What May feels like in Cologne
Late spring arrives in Cologne with May. The middle of the day is pleasantly mild. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cool. Humidity is on the high side, but mild temperatures keep it comfortable.
Rain in Cologne in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Wet days average about 6.1 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Cologne's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Cologne gets 15 h 29 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:44 am to sunset near 9:13 pm. Days are getting longer: 1 h 43 min more daylight than in mid-April. About 70% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in Cologne. Afternoons run 3.7°C (6.7°F) warmer than in April, with 22 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. June averages a high of 22.2°C (72°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
Tips for visiting Cologne in May
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Cologne in May?
Expect around 18.6°C (65.5°F) in the afternoon and 9.5°C (49.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in Cologne in May?
It does: about 12 rainy days bring roughly 73 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Cologne in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting Cologne?
June, narrowly: it ranks #3 of 12 among Cologne's months, against #4 for the other. June is warmer.