Last updated: February 26, 2025
In January, Cologne, Germany experiences a distinct winter atmosphere, characterized by an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). The month sees maximum highs reaching 15°C (59°F), but it can plummet to a chilly -8°C (17°F) on the coldest days. With 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 15 days, the city is often cloaked in a damp embrace, making for a humid environment averaging around 91%. Visitors should prepare for a mix of crisp air and rain, perfect for exploring the city's rich culture while bundled up against the winter chill.
In Koeln, Germany, January temperatures can be quite brisk, showcasing a significant winter chill. With minimums plummeting to -8°C (17°F), the month starts off with cold, frosty mornings, while the average temperature hovers around a cool 3°C (38°F). Despite this chilly backdrop, there are occasional warmer spells, peaking at a refreshing 15°C (59°F) on some days. As February approaches, temperatures dip slightly with lows reaching -9°C (16°F), yet the average also nudges up incrementally to 5°C (41°F), hinting at the gradual transition towards a milder spring. Overall, January serves as a vivid reminder of winter's grip, balancing cold temperatures with glimpses of warmth, setting the stage for the shifting seasons to come.
January in Köln, Germany, sees a notable precipitation total of 91 mm (3.6 in), spread across approximately 15 days of rain. This sets the stage for a winter month that is relatively wet, slightly surpassing February’s 86 mm. Following a similar trend, March also registers 91 mm, hinting at a consistent wetness early in the year. As the months progress, the intensity of precipitation begins to fluctuate—April experiences a sharp drop to just 38 mm (1.5 in), while the approach of summer brings July's peak with 97 mm (3.8 in). Notably, December ends the year with the highest precipitation, reaching 127 mm (5.0 in), and leading to a wet finish. Overall, the January weather illustrates a brief but significant contribution to Köln's annual rainfall, paving the way for the variability yet to come.
In January, Koeln, Germany experiences one of its highest humidity levels at an impressive 91%, setting a tone of chill and dampness that lingers through the winter months. This humidity slightly dips to 90% in February but maintains a notably high level compared to the rest of the year. As spring approaches, March and April witness a gradual decrease, with humidity levels dropping to 87% and 84%, respectively. The warming months of May through July bring further relief, as humidity falls significantly, reaching its annual low of 72% in July. However, as autumn sets in, the humidity begins to rise again, peaking at 92% in December, illustrating a consistent trend of high humidity during the winter months and decreasing levels as the temperatures rise in early summer. Thus, the climate in Koeln is characterized by a rhythm of moisture that reflects the transition from the cold, damp winters to the milder, drier summers.
In January, Koeln, Germany experiences a mildly low UV Index of 1, meaning exposure is minimal and one can safely enjoy about 45 minutes outdoors without significant risk of sunburn. As winter transitions into spring, the UV Index gradually rises, reaching 2 in February, maintaining the low exposure level. March marks a notable shift with a moderate UV Index of 4, which reduces safe sun exposure to 30 minutes. The escalation continues into April and May, with indices peaking at 5 and 7, reflecting increased sun intensity and reduced burn times of 30 and 25 minutes respectively. The summer months of June and July are characterized by very high UV levels at 8, dramatically shortening safe exposure to just 15 minutes. As the season wanes in August, the UV Index drops to 7, allowing for slightly longer outdoor enjoyment before reverting to moderate levels in September and October. The year concludes with familiar low UV levels of 2 in November and 1 in December, granting ample time for winter festivities without the worry of sunburn. For more details on the UV Index trends throughout the year, check out Koeln UV Index.
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January in Koeln, Germany, marks the start of the year with a modest 113 hours of sunshine, setting a foundation for the gradual transition into brighter days. As winter recedes, February nearly doubles the sunlight to 202 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. The increase is palpable in March, where the city basks in 267 hours of sunlight, and by April, this enthusiasm blooms further to 336 hours. The warmth of May bathes Koeln in an impressive 387 hours, peaking mid-year with July's 405 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month. However, as summer wanes, the hours begin to dip, with August still enjoying 377 hours, before the city settles into autumn's embrace at 313 hours in September. The descent continues through the latter months, with November and December offering reflective periods of 183 and 129 hours respectively. This yearly arc illustrates not just a dance of light and shadow, but a rhythmic invitation to embrace each season as it unfolds in its own unique way.
In Koeln, Germany, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in January is notably low, with only a 9% chance of sunshine gracing the city. This sets January apart as one of the cloudiest months, starkly contrasting with the more promising weather conditions found in the subsequent months. As winter transitions to spring, the chances of sun begin to rise significantly, reaching 32% in February and peaking at 41% in March. This gradual increase highlights a clear trend where the days grow brighter and sunnier as the year progresses, offering a glimpse of the vibrant springtime to come. By the time April rolls around, the expectations of sunshine remain high, reinforcing the positive shift in weather as winter fades away.
In Koeln, Germany, January marks the beginning of the year with a mere 8 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the brighter months that follow. As winter recedes, daylight gradually increases, reaching 10 hours in February and then climbing to 11 hours in March, heralding the arrival of spring. The sunny days continue to extend, peaking in June with an impressive 16 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities. However, as summer transitions into autumn, the days begin to dwindle, with 15 hours in July and 14 hours in August, before dropping back to 12 hours by September. The decline continues into the final months of the year, where daylight returns to 8 hours in November and further diminishes to just 7 hours in December. This cyclical rhythm of increasing and decreasing daylight not only influences Koeln’s seasonal atmosphere but also invites residents and visitors alike to celebrate the vibrant changes throughout the year.
In January, Köln experiences a moderate average wind speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph), setting a breezy tone for the new year. This wind pattern is part of a broader trend observed throughout the winter months, with February seeing a slight increase to 3.9 m/s (9 mph), before dipping in March to 3.5 m/s (8 mph). As spring approaches in April, the winds further mellow, dropping to an average of 3.1 m/s (7 mph). This gradual decrease from the winter months emphasizes a calming shift, in contrast to the mild variability seen in the preceding months. As we transition to summer, the winds remain gentle, showcasing Köln’s unique seasonal rhythm characterized by moderate breezes that guide the flow of each season. Overall, January’s winds blend seamlessly into a trend of fluctuating, yet generally calming, breezes through the year.
The weather in Koeln changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January'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 comparing the weather between January and February, January tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), while February sees a slight increase in warmth with temperatures ranging from -9°C (16°F) to a max of 20°C (68°F). Both months experience significant precipitation, with January recording 91 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days, slightly higher than February's 86 mm (3.4 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, hovering around 91% in January and 90% in February. For more details on February weather, you can check Koeln weather in February.
When comparing the weather in January and March, notable differences emerge in temperature and overall conditions. January features lower average temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and a maximum of only 15°C (59°F), while March sees a slight increase with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Interestingly, both months experience the same level of precipitation—91 mm (3.6 in) across 15 days—though March's relatively warmer temperatures result in a more comfortable atmosphere. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly lower in March at 87% compared to January's 91%. For more information on what to expect, check out Koeln weather in March.
In January, the weather in Cologne typically features colder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), and an average temperature of around 3°C (38°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, with 91 mm (3.6 in) falling over about 15 days, leading to a high humidity level of 91%.
In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and an average temperature of 10°C (51°F). Precipitation drops to 38 mm (1.5 in) over just 9 days, and humidity levels decrease slightly to 84%. The transition from January to April showcases a shift from cold, damp winter days to the milder and more temperate conditions of spring. For more detailed information, you can visit Koeln weather in April.
January and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -8°C (17°F), with an average of 3°C (38°F) and a high of 15°C (59°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 91%, with precipitation totaling 91 mm (3.6 in), spread over 15 days. In contrast, May experiences a more pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a warm average of 14°C (57°F) and a peak of 33°C (91°F). Although May has slightly less rainfall at 66 mm (2.6 in) across 13 days, the humidity levels drop to 77%, making it feel much more comfortable. For more details on the weather in May, check out Koeln weather in May.
January and June present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a mild maximum of 15°C (59°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (38°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) spread over 15 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 91%. In contrast, June boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 19°C (67°F), and a scorching maximum reaching 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is less frequent in June, amounting to 60 mm (2.4 in) over just 10 days, with a more comfortable humidity level of 74%. For more details on June weather, check out Koeln weather in June.
When comparing the weather between January and July, a stark contrast is evident. January experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), while July boasts warmer conditions, featuring a minimum of 8°C (48°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation levels are relatively close, with January receiving 91 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days and July slightly higher at 97 mm (3.8 in) across 12 days. Additionally, January has notably higher humidity at 91%, compared to July's 72%, contributing to a distinct seasonal feel. For more insights, you can explore Koeln weather in July.
When comparing the weather between January and August, there is a stark contrast in temperatures and conditions. January features chilly weather with minimum temperatures plummeting to -8°C (17°F) and averaging around 3°C (38°F), while August showcases much warmer temperatures that range from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in January at 91 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days compared to August's 78 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days, contributing to a notable difference in humidity—91% in January versus a more comfortable 71% in August. For a deeper look at what to expect in August, you can read more about it here: Koeln weather in August.
January and September present contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -8°C (17°F), with an average of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum reaching 15°C (59°F). The month is typically characterized by high precipitation levels, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days, coupled with a humidity of 91%. In stark contrast, September boasts much milder temperatures, starting at a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and averaging 16°C (60°F), peaking at a warm 34°C (93°F). Precipitation is also lower, with only 65 mm (2.5 in) spread across 10 days and humidity at 81%. For more detailed insights, visit Koeln weather in September.
January and October present a notable contrast in weather conditions. January typically experiences colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), with an average temperature of around 3°C (38°F). In stark contrast, October enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 1°C (34°F) to 27°C (80°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). Both months see similar levels of precipitation, around 91 mm (3.6 in) in January and 97 mm (3.8 in) in October, with precipitation occurring on approximately 15 days in each month. Humidity levels are slightly higher in January at 91%, compared to 88% in October. The differences in temperature and humidity highlight the transition from winter's chill to autumn's mildness. For more details, check out the weather insights at Koeln weather in October.
In comparing January and November weather, January tends to be colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), while November offers milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Although both months experience similar humidity levels at 91%, January receives more precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days compared to November's 67 mm (2.6 in) over just 13 days. For more details on the weather specifically in November, you can check Koeln weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, January tends to be slightly cooler, with average temperatures ranging from -8°C (17°F) to 15°C (59°F), compared to December's milder temperatures of -5°C (24°F) to 15°C (59°F). While both months experience a similar maximum temperature, January has a lower average temperature of 3°C (38°F) compared to December's 5°C (41°F). Additionally, December is wetter, with 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 20 days, compared to January's 91 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, with December slightly higher at 92% compared to January's 91%. For more details on December weather, you can check Koeln weather in December.
January in Koeln presents a stark contrast to the milder months, with the chill of winter firmly settling in. Temperatures dip significantly, ranging from brisk days to frosty nights, creating a biting cold that many visitors might not expect. With high humidity and frequent rain, it's a time when the city often wears a cloak of gray skies, leading to a notable increase in precipitation days. This rainy winter ambiance makes January a unique experience, distinct from the warmer, sunnier months that follow. For a deeper dive into what to expect, check out Koeln Climate.