What December feels like in Cologne
December is early winter in Cologne. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Cologne in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 5.8 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 6 mm per wet day. December is Cologne's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 8:28 am and sunset at about 4:26 pm (local time) — 7 h 58 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 2 min less daylight than mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 40% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Cologne. Afternoons run 3.2°C (5.8°F) cooler than in November, with 11 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. The next month's average high: 5.5°C (41.9°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Cologne in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Cologne in December?
Afternoons average 6.7°C (44.1°F) and nights about 2.2°C (36°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Cologne in December?
Quite a lot — 93 mm spread over about 16 days.
What should I wear in Cologne in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Cologne?
January, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Cologne's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.