Month guide · Cologne · Germany
Cologne in December
What December is really like in Cologne: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Cologne. Expect average highs of 6°C (43°F), lows of 1°C (34°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 7.9 hours of daylight. Several Christmas markets, including the one below the cathedral, draw large crowds, especially at weekends.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 6°C (43°F) / 1°C (34°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 7.9 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Cologne: days average 6°C (43°F) against a yearly average high of 15°C (59°F), and nights fall to about 1°C (34°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with November (9°C (48°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 5°C (41°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:29
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:26
- Daylight
- About 7.9 hours
Winter (December–February). Christmas markets in December, quiet January, and street carnival in February or early March.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas markets at the cathedral, Alter Markt, Neumarkt and the harbour (usually until 23 December)
- New Year's Eve fireworks over the Rhine
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Cathedral
Kolumba
The archdiocese's art museum is a building by Peter Zumthor that rises over the ruins of the Gothic church of St.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Museum · Innenstadt
EL-DE Haus (NS Documentation Centre)
Allow time for the basement cells, which are the most powerful part of the visit.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Old Town
Farina Fragrance Museum and 4711 House
Eau de Cologne was created here: the Farina house opposite the City Hall has made it since 1709 and offers guided tours of its fragrance museum.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Shopping
- Rainy day
Museum · Innenstadt
Schnütgen Museum
Combine it with the neighbouring Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum of world cultures in the same complex.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
What to pack
For highs near 6°C, lows near 1°C and 11 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Cologne?
One of the best months to visit Cologne, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are May–September. Compare every month.
Cologne in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Cologne?
It is one of the best months to visit Cologne. Several Christmas markets, including the one below the cathedral, draw large crowds, especially at weekends.
+How warm is Cologne in December?
Average highs are around 6°C (43°F) and lows around 1°C (34°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cologne in December?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.