Last updated: February 26, 2025
In December, Koeln, Germany experiences a cool and damp climate, with average temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F). The mercury may peak at a comfortable 15°C (59°F) on milder days, while nighttime temperatures can plummet to a chilly -5°C (24°F). With precipitation accumulating to about 127 mm (5.0 in) over 20 days, the month is marked by a high humidity level of 92%, resulting in a persistent winter feel. This blend of cool temperatures and frequent rainfall, coupled with a touch of holiday cheer, creates a unique atmospheric charm in the heart of Koeln as the year comes to a close.
In December, temperatures in Köln, Germany begin to reflect the deepening chill of winter, with a minimum temperature of around -5°C (24°F). As the month progresses, the city typically sees an average temperature of 5°C (41°F), making it a relatively mild winter month compared to the harsher cold of January and February. The maximum temperatures can reach 15°C (59°F), hinting at periodic warmer days amidst the winter frost. This transitional climate not only signals the arrival of festive markets and holiday cheer but also invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the crisp air while enjoying the city's enchanting winter atmosphere, bridging the gap between the falling leaves of autumn and the snowy landscapes of deep winter.
December in Cologne brings a noticeable surge in precipitation, with 127 mm (5.0 in) of rain, making it the wettest month of the year. This increase in rainfall is accompanied by 20 days of precipitation, indicating a transition into a rather damp and chilly winter season. As the year comes to a close, the month starkly contrasts with the drier spells experienced in the spring and early summer. The consistent rain can be a reminder of the festive atmosphere, with the city sparkling under the glow of holiday lights, even as the weather turns gray. This pattern of increased moisture exemplifies the shift in Cologne's climate during the winter months, setting the stage for a cozy, albeit wet, end to the year.
December in Koeln, Germany, marks the culmination of a year characterized by shifting humidity levels. As the winter chill sets in, the humidity rises to 92%, making it the highest point of the year. This increase follows a subtle trend where humidity begins to climb in October, reaching its peak in the final month. The months prior, particularly from May to August, exhibit a notable decline, with levels dipping to a low of 71% in August. Overall, December's heightened humidity can be seen as a natural progression from the dampness of late autumn, creating a cozy, albeit humid, atmosphere as the year draws to a close.
As the year winds down, December in Koeln, Germany, sees a return to low UV Index levels, with an index of 1 that allows for a leisurely 45 minutes of sun exposure without the risk of burning. This is consistent with the trends observed in the preceding months, where the UV Index peaks during the summer at 8 in both June and July, indicating very high exposure risk. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually declines, with November seeing a drop to 2, and finally resting at 1 for December. This seasonal decline highlights the importance of adjusting sun protection habits throughout the year, especially as the intensity of UV radiation lessens in the colder months. For detailed information on UV trends year-round, visit Koeln UV Index.
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In Koeln, Germany, December is characterized by a gentle descent into winter, where the sun shines for approximately 129 hours. This marks a notable decrease from the vibrant sunshine of the previous months, with the peak in July offering a dazzling 405 hours. As the year progresses, there’s a gradual dimming of sunlight; March and April stand out with their longer days, boasting 267 and 336 hours respectively. By the time December arrives, citizens experience a cozy twilight phase, reminiscent of a warm embrace before the long, darker months of winter fully take hold. The cycle of sunlight reflects a rhythmic balance, with each month painting a different picture of sky and light, inviting cozy gatherings as the year draws to a close.
In Cologne, Germany, December tends to be one of the gloomiest months of the year, with a meager 13% chance of sun. This stark contrast to the sunnier months preceding it highlights a distinct trend: as winter approaches, the likelihood of sunny days significantly diminishes. While January kicks off the year with just a 9% chance of sunshine, December's limited opportunities for clear skies signal the onset of cold and cloudy weather. In fact, the brighter spring months—March and April—showcase chances soaring to 41% and 38% respectively, emphasizing how December is nestled among the month with the least sunlight. Thus, those planning a visit during this time should brace for a largely overcast experience, with chances of basking in the sun virtually fading away.
As the year draws to a close, December in Koeln, Germany offers a stark contrast to the bright summer months. With only 7 hours of daylight, the shorter days signal the onset of winter, where the sun rises later and sets earlier. Following a gradual increase through spring, peaking at 16 hours in June, the daylight diminishes, retracing its steps into the depths of winter. This trend underscores the cyclical nature of the seasons, where January and November mirror December’s limited light, each lingering around 8 hours. As the year progresses, residents of Koeln adapt to the ebb and flow of daylight, eagerly awaiting the return of longer days in the coming months.
As December rolls into Köln, the wind begins to pick up slightly, with an average speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), reflecting a trend that sees the city's winds typically strengthen during the colder months. After a dip in June and July, where breezes softened to around 2.5 m/s (6 mph), the wind picks up again in the fall, culminating in December's brisk conditions. This month mirrors the slightly higher speeds of January and February, creating a refreshing chill in the air that adds to the winter atmosphere. Overall, the month stands out as part of a seasonal rhythm where cooler temperatures invite stronger gusts, encouraging residents and visitors alike to embrace the dynamic weather while enjoying the festive charm of the city.
The weather in Koeln changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Koeln and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather typically showcases a milder average temperature of 5°C (41°F), with nighttime lows reaching -5°C (24°F) and daytime highs of up to 15°C (59°F). The month also experiences significant precipitation, averaging 127 mm (5.0 in) over approximately 20 days, and a high humidity level of 92%.
Conversely, January brings slightly colder conditions, with an average temperature of 3°C (38°F) and minimum temperatures dropping to -8°C (17°F). Precipitation decreases to 91 mm (3.6 in) over about 15 days, and humidity remains high at 91%. The similarities in maximum temperatures persist, as both months can reach up to 15°C (59°F) at times. For a more detailed look at January weather, you can visit Koeln weather in January.
December and February showcase distinct weather patterns, despite sharing similar average temperatures. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a mild maximum of 15°C (59°F), accompanied by significant precipitation of 127 mm (5.0 in) over 20 days, resulting in a high humidity of 92%. In contrast, February brings slightly colder nights with minimum temperatures dropping to -9°C (16°F) but can reach a warmer maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is also lower at 86 mm (3.4 in) over just 13 days, with a slightly reduced humidity of 90%. This shift indicates that while February can experience warmer days, it is generally colder at night compared to December. For more detailed information, check Koeln weather in February.
In December, the weather is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), reaching a maximum of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over approximately 20 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 92%. In contrast, March sees a slight increase in average temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F). Although March has less precipitation at 91 mm (3.6 in) across 15 days and slightly lower humidity at 87%, it generally feels milder and is often a transitional month, moving towards the warmth of spring. For more information on the weather in March, you can visit Koeln weather in March.
December weather tends to be much colder and wetter compared to April. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -5°C (24°F) and only reach a maximum of 15°C (59°F), with an average temperature of around 5°C (41°F). The month sees significant precipitation, with about 127 mm (5.0 in) falling over 20 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, April brings milder and more variable weather, featuring minimum temperatures around -3°C (26°F) and maximums reaching up to 27°C (81°F), with an average of 10°C (51°F). The precipitation decreases dramatically to 38 mm (1.5 in) over just 9 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 84%. For more detailed information, you can check Koeln weather in April.
When comparing the weather in December and May, it's clear that the two months present quite different climatic conditions. December typically features colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while May enjoys milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to an average of 14°C (57°F) and even reaching a maximum of 33°C (91°F). Additionally, December is characterized by higher humidity levels at 92% and more precipitation, averaging 127 mm (5.0 in) over about 20 days, compared to May's 66 mm (2.6 in) spread over 13 days. This makes May a noticeably drier and warmer month, perfect for outdoor activities. For more specific insights about May weather, you can check Koeln weather in May.
December weather is characterized by much cooler temperatures, with an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of only 15°C (59°F), while June brings warmer conditions, featuring an average temp of 19°C (67°F) and highs reaching up to 35°C (95°F). In December, the humidity is quite high at 92%, contributing to a damp feel, whereas June experiences lower humidity levels at 74%, making the warmth feel more comfortable. Additionally, December sees more precipitation, with 127 mm falling over 20 days, compared to June's 60 mm over just 10 days, resulting in a significantly drier month. For more specific details on the June weather, you can visit Koeln weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -5°C (24°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), making it a chilly month. The precipitation is quite frequent, with 127 mm (5.0 in) falling over 20 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 92%. Conversely, July experiences much warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (48°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (104°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). The month sees significantly lower precipitation at 97 mm (3.8 in) over 12 days and a humidity level of 72%. For more specific details, you can visit Koeln weather in July.
December and August present stark contrasts in weather. December's temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a mild 15°C (59°F), with an average of around 5°C (41°F). During this month, precipitation is relatively high at 127 mm (5.0 in) spread over about 20 days, contributing to the notably high humidity of 92%. In contrast, August boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum that can soar up to 37°C (99°F), averaging around 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is lighter, totaling 78 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 14 days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 71%. For more details, check Koeln weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December to that of September, it's clear that December is much colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F). In contrast, September boasts a milder climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F). Additionally, December experiences significantly more precipitation, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over about 20 days, while September sees less rainfall at 65 mm (2.5 in) across about 10 days. The humidity in December is notably higher at 92%, compared to 81% in September. For more specific details on September weather, you can check Koeln weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to October, it's clear that December is significantly colder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), while October enjoys milder conditions with averages between 1°C (34°F) and 27°C (80°F). Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, with 127 mm (5.0 in) over 20 days, compared to October's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 15 days. Humidity also tends to be higher in December at 92%, compared to 88% in October, contributing to a chillier atmosphere. For more specific details on October's weather, visit Koeln weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures dropping to around 5°C (41°F) compared to November's average of 7°C (45°F). Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over approximately 20 days, while November receives significantly less at 67 mm (2.6 in) over 13 days. Both months maintain high humidity levels, with December at 92% and November close behind at 91%. For more detailed insights into November's weather patterns, you can visit Koeln weather in November.
As December rolls into Köln, the city transforms into a chilly landscape, where the average temperature dips significantly compared to the milder months. While the maximum reaches a modest 15°C, the stark contrast of occasional nights plunging to a brisk -5°C highlights the season's chill. Precipitation is frequent, with nearly 20 days of rain contributing to a humid atmosphere that clings at 92%. This combination of cool temperatures and persistent moisture creates a unique winter charm, making the month distinctly different from the more temperate fall. For more insights on how December's weather compares to other months, be sure to explore Koeln Climate.