Weather in Rotterdam

Planning a trip or simply interested in the weather in Rotterdam? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, including detailed forecasts and clear charts.

The climate in Rotterdam, located in the Netherlands, can be described as temperate maritime. This means there are no sharp temperature fluctuations here: winters are usually mild, with an average temperature of around 5-6°C in January and December, while summers are comfortably warm, without exhausting heat, with average temperatures around 18-19°C in July and August. The proximity of the North Sea has a significant influence on the weather, making it quite variable and humid throughout the year.

In Rotterdam, four seasons are clearly traceable. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming from an average of 7°C in March to 13°C in May. In autumn (September-November), the temperature smoothly decreases from 16°C in September to 8°C in November. A characteristic feature of the weather in Rotterdam is the high probability of precipitation year-round: the number of rainy days, according to the data provided, ranges from 11 to 17 per month. This means that frequent, though not always heavy, rains are the norm, so tourists are advised to carry an umbrella or a raincoat regardless of the season.

The temperature regime in Rotterdam is distinguished by moderation throughout the year, avoiding extremes of heat or cold. The warmest month is traditionally August, when the average air temperature is 18.7°C. During this period, daytime highs can reach 22.2°C, while nighttime lows drop to a comfortable 15.2°C. July is also very warm, with an average temperature of 18.1°C. On the other hand, the coolest month is considered to be January, with an average temperature of 5.1°C, nighttime readings around 3.3°C, and daytime highs not exceeding 7.0°C. February follows with similar values, averaging around 5.8°C.

The summer months, from June to August, delight residents and guests of Rotterdam with pleasant warmth. Daytime temperatures during this period usually fluctuate from 20.6°C in June to 22.2°C in August, while nights remain fresh and comfortable, with temperatures from 13.3°C to 15.2°C. This is the ideal time for active recreation and walks. Winter, conversely, is mild: average temperatures in December, January, and February hold in the range of 5-6°C. At night, the thermometer may drop to 3-4°C, and rise to 7-8°C during the day. Significant frosts are a rarity here. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in Rotterdam are small: in summer the difference between day and night temperature is about 7-8°C, and in winter only 3-5°C, which ensures relative stability of weather conditions during the day.

Spring and autumn in Rotterdam serve as smooth transitional periods. In March, the average temperature is about 7.0°C, gradually rising to 13.1°C by May. September still retains echoes of summer with an average temperature of 16.1°C, which then smoothly declines to 8.2°C in November. These seasons are also characterized by moderate temperatures, conducive to exploring the city and its surroundings.

In Rotterdam, precipitation is a characteristic feature of the weather throughout the year, and there is no pronounced dry season here. According to the data provided, the total amount of precipitation is distributed quite evenly, with a slight increase in the autumn-winter period. Thus, from January to August, the average monthly precipitation amount is 2 mm, and from September to December this figure increases slightly to 3 mm. This suggests that rains, although frequent, are usually not too abundant in terms of total volume per month.

Regarding the frequency of rainy days, the wettest month is December, when precipitation is expected on average for 17 days. It is followed by October and November, each counting 16 rainy days. On the other hand, the fewest number of days with precipitation falls on April and June – just 11 days each. In other months, such as January, March, July, and August, it rains for approximately 13-14 days per month, which highlights the constant presence of moisture in the air.

Given the moderate temperatures in Rotterdam, especially during the winter period when minimum temperatures rarely drop significantly below zero (for example, in January the average minimum is 3.3°C, and in December 4.2°C), most precipitation falls in the form of rain. Snowfalls are possible but are not a frequent occurrence and, as a rule, do not lead to the formation of a stable snow cover. The nature of precipitation, judging by the small total monthly amount, most often represents light rain or drizzle rather than heavy downpours. This means that even in months with the highest number of "wet" days, the weather is more conducive to frequent but not intense precipitation.

When planning a trip to Rotterdam, it is important to consider its variable maritime weather, characteristic of the Netherlands. Regardless of the time of year, a key element of your wardrobe should be waterproof and windproof clothing. A light raincoat or a jacket with a hood, as well as a compact umbrella, will be your faithful companions, as precipitation here is a frequent occurrence, with 11 to 17 rainy days monthly, according to data. The principle of layering in clothing is your best friend in Rotterdam: it will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Do not forget comfortable walking shoes, as the city with its modern architecture and waterfronts invites long walks.

In summer (June-August), when average temperatures hover around 17-19°C, you will need light t-shirts, shirts, shorts, or skirts. However, be sure to bring a sweater, cardigan, or fleece jacket for evening walks or cooler, windy days, which are not uncommon here. Sunscreen and a hat will also come in handy on clear summer days. In colder months, from late autumn to early spring (October-April), when average temperatures vary from 5°C to 13°C, it is worth dressing warmly. Take with you a warm sweater, thick trousers, a mid-season or winter jacket (especially from January to March), a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Although severe frosts are atypical for Rotterdam, high humidity and gusty winds can create a sensation of lower temperatures, so warm and wind-protecting clothing will be very useful.