2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Cologne — December

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

☔ Climate Overview

December is a wet time to visit Cologne. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 7°C during the day. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. With only around 8 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

5.6
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

7°C

Avg Low

3°C

Rainy days

16days

Daylight

8h

Feels like 4°C / 0°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

106mm

Sunshine

2.7h/day

Humidity

87%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

0.8

Low
Wind

19 km/h (gusts 37)

Is December a good time to visit Cologne?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

08:29

Sunset

16:27

8h daylight

Visiting Cologne in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Limited sunshine — expect overcast skies
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎉
Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets)
Late November–December 23 Festival

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Cologne Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 6°C 2°C 15d (111mm) 3.4h
86% Very Humid
1.1 Low
Wet
Feb 9°C 3°C 15d (101mm) 5h
80% Very Humid
2.2 Moderate
Wet
Mar 12°C 4°C 12d (69mm) 7.6h
71% Humid
4.3 Moderate
Good
Apr 15°C 6°C 11d (64mm) 9.5h
68% Humid
6.4 High
Good
May 19°C 9°C 12d (79mm) 10.9h
68% Humid
7.5 Very High
Excellent
Jun 24°C 14°C 9d (66mm) 12h
67% Humid
8.3 Very High
Excellent
Jul 24°C 15°C 13d (99mm) 11h
69% Humid
7.2 Very High
Excellent
Aug 25°C 15°C 12d (77mm) 10.4h
70% Humid
6.6 High
Excellent
Sep 21°C 12°C 12d (79mm) 8.7h
76% Humid
4.8 Moderate
Excellent
Oct 16°C 10°C 15d (101mm) 5.5h
84% Very Humid
2.5 Moderate
Wet
Nov 10°C 5°C 15d (85mm) 4.4h
86% Very Humid
1.4 Low
Wet
Dec Current 7°C 3°C 16d (106mm) 2.7h
87% Very Humid
0.8 Low
Wet

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Your Best MonthOctScore: 6.2
1.Oct
6.22.Jan
5.83.Feb
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5.66.Jun
5.67.Dec
5.48.Jul
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5.210.Apr
5.111.May
4.312.Sep
4.3

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Cologne – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Cologne

Gothic cathedral on the Rhine with beer gardens and carnival traditions. Discover Cologne Cathedral.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Cologne?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Cologne?
December is typically wet for visiting Cologne, with average highs of 7°C and around 16 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Cologne in December?
Yes, nights in Cologne during December are cold, averaging 3°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Cologne in December?
With highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Cologne in December?
Cologne typically sees around 16 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Cologne in December?
In December, Cologne gets approximately 8 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Cologne?
No, December is not peak season in Cologne. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Berlin)

Last Updated: February 2026

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