What December feels like in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, December brings early winter. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Rotterdam in December
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 5.3 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Rotterdam's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.4 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:43 am and sets around 4:31 pm local time, giving 7 h 48 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 1 h 4 min less daylight than in mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 42% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Rotterdam. Against November, the average high is 3.1°C (5.6°F) lower, with 2 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. By January, typical highs are 6.3°C (43.3°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Rotterdam in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Rotterdam in December?
Expect around 7.2°C (45°F) in the afternoon and 3.2°C (37.8°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Rotterdam in December?
Quite a lot — 75 mm spread over about 14 days.
What should I wear in Rotterdam in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Rotterdam?
January, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Rotterdam's months, against #12 for the other.