Last updated: January 18, 2025
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, features a Cfb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by its temperate maritime conditions. The region experiences significant temperature variability throughout the year, with winter minimums plunging to -19°C (-3°F) in February, while summer maximums can soar to 41°C (106°F) in July. Despite these extremes, the average annual temperature hovers around 11°C (52°F), reflecting a climate that supports diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices. This unique climatic framework not only shapes the natural landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia but also influences the socio-economic activities of its inhabitants.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, temperature patterns exhibit significant seasonal variation, transitioning from the frigid depths of winter to the warmth of summer. The coldest months, January and February, are marked by minimum temperatures dropping to -19°C (-3°F), paired with average highs around 15°C (59°F) and 21°C (70°F), respectively. As spring emerges, temperatures begin to rise, with March and April seeing averages of 6°C (44°F) and 9°C (49°F), and peak highs reaching 23°C (74°F) and 28°C (84°F). The warm summer months of June and July bring average temperatures to 18°C (65°F) and 19°C (66°F), with July occasionally peaking at a scorching 41°C (106°F). Even as August cools slightly, it maintains averages similar to July. As autumn begins, temperatures gradually decline, with September and October averaging 15°C (59°F) and 11°C (53°F), while the winter chill returns in November and December, concluding the year with temperatures averaging 4°C (40°F).
In North Rhine-Westphalia, winter temperatures can drop significantly in its cities, with Aachen and Duesseldorf experiencing minimums of -10°C (14°F) in February, while Dortmund records an even colder minimum of -16°C (3°F). As summer arrives, the temperature rises considerably; Aachen reaches a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in July, Dortmund peaks at 38°C (100°F), and Duesseldorf follows closely with a maximum of 39°C (103°F). For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit the respective links: monthly temperatures in Aachen, monthly temperatures in Dortmund, and monthly temperatures in Duesseldorf.
North Rhine-Westphalia experiences a diverse precipitation pattern throughout the year, with January and February receiving approximately 78 mm (3.1 in) and 80 mm (3.1 in), respectively. This early winter precipitation tends to be frequent, averaging around 13 to 15 days of rain each month. As the region transitions into spring, rainfall gradually decreases in April to 41 mm (1.6 in), before increasing again in May and June, where amounts are approximately 71 mm (2.8 in) and 70 mm (2.8 in). The summer months, particularly July, witness a notable spike with 92 mm (3.6 in) of rainfall over about 12 days, reflecting the complicated interplay of warm temperatures and moisture-laden weather systems.
The onset of autumn brings fluctuating precipitation levels, with September recording 63 mm (2.5 in) over 10 days and October seeing an increase to 89 mm (3.5 in). November experiences a decrease again to 58 mm (2.3 in), while December concludes the year with the highest precipitation at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 18 days. This pattern indicates that winter is characterized by consistent rain, contributing to the overall climatic profile of North Rhine-Westphalia, where precipitation plays a vital role in shaping the landscape and supporting its lush ecosystems.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, sunshine duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal trend, with a steady increase from the depths of winter to the heights of summer. January sees a modest 104 hours of sunshine, while February improves slightly to 195 hours. As spring approaches, the sunshine hours climb steadily, reaching 340 hours in April and peaking at 386 hours in both May and June. This upward trend culminates in July, where residents enjoy the most sunlight, with an impressive 402 hours basking in the summer glow. The transition from less sunlight during the winter months to the bright days of summer not only enhances outdoor activities but also nurtures the vibrant landscapes of the region.
As autumn sets in, sunshine hours begin to wane, starting with 377 hours in August and a more notable drop to 311 hours in September. This decline continues into October, where residents experience only 230 hours of sunlight, and by November, it plummets further to 173 hours. December rounds off the year with a mere 118 hours, reflecting the long, dark days typical of winter. These trends highlight a clear pattern of increased daylight during the warmer months, making spring and summer particularly favorable for both residents and visitors who seek to enjoy North Rhine-Westphalia’s scenic beauty.
The UV Index in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, reveals significant seasonal variation in sun exposure risk. During the winter months, January and February, the UV Index remains low at 2 and 3, respectively, with recommended burn times of 45 and 30 minutes. As spring approaches, the index gradually increases to 4 in March and reaches 5 in April, indicating a moderate risk for sunburn with a consistent burn time of 30 minutes. This trend suggests that while winter sun exposure poses minimal risk, awareness of UV levels becomes essential as the days grow longer and brighter.
Summer brings the highest UV Index values, with May peaking at 8 and June reaching 9, both categorized as very high risk, significantly reducing safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. July follows closely with an index of 8, while August sees a slight drop to 7, placing it in the high-risk category with a recommended burn time of 25 minutes. As fall approaches, the UV Index declines, dropping to 6 in September and returning to moderate levels by October. By November and December, the UV Index falls back to low levels of 2 and 1, with longer safe exposure times of 45 minutes. This seasonal fluctuation highlights the importance of sun protection as the year progresses towards the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm that reflects the transition from the short days of winter to the long sunny days of summer. January offers just 8 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 9 hours in February. As spring unfolds, the days lengthen significantly, reaching 11 hours in March and extending to 13 hours in April. This upward trend continues into the summer months, peaking at 16 hours in both June and July, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and enjoyment of the region's natural beauty.
As summer gives way to autumn, the daylight hours begin to decline, with August reporting 14 hours and September dropping to 12 hours. October further reduces sunlight to 10 hours, followed by a return to 8 hours in November. By December, the days are at their shortest, with only 7 hours of daylight reflected in the winter season. This cyclical pattern not only influences daily life in North Rhine-Westphalia but also highlights the importance of efficient use of daylight in planning both personal and community activities throughout the year.
Aachen, Germany, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months, particularly January and February, can be quite cold, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 5°C (40°F) and occasional precipitation. Summers, peaking in July and August, can reach highs of up to 40°C (104°F), providing ample sunshine, especially in June and July with over 395 hours of sunlight. Rainfall is relatively steady throughout the year, with December being the wettest month. For more detailed information, visit Aachen climate.
Bad Honnef, Germany, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January averaging around 3°C (38°F) and experiencing highs of up to 14°C (57°F), while summer months, particularly July, can reach up to 40°C (104°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent, peaking in December with 118 mm (4.7 in) of rainfall, while the sunniest months are typically June and July, boasting over 400 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information on climate conditions, visit Bad Honnef climate.
Bad Muenstereifel, Germany, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from a chilly 2°C (35°F) in January to a warm 18°C (64°F) in July, with notable highs reaching up to 37°C (98°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in June and July with about 95 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while sunshine hours peak in July at 411 hours. For more detailed information, visit Bad Muenstereifel climate.
Bad Oeynhausen, Germany experiences a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasons. January temperatures can drop as low as -10°C (15°F), while July can reach highs of 38°C (100°F). Precipitation averages around 67 mm (2.6 in) per month, with July being the wettest month at 87 mm (3.4 in). Sunshine hours peak in the summer, particularly in July with 396 hours of sun, compared to just 100 hours in January. For more detailed information, visit Bad Oeynhausen climate.
Bad Salzuflen, Germany, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Temperatures in January can drop to -10°C (14°F), while July sees highs of up to 38°C (100°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with the wettest month being July at 95 mm (3.7 in). Sunshine is abundant in the summer months, peaking in July with 393 hours, while winter months receive significantly less sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Bad Salzuflen climate.
Bonn, Germany experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters can be quite cold, with January temperatures ranging from -8°C to 14°C, while summers are warm, peaking in July with temperatures between 8°C and 40°C. The city receives considerable rainfall throughout the year, particularly in December (100 mm) and July (93 mm), while it enjoys the most sunshine in July with 407 hours. For more detailed information, visit Bonn climate.
The climate in Brilon, Germany, features cold winters and warm summers, with average temperatures ranging from -12°C (10°F) in January to 36°C (97°F) in July. Precipitation peaks in July at 104 mm (4.1 in) and generally decreases towards the fall, with the driest month being April at 51 mm (2.0 in). Sunshine hours are highest in the summer, particularly in July, which enjoys around 400 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Brilon climate.
Dahlem, Germany experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -14°C (7°F) in March, while summers can peak at a scorching 36°C (97°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively high during the summer months, particularly in June and July, where it exceeds 100 mm (4.0 in). Sunshine is abundant in the summer, reaching up to 408 hours in July, but decreases significantly in winter. For more detailed information, visit Dahlem climate.
Dortmund experiences a temperate climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, with January temperatures averaging around 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while July often sees highs of up to 38°C (100°F). Rainfall is particularly heavy in summer, especially July with 98 mm (3.9 in), and again in December, making it the wettest month at 104 mm (4.1 in). Sunshine hours peak in the summer months, with July providing over 400 hours, while winter months offer considerably less sun. For more details, visit Dortmund climate.
Düsseldorf experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January averaging around 4°C (39°F) and minimum temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F), while precipitation is relatively high in these months, peaking in December at 114 mm (4.5 in). Summers are warmer, especially in July when average temperatures reach 19°C (67°F) and maximums can hit 39°C (103°F), alongside significant rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, with July enjoying up to 405 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Duesseldorf climate.
Halle, Germany experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -9°C while June through August often sees highs around 35-38°C. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in July and October, with January and February being particularly wet. The region enjoys significant sunshine, especially from April to July, with about 383 hours of sunshine in June alone. For more details, visit Halle climate.
Hattingen, Germany experiences a varied climate with a significant temperature range throughout the year. Winters can see lows dipping to -15°C (6°F) in February, while summer peaks can reach up to 38°C (101°F) in July. Precipitation is highest in July and December, averaging around 98 mm (3.9 in) and 108 mm (4.2 in) respectively, with the sunniest months being May and July, boasting over 380 hours of sunshine. This combination of temperatures and rainfall contributes to a dynamic seasonal cycle, making Hattingen a unique location within North Rhine-Westphalia. For more details, visit Hattingen climate.
Kevelaer, Germany, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild springs and hot summers. The average temperatures range from a chilly 4°C (39°F) in January to a sweltering 40°C (104°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in July and October with over 90 mm of rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, reaching up to 407 hours in July, while winter months offer significantly less sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Kevelaer climate.
The climate in Koeln, Germany, features a broad temperature range throughout the year, from winter lows of -9°C (16°F) in February to summer highs reaching 40°C (104°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively high, particularly in December with 127 mm (5.0 in), while March and July also see significant rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in July with 405 hours, providing ample light during the summer months. For more detailed information, visit Koeln climate.
Koenigswinter, Germany, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a chilly -8°C to a mild 14°C, while July can see highs reaching up to 40°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in December with 118 mm, and the region enjoys the most sunshine from May to July, averaging around 389 to 409 hours. Overall, the climate is a mix of wet and sunny conditions, providing a unique environment year-round. For more detailed information, visit Koenigswinter climate.
Lemgo, Germany experiences a temperate climate with distinctive seasonal variations. The coldest months are January and February, with average temperatures around 2°C (37°F) and 3°C (38°F) respectively, while July sees warmer conditions, peaking at approximately 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with July being the wettest month at 98 mm (3.9 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer months, peaking at 393 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Lemgo climate.
Leverkusen, Germany experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (38°F) in January to a warm 20°C (68°F) in July, with occasional peaks reaching up to 40°C (104°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with December being the wettest month at 127 mm (5.0 in) and April typically the driest at 38 mm (1.5 in). The city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, particularly in the summer months, where July boasts about 405 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Leverkusen climate.
Moenchengladbach, Germany, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with January averaging around 4°C (39°F) and temperatures dropping as low as -10°C (15°F) in February, while summers can be quite warm, reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively high throughout the year, with October being the wettest month at 97 mm (3.8 in), and a good amount of sunshine, particularly in the summer months when July enjoys about 402 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Moenchengladbach climate.
The climate in Mohnesee, Germany, features distinct seasonal variations with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -12°C (10°F), while July sees highs of up to 36°C (98°F). Precipitation is relatively high in the winter months, peaking in December with 103 mm (4.1 in), while summer months experience moderate rainfall. Sunshine hours steadily increase from 91 in January to a peak of 400 in July, providing ample daylight during the warmest period of the year. For more details, visit Mohnesee climate.
Monschau, Germany experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January lows averaging -14°C (8°F) and July highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F). The region receives significant precipitation, peaking at 128 mm (5.0 in) in December, while the summer months enjoy more sunshine, with July boasting 408 hours. The transitioning seasons showcase distinct weather patterns, making it an interesting climate for residents and visitors alike. For more detailed information, visit Monschau climate.
Muenster, Germany experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 3°C (38°F) and 4°C (40°F) respectively, while July typically reaches highs of up to 38°C (101°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in October at 85 mm (3.3 in), and the region enjoys the most sunshine during the summer months, with July seeing about 397 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Muenster climate.
Rurberg, Germany experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winters, particularly in January and February, can be quite cold, with minimum temperatures dropping to -13°C (10°F). The summer months, especially July, see average highs around 17°C (63°F) and can reach up to 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in July and December, while sunshine hours are most abundant from May to July, averaging over 400 hours. For more detailed insights, visit Rurberg climate.
Solingen, Germany experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -8°C to 14°C, while July peaks at a maximum of 39°C. The city sees significant rainfall, particularly in July (110 mm) and October (115 mm), with December recording the highest precipitation at 131 mm. Sunshine hours peak during summer months, with July enjoying around 405 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Solingen climate.
Warendorf, Germany experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -9°C (16°F), while July sees highs around 38°C (101°F). Precipitation is relatively high throughout the year, peaking in October at 85 mm (3.4 in), while sunshine hours are greatest in summer months, reaching 393 hours in July. This seasonal variation influences both the outdoor activities and agricultural practices in the region. For more information, visit Warendorf climate.
Warstein, Germany experiences a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, with January lows averaging around -12°C (10°F) and significant rainfall, peaking at 103 mm (4.1 in) in December. Summers are warm, with July temperatures reaching up to 36°C (98°F) and ample sunshine, totaling 400 hours. Precipitation is well-distributed throughout the year, with higher amounts in the colder months. For more detailed climate information, visit Warstein climate.
Winterberg, Germany experiences a cold climate with temperatures ranging from -17°C (1°F) in January to a warm 35°C (95°F) in July. The region receives significant precipitation, particularly in late summer, with July and August averaging over 100 mm (4 in) of rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in July at 399 hours, while the winter months see considerably less sun, with January recording only 86 hours. This combination of low temperatures and variable precipitation creates a distinctive weather pattern throughout the year. For more information, visit Winterberg climate.
Wuppertal, Germany experiences a temperate climate characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 3-4°C (37-39°F) and notable precipitation, exceeding 100 mm (3.9 in) each month. Summer months, particularly June through August, see average highs reaching 19-34°C (66-94°F) and a peak of 404 sunshine hours in July. The city also experiences substantial rainfall during the year, especially in July and December, which can see up to 133 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation. For more detailed information, visit Wuppertal climate.
Xanten, Germany experiences a diverse climate with notable seasonal variations. Winters can be quite cold, with January temperatures ranging from -7°C to 14°C and significant precipitation, peaking at 95 mm in December. Summers are warmer, particularly in July with temperatures soaring up to 40°C and abundant sunshine, averaging 407 hours. The area sees the most rainfall in February and October, while the sunniest months are May to July. For more detailed climate information, visit Xanten climate.
In conclusion, the climate of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, showcases a dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. With a temperate maritime climate, the region experiences distinct seasonal variations, from frigid winters to warm summers, alongside the ebb and flow of sunlight and UV exposure. The detailed analysis of these climatic elements emphasizes the necessity for residents and visitors alike to adapt their activities and health precautions throughout the seasons, particularly during the peak summer months. Ultimately, understanding these climate patterns fosters a deeper appreciation for North Rhine-Westphalia's rich natural landscapes and highlights the importance of responsible environmental stewardship in this vibrant region.