The climate of Rouen
Located in the north of
France, the city of
Rouen experiences a distinct Marine west coast, warm summer climate, classified as Cfb by the Köppen climate classification. Taking a deeper look into the monthly climatological parameters, the city witnesses a substantial change in weather elements throughout the year.
Regarding temperature, the city varies from highs of 22.1°C during the summer months to lows of 1.4°C in the winter months. Precipitation is a year-round occurrence, seeing the highest rainfall of 60mm in
December and the lowest of 24mm in
September. On average, there is rainfall in Rouen between 16.5 days at the start of the year to a bit lesser at 12.1 days in the month of September.
With yearly relative humidity oscillating from 79% to 89%, the city exhibits comfortable atmospheric levels without excessive dryness or dampness. Winds in Rouen can pick up from 11.5km/h in
August up to 17.3km/h in December, thus seldom posing any serious issues to the city residents or tourists.
The city sees infrequent snowfall, which typically concentrates between
January and
March, and then again in December, with the highest being 14mm in January. Sunshine hours fluctuate between 3.6 hours in January to 9 hours in
July, offering adequate sunlight during the warmer months to enjoy the outdoors.
The best time to visit Rouen
Planning a trip to
Rouen depends wholly on individual preferences for weather conditions. However, summer (
June to
August) predominantly stands out as the most suitable period to visit. During this time, temperatures range from a pleasant 19.4°C to 22.1°C, with extended daylight hours from 15.4 hours to 16.2 hours, providing ample time for sightseeing. Relative humidity during these months ranges from 81% to 84%, providing a comfortable atmosphere for exploration. Alongside, the UV index rating of 4 to 5, and visibility extending up to 8km, ensures a clear and safe environment for activities.
The worst time to visit Rouen
Winter months, particularly
December, tends to be the least favorable time for a visit, with the lowest daylight hours of 8.3 hours and high rainfall of 60mm. The chill in the air is undeniable as temperatures plummet to 1.4°C to 7.5°C. While the city dresses in picturesque snow, it is sparse, peaking 12mm in December, surprisingly less for a winter month. Moreover, the wind speed heightens to 17.3km/h, thus leaning towards an uncomfortable chill for visitors not fond of cold and damp conditions.
Spring weather in Rouen
Spring in
Rouen brings milder weather with temperatures escalating from 6.4°C to 14.3°C between
March and
May. Rainfall during this season sees a downtrend from 42mm in March to 33mm in May. Daylight hours increase from 11.9 hours to 15.4 hours, offering longer days for visitors to savor. The wind speed during these months decreases from 16.1km/h to 13.2km/h, making sightseeing activities less challenging.
Summer weather in Rouen
Rouen’s summer displays a comfortable warmth with temperature averages between 16.3°C to 22.1°C. Rainfall in this period ranges from 39mm to 52mm per month, constituting a moderate level of precipitation. Surprisingly, in proportion to the season, daylight and sunshine hours reach their peak during this period, namely from 15.4 hours to 16.2 hours and 7.6 hours to 9 hours respectively. Wind speeds dip to their lowest all year round, varying from 12.1km/h to 13.2km/h.
Autumn weather in Rouen
During the autumn months (
September to
November), temperatures in
Rouen drop from 19.4°C in September to 10.2°C by November. Rainfall upticks to 55mm in November from a low of 24mm in September. Daylight and sunshine hours gradually decrease from 12.6 hours and 7.1 hours to 9.1 hours and 3.9 hours respectively. Winds pick up speed during this season, accelerating from 12km/h in September to 15.8km/h in November.
Winter weather in Rouen
Rouen’s winter months (
December to
February) are characterized by temperatures dropping between 6.4°C and 7.5°C, alongside the chilliest nights falling to 1.4°C and 2.9°C. Rainfall reaches its peak during the winter months, especially in December with 60mm. While snowfall is observed, it remains scant across the winter months with a maximum of 14mm in
January. The winter season brings shorter daylight hours between 8.3 hours to 10.2 hours. Correspondingly, sunshine hours dwindle from 3.9 hours to 4.6 hours, signifying darker and colder days. Winds during this season tend to be stronger, reaching up to 17.3km/h.
Weather in January
January marks the coldest month in
Rouen,
France with the highest snowfall. Snow graces the city with measurable falls registered on an average of 2.1 days, with a total snowfall amounting to 14mm. Aside from presenting a winter wonderland scenario, the city becomes a vision in white.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Passing the peak of winter,
February winds bring a slight change in the
Rouen environment. The snowfall reduces to an average of 7mm over just 2.3 days. February marks the bare winter end, offering slightly higher daytime temperatures but still remaining within the cold range.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring starts to set in
March,
Rouen experiences the transition from frosty winter to a relatively warmer environment. The snow retreats completely with accumulation reducing to 8mm over 1 day. March shows the city in its phase of transition - from snowy landscapes to clear skies and warming weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a significant onslaught of Spring in
Rouen. Days of snow accumulation are behind, with no snowfall observed across the month. April showcases a brighter Rouen with increased daylight hours and blossoming greens. Walking through Rouen's picturesque streets becomes even more enjoyable with sunnier weather and clearer skies, signifying a complete shift from the winter season. The shift into April in Rouen is accompanied by a modest temperature increase, with the average high-temperature edging up from a cool 10.9°C in
March to a moderate 14.3°C.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May intensifies the spring season further with temperatures rising perpetually throughout
Rouen. While winters had their share of snow, May stands in stark contrast with no snowfall at all. As the weather continues to please with its warmth, evenings can still be a tad nippy, but with nothing a light jacket cannot manage.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Rouen opens the door to summer, offering a fresh season's feel. The temperature rises steadily, but there is no snowfall, typical for this time of year. June beautifies Rouen with longer days and more pronounced sunlight, making it both summer bright and warm.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents the peak of summer in
Rouen. The month’s most significant weather feature involves the highest average high temperature of 22°C. The city dazzles under the summer sun, with longer days and blue skies. The warm days coupled with relatively cool nights offer the best of both worlds.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer spell in
Rouen. Interestingly, despite a slight drop, the maximum temperature remains in the same range as
July. The city continues to bask in sunlight, enjoying the warm weather, and lush greenery at its fullest bloom.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signifies the onset of autumn in
Rouen. As temperatures commence a downward trend from highs of 19.4°C, so do the rainfall rates with 24mm. Slowly and surely, Rouen transforms to feature autumn's first signs. Days become shorter, the air crisper, and fall's iconic hue begins to paint the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is deep into autumn, with
Rouen's temperature continuing its gradual decline. The month presents the ideal autumn atmosphere, no snow and moderate rainfall. As Rouen dresses in stunning fall colors, the city beams with seasonal joy.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Rouen gears up for the winter once again. While the city experiences no snow, temperatures drop significantly. The ballet of fall leaves starts to settle as the city prepares for the chill. The days get shorter, twilight creeps in earlier, and the air turns nippier.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the year to close with the onset of winter in
Rouen. This month experiences the first snowfall of 2mm since the end of the previous winter. As Rouen's skyline gets adorned with holiday lights, snowflakes add to the city's charm.
Weather in December » [Resources]