Climate

The climate in Rotterdam is suboceanic, humid, and rainy, influenced by both the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, from which disturbances arise throughout the year, resulting in cold winters and fairly cool summers.

The wind tends to blow intensely from November to March.

Precipitation is relatively abundant, around 880 millimeters per year, but it is distributed across the seasons. The rainiest season is autumn, while spring receives the least rainfall. Precipitation often occurs in the form of short showers or drizzle.

July is the hottest month in Rotterdam, while January is the coldest. October is the rainiest month.

Periods of heat can occur, typically of short duration, which have become increasingly frequent in recent years due to global warming. During these hottest days of the year, temperatures can exceed 30°C. July and August are the warmest months.

Snowfall is common in winter in Rotterdam, although it is not abundant, and sometimes snow accumulates on the ground, remaining for several days during cold waves.

The North Sea near Rotterdam is very cold for swimming, even in summer, with water temperatures reaching 18°C in August.

The best time to visit Rotterdam is from mid-May to mid-September when the temperature is milder.

Climate in Rotterdam in spring

Spring in Rotterdam can initially be cold (it can still snow in March), but temperatures improve as the season progresses. April and May are the least rainy months of the year. May can have hot days, with temperatures around 25°C.

For many tourists, spring is the ideal season to visit Rotterdam as the flowers start to bloom in the parks, and the days begin to lengthen.

Here are the average temperatures (maximum and minimum) and rainfall during the spring months in Rotterdam:

March – Maximum 9°C, minimum 2°C, rainfall of 63 liters/square meter.

April – Maximum 13°C, minimum 4°C, rainfall of 43 liters/square meter.

May – Maximum 17°C, minimum 8°C, rainfall of 53 liters/square meter.

Climate in Rotterdam in summer

If you prefer to travel to Rotterdam in summer, you will notice that it is a season of warm temperatures. In August, temperatures can exceed 25°C, although occasional storms may occur.

During the school holiday season, the locals head abroad, and the city is not as crowded with residents. There are also numerous festivals and events taking place in the summer.

Here are the average temperatures (maximum and minimum) and rainfall during the summer months in Rotterdam:

June – Maximum 21°C, minimum 16°C, rainfall of 68 liters/square meter.

July – Maximum 23°C, minimum 18°C, rainfall of 71 liters/square meter.

August – Maximum 23°C, minimum 18°C, rainfall of 68 liters/square meter.

Climate in Rotterdam in autumn

For others, the best season to visit Rotterdam is autumn. During the autumn months, there are still long days, and it is not as hot. Rotterdam experiences mild temperatures and sporadic rainfall during this season.

The first nighttime frost usually occur in late October or November.

Sunset occurs earlier, and the numerous parks change their colors.

Here are the average temperatures (maximum and minimum) and rainfall during the autumn months in Rotterdam:

September – Maximum 18°C, minimum 11°C, rainfall of 75 liters/square meter.

October – Maximum 13°C, minimum 7°C, rainfall of 84 liters/square meter.

November – Maximum temperature of 9 °C, minimum temperature of 4 °C, Rainfall of 83 liters per square meter.

Climate in Rotterdam in winter

Like other cities in the north of Europe, winter in Rotterdam is characterized by cold temperatures. The average temperatures hover around 3 °C, and on some days, they drop several degrees below zero.

The combination of wind and humidity exacerbates the sensation of cold.

If the wind blows from the west, the temperature can be mild, reaching up to 11 degrees. However, at times, the city is affected by cold air masses originating from Russia, causing the thermometer to plummet below freezing for several days. Canals can even freeze over.

In such cases, temperatures can reach -13 °C.

Here are the average temperatures (maximum and minimum) and rainfall during winter in Rotterdam:

December – Maximum temperature of 6 °C, minimum temperature of 1 °C, Rainfall of 83 liters per square meter.

January – Maximum temperature of 5 °C, minimum temperature of 1 °C, Rainfall of 77 liters per square meter.

February – Maximum temperature of 6 °C, minimum temperature of 1 °C, Rainfall of 70 liters per square meter.