The climate of Rotterdam
Located in the
Netherlands,
Rotterdam experiences a marine west coast and warm summer climate, identified by the Köppen climate classification as Cfb. A city where each season offers a distinct backdrop, with considerable precipitation throughout the year and mild, if somewhat unpredictable, temperatures.
While annual highs fluctuate from 5.6°C in
January to a comfortable 22°C in
July and
August, cooler temperatures remain consistent, dropping to the lower range of 2.3°C to 4.2°C in
February and
December respectively. This moderate temperature range is complemented by the city's relatively high relative humidity, ranging from 73% in
April to 85% in December.
Notably, the city experiences a significant volume of precipitation, with rainfall ranging from 9mm in April to 24mm in
June. Weather conditions in Rotterdam are far from static, however, with an average of 11 to 13.8 rainy days per month, indicating a frequent, if not necessarily heavy, amount of rainfall.
Interestingly, the city does witness snowfall although it's limited mostly to the winter months, with the highest snowfall of 19mm occurring in February. Daylight hours are predictably longer during the summer months, reaching up to 16.6 hours in June before retracting to a minimum of 7.9 hours by December.
The best time to visit Rotterdam
Travel planning should always factor in the desired activities, but considering the mild year-round climate, visiting
Rotterdam can be a pleasant experience in most months. However, if maximum daylight is a consideration,
June offers the longest days with an average of 16.6 daylight hours, coupled with 9.8 hours of sunshine. Not to mention, a relatively low wind speed of 14.1km/h contributing to warmer temperatures. Furthermore, the temperature ranges from 16.8°C to 19.7°C making outdoor activities particularly enjoyable.
The worst time to visit Rotterdam
While there's no particularly inclement time to visit, the cooler and darker months between
November and
February may provide less favourable weather conditions. With high rainfall, limited daylight hours, and colder temperatures that dip as low as 2.3°C, these months may prove challenging for those unaccustomed to cooler climates.
Spring weather in Rotterdam
The period from
March to
May marks the arrival of spring in
Rotterdam, with steadily rising temperatures of about 9.9°C to 16.8°C. Throughout this season, the level of rainfall generally remains modest, ranging from 9mm to 18mm. With increasing daylight hours, reaching from 8.4 hours in March to a pleasant 15.7 hours in May, it's a delightful period for sightseeing or relishing the city's spring bloom.
Summer weather in Rotterdam
June ushers in the summer months, bringing warmer temperatures from 18.7°C up to 22°C in
July and
August. The season experiences the highest amount of daylight, peaking at about 16.2 to 16.6 hours with ample sunshine. Despite the slight increase in rainfall, showcasing the highest level of 24mm in June, the mild and warm weather conditions make this the favourite season for many visitors.
Autumn weather in Rotterdam
Autumn descends upon the city in
September, introducing a gradual drop in temperatures from 18.7°C to 10°C by
November. While rainfall is fairly uniform at about 13mm to 15mm throughout these months, the daylight hours slowly recede from 12.7 hours to a shorter 8.8 hours in November. However, the changing foliage makes this period visually compelling, with fewer visitors in the backdrop.
Winter weather in Rotterdam
The winter months of
December to
February are the coldest, with temperatures dropping between 5.6°C and 7.2°C. This season witnesses reduced daylight hours, limited to an average of 7.9 to 8.4 hours, and moderate snowfall with a high of 19mm in February. Despite the chilliness and reduced visibility, the bustling winter markets and festive spirit make this a beautiful time in
Rotterdam.
Weather in January
Entering the year,
Rotterdam's weather is characterized by cold temperatures and relatively high humidity, setting the stage for possible snowfall. A cloak of clouds typically covers the city, limiting the daylight hours. A notable weather feature in
January is the snowfall amounting to 8mm over 2.1 days, representing one of only three months to see any snow at all.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar flips into
February, there's a modest rise in temperature, but the specter of a wintry chill still lingers in
Rotterdam. Further borrowing from
January, February hosts snowfall and increased rainfall compared to the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March nudges the city of
Rotterdam towards Spring capturing warmer temperatures and the city sees a decline in cloud cover allowing for more sunshine hours. March marks an important transitional period with the last traces of snow melting away and a significant reduction in pressure.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April unveils a more radiant and warmer
Rotterdam as the dreary winter curtain finally rises. The increase in temperature is accompanied by a decrease in rainfall and an uptick in sunlight hours showing the full bloom of Spring. Although, overall, there's a drop in rainfall from
March to April, the city still hosts nearly 10 days of rain this month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May rings in the melody of fairer weather creating an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts in
Rotterdam. The characteristic humidity is still present even though the skies are clearer and the sun shines brighter. May's weather definition extends to include an additional 2.5°C in highs compared to
April, reaching up to 16.8°C.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marches forward with increasing temperatures, marking the onset of summer in
Rotterdam. Coinciding with the trend of rising temperature, sunny hours also peak setting up a perfect landscape for sun-seeking visitors and locals alike.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Rotterdam finds itself in the heart of the summer season, featuring the most elevated temperatures of the year. The extended daylight hours allow residents and tourists to make the most out of their summer activities. Interestingly, the month of July has the year's highest number of rainy days at 13.8.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Rotterdam is characterized by a mild weather pattern, despite summer being at its tail-end. The stubble of warm days amplifies the lingering essence of sun-bathed landscapes evocative of the summer spectacle. While temperatures continue to hover around summer highs, this month sees 15.3°C as the lowest temperature.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September invites a subtle shift in
Rotterdam's weather, hinting at the oncoming fall while still clutching to the remnants of summer. It is a month of blend - the decreasing temperatures are still complemented by extended hours of sunshine.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings along an unmistakable hint of winter in
Rotterdam as the city delves into cooler weather. The month is characterized by brisk winds, greater cloud cover and a noticeable decrease in daylight hours, painting the city with a palette of autumn.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November commemorates the commencement of
Rotterdam's winter narrative with a notable plunge in temperature. The city faces a decrease in sunlight hours, alongside an upswing in wind speeds contributing to the chilly scenario.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By
December, winter has cemented its place in
Rotterdam, echoed in the shortened daylight hours and cooler, rainy days. As the year draws to a close, the city is mantled by cloud coverage, further reducing the limited sunlight hours.
Weather in December » [Resources]