What April feels like in Cologne
In Cologne, April brings mid-spring. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights are cold. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Cologne in April
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 5.1 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year Cologne averages about 6 mm per rainy day, so April is typical. April is Cologne's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in April
Mid-month, Cologne gets 13 h 46 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:39 am to sunset near 8:25 pm. Since mid-March the day has gained 1 h 59 min. Measured sunshine covers about 72% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
April is the 6th coolest month of the year in Cologne. Against March, the average high is 4.3°C (7.7°F) higher, with 19 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into May. By May, typical highs are 18.6°C (65.5°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Cologne in April
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Cologne in April?
Expect around 14.9°C (58.8°F) in the afternoon and 5.5°C (41.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Cologne in April?
Quite a lot — 51 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in Cologne in April?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is April or May better for visiting Cologne?
On our 12-month climate ranking, April comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #4). May is warmer and has more rainy days.