Weather In Cologne: A Local's Guide To The Climate

Cologne, Germany is known for its cold winters and warm summers. In December, the average temperature is a chilly 3°C, with a mix of snow and rain. The weather in Cologne can vary, with some days experiencing light rain and drizzle, while others have sunny intervals and light winds. It is not uncommon to have a mix of snow and rain in the morning, followed by showers in the afternoon. The wind speed also varies, ranging from light to moderate breezes. The temperature in Cologne can feel as low as 3°C and as high as 13°C, depending on the time of day and other factors. So, if you're planning a trip to Cologne, make sure to pack accordingly!

Current weather in Cologne

The weather in Cologne, Germany, is currently partly sunny with a temperature of 41 °F. It is expected to be overcast for the rest of the day, with sprinkles of rain. The temperature will reach a high of 43 °F and a low of 40 °F. Winds will be light and variable, blowing at speeds of 5 to 10 mph from the south-southwest. There is a 60% chance of rain.

Extended Forecast

Tomorrow is expected to be cloudy with a high of 45 °F and a low of 42 °F. The following day will be similar, with a few clouds from time to time and a high of 46 °F. On the third day, the temperature will rise to a high of 47 °F, with a 30% chance of rain. The following days will see a mix of cloudy skies, light rain, and overcast conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between the mid to upper 30s and low 40s.

Regional Weather

The broader North Rhine-Westphalia region, which includes nearby cities such as Bonn, Düsseldorf, and Leverkusen, is also experiencing similar weather conditions.

10-day weather forecast

Thursday, 17 October

The day will start with a morning temperature of 15°C and patchy rain. In the afternoon, temperatures will reach 20°C with more patchy rain. In the evening, temperatures will drop to 16°C and the sky will be cloudy.

Friday, 18 October

The day will be partly cloudy with a high of 18°C. There will be mist in the morning and patchy rain in the evening.

Saturday, 19 October

A cloudy day with a high of 18°C.

Sunday, 20 October

A sunny day with a high of 19°C.

Monday, 21 October

The day will be overcast with a high of 18°C. There will be a light drizzle in the morning and patchy rain in the evening.

Tuesday, 22 October

A sunny day with a high of 15°C. The night will see light rain and there will be mist in the morning.

Wednesday, 23 October

Another sunny day with a high of 16°C. The morning will be cloudy.

Thursday, 24 October

A partly cloudy day with a high of 18°C. The night will be clear and the morning will be partly cloudy. There will be light rain showers in the evening.

Friday, 25 October

A light rain shower day with temperatures reaching a high of 15°C. There will be a light drizzle in the morning and light rain in the afternoon and evening.

Saturday, 26 October

A sunny day with a high of 12°C. There will be patchy rain in the morning.

Hour-by-hour weather

• 3:00 pm: Cloudy with a 60% chance of light rain. Temperatures will be around 43°F with winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
• 4:00 pm: Similar conditions to the previous hour will continue.
• 5:00 pm: Expect light rain and cloudy skies. Temperatures will be around 43°F with winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
• 6:00 pm: Conditions remain unchanged, with light rain and cloudy skies.
• 7:00 pm: In the evening, the temperature will drop to around 40°F. It will be cloudy with a 60% chance of light rain. Winds will be SE at 5 to 10 mph.
• 8:00 pm: Showers will continue, with cloudy skies and a 60% chance of rain.
• 9:00 pm: The temperature will remain at 40°F, and it will be partly cloudy with a 60% chance of light rain.
• 10:00 pm: Conditions will be similar, with a slight increase in wind speed.
• 11:00 pm: The night will be partly cloudy with a low temperature of 39°F. There may be some light rain early in the evening.

The weather in Cologne will continue to be unsettled over the next 24 hours, with cloudy skies and intermittent light rain. The temperature will remain relatively steady, with highs of 43°F and lows of 39°F. Make sure to dress warmly and carry an umbrella if you plan to be outdoors.

Air quality

Cologne's air pollution consists of various pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground-level ozone, and carbon monoxide. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on the health of residents, particularly those from sensitive groups, such as people with respiratory diseases like asthma.

The main sources of air pollution in Cologne are road traffic and lignite power stations on the city's outskirts. Vehicle traffic, especially diesel vehicles, has been identified as the major cause of nitrogen emissions in the city. To combat this, the Cologne city council has banned diesel vehicles from four main arterial roads. In addition, the city has implemented a clean air plan, including the purchase of more electric buses and the installation of electric charging stations.

Despite these efforts, air pollution in Cologne continues to be a problem. Historical data from the beginning of 2021 showed a period of "Moderate" air quality, with pollutant levels as follows: PM2.5 - 14 µg/m³, PM10 - 22 µg/m³, ozone (O3) - 46 µg/m³, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - 34 µg/m³. These levels can lead to health issues such as irritated mucous membranes, inflammation of the windpipe, and aggravated respiratory conditions.

To protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution, residents of Cologne are advised to stay away from pollution hotspots, close doors and windows to prevent the ingress of dirty air, and limit their time spent outdoors when pollution levels are high.

Weather warnings

For the next 10 days, the weather in Cologne is forecast to be mostly cloudy, with some light rain expected on several days. The temperature will range from highs of 45°F to lows of 35°F. While there may be some variations day-to-day, the overall pattern suggests persistent cloud cover with occasional rain.

Today: A warning for wind gusts is in effect. The day will be breezy with rain and a high of 56°F. Expect a shower in spots this evening, with a low of 39°F.

Tomorrow: It will be partly cloudy with some sun, but also expect clouds and rain.

Day after tomorrow: The day will start with rain and drizzle in the morning, followed by cloudy conditions and late showers.

In three days' time: It will be breezy, with a few morning showers and a high of 43°F.

Four days from now: Windy conditions will prevail, with a few showers expected late in the day.

Five days from now: The forecast predicts a couple of morning showers, with a small chance of rain and a high of 42°F.

With the mix of windy conditions, light rain, and cloudy skies, it is advisable to keep updated with the latest weather warnings and forecasts for Cologne.

Frequently asked questions