Cologne, Germany: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Cologne, Germany? If you're planning to go to Cologne, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Cologne, Germany

Based on the climate and weather in Cologne, Germany, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Cologne, Germany

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cologne, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Cologne, Germany by month

January

January in Cologne is pretty cool and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. It also snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you vacation in Cologne during February, you may find that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time and snow about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Cologne is cold and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. It also snows sometimes. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in this region is relatively cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in Cologne can be chilly and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

Traveling to Cologne in June, you will notice that it is balmy and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you are traveling to Cologne in July, you will notice that it is balmy and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the correct kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Cologne is mild and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September in Cologne is mild and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in this region is relatively cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

In November, Cologne is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Cologne, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you vacation in Cologne during December, you may find that it is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days and snow regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cologne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Synagogues may have dress requirements. At Die Kölner Synagoge:

If you go to Flora and Botanical Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Cologne, Germany

Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It’s a city that has a long history and is filled with incredible attractions that are sure to captivate anyone who visits. Here are the top tourist attractions that you should not miss when visiting Cologne, Germany.

Cologne Cathedral:

The Cologne Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city and is truly breathtaking. It’s one of the most famous and impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Visitors can explore the interior of the cathedral or climb to the top of the tower for incredible views of the city.

Rhine River:

The Rhine River runs through the city and is another must-see attraction in Cologne. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river or simply stroll along the banks of the river to take in the views of the water and the city.

The Chocolate Museum:

The Chocolate Museum is a must-see attraction for any chocolate lover. Visitors can learn about the history of chocolate, watch chocolate being made, and of course, sample some of the delicious treats.

Romano-Germanic Museum:

The Romano-Germanic Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. It’s home to a fascinating collection of ancient artifacts, including Roman mosaics, sculptures, and other treasures that are sure to captivate anyone who loves history.

Hohenzollern Bridge:

The Hohenzollern Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that runs over the Rhine River. It’s famous for the “love locks” that couples attach to the sides of the bridge as a symbol of their love. It’s a romantic spot and provides stunning views of the city.

Cologne Zoo:

The Cologne Zoo is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Germany. It’s home to more than 10,000 animals from all over the world, including elephants, giraffes, and tigers. It’s a great place to spend the day with the family.

Overall, Cologne is a city that has something for everyone. From the stunning architecture of the Cologne Cathedral to the delicious chocolate at the Chocolate Museum, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Make sure to include these top tourist attractions on your itinerary when visiting Cologne, Germany.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Prizren, Kosovo, Agulhas National Park, South Africa, Sucre, Venezuela, Tolmin, Slovenia, Cabanatuan, Philippines, East St.

Louis, Missouri, United States of America, Fang, Thailand, Aquinnah, Massachusetts, United States of America, Baden, Switzerland, University Heights, Ohio, United States of America, and Corning, New York, United States of America.