Early winter · Weather & things to do
Cologne in December
Cologne cools off: highs slip to 42°F (5°C), from 49°F in November, with lows of 32°F (0°C) and about 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 42°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 32°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 3.0 in (77 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 43 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Cool days top out near 42°F (5°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights cool to an average low of 32°F (0°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.0 in (77 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 81%.
Only about 7 h 43 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 43 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 54/100 in November to 40/100.
- Our Cologne, Koblenz & Rüdesheim route is planned for Late Nov – Dec 23, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 42°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.0 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Cologne in December
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Markt der Engel
The angels' market on Neumarkt: white stalls under trees hung with thousands of star lights.
Heinzels Wintermärchen
Old-town market on the Alter Markt and Heumarkt themed on Cologne's Heinzelmännchen, with an ice rink on the Heumarkt.
Cologne Cathedral
Gothic cathedral with 157-metre twin spires and the gilded Shrine of the Three Kings behind the altar.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 42°F.
Schokoladenmuseum
Chocolate museum on a Rhine peninsula, with a working production line and a three-metre chocolate fountain.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Früh am Dom
Big traditional brewhouse beside the cathedral pouring Früh Kölsch, with hearty Rhineland plates.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 42°F.
Nearby in December
- Koblenz in December~49 mi · highs 41°F, 3.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Rüdesheim in December~79 mi · highs 40°F, 2.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Brussels in December~114 mi · highs 43°F, 3.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Amsterdam in December~132 mi · highs 44°F, 3.2 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cologne in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Cologne?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 42°F (5°C) and 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain.
How cold is Cologne in December?
Average highs are 42°F (5°C) and average lows 32°F (0°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cologne in December?
Some: about 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 31.1 in (791 mm).
What should I pack for Cologne in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 42°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.0 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in December
- Cologne, Koblenz & Rüdesheim Late Nov – Dec 23
Planning Cologne in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.