A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Cologne vs. Frankfurt for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cologne or Frankfurt?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cologne or Frankfurt? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a connected, energetic, and dynamic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Cologne or Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Frankfurt. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its christmas markets and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt attracts visitors for its food. Cologne is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

The Cologne Cathedral
The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Frankfurt and Cologne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cologne or Frankfurt?

Cologne
Frankfurt

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Frankfurt.

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.


Is the Food Better in Cologne or Frankfurt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Frankfurt is an experience not to be missed. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cologne and Frankfurt.

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Many people head to Frankfurt for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Cologne
Frankfurt

It's fun to wander around the nice old towns in both Cologne and Frankfurt.

Cologne offers a nice historic old town area. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Frankfurt is a good destination for visiting its old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.


Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Frankfurt?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Shopping is a popular activity in both Frankfurt and Cologne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Frankfurt. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for Christmas?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Frankfurt does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Cologne draws large crowds. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cologne or Frankfurt.

Cologne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly destination. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Cologne
Frankfurt

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Frankfurt make for a nice place to visit.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Frankfurt is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.


Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Is Cologne or Frankfurt Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne
Frankfurt

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cologne and Frankfurt.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

Frankfurt has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

Is Cologne or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Cologne
Frankfurt

Cologne and Frankfurt both are great when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.


For even more information, also check out Is Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Frankfurt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cologne and Frankfurt. In our opinion, Frankfurt has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Frankfurt than Cologne. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Frankfurt. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cologne, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cologne than Frankfurt. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cologne that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than Cologne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Frankfurt.


  • How many days in Cologne or Frankfurt? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cologne 1-3 
    Frankfurt 1-3

One day in Cologne or Frankfurt?

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Frankfurt, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cologne or Frankfurt?

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Frankfurt, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Frankfurt has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible city of Cologne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Frankfurt is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Cologne or Frankfurt?

Cologne is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Frankfurt. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Germany, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Munich.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt or Cologne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €161, while the average daily cost in Frankfurt is €122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cologne and Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cologne 91
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cologne 182
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Cologne or Frankfurt? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cologne


Hotels in Frankfurt


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cologne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cologne 19
    Frankfurt 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $84
  • Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne by Car: $67
  • Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

Also for Frankfurt, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Car: $70
  • BaronFleet Frankfurt- Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Luxury Vehicle: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by business car: $54
  • Departure Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Van: $77
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $144
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $28
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Private Transfer to Frankfurt: $142
  • Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt city Private Transfer : $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Cologne or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt and Cologne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cologne 50
    Frankfurt 41
Typical Food Prices in Cologne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:


  • Dinner
    14
  • Donner Kebab
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.

  • Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $489

Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $285
  • Heidelberg and Rhine Valley Day Trip With Wine Tasting and Dinner from Frankfurt: $285

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cologne 20
    Frankfurt 36

Tours and Activities in Cologne

Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 120min - Cologne City Tour: $160
  • 3-Hour Cologne Street Art Bike Tour in Small Group with Guide: $44
  • 3-Hour Murder Mystery Interactive City Walking Tour in Köln: $76
  • Aachen City Hall tour (public): $20
  • Aachen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $233
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.62
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Aachen old town tour - GERMAN (public): $13
  • Aachen: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Amusing Stories of Cologne Walking Tour: $13
  • Beethoven and Bonn Highlights Tour from Cologne by Car: $853

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Frankfurt Old Town": $3.25
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.34
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.89
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $7.06
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $7.60
  • The Tales of Frankfurt's New Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour by Smartphone: $7.99
  • Old Town Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historisches Museum Entry Ticket: $8.69
  • Frankfurt Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cologne 23
    Frankfurt 30

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:

  • Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
  • Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
  • South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $30
  • Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
  • Colonia Tour: Explore Cologne by Segway with brewery beer tasting: $87
  • Walking Tour with Brewery Visit & Beer Tasting: $195
  • Cologne Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $271

Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $22
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $35
  • Romantic Road Day Ticket from Frankfurt/Main to Rothenburg incl. Wine tasting: $148
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $256
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $283
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $289
  • from Frankfurt - romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $339
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $407
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $521
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $759


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cologne and Frankfurt, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Frankfurt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Frankfurt would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Frankfurt and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne than you might in Frankfurt.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cologne Expensive? and Is Frankfurt Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cologne or Frankfurt?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Frankfurt, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cologne or Frankfurt?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cologne or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Frankfurt. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Cologne is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Frankfurt. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Frankfurt. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cologne 19°C (66°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cologne is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cologne 12°C (54°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Cologne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cologne is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Frankfurt. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cologne 3°C (37°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city.

Cologne is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cologne 10°C (50°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Cologne

Cologne Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)