January · Germany
Best time to visit Cologne in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Cologne in January
Average temperature 4°C, 98 mm of rain, about 8 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 85% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
4.3/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 4°C
- Rainfall
- 98 mm
- Humidity
- 85%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 8
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
January in Cologne scores 4.3/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around 4°C, 98 mm of rain, and roughly 8 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Cologne's twin-spired cathedral rises over a Rhine city of Roman roots and a famous carnival.
January in Cologne — off-season conditions
January averages 4°C (38°F), cold enough that sightseeing works in bursts rather than in one long day on foot.
Rainfall runs 98 mm, so plan one flexible day in three; you still get about 8 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 8.5 hours of daylight.
It scores 4.3/10 here, 12th of 12 months, against 8.9/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a packable rain layer.
Figure on low-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Flexible dates? August scores 4.6 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Cologne in January?
- In January, Cologne averages 4°C, 98 mm of rain, and about 8 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.3/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Cologne?
- January earns a 4.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Cologne in January?
- Expect about 98 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 85% and there are about 8 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Cologne
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Cologne
Cologne, Germany. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.