Climate

Weather in Rotterdam: temperatures and best time to visit

What is the weather in Rotterdam like? The city has a temperate oceanic climate, with cool and damp winters, mild summers and fairly changeable weather throughout the year.

If you’re planning a trip, this guide covers Rotterdam temperatures by month, rainfall and wind, what the weather is like in each season and the best time to visit the city.

Rotterdam temperatures by month

Temperatures in Rotterdam vary considerably throughout the year. January is usually the coldest month, while July and August generally have the highest temperatures. In the seasonal tables below, you can find the typical high and low temperatures for each month, together with average rainfall.

What is the weather like in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a temperate oceanic climate influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This means that winters are generally cold and damp, while summers tend to be mild and pleasant, without extreme temperatures for most of the year.

Rainfall is spread throughout the year, usually in the form of showers or drizzle. It can also be quite windy, particularly between November and March, due to the influence of Atlantic weather systems.

July is usually the warmest month of the year, January the coldest and October the wettest. Although temperatures above 30 °C are relatively uncommon, they have become more frequent in recent years during summer heatwaves.

What is the best time to visit Rotterdam?

The best time to visit Rotterdam depends on the type of trip you’re looking for. Between May and September, you’ll generally find more pleasant temperatures, longer days and a wider choice of festivals, outdoor terraces and activities.

Spring is particularly attractive thanks to its flowering parks and relatively low rainfall. Summer brings the liveliest atmosphere of the year, while autumn is ideal if you prefer a quieter city and spectacular colours in the parks. In winter, Christmas festivities, markets and indoor cultural activities take centre stage.

Weather in Rotterdam in spring

Spring is one of the best times to visit Rotterdam. The parks begin to bloom, temperatures gradually rise and rainfall tends to be less frequent than during other seasons.

Weather in Rotterdam in summer

Summer brings the most pleasant temperatures of the year and a busy programme of festivals, outdoor terraces and activities. Although occasional rain showers are possible, it is the most popular season for visitors.

Weather in Rotterdam in autumn

Temperatures remain relatively mild at the beginning of autumn. The parks take on spectacular autumn colours and the city receives fewer visitors, although rainfall gradually increases as the season progresses.

Weather in Rotterdam in winter

Winter is generally cold and damp. Although heavy snowfall is uncommon, during particularly cold spells some canals may occasionally freeze.

Does it snow in Rotterdam?

Yes, it does snow occasionally in Rotterdam during winter, although snowfall is usually light and does not last very long. During colder winters, snow may remain on the ground for several days and, in exceptional conditions, some canals can freeze.

Can you swim at the beaches near Rotterdam?

Beaches near Rotterdam, such as Hoek van Holland, are suitable for swimming during the summer. However, the North Sea remains fairly cold, reaching approximately 18 °C in August, the warmest month for sea temperatures.