Best time to go to Cologne

Cologne’s weather is broadly similar to the UK’s, with cool winters and warm summers that are scattered with thunderstorms and showers. Head to the city in July and August if you’re after sunshine, as the mercury usually hovers in the mid-twenties. If you’re heading out for a Christmas market, then wrap up well, as November and December are when the cold weather starts to hit.

Passports & Visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Germany but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Germany using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany/entry-requirements.

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Health & Safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. Also, if you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you'll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as German nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany/health