mm (2.13") of precipitation.
What are the months with the most sunshine in Cologne?
May through July, with an average of 5.9h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.
What is the rainiest month in Cologne?
June is the month with the most rainfall in Cologne, Germany. Rain falls for 16 days and accumulates 91mm (3.58") of precipitation.
When are the longest days in Cologne?
June has the longest days of the year in Cologne, with an average of 16h and 30min of daylight.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Cologne?
The month with the highest UV index in Cologne, Germany, is June, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
What part of the year is the hottest in Cologne?
The warmest time of the year is July, with temperatures averaging a high of 24.4°C (75.9°F) and a low of 13.2°C (55.8°F).
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Cologne?
On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 03:00, Daylight Saving Time ends in Cologne, Germany, and the time zone changes from CEST to CET. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 30. March 2025, at 02:00, and the time zone reverts from CET to CEST.
What is the month with the shortest days in Cologne?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 0min of daylight.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Cologne?
December has the least sunshine of the year in Cologne, with an average of 1.3h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Cologne, Germany
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (24.4°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (5.4°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (13.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-0.7°C).
Average rainfall
Cologne, Germany
- Average rainfall in January:
62.1mm - Average rainfall in February:
54.2mm - Average rainfall in March:
64.6mm - Average rainfall in April:
53.9mm - Average rainfall in May:
72.2mm - Average rainfall in June:
90.7mm
- Average rainfall in July:
85.8mm - Average rainfall in August:
75mm - Average rainfall in September:
74.9mm - Average rainfall in October:
67.1mm - Average rainfall in November:
67mm - Average rainfall in December:
71.1mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (90.7mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (53.9mm).
Average rainfall days
Cologne, Germany
- Average rainfall days in January:
18 days - Average rainfall days in February:
14 days - Average rainfall days in March:
17 days - Average rainfall days in April:
16 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16 days - Average rainfall days in June:
16 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
15 days - Average rainfall days in August:
15 days - Average rainfall days in September:
15 days - Average rainfall days in October:
15 days - Average rainfall days in November:
17 days - Average rainfall days in December:
18 days
The months with the highest number of rainy days are January and December (18 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (14 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cologne, Germany
- Average daylight in January:
8h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
16h and 3min
- Average daylight in July:
16h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 3min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 0min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 0min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
1h and 2min - Average sunshine in February:
2h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
3h and 2min - Average sunshine in April:
5h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in June:
5h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in August:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
4h and 3min - Average sunshine in October:
3h and 2min - Average sunshine in November:
1h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
1h and 2min
The months with the most sunshine are May, June and July (Average sunshine: 5h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 1h and 18min).
Average UV index
Cologne, Germany
The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).
Cologne, Germany
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