Month guide · Cologne · Germany
Cologne in February
What February 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
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Quick answer
February is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 7°C (45°F), lows of 0°C (32°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 9.9 hours of daylight. Street carnival takes over the city in carnival week; hotels fill and prices jump, otherwise the month is quiet.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 7°C (45°F) / 0°C (32°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 9.9 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in February
February is the 10th-warmest month in Cologne: days average 7°C (45°F) against a yearly average high of 15°C (59°F), and nights fall to about 0°C (32°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 28 days. Compared with January (5°C (41°F)), February is warmer; by March highs climb to around 11°C (52°F).
- Sunrise (15 February)
- About 07:45
- Sunset (15 February)
- About 17:48
- Daylight
- About 9.9 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, February rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: February is one of the pricier months.
Events in February
- Street carnival from Weiberfastnacht to the Rose Monday parade (February or early March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in February
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Innenstadt
EL-DE Haus (NS Documentation Centre)
The former Gestapo headquarters for Cologne now houses a documentation centre on the city under National Socialism.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Old Town
Farina Fragrance Museum and 4711 House
Book a guided tour at Farina, then time your walk to the 4711 house to hear the carillon.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Shopping
- Rainy day
Museum · Innenstadt
Schnütgen Museum
Medieval sculptures, ivories, stained glass and goldsmiths' work fill the Romanesque church of St.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Landmark · Cathedral
Hohenzollern Bridge
Cross at dusk and sit on the Rheinboulevard steps in Deutz to watch the cathedral light up.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Couples
- Views
- After dark
What to pack
For highs near 7°C, lows near 0°C and 9 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 February a good time to visit Cologne?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–September and December are better overall. Compare every month.
Cologne in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is February a good time to visit Cologne?
It is a shoulder-season month. Street carnival takes over the city in carnival week; hotels fill and prices jump, otherwise the month is quiet.
+How warm is Cologne in February?
Average highs are around 7°C (45°F) and lows around 0°C (32°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cologne in February?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.