Verdict: Tough month
Cologne Weather in December
December is properly cold in Cologne, with highs of only 7°C (45°F). It's also the wet side of the calendar: rain falls on about 17 days, so build flexibility into plans. If your dates are flexible, most travelers will have a better time in Cologne outside December.
Average high
7°C / 45°F
Average low
3°C / 37°F
Rain days
~17
Precipitation
95 mm
What to pack for Cologne in December
- A proper warm jacket, and a hat for mornings
- Rain gear is non-negotiable — expect rain on roughly 17 days
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
December against the rest of the year
Warmest in Cologne: Aug (25°C / 77°F) · Coolest: Jan (6°C / 43°F) · Wettest: Dec (~17 rain days)
6°
2°
Jan
10°
3°
Feb
12°
3°
Mar
14°
5°
Apr
19°
9°
May
23°
14°
Jun
24°
15°
Jul
25°
16°
Aug
21°
13°
Sep
17°
9°
Oct
11°
5°
Nov
7°
3°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)