Weather in Groningen

Planning your day in Groningen? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and useful graphs, to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

The climate of Groningen can be described as temperate maritime. This means the city experiences noticeable seasonal changes, but without sharp temperature fluctuations. Winters here are generally cool, while summers are mild and moderately warm, making a visit to the city comfortable at various times of the year.

The summer months, from June to August, are the warmest, with an average temperature of about 16-18°C, while maximum values can reach a pleasant 20-22°C. Winter, covering the period from December to February, is characterized by cooler weather with average temperatures around 4-5°C. Spring and autumn serve as transitional periods with gradually changing weather conditions. An important feature of Groningen's climate is the high probability of precipitation throughout the year. Although the total monthly rainfall may seem small, the number of rainy days remains significant in almost any season. Therefore, having an umbrella or light waterproof clothing will be very useful.

In general, the weather in Groningen is quite changeable, but it rarely presents unpleasant surprises in the form of extreme heat or severe frost. Travelers should be prepared for possible rain and carry appropriate clothing to fully enjoy walks through this charming Dutch city in any weather.

In Groningen, there is a noticeable shift in temperature regimes throughout the year, typical of a temperate maritime climate. The warmest month is usually August, when the average temperature reaches 18.1°C, and daytime highs can comfortably rise to 21.9°C. The coolest period falls in January and February: the average temperature in January is about 4.3°C, and in February – 4.9°C. Minimum night-time temperatures during these winter months can drop on average to 2.3-2.4°C, indicating a cool but not extremely freezing winter.

The summer months in Groningen, covering the period from June to August, offer residents and guests of the city pleasantly warm weather, ideal for exploring the surroundings. Average daytime temperatures this season range from 16.4°C in June to the aforementioned 18.1°C in August. Maximum values are usually in the range of 20-22°C, creating comfortable conditions without exhausting heat. Nights in summer also remain mild, with minimum temperatures ranging from 12.5°C in June to 14.4°C in August. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is more pronounced than in winter, averaging about 7-8°C.

Winter in Groningen, from December to February, is characterized by cool weather, requiring appropriate clothing. Monthly average temperatures during this period stay within 4.3°C - 5.1°C. During the day, the thermometer rarely rises above 6-7°C (for example, 6.3°C in January, 7.4°C in February), and night-time temperatures often drop to 2-3°C (for example, 2.4°C in January, 3.4°C in December), sometimes approaching the zero mark, although severe and prolonged frosts are atypical for the region. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in winter are less significant than in summer, amounting to approximately 4-5°C.

When planning a trip to Groningen, it is important to consider the local precipitation patterns. According to the provided data, the monthly volume of precipitation in the city is only 2-3 mm. It must be emphasized that such figures are extremely low and atypical for the Netherlands, which are generally known for their wetter climate. Likely, these figures reflect the specifics of the data source or indicate that precipitation here is most often insignificant in volume, for example, in the form of light rain or drizzle, rather than heavy downpours.

Despite such a small indicated volume, the frequency of precipitation in Groningen is quite high throughout the year. There is no pronounced rainy season or dry period here. January stands out as the month with the highest number of days with precipitation — on average 17. Precipitation is also observed quite frequently in July, October, and December, when about 16 rainy days are recorded in each of these months. The lowest number of days with precipitation (12 days each) falls in February, April, June, and September. However, even in these conditionally "drier" months regarding frequency, the probability of getting caught in the rain remains substantial.

In the winter months, from December to February, when average temperatures stay just above freezing, rain can sometimes turn into wet snow or ice pellets. However, given the extremely low total precipitation figures, heavy and prolonged snowfalls for Groningen are unlikely. Thus, when heading to Groningen at any time of the year, it is worth being prepared for frequent, albeit seemingly light, precipitation. Having an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will make your stay in the city more comfortable.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Groningen, it is important to consider its temperate maritime climate, which is characterized by changeable weather, frequent, though usually light, precipitation, and the likelihood of wind at any time of the year. A key element of your wardrobe should be layering. Be sure to bring a waterproof and windproof jacket – it will come in handy even in summer. An umbrella can also be useful, although in windy weather, a good jacket with a hood will prove more practical. Don't forget comfortable shoes, preferably with non-slip soles and capable of withstanding light rain, as you will surely want to explore the city on foot.

In the summer months (June-August), when the average temperature hovers around 16-18°C, you will need light items: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light trousers or jeans, as well as a sweater or fleece jacket for cool evenings or cloudy days. Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses. In winter (December-February), the average temperature stays around 2-7°C, so pack warm sweaters, fleece, perhaps thermal underwear, as well as a warm winter jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. For the spring and autumn months, the principle of layering works best: a light jacket over a sweater, which can be taken off or put on depending on the whims of the weather.