Weather
Rotterdam has an oceanic climate, where you can expect some rainfall every month. Before planning a trip to Rotterdam, it is useful to check which month the weather is favorable. However, keep in mind that the weather in the Netherlands can change quickly.
The seasons are divided as follows:
Spring (March 21 to June 20)
Summer (June 21 to September 20)
Autumn (September 21 to December 20)
Winter (December 21 to March 20)
The best time to travel to Rotterdam
The best travel time to Rotterdam is from May to October. Despite the fact that it will probably rain some days or weeks, the weather in the Netherlands can be very sunny during these months, with temperatures that can rise to somewhere in the 20 degrees. To make sure that you have a favorable weekend or favorable week, we recommend that you check the weather forecast in advance.
National holidays
When planning your visit to Rotterdam, it is useful to know what the national holidays are. For example, are you coming for a day of shopping? Keep in mind that the shops may not always be opened. Or do you want a quiet day? Then King’s Day may not be the best choice for you. This way you will not be faced with surprises!
Stores are usually closed on New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. On all other holidays, adjusted opening times often apply in Rotterdam. The supermarkets are always open – with adjusted times.
New Year: January 1, 2021
Good Friday: April 2, 2021
Easter: April 4 & 5, 2021
King’s Day: April 27, 2021
Liberation Day: May 5, 2021
Ascension Day: May 13, 2021
Pentecost May: 23, 2021
Whit Monday: May 24, 2021
Christmas Day: December 25, 2020
Boxing Day: December 26, 2020
Emergency numbers
When visiting a city or country, it is always useful to have the emergency numbers at hand. For your own safety and health, as well as that of others. The country code of The Netherlands is +31, so make sure to use that before you dial a number.
National emergency number: 112
National police number (not for emergencies): 0900 8844
Fire brigade: 010 446 89 00
Luggage storage
Does the hotel where you stay have no luggage storage? Or would you like to catch your train from the city center, without having to return to the hotel? Then it is very convenient to store your luggage at the central station. You can store your luggage here for a maximum of 72 hours. The costs per 24 hours are € 6.20 for a small safe and € 9.30 for a large safe.
Opening hours shops
Seven days a week you can shop in the center of Rotterdam. However, keep in mind that opening hours may vary by store; for example, the Markthal, Bijenkorf and the MediaMarkt have adjusted opening hours. This also applies to the shopping centers around the center. Before your visit, it is therefore useful to always check the website of the store. Also: Friday is the official shopping evening in Rotterdam! In general, the following opening hours apply in Rotterdam:
Monday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm