Rotterdam Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Rotterdam. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Generally, Rotterdam experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 859 mm yearly.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

Year-round, Rotterdam has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, August, with 85 mm, and the driest month, April, with 54 mm, is minimal.

August, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 15°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Rotterdam Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the Netherlands

The map below shows the annual precipitation across the Netherlands. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Rotterdam’s average annual precipitation is 859 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm, evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

For more detailed information about Rotterdam’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Rotterdam Climate page.