Rotterdam Weather in May
Rotterdam in May sees pleasant daytime temperatures of 18°C (64°F) and nighttime lows of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall is fairly high this month at around 65 mm (2.6 in), so pack a rain jacket to stay dry.
Rainfall in Rotterdam in May
You can typically expect 14 days of rain this month, averaging around 65 mm (2.6 in). Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.
Temperature in Rotterdam in May
Temperatures in Rotterdam in May top out at 18°C (64°F) and drop to 9°C (48°F) overnight. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. With lows around 9°C (48°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in Rotterdam in May
Enjoy a sunny month with about 228 hours of sunshine, the clear skies make Rotterdam even more beautiful.
Wind Speed in Rotterdam in May
May has wind speeds averaging 5 m/s (10 knots). You can expect gentle to moderate winds that move small trees and make flags wave steadily on typical days. Conditions typically range from light breezes to moderate winds.For Rotterdam itself, June, July, August and September generally stand out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the Netherlands, check out our Rotterdam's climate page.
Rotterdam Temperature in May
Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Chance of Rain
47%
Precipitation
65 mm (2.6 in)
Rainy days
14 days
Humidity
77%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
228 hours
Percentage Sunshine
43%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Rotterdam typically rise from around 15°C (59°F) at the start of May to approximately 18°C (64°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 10°C (50°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Rotterdam in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Rotterdam spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Rotterdam historical weather extremes in May
According to our 50 years of weather records for Rotterdam, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
- On May 27, 2017, temperatures climbed to 31°C (88°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- Rotterdam experienced its chilliest May day on May 4, 1979, reaching only 6°C (43°F).
- The coldest night in May in Rotterdam was on May 6, 1996, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F).
Best Places in the Netherlands in May
Find out more about the weather in the Netherlands and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the Netherlands in May →
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What to Wear in Rotterdam in May
Pleasant temperatures in May mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Rotterdam in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the Netherlands, check out our Rotterdam's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Rotterdam climate overview or explore weather in the Netherlands.
