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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.

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

Cologne Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Cologne - and find the best time to visit.

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 records 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 →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

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.

  • Swimming
    4/10
  • Cycling
    4/10
  • Walking
    4/10
  • Camping
    4/10
  • Outdoor sports
    4/10

Cologne 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Cologne

Popular in January

Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.