If you're planning a trip to Cologne, when to go will be at the forefront of your mind. Here's a quick look at what you can expect in Cologne's seasons in order to help you best decide when is the ideal time for you to visit this historic city.

Winter

Lasting from December through February is Cologne's winter, one of the most mild in all of Germany. Temperatures do stay cold, with lows hovering around -1 degree C. There is also occasional snow, though not enough to last very long and cause any concern. Gray skies are common throughout the season, but holiday displays and festivities do tend to brighten things up. The winter is also usually the driest season of the year.

Spring

Spring moves in quickly from March through May, with temperatures warming up at a rapid clip. In March the lows are still around 2 degrees C, but the highs quickly ascend to 20 degrees C by May. It's still quite chilly in the evenings, so be sure to pack a sweater or 2 for nights out. The rains become more prominent, though it still only rains a few days out of each month. Spring is an excellent time to visit the Botanical Gardens.

Summer

From June through August the summertime heats descend, with highs averaging around 25 degrees C. It's often humid, and July and August are the wettest months of the season. However, the heat is never unbearable thanks to the cooling breezes from the Rhine, and the rains usually keep to the nights or else are very short-lived during the day. Summer is a popular time for eating or enjoying a few drinks along the river.

Autumn

Autumn, like spring, is a rapid progression from September to November. The weather is varied, and it cools down quickly. In September the highs are still in the 20 degrees C range, but by November the lows reach 2 degrees C. Like the spring, its often colder in the evenings, so be sure to pack a sweater or jacket. The rains are still frequent in September, but begin to level off by the time November comes around. It's also worth noting that as the peak tourist season ends in September, hotels begin to offer discounts on accommodations.