Month guide · Rotterdam · Netherlands
Rotterdam in December
What December is really like in Rotterdam: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Marco de Swart, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 7°C (45°F), lows of 2°C (36°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 7.8 hours of daylight. Festive lights and winter events, with busy shops before Christmas.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 7°C (45°F) / 2°C (36°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 7.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 8°C (46°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Rotterdam: days average 7°C (45°F) against a yearly average high of 14°C (57°F), and nights fall to about 2°C (36°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with November (10°C (50°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 6°C (43°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:44
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:31
- Daylight
- About 7.8 hours
- Sea
- 8°C (46°F)
Winter (December–February). Cold, damp and dark, but low prices, the film festival and indoor architecture and museums.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is June at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in June). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
- New Year's Eve fireworks around the Erasmus Bridge (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Historic site · Katendrecht
SS Rotterdam
The former flagship of the Holland America Line, launched in 1958, is permanently moored at Katendrecht as a hotel, restaurant and museum ship.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Rainy day
- Kids
- Architecture
Museum · Katendrecht
Fenix
Climb the Tornado to the rooftop for views of the Wilhelminapier towers.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Architecture
- Views
- Rainy day
Museum · Centrum
Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Near the Leuvehaven, the Maritime Museum covers shipping and the port, with interactive galleries, ship models and an outdoor harbour of historic vessels and cranes, plus a large hands-on play area for children.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- History
- Rainy day
Religious site · Centrum
Laurenskerk
It is a two-minute walk from the Markthal; check whether the tower is open for a climb during your visit.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 7°C, lows near 2°C and 13 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Rotterdam?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Rotterdam in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Rotterdam?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Festive lights and winter events, with busy shops before Christmas.
+How warm is Rotterdam in December?
Average highs are around 7°C (45°F) and lows around 2°C (36°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Rotterdam in December?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.