Weather Comparison
Cologne vs Berlin
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: Cologne vs Berlin
| Metric | Cologne | Berlin | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 6°C (43°F)▲ | 4°C (39°F) | Cologne |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 1°C (34°F)▲ | 0°C (32°F) | Cologne |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 16 days | 11 days▲ | Berlin |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 97 mm | 46 mm▲ | Berlin |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 3h/day | 3h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 20 km/h | 19 km/h▲ | Berlin |
Which City is Better in December?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Berlin edges ahead as the better destination in December. Berlin offers 3 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Cologne sees 3 sunshine hours and 16 rain days.
Cologne is on the cooler side at 6°C, requiring warmer clothing. Berlin is cooler at 4°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Berlin is the stronger choice in December.
Temperature Comparison in December
Cologne reaches an average high of 6°C (43°F) and drops to 1°C (34°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Berlin averages 4°C (39°F) for the high and 0°C (32°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.
Rainfall Comparison in December
Cologne receives approximately 97 mm of rainfall across 16 rain days during December. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Berlin sees 46 mm over 11 rain days. That makes Berlin the drier option by 5 rain days and 51 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Cologne vs Berlin
Packing for Cologne in December
Highs of 6°C, lows of 1°C, 16 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Berlin in December
Highs of 4°C, lows of 0°C, 11 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.
Year-Round Comparison: Cologne vs Berlin
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Cologne | Berlin | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 5°C | 14d | 3°C | 12d |
| Feb | 6°C | 13d | 5°C | 9d |
| Mar | 10°C | 14d | 8°C | 11d |
| Apr | 14°C | 11d | 14°C | 9d |
| May | 18°C | 12d | 19°C | 10d |
| Jun | 21°C | 12d | 22°C | 11d |
| Jul | 23°C | 13d | 24°C | 12d |
| Aug | 23°C | 12d | 24°C | 10d |
| Sep | 19°C | 11d | 19°C | 9d |
| Oct | 14°C | 13d | 13°C | 9d |
| Nov | 9°C | 14d | 8°C | 10d |
| Dec | 6°C | 16d | 4°C | 11d |
Cologne Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Berlin Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities