It's finally the sunniest, driest and most cheerful month of winter. Is this a mistake? No, go to Cologne and see for yourself that February has frosty but beautiful weather and that by the end of the month the streets are transformed into a carnival scene.
Why not plan a few days away and join the boisterous crowds at one of Germany's biggest carnivals? Find out more about holidays with children, the weather in February and the highlights of the month.
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Holidays in Cologne in February: pros and cons
As soon as you read the reviews about holidays in Cologne with family in February, you will no doubt start packing your bags. Cologne in February is a combination of crazy festivities, joy and laughter.
It combines all the colours of the world, the imagination of the people and the sparkling, witty humour of the Germans. Cologne is a city worth visiting in this month, and with good reason:
- In February, the weather gets a little more 'spring-like', with the sun peeking through the clouds with increasing confidence.
- February is one of the driest months of the year, so you won't need an umbrella or raincoat.
- February marks the main event of not only the city, but the country — the Winter Carnival, which begins at the end of the month.
- During the carnival, you'll have the chance to sample lots of delicious street food.
For the perfect holiday, please bear in mind the following:
- Carnival is very busy and it is worth booking tickets and hotels well in advance.
- The average hotel room rate in February is one of the highest of the year, which is understandable.
- There will always be someone in the crowd willing to check the pockets of a stray tourist — keep money and documents out of reach of would-be thieves.
- Many museums are closed during Carnival.
- Dress warmly — it is winter outside.
Weather in Cologne in February
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The weather in February and March gets sunnier and warmer every day. The weather in early February is truly wintry, with frequent light frosts at night and light frost on the roofs of buildings. In mid-February the temperature in Cologne only rises by a few degrees, but during the day the weather is increasingly fine and even sunny.
If you're travelling with children, the main outdoor activities are in the mornings and afternoons, when it's much warmer.
The weather in Cologne at the end of February looks more and more like spring. The rains and snowfalls are behind us, and temperatures are rarely below freezing at night.
Air temperature
As Cologne has a temperate climate, its winters cannot be described as harsh. During the colder seasons, there is either drizzle or cloudy skies with occasional rays of sunshine.
Cologne's location on the Rhine means that in summer, when most European cities are hot, the air is pleasantly cool. In winter, it has the opposite effect — it mitigates the cold. For this reason, Cologne is often chosen by people travelling with children — you won't find bitter frosts or downpours here in February.
The city's infrastructure is well thought out for travellers with little companions, and even in winter it is pleasant to walk the cobbled streets and admire the impressive and majestic cathedral.
Temperature in Cologne in February
The average day temperature in Cologne in February is +4.9°C. The average night temperature is +1.1°C.
From the middle of the month a gradual warming of a few degrees begins. And if the average daytime temperature is +3°C at the beginning of the month, it warms up to +6°C as March approaches.
Night temperatures show a similar trend, with a gradual increase from -3°C to -1°C.
Amount of precipitation
The average rainfall in Cologne in February is 32.8 mm. That's almost half as much as in January. That said, there are around three days of rainy weather per month.
February is characterised by a fine drizzle rather than heavy rain or snow.
The rare exception may be precipitation that falls during the dark hours of the day when temperatures drop below freezing. Then small amounts of snow or ice flakes, called freezing rain, can fall to the ground. According to statistics, February is one of the months with the least amount of precipitation, which is a welcome development for tourists.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
February has about eight sunny days, the best of all the winter months. Outside, 25% of the month is sunny, 32% is cloudy and 43% is overcast. But a bright carnival brightens up any gloomy weather and dispels the city's gloomy melancholy for months to come.
Tour holidays
Cologne's landmark is the Cathedral of St Peter and Mary. The building is breathtaking in its grandeur: the cathedral is the third tallest church in the world and is a World Heritage Site. In early February, it's worth visiting in the morning when it's still light and not crowded, so you can take a leisurely stroll around the cathedral walls and explore the interior.
There are many Romanesque churches in Cologne. The most notable are the Church of St Martin and the Church of the Holy Apostles. Both are located in the historic city centre and are architecturally stunning.
It's also worth taking a walk along the town hall square and then down to the Rhine. Here you can take a ride on the river tram and admire the city.
But even in mid- or late February, it's still too cold to take a seat on the deck: a piercing cold wind blows on the river while it's in motion. So enjoy the views from inside the tram, especially if you're travelling with children.
If you're planning a trip with the little ones, the following sites are worth checking out:
- The Chocolate Museum, where children can not only learn about chocolate making, but can also make their own chocolate in a mini factory and taste it afterwards.
- Cologne Zoo, which is very popular even in winter. It has both indoor and outdoor areas, so you can come in at any time and warm up by looking at the animals.
- The Odyssey Museum is a great experience for curious and active children. The interactive museum is equipped with all kinds of play and learning areas that tell you about a particular process in our lives.
Holidays, events and festivals
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The February holidays in Cologne are overshadowed by the big carnival. In Cologne, it is no worse than the Venetian or Brazilian carnivals.
The celebrations begin on Thursday on "Altweiberfasching," which literally translated means "old women's Fasching." Traditionally, females dress as old women or witches. Actually, it's the day specifically reserved for women during the "fifth season."
On this day, male residents do not wear ties and dare to go to bars and pubs because women are allowed to do all sorts of "mischief". They have the right to cut off any man's tie, including their boss.
And on 'Rose Monday', a procession of one million people in brightly coloured costumes parades through the city. The costumes are mostly handmade and show the ingenuity and imagination of those who designed and donned them.
During the carnival there are costume hire shops for tourists. During the parades, millions of candies and sweets are showered on the crowds. The most adventurous take umbrellas and turn them inside out during the 'candy rain' to catch the most sweets.
On Tuesday, the locals take a breather so they can indulge in gluttony on Ash Wednesday, the eve of Lent. The most popular meal on this day is the traditional fish meal, but the feast is never limited to this. On Wednesday, everyone eats and drinks to excess so that they will have the strength to abstain from gluttony throughout Lent until Easter.
Cost of vacation
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Prices in Cologne in February are among the highest of the year, and the reason for this is, of course, the carnival. Saving money on a trip in February is possible, but difficult. For example, if you don't plan to attend the carnival, it's worth planning a trip at the beginning of the month.
Airfares
Airfares in February are not the highest of the year. Compared to January, the average price per ticket is only 3% higher. In March, the cost will increase by 20% compared to February prices.
Hotels
As we wrote above, the average hotel room rate in February is one of the highest of the year at €217. In March, the average price will increase by a further 8-9%. January is a little cheaper, with an average room rate of 205 euros. If you are planning a trip, it is advisable to book your rooms well in advance, as only the most expensive and unmarketable options are available towards February.
Package tours
Tours in February are not cheap either, with an average seven-day bus tour per person starting at €410.
Food
There are many street food outlets that can save you the cost of going to a restaurant. Street food is just as good, sometimes even tastier and more interesting, and costs considerably less. Dinner in a restaurant would cost around 50-70 euros for two people, while street food would cost around 7-15 euros per person, depending on your appetite.
Tips for parents
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The weather in February is the best of the winter months, but it's not good enough to take young children on a trip.
The recommended age for visiting Cologne in February is children 8+.
But if you don't have anyone to leave them with, consider the weather, bring warm shoes and clothes, and try to alternate between walking and visiting museums and exhibitions indoors.
Cologne is well worth a visit, at least once. For the cathedral, for the carnival, for the wonderful party atmosphere that doesn't leave the city even in February. And to prepare efficiently, find out what gifts and souvenirs you should bring back from this wonderful city.
