Cologne in March
Good time to visit
March plays hard to get with spring weather, but locals start emerging from hibernation. Not the worst time to visit, especially if contemporary art is your thing. Just don't expect beach weather yet.
Weather
March teases you with hints of spring but delivers plenty of winter's last gasps. Temperatures creep up slowly while rain continues its assault on your umbrella. You might see some actual blue sky, though humidity stays around 70%. Winds can be brutal along the Rhine.
11°C high3°C low11 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Art Cologne fair
- •Early Easter celebrations (some years)
March Tips
- •Layer like an onion - mornings freeze while afternoons might surprise you
- •Art Cologne brings crowds and higher hotel prices mid-month
- •Cafe terraces start opening but bring a jacket
All Months
April through October gives you the best weather and outdoor beer garden season. Summer means Rhine riverbank parties and open-air concerts. But here's the thing — Cologne's famous for its Christmas markets from late November through December. Five different markets, including the one in front of the cathedral that looks like a fairy tale. February brings Karneval, the city's biggest party. Book hotels months ahead and prepare for complete mayhem. Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) sees a million people flood the streets for the parade. Spring and fall offer perfect walking weather and fewer crowds. Winter can be gray and damp, but museum season keeps things interesting.
Cologne Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
7/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
7/10
Luxury
6/10
BUILD YOUR COLOGNE PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.