Köln Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Köln’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Germany.
Monthly Temperature Averages
The weather in Köln experiences significant differences between warm and cold seasons, with big shifts in temperature. On average, maximum daytime temperatures range from a warm 25°C in July to a cold 6°C in January. Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages reaching 1°C in January.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Köln by month:
The minimum temperature is often recorded between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the highest temperature is usually reached at 3 PM. During this time the sun's heating effect is the strongest. July, the city’s warmest month receives 209 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
January, the city’s coldest month, receives about 88 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 18 days. For more information, please visit our Köln Precipitation page.
Annual Temperatures in Germany Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across Germany. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
Köln Temperatures Compared World Wide
Köln’s average annual maximum temperature is 16°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, stands out with its warm Mediterranean climate and an average annual temperature of 23°C.
In contrast, in Zermatt, Switzerland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 4°C, with mild summers and very cold winters.
Boston, USA, experiences seasonal shifts similar to New York, with an average annual temperature of 16°C.
In Brisbane, Australia, the average annual temperature is 26°C, making it warmer than Sydney.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Sea vs. Land Temperatures
The influence of nearby oceans or large water bodies significantly affects local temperatures:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions tend to have more stable temperatures, as large bodies of water absorb and release heat slowly. This often results in milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland areas.
- Continental Climates: Landmasses well away from large bodies of water tend to show greater extremes in temperature, having hotter summers and colder winters because of the absence of water as a moderating influence.
For more detailed information about Köln’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Köln climate page.
Current temperature in Köln
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