April is a great time to travel around Europe. A family trip to Cologne is a particularly good choice. It's a time without the typical rush, with virtually no rain and the scent of blossoms and fresh, lush greenery in the air. It's also warm enough to take young children out.
The weather is perfect for long walks through the old streets, parks and playgrounds, or just sitting outside on a café terrace admiring the architecture. In this article, Kidpassage has tried understand all the specifics of a holiday in Cologne in April.
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Holidays in Cologne in April: pros and cons
Cologne's April holiday reviews won't tell you about raucous parties or carnivals, they'll tell you how good it feels to be part of nature and let it into the deepest recesses of your heart.
This is the month to take a deep breath and dance to the trill of the birds. Cologne in April is mesmerising, and that's why:
- The weather outside is warm enough for walking.
- April is the driest month of the year.
- Cologne is a green city with plenty of parks and squares.
- The influx of tourists is expected during the May holidays, so there will not be huge queues at the museums in April.
For a successful trip, keep in mind that
- If you buy a KolnCard, you can save money on admission to the city's museums and on public transport.
- It's not hot yet in April, so it's a good idea to bring a light coat or jacket.
- Most museums in Cologne are closed on Mondays.
Weather in Cologne in April
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The weather in April and May offers tourists plenty of spring days for pleasant outdoor excursions. The weather in early April is dry enough that you can leave your umbrellas at home and not worry about getting wet in the pouring rain.
Temperatures in Cologne reach 15°C in mid-April, with sunny days reaching even higher, so you can make the most of the arrival of the warm season.
It's so nice to feel the gentle rays of the spring sun on your face again, to put on light trainers and a jacket and go for a walk in the local palace parks. The weather in Cologne at the end of April occasionally 'borrows' May's rain and clouds, but they're so fleeting that you can easily wait them out in a local café over a cup of coffee and a delicious dessert.
Air and water temperature
The temperature in Cologne in April encourages you to focus on the beauty of the city, wandering its pretty streets and taking in the scent of blossoming trees.
April is the perfect time to visit the Botanical Gardens, which showcase the many interesting plants that have come alive with the arrival of spring, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Air temperature in Cologne in April
The average daytime temperature in Cologne in April is +14.5°C. Nights are slightly cooler, with an average temperature of +6.9°C. At the beginning of the month, temperatures average around +12°C during the day and +3°C at night. In the middle of the month, temperatures rise to +14°C and +4°C respectively. On clear sunny days, the thermometer can reach +20°C in the shade and much higher in the sun.
By the end of the month, the average daytime temperature is already +17°C, and at night it's +8°C. Precipitation is practically non-existent during this period, and when it does occur, it's towards the end of the month, closer to a rainy May.
Amount of precipitation
On average, there are about two days of rain in April. This is the lowest figure for the whole year in Cologne.
Interestingly, the driest month of the year is followed by the three wettest months — May, June and July.
The average rainfall in April is 33.6 mm, while in May it more than doubles. As a result, April has an ideal temperature/humidity ratio and is the best month to visit the city with young children.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Cologne already has a fair number of sunny days in April, usually 11. They are evenly distributed throughout the month, with occasional cloudy spells. The month 'divides' the days in this way: 35% of the days are sunny and clear, 35% are cloudy and the remaining 30% are overcast. The cloudy days tend to occur towards the end of the month, influenced by the approach of May with its rains.
Tour Holidays
Photo: schokoladenmuseum.de
Cologne is undoubtedly the best place to start, with its main landmark and symbol, Cologne Cathedral, towering over the other buildings like a stern warden with its carved decoration. There are many other Romanesque churches in the city, which look beautiful in the early spring greenery. The most popular church with tourists is St Martin's.
At the Cathedral, you can catch the Chocolate Express, which takes you to the Chocolate Museum.
In this three-storey ship-like building, you can taste and buy delicious sweets for yourself, your children, family and friends. The little ones will be delighted to learn the secrets of chocolate making and be immersed in the process.
Young tourists should also be taken to the local Zoo and botanical gardens. These centres for flora and fauna are among the best in Germany and are sure to broaden the knowledge of even the most well-read visitor. For an adrenaline rush, head to Fantasy Land amusement park, half an hour outside the city, or Aqualand water park. It's fun for adults and children over the age of four.
At the end of April, more and more people are asking for a boat trip on the Rhine. And the city offers just that: The river tram will take you on a breeze-blown ride and give you a new perspective on the city's sights. And for a breathtaking bird's eye view of the city, take the cable car that runs between the banks of the Rhine.
Holidays, events and festivals
The festivities in Cologne in April are varied. The month begins with a celebration on the 1st of April, known as "April Fools' Day". In addition to the usual pranks, Germans try to get each other into embarrassing situations — the mutual humour resembles a "who gets it right" contest.
The beginning of April sometimes falls on Easter, an occasion to which Germans are particularly reverent.
Houses are decorated in advance and Easter bunnies are displayed everywhere. On Easter Day, the city of Cologne organises egg painting competitions and searches for chocolate bunnies in the city's parks.
29 April is World Dance Day. In many European cities there will be performances by dance schools and free workshops for anyone who wants to take part. The biggest celebrations in Germany are in Berlin, Cologne and Munich.
Cost of vacation
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Prices in Cologne in April will surprise you in many ways. It's not the high season around Christmas or Carnival in February, so prices aren't too high.
Airfares
Airfares are literally a couple of per cent higher than the annual average, about the same as in March and slightly lower than in May.
Hotels
In April, hotel accommodation in the city is not cheap, with only apartment hotels and hostels away from the centre offering budget options. The average room rate per night is 223 euros, 20 euros cheaper than in March. In May, despite the holidays and the rush, the average price per hotel room is 5% lower than in April.
Food
In Cologne, as in other German cities, prices are European. Dinner for two with drinks will cost at least €50-70, and dinner for one at least €20. The alternatives are fast food outlets and street food stalls. You can get a bite to eat for 8-12 euros, depending on the portion.
Such an option can be considered without any risk to your health — Germany has very strict health regulations and the chance of getting poisoned is practically zero.
Tips for parents
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April is one of the best times to visit Cologne. The weather is beautifully dry and there are no noisy events or crowds of tourists to push up the city's prices. April also has an ideal price-quality ratio when it comes to tourism. The weather allows for long walks with the kids and plenty of outdoor sightseeing.
Cologne is a great option for the spring school holidays. The chocolate museum, the zoo, the botanical garden, the amusement park in the suburbs — you can make your leisure time varied and exciting.
And to help you prepare for your trip, here's a Kidpassage article on what to bring back from Cologne. You may want to buy some souvenirs to remember your visit to this amazing city.
