2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Rotterdam — December

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

☔ Climate Overview

December is a wet time to visit Rotterdam. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 8°C during the day. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 8 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

5.9
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

8°C

Avg Low

4°C

Rainy days

14days

Daylight

7.8h

Feels like 4°C / 0°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

71mm

Sunshine

2.7h/day

Humidity

89%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

0.8

Low
Wind

24 km/h (gusts 43)

Is December a good time to visit Rotterdam?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

08:44

Sunset

16:32

7.8h daylight

Visiting Rotterdam in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Limited sunshine — expect overcast skies
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in December

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Rotterdam Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 7°C 3°C 12d (70mm) 3.6h
87% Very Humid
1.1 Low
Good
Feb 9°C 4°C 13d (70mm) 4.9h
83% Very Humid
2 Low
Wet
Mar 11°C 4°C 11d (53mm) 8h
77% Humid
4.3 Moderate
Good
Apr 13°C 5°C 9d (55mm) 10.3h
73% Humid
6.7 High
Good
May 17°C 9°C 13d (71mm) 12h
76% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 21°C 13°C 10d (71mm) 12.4h
74% Humid
8.6 Very High
Excellent
Jul 22°C 14°C 14d (79mm) 11.7h
77% Humid
7.8 Very High
Excellent
Aug 23°C 15°C 11d (64mm) 11.4h
77% Humid
6.8 High
Excellent
Sep 20°C 12°C 11d (70mm) 9.2h
80% Very Humid
4.8 Moderate
Excellent
Oct 15°C 10°C 17d (106mm) 6.1h
86% Very Humid
2.5 Moderate
Wet
Nov 11°C 6°C 14d (80mm) 4.1h
88% Very Humid
1.3 Low
Wet
Dec Current 8°C 4°C 14d (71mm) 2.7h
89% Very Humid
0.8 Low
Wet

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Your Best MonthNovScore: 6.7
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3.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Rotterdam – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Rotterdam

Cutting-edge architecture with Cube Houses and Markthal food market,Europe's largest port, and vibrant food scene.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Rotterdam?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Rotterdam?
December is typically wet for visiting Rotterdam, with average highs of 8°C and around 14 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Rotterdam in December?
Yes, nights in Rotterdam during December are cold, averaging 4°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Rotterdam in December?
With highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Rotterdam in December?
Rotterdam typically sees around 14 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Rotterdam in December?
In December, Rotterdam gets approximately 7.8 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Rotterdam?
No, December is not peak season in Rotterdam. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Amsterdam)

Last Updated: March 2026

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