Cologne, Germany Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Cologne
Located in Germany, Cologne experiences a oceanic climate with mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. Afternoon temperatures peak near 76°F (25°C) in August and dip to about 43°F (6°C) in January, with around 36.0 inches (915 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 76°F (25°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 43°F (6°C)
- Record high: 102°F (39°C) · Record low: 15°F (-10°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (16 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (11.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: oceanic - mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall
- Snow: about 6 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 76°F (25°C) and overnight lows stay near 60°F (16°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows around 34°F (1°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 102°F (39°C) and dropped as low as 15°F (-10°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain over 16 days, while April is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.3 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 6 days in a typical year, mostly from December through March.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43° | 34° | 16 | 3.5 in | 3.7 h/day | 85% |
| February | 47° | 35° | 13 | 2.8 in | 5.5 h/day | 79% |
| March | 52° | 37° | 14 | 3.1 in | 7.2 h/day | 76% |
| April | 58° | 41° | 12 | 2.2 in | 9.5 h/day | 71% |
| May | 66° | 49° | 12 | 2.6 in | 11.0 h/day | 71% |
| June | 74° | 57° | 12 | 3.2 in | 11.3 h/day | 69% |
| July | 76° | 59° | 12 | 3.5 in | 11.3 h/day | 68% |
| August | 76° | 60° | 12 | 2.8 in | 10.6 h/day | 70% |
| September | 69° | 54° | 10 | 3.0 in | 9.2 h/day | 74% |
| October | 60° | 48° | 13 | 2.7 in | 5.9 h/day | 81% |
| November | 50° | 41° | 15 | 3.3 in | 4.5 h/day | 85% |
| December | 46° | 37° | 17 | 3.4 in | 3.1 h/day | 86% |
Cologne month by month
Cologne weather in January
January brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 16 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Cologne.
Cologne weather in February
February brings highs around 47°F (8°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Cologne weather in March
March brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 14 wet days.
Cologne weather in April
April brings highs around 58°F (15°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 12 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Cologne.
Cologne weather in May
May brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), about 12 wet days.
Cologne weather in June
June brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 12 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Cologne.
Cologne weather in July
July brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 12 wet days.
Cologne weather in August
August brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 12 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Cologne.
Cologne weather in September
September brings highs around 69°F (21°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 10 wet days.
Cologne weather in October
October brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 13 wet days.
Cologne weather in November
November brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 15 wet days.
Cologne weather in December
December brings highs around 46°F (8°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 17 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Seasons in Cologne
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Cologne stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 59°F (15°C) and nights around 42°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Cologne is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 75°F (24°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 36 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Cologne stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 60°F (16°C) and nights around 48°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Cologne runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 45°F (7°C) and nights around 36°F (2°C); expect showers on roughly 46 days across the season, plus around 4 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Cologne?
Is Cologne hot in summer?
Is Cologne cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Cologne get in a year?
Best time to visit Cologne
The best time to visit Cologne is generally April to September, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 70°F (21°C).
Pack for Cologne with a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 60°F (16°C).
Cologne temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.