Cologne Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Cologne. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Generally, Cologne receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 955 mm annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The amount of precipitation varies moderately throughout the year. The wettest month, December, sees around 99 mm of rainfall, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of rain now and then. The driest month, April, still receives a respectable 58 mm of rainfall.

December, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 7°C. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 16°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Cologne Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Germany

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Germany. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Cologne’s average annual precipitation is 955 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
• Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

For more detailed information about Cologne’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Cologne Climate page.