Cologne Weather in December
December in Cologne brings low temperatures around 7°C (45°F) during the day, dropping to 2°C (36°F) at night, with the most rainfall of the year.
Rainfall in Cologne in December
Prepare for the wettest month with an umbrella to protect yourself from frequent rain. Looking at the last 30 years, the data shows about 18 days with rain, averaging 99 mm (3.9 in) for the month. The rainfall pattern this month is fairly balanced. Showers tend to be moderate rather than extreme.
Temperature in Cologne in December
Daytime temperatures in Cologne reach 7°C (45°F) in December, dropping to 2°C (36°F) at night. December is a notable month of the winter season. The days stay cool from start to finish. Layering up well will make outdoor time much more comfortable. Nights fall to 2°C (36°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Cologne in December
This month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with about 45 hours of sunshine. It's great for those who appreciate cooler, less sunny days.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Cologne. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Germany, check out our Cologne's climate page.
Cologne Temperature in December
Min Temperature
2°C (36°F)
Max Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Chance of Rain
60%
Precipitation
99 mm (3.9 in)
Rainy days
18 days
Sunshine
45 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cologne typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 7°C (45°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 2°C (36°F).
Average temperatures in December
Historical weather for Cologne in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cologne spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cologne historical weather extremes in December
Based on 22 years of weather observations (2003-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Cologne.
- On December 31, 2022, temperatures climbed to 18°C (64°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- Cologne experienced its chilliest December day on December 19, 2009, reaching only -7°C (19°F).
- Cologne registered its coldest December night on December 19, 2009, with temperatures dropping to -15°C (5°F).
Best Places in Germany in December
Find out more about the weather in Germany and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Germany in December →
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What to Wear in Cologne in December
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Cologne in December. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.What To Do in Cologne in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Germany, check out our Cologne's climate page.
See the full Cologne climate overview or explore weather in Germany.
