Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia Weather by Month and Climate Averages

Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia gets 814 mm of precipitation a year over about 179 rainy days. July is the warmest month (average high 24°C) and February the coldest (average low 0°C).

Gelsenkirchen climate at a glance

Oceanic climate

Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia has warm summers and chilly winters. Daytime highs range from about 6°C in January to 24°C in July. July is usually the wettest month. The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August to September, when daytime highs sit near 21°C.

How much rain does Gelsenkirchen get?

Gelsenkirchen gets 814 mm of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 179 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 80% of Germany.

July is the wettest month, with 94 mm. April is the driest, with 38 mm. December has the most rainy days, about 19.

The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 18 days, to May 22, 2025.

Gelsenkirchen weather by month

Gelsenkirchen weather in January

In January, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 6°C and a low of 1°C. It gets 74 mm of precipitation over about 17 rainy days. The sun is out about 21% of daylight hours. The January record high is 17°C (2023) and the record low is -21°C (2009).

Gelsenkirchen weather in February

In February, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 6°C and a low of 0°C. It gets 46 mm of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 25% of daylight hours. The February record high is 20°C (2026) and the record low is -16°C (1986).

Gelsenkirchen weather in March

In March, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 11°C and a low of 2°C. It gets 53 mm of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 37% of daylight hours. The March record high is 24°C (2017) and the record low is -12°C (2013).

Gelsenkirchen weather in April

In April, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 15°C and a low of 4°C. It gets 38 mm of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The April record high is 28°C (2018) and the record low is -6°C (2013).

Gelsenkirchen weather in May

In May, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 19°C and a low of 8°C. It gets 52 mm of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 37% of daylight hours. The May record high is 32°C (2017) and the record low is -2°C (2011). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Gelsenkirchen weather in June

In June, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 22°C and a low of 11°C. It gets 79 mm of precipitation over about 14 rainy days. The sun is out about 40% of daylight hours. The June record high is 38°C (2026) and the record low is 2°C (2009). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Gelsenkirchen weather in July

In July, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 24°C and a low of 13°C. It gets 94 mm of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 34% of daylight hours. The July record high is 37°C (2025) and the record low is 5°C (2015).

Gelsenkirchen weather in August

In August, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 23°C and a low of 13°C. It gets 84 mm of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The August record high is 37°C (2018) and the record low is 6°C (2016). August is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Gelsenkirchen weather in September

In September, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 20°C and a low of 10°C. It gets 66 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The September record high is 33°C (2013) and the record low is 1°C (2018). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Gelsenkirchen weather in October

In October, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 14°C and a low of 7°C. It gets 63 mm of precipitation over about 15 rainy days. The sun is out about 25% of daylight hours. The October record high is 27°C (1983) and the record low is -4°C (2012).

Gelsenkirchen weather in November

In November, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 9°C and a low of 4°C. It gets 79 mm of precipitation over about 17 rainy days. The sun is out about 26% of daylight hours. The November record high is 21°C (1984) and the record low is -7°C (1988).

Gelsenkirchen weather in December

In December, Gelsenkirchen averages a high of 7°C and a low of 2°C. It gets 86 mm of precipitation over about 19 rainy days. The sun is out about 17% of daylight hours. The December record high is 17°C (2022) and the record low is -17°C (2009).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Gelsenkirchen

June is the sunniest month in Gelsenkirchen, with sunshine about 40% of daylight hours. December is the cloudiest, at 17%. Over the year the sun shines about 32% of daylight hours. Gelsenkirchen is cloudier than 54% of Germany.

Humidity peaks in December at 88% and is lowest in June at 65%.

Gelsenkirchen has about 4 days a year above 32°C. Gelsenkirchen is cooler than 56% of Germany.

First and last freeze in Gelsenkirchen

The first fall freeze in Gelsenkirchen typically comes around November 7, and the last spring freeze around April 15. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 206 days.

Gelsenkirchen weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Gelsenkirchen station is 38°C, on June 26, 2026. The coldest is -21°C, on January 7, 2009.

The wettest day on record brought 74 mm of rain, on June 20, 2013.

47 all-time records have been set at the station since 1979.

The best time to visit Gelsenkirchen

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August to September, when daytime highs sit near 21°C.

Winter (December–February) is chilly, with average highs around 6°C and lows near 1°C.

Spring (March–May) is mild, with average highs around 15°C and lows near 5°C.

Summer (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 23°C and lows near 12°C. It can feel humid.

Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 15°C and lows near 7°C.

Monthly climate

MonthPrecipRain daysHumiditySunshineRecord highRecord low
January74 mm1786%21%17°-21°
February46 mm1580%25%20°-16°
March53 mm1470%37%24°-12°
April38 mm1366%39%28°-6°
May52 mm1368%37%32°-2°
June79 mm1465%40%38°
July94 mm1569%34%37°
August84 mm1570%39%37°
September66 mm1275%39%33°
October63 mm1583%25%27°-4°
November79 mm1786%26%21°-7°
December86 mm1988%17%17°-17°

From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.

Gelsenkirchen climate questions

How much rain does Gelsenkirchen get?

Gelsenkirchen gets 814 mm of precipitation in an average year, over about 179 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Gelsenkirchen?

July is the wettest month in Gelsenkirchen, with 94 mm. April is the driest, with 38 mm.

How many rainy days does Gelsenkirchen have a year?

Gelsenkirchen has about 179 days with measurable rain in an average year. December has the most, about 19.

What is the hottest month in Gelsenkirchen?

July is the warmest month in Gelsenkirchen, with an average high of 24°C.

What is the coldest month in Gelsenkirchen?

February is the coldest month in Gelsenkirchen, with an average low of 0°C.

What is the record high temperature in Gelsenkirchen?

The record high at the Gelsenkirchen station is 38°C, set on June 26, 2026. The record low is -21°C, on January 7, 2009.

What is the sunniest month in Gelsenkirchen?

June is the sunniest month in Gelsenkirchen, with sunshine about 40% of daylight hours. December is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Gelsenkirchen?

The first fall freeze in Gelsenkirchen typically comes around November 7. The last spring freeze is around April 15.

What is the best time to visit Gelsenkirchen?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and August to September, when daytime highs sit near 21°C.

Source: NOAA GHCN-Daily station BOCHUM (12 km away).

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Normals from NOAA GHCN-Daily station BOCHUM.