Cologne's Weather In December: Snow And Cold?

If you're planning to visit Cologne in December, you can expect cold weather with temperatures ranging from a high of 6°C during the day to 2°C at night. There's a chance of snow, but not as much as you might expect, and on average, there will be around 9 rainy days in the month. Despite the short daylight hours and high chance of rain, Cologne in December is described as having an unmatched winter charm, with the city decked out in lights and festivities for Christmas.

Daytime highs of 6°C

In December, Cologne experiences daytime highs of 6°C, with nighttime lows of 2°C. This is a gentle decline from November, when the average high temperature is 9.5°C. With such cool temperatures, you'll want to pack your warmest layers, including warm mittens, a coat, and snow boots. An umbrella will also be useful, as there will likely be rain for about half of the month.

The UV index will be low, but it's always a good idea to apply sunscreen to exposed skin if you plan to be outside for a long time. And with cool temperatures and a gentle breeze, any wind will feel cold, so be sure to cover up.

Despite the chilly weather, Cologne in December has a certain winter charm. The city decks itself out in lights and festivities, creating a wonderful atmosphere for the Christmas season.

Nighttime lows of 2°C

With nighttime lows of 2°C, you'll want to wrap up warm when you're out and about in Cologne in December. The average low temperature is 0.4°C (32.7°F), so you can expect to feel the chill when the sun goes down. Make sure you pack a thick coat, scarf, gloves and a hat to keep out the cold. It's also a good idea to wear layers that you can easily remove if you get too warm during the day, when temperatures can reach highs of 5.9°C (42.6°F).

December is the perfect time to indulge in some hearty German cuisine to warm you up from the inside. Try some traditional dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel or goulash, best enjoyed with a stein of local beer. If you're looking for something sweet, German Christmas markets offer an array of festive treats, including lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies) and stollen (a sweet bread filled with dried fruit and nuts).

While you're strolling through the Christmas markets, you can also pick up some unique gifts for your loved ones. The markets sell all sorts of handcrafted goods, from wooden toys to decorative ornaments. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you can even go ice skating or take a ride on a Ferris wheel.

Despite the cold, December is a magical time to visit Cologne. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive lights and decorations adorning the streets. The short daylight hours and cosy atmosphere make it the perfect time to snuggle up in a café with a hot drink, watch the sunset over the Rhine River, or explore the city's famous Christmas markets.

8-15 rainy days

If you're heading to Cologne in December, you can expect the weather to be cold and wet. The average high temperature is 5.9°C (42.6°F), but it can feel even colder with 8-15 rainy days expected throughout the month. So, be sure to pack your umbrella and rubber boots!

December in Cologne sees a gentle decline in temperatures from the previous month of November. During the day, the mercury may struggle to get much higher than 6°C, and at night, it can drop to a chilly 0.4°C (32.7°F). With such low temperatures, you'll definitely want to wrap up warm in your winter woollies.

The short daylight hours of just 8 hours per day add to the wintery atmosphere. The days are the shortest of the year, and with an average of only 1.3 hours of sunshine, you'll be treated to a true winter wonderland. The city, however, makes up for this with its Christmas lights and festivities.

Despite the cold, there is a relatively low chance of snow, with only about 6 snowy days on average in December. So, if you're hoping for a White Christmas, you may be out of luck, but you can still expect a magical, festive atmosphere.

The weather in Cologne in December is certainly chilly, but it adds to the charm of the city during the festive season. With the right clothing and a sense of adventure, you can still enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer during this magical time of year.

4-6 snowy days

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas in Cologne, you're in luck! While the average high temperature in December is a frosty 5.9°C (42.6°F), there are usually around 4-6 days of snowfall during the month. So, you can expect some beautiful winter wonderland scenes during your visit.

On average, there are 18 days of rainfall in December, accumulating 71mm (2.8") of precipitation. So, while it will be cold, there's also a good chance of some snowy days to enjoy. Make sure to pack your warm clothes, snow boots, and mittens to stay cosy while exploring the city.

The short daylight hours of just 8 hours per day create the perfect atmosphere for festive lights and warm evenings by the fireplace. With the shortest days of the year, you can expect an average of only 1.3 hours of sunshine each day. So, plenty of time to explore the Christmas markets and indulge in some Glühwein!

For the next 14 days, there will be 4 snowy days in Cologne, with a total of 2.9 cm of snow. Specifically, on Thursday, December 19, there will be 1.4 cm of snow, followed by 1.1 cm on Friday, December 20, 0.3 cm on Saturday, December 21, and 0.1 cm on Sunday, December 22. So, get ready to enjoy some magical snowy days in this charming city!

Overall, December in Cologne is a month filled with festive cheer, beautiful snowfall, and plenty of opportunities to stay cosy and warm. It's the perfect time to explore the city's Christmas markets, indulge in delicious treats, and create unforgettable winter memories.

Low UV index

In December, Cologne experiences a low UV index of 1, which is the lowest possible value. This indicates a minimal health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for most individuals. However, it is still important to take some precautions, especially for children, infants, and those with sensitive skin.

During this time of year, the UV index is low enough that you don't need to worry about it. However, if you plan on spending extended periods outdoors, it is advisable to apply a small amount of sunscreen to exposed skin as a precaution. This is because, despite the low UV index, the sun's radiation can still cause damage, especially during midday when it is at its peak.

The low UV index in December is due in part to the short daylight hours, with an average of only 8 hours of daylight per day. The shortest day of the month is December 21st, with just 7 hours and 56 minutes of daylight. This is a stark contrast to the longest day of the year, June 20th, when there are 16 hours and 32 minutes of daylight.

The low UV index in December is also influenced by the weather conditions. The month typically experiences cold temperatures, with averages of 2°C to 6°C. There is also a significant amount of cloud cover, with the sky being overcast or mostly cloudy about 72% of the time. These factors contribute to the low UV index and the reduced intensity of the sun's radiation.

Overall, while the low UV index in December means that there is a minimal health risk from UV radiation, it is still important to take some basic precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and minimising direct exposure to the sun during midday.

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