Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Rotterdam, the Netherlands' second city, is a striking contrast to the historic charm of Amsterdam. Known for its avant-garde architecture, massive port, and resilient spirit, Rotterdam offers a moder...
About Rotterdam
Rotterdam, the Netherlands' second city, is a striking contrast to the historic charm of Amsterdam. Known for its avant-garde architecture, massive port, and resilient spirit, Rotterdam offers a modern urban experience that evolves with the seasons. The city enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild summers and cool, breezy winters. While Amsterdam remains a year-round magnet for tourists, Rotterdam provides a more local, spacious feel, often at a lower price point. Peak season runs through the sunny summer months of July and August, while the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn offer the perfect balance of manageable crowds and pleasant weather for exploring the city's iconic rooftops and harbor.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Rotterdam at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Rotterdam, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
EUR (€) daily budgets: €65–€85/day to €400+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Rotterdam
Best Overall
May–June and September
Cheapest
January–February
Busiest
July–August
Best Weather
June–August
For Events
July and September
For Families
May–August
For Couples
September–October
Budget Travel
November–February
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Rotterdam.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Rotterdam — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Rotterdam
January
Average temperatures range from 1°C to 6°C (34°F–43°F). Low sunshine (2 hours/day) and moderate rainfall (~68mm).
“Best for film buffs and budget travelers who don't mind the chill.”
February
Cold and damp, 1°C to 6°C (34°F–43°F). Slightly drier than January but often feels colder due to wind.
“Ideal for art lovers and sports fans looking for indoor entertainment.”
March
Gradual warming, 3°C to 10°C (37°F–50°F). Increasing daylight with frequent 'four seasons in one day' weather.
“Best for culture seekers wanting to beat the major spring crowds.”
April
Mild but unpredictable, 5°C to 14°C (41°F–57°F). Often the driest month of the year.
“The best month for experiencing Dutch national pride and vibrant street life.”
May
Pleasant and bright, 8°C to 17°C (46°F–63°F). Sunniest month with over 7 hours of direct light daily.
“The best time for photographers and those who love urban exploration.”
June
Mild to warm, 11°C to 20°C (52°F–68°F). Long days provide daylight until nearly 10:00 PM.
“Perfect for architecture enthusiasts and outdoor jazz lovers.”
July
Warm and lively, 13°C to 22°C (55°F–72°F). High humidity but peak outdoor conditions.
“Best for festival-goers; expect high hotel prices and a buzzing city vibe.”
August
Warmest month, 13°C to 23°C (55°F–73°F). Also one of the wettest due to summer thunderstorms (~89mm).
“Great for late-summer vacations and lively evening social scenes.”
September
Crisp and cooling, 10°C to 19°C (50°F–66°F). Generally very pleasant for walking.
“Best for maritime history fans and those seeking fewer crowds than summer.”
October
Cool and wet, 7°C to 14°C (45°F–57°F). This is statistically the wettest month (~84mm).
“Best for travelers who enjoy cozy indoor vibes and low-season prices.”
November
Dull and chilly, 4°C to 9°C (39°F–48°F). High cloud cover and shorter days.
“The best month for serious foodies and bargain hunters.”
December
Cold and festive, 2°C to 7°C (36°F–45°F). Shortest days of the year but city is lit up.
“Best for those seeking holiday magic and unique waterfront fireworks.”
Festivals & Events in Rotterdam
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)
One of the largest film festivals in the world, focusing on independent and experimental cinema.
City-center hotels fill up; theater areas become very busy.Art Rotterdam
A week-long celebration of contemporary art held in the iconic Van Nelle Fabriek.
Draws an international crowd of collectors and artists.Rotterdam Marathon
One of the fastest courses in the world, attracting elite athletes and 50,000+ runners.
Major road closures; hotels booked months in advance.King's Day (Koningsdag)
The King's birthday celebrated with city-wide flea markets, live music, and boat parties.
National holiday; shops closed; public transport on modified schedules.Rotterdam Rooftop Days
A unique festival where dozens of rooftops are opened to the public for tours and drinks.
Moderate; popular with locals and architecture enthusiasts.North Sea Jazz Festival
The biggest indoor jazz festival in the world, held at Rotterdam Ahoy.
Extreme; hotels are often booked out 6 months in advance.Rotterdam Unlimited (Zomercarnaval)
A massive Caribbean-style summer carnival with music, dance, and a colorful parade.
Huge crowds in the city center; very festive atmosphere.World Port Days
A celebration of the port with ship tours, naval demonstrations, and fireworks.
Waterfront areas become very crowded; great for families.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Rotterdam?
EUR (€)
Daily Budget
Peak
€160–€260/night
Off-Peak
€85–€135/night
Rotterdam is generally 15–25% cheaper than Amsterdam for accommodation. Prices peak sharply in July for the North Sea Jazz Festival and late April for King's Day. Weekends in Rotterdam can actually be cheaper than weekdays because the city has a high volume of business travelers.
Where to Stay in Rotterdam by Season
Centrum (City Center)
Moderate to PremiumYear-Round
Best for first-timers. Near the Markthal and Cube Houses. Extremely convenient in winter for indoor activities.
Kop van Zuid
PremiumSummer
Modern architecture hub across the Erasmus Bridge. Best for waterfront views and luxury hotels like Hotel New York.
Delfshaven
Budget to ModerateAutumn
The only part of the city that retains its pre-war historic charm. Very cozy and romantic as the leaves change.
Oude Noorden (Noord)
ModerateSpring
Hip, residential area with great independent boutiques and leafy streets. Perfect for long walks in May.
What to Pack for Rotterdam
Spring
Pro tip: The wind coming off the river can make a 14°C day feel much cooler—always have a neck scarf.
Summer
Pro tip: Even in July, a passing shower is likely. A high-quality light raincoat is better than an umbrella in the wind.
Autumn
Pro tip: October is rainy; prioritize footwear that can handle puddles and long walks on cobblestones.
Winter
Pro tip: Public indoor spaces are kept very warm, so make sure your outer layers are easy to remove.
FAQs: Visiting Rotterdam
What is the best month to visit Rotterdam?
May is arguably the best month, offering the most sunshine, pleasant temperatures for cycling, and the unique Rooftop Days festival.
When is the cheapest time to visit Rotterdam?
January and February are the cheapest months. Accommodation rates drop significantly after the New Year celebrations, except during the Film Festival.
Is Rotterdam worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially for culture lovers. The International Film Festival (IFFR) and Art Rotterdam make it a vibrant indoor destination in Jan/Feb.
Does it rain a lot in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a typical Dutch climate with rain spread across the year. October and August are the wettest, while April is usually the driest.
How does Rotterdam's weather compare to Amsterdam's?
They are very similar, but Rotterdam's coastal position and wide-open architecture make it feel slightly windier and 'brisker' than Amsterdam.
When should I book a hotel for the North Sea Jazz Festival?
At least 4–6 months in advance. This is the busiest weekend of the year for the city's hospitality sector.
Is Rotterdam a good destination for a summer holiday?
Absolutely. The Summer Carnival in July and the harbor activities in August provide a high-energy, multicultural experience.
Can I see tulips in Rotterdam?
While the main fields are in the Bollenstreek (near Lisse), you can reach Keukenhof from Rotterdam in under an hour by train/bus during April and May.
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