Cologne Weather in January
January in Cologne brings low temperatures, with daytime highs of 6°C (43°F) and nights around 1°C (34°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 88 mm (3.5 in), so pack an umbrella.
Rainfall in Cologne in January
Climate statistics over the past 30 years suggest around 18 days of rain, with 88 mm (3.5 in) average for the month. Expect plenty of grey, overcast days rather than intense storms. The rain rarely amounts to much on any given day.
Temperature in Cologne in January
Daytime temperatures in Cologne reach 6°C (43°F) in January, dropping to 1°C (34°F) at night. January is part of winter. The days stay cool from start to finish. Layering up well will make outdoor time much more comfortable. At 1°C (34°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year, making it a great time for cozying up indoors. Do make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.
Sunshine in Cologne in January
The city usually sees around 55 hours of sunlight, indicating fewer sunny days.January in Cologne can still be great, but if you prefer pleasant temperatures along with dry and sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
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 January
Min Temperature
1°C (34°F)
Max Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Chance of Rain
60%
Precipitation
88 mm (3.5 in)
Rainy days
18 days
Sunshine
55 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cologne typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 6°C (43°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 0°C (32°F).
Average temperatures in January
Historical weather for Cologne in January
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 January
Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Cologne.
- The warmest day in January was on January 5, 1999, with a maximum of 16°C (61°F).
Best Places in Germany in January
Find out more about the weather in Germany and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Germany in January →
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What to Wear in Cologne in January
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Cologne in January. 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 January
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.
