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Weather Comparison

Cologne vs London

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Cologne: 18°CLondon: 17°C497 km apart

May Weather: Cologne vs London

MetricCologneLondonBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer18°C (64°F)17°C (63°F)Cologne
Average LowHigher is milder9°C (48°F)8°C (46°F)Cologne
Rain DaysFewer is drier12 days10 daysLondon
PrecipitationLess is drier63 mm52 mmLondon
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier11h/day10h/dayCologne
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer1010Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better17 km/h20 km/hCologne

Which City is Better in May?

Cologne and London are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Cologne sits in the comfortable travel range at 18°C. London is also comfortable at 17°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, London is the stronger choice in May. Cologne receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in May

Cologne reaches an average high of 18°C (64°F) and drops to 9°C (48°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 9°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

London averages 17°C (63°F) for the high and 8°C (46°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

Cologne receives approximately 63 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

London sees 52 mm over 10 rain days. That makes London the drier option by 2 rain days and 11 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Cologne vs London

Packing for Cologne in May

Highs of 18°C, lows of 9°C, 12 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for London in May

Highs of 17°C, lows of 8°C, 10 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.

Year-Round Comparison: Cologne vs London

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.May is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthCologneLondon
HighRainHighRain
Jan5°C14d7°C11d
Feb6°C13d8°C10d
Mar10°C14d10°C10d
Apr14°C11d14°C11d
May18°C12d17°C10d
Jun21°C12d20°C10d
Jul23°C13d22°C11d
Aug23°C12d21°C10d
Sep19°C11d19°C9d
Oct14°C13d15°C11d
Nov9°C14d10°C11d
Dec6°C16d8°C11d
18°

Cologne Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

17°

London Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cologne warmer than London in May?
Yes. In May, Cologne is warmer with an average high of 18°C (64°F) compared to London at 17°C (63°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Cologne or London?
Cologne gets more rain in May with 12 rain days and 63 mm of precipitation. London is the drier option with 10 rain days.
Is it better to visit Cologne or London in May?
It depends on your preferences. Cologne averages 18°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine with 12 rain days. London averages 17°C with 10 sunshine hours and 10 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Cologne. For fewer rain days, London is the better pick.
How far apart are Cologne and London?
Cologne and London are approximately 497 km (309 miles) apart. Cologne is located in Germany (Europe) while London is in United Kingdom (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Cologne and London?
For Cologne, May tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 18°C. For London, June is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 20°C highs.

Compare Cologne and London in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Cologne coordinates: 50.93°N, 6.95°E | London coordinates: 51.51°N, -0.13°E