What May feels like in Rotterdam
Late spring arrives in Rotterdam with May. Expect cool, jacket-on afternoons — comfortable for a long walk. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Rotterdam in May
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Each rainy day adds about 5.6 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. Across the year Rotterdam averages about 5.4 mm per rainy day, so May is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 5:50 am and sets around 9:27 pm local time, giving 15 h 37 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 1 h 47 min. The sun is out for roughly 73% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in Rotterdam. Afternoons run 3.4°C (6.1°F) warmer than in April, with 22 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. June averages a high of 20.5°C (68.9°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Rotterdam in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Rotterdam in May?
Afternoons average 17.4°C (63.3°F) and nights about 9.4°C (48.9°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Rotterdam in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 67 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Rotterdam in May?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is May or June better for visiting Rotterdam?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #6). June is warmer and has fewer rainy days.