2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Cologne — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Cologne. Warm weather with highs of 19°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

6.1
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

19°C

Avg Low

9°C

Rainy days

12days

Daylight

15.5h

Rainfall

79mm

Sunshine

10.9h/day

Humidity

68%

Humid
Sun Strength

7.5

Very High
Wind

17 km/h (gusts 35)

Is May a good time to visit Cologne?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:44

Sunset

21:15

15.5h daylight

Visiting Cologne in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 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 Current 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 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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5.85.Mar
5.66.Jun
5.67.Dec
5.48.Jul
5.29.Aug
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 May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Very Busy

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

Planning a trip to Cologne?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Cologne?
May is typically excellent for visiting Cologne, with average highs of 19°C and around 12 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 May?
Nights in Cologne during May are cool at around 9°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Cologne in May?
With highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C in May, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Comfortable walking 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 May?
Cologne typically sees around 12 rainy days in May. 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 May?
In May, Cologne gets approximately 15.5 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 May peak season in Cologne?
Yes, May is peak season in Cologne. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

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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