Does It Snow in Cologne, Germany?

Updated on November 10, 2023  

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Are you wondering if it will snow in Cologne? And will there be enough snow to build a snowman? Or what clothes should you pack? What temperatures and type of snow can you expect? And what's the best time to visit if you love snow???

In this blog post, you'll find out the answers to these questions and more! ☃️

Climate In Cologne During Winter

Winter Temperatures

Winter in Cologne occurs between December to February, and it can get quite cold. Temperatures range from 0 to 6 degrees Celsius (32 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit).

It's not uncommon for temperatures to drop below freezing, especially during the nighttime. So pack layers you can put on and take off!

If you're making your travel plans, take note that December, January, and February are the coldest months of the year, with January being the chilliest. 

The city's climate is influenced by its location in western Germany, approximately 45 kilometers east of the Belgian border. Throughout history, events like the Little Ice Age altered Europe's climate conditions resulting in cooler temperatures across the continent and more frequent snowfall occurrences. [1]

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Type of Snowfall

Within the city, you can expect to see snow on only a handful of days during the winter season, with light to moderate snowfall. This results in a thin layer of snow covering the ground.

When our friends visited, and they were all excited about the possibility of snow. Well, it did snow, but it was just a dusting, barely enough to cover the rooftops. We couldn't help but laugh. You're more likely to get rain rather than snow during a Cologne winter!

However, if you venture further away from the city and into the surrounding areas like Monschau in the Eifel Mountains or the Moselle Valley area, you are more likely to encounter a decent amount of snow.

The best part? They are accessible via convenient day trips from Cologne!

Does It Snow In Cologne?

Yes, it does snow in Cologne, particularly during the winter months from December to February. However, while snowfall is frequent, it's not heavy. The snow doesn't usually stay for more than 24 hours.

Best Chance Of Snowfall In Cologne

Travelers looking to experience winter wonderland in Cologne should plan their trip between December and February when the chances of snow are highest. 

Within these 3 months, January is when you can expect the most snowfall in Cologne. 

How Much Snow To Expect

While snowfall is not uncommon in Cologne, the city typically only sees light dustings of snow. In January, there's only an average of 7.5 snowy days throughout the month, and an accumulation of just 0.9 inches of snow. 

So although there's a likelihood of snow, hopes of building a snowman are pretty slim... but not impossible!

The good news is you don't have to worry about snowstorms messing up your plans. For example on New Year's Eve the weather forecast said there might be some snow. It turned out to be just a light sprinkle and we partied the night away!

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Why Is There Less Snow In Cologne?

There's less snow in Cologne because temperatures simply don't get cold enough. Colder temperatures are necessary for snow to fall instead of rain. You can still walk along River Rhine in January, bundled up, without freezing your nose off.

Another reason is climate change in recent years. This has led to rising temperatures and increased rainfall rather than snowfall in some regions of Germany.

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Best Time To Visit Cologne For Snow

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