Rotterdam, as the second largest city in the Netherlands, is famous for its modern architecture, rich cultural attractions and unique street art. However, the weather in this city is ever-changing, and a sunny day can instantly turn into a storm with wind and rain. Therefore, tourists traveling to Rotterdam must take into account the variability of the weather when packing their travel gear to cope with climate changes that may occur at any time.
Ⅰ. Overview of Rotterdam’s weather
Rotterdam has a temperate maritime climate with four distinct seasons and rapid weather changes. The temperature in summer is generally around 20℃, but sudden rains and storms are not uncommon. Winter is relatively cold, and the temperature often drops to around 0℃, especially in January and February, with biting cold winds and sometimes snow. The temperature in spring and autumn is moderate, but the climate is unpredictable, sometimes cloudy and sometimes sunny. Therefore, tourists must fully consider the diversity and suddenness of the weather when planning their itineraries and packing their luggage.
Ⅱ. Basic equipment: comfort and protection are the key
Waterproof jacket
The weather in Rotterdam is often accompanied by rain, especially in autumn and winter. Choosing a lightweight waterproof jacket can not only cope with sudden rainfall, but also effectively resist the cold wind. It is recommended to choose a jacket with breathable function, which can not only protect against wind and rain, but also maintain a comfortable balance of body temperature.
Waterproof shoes
Whether strolling in the street art district or walking through the port area, waterproof shoes are one of the essential equipment. Rotterdam’s streets and alleys are often flooded due to rainfall. Wearing a pair of comfortable and waterproof shoes can avoid discomfort due to wet feet. In addition, it is also very important to choose a pair of wear-resistant and comfortable walking shoes, because Rotterdam’s attractions are usually widely distributed and walking is the main way to travel.
Multifunctional backpack
When traveling in Rotterdam, backpacks are very practical equipment. Choosing a waterproof backpack can protect electronic devices and valuables from moisture, and the multifunctional design of the backpack allows you to easily store daily necessities such as rain gear, water bottles, cameras, etc. In addition, a backpack with external zipper pockets and internal partitions can help you organize your items better.
Ⅲ. Equipment for cold weather
Down jacket or warm coat
Although Rotterdam’s winter is not as cold as that in Northern Europe, the temperature often drops to around 0℃, especially when the cold wind blows, it will feel biting cold. Therefore, down jackets or heavy warm coats are essential equipment for winter travel. It is recommended to choose lightweight and warm down jackets that are easy to carry and put on and take off.
Thermal underwear and accessories
Rotterdam’s winter weather is changeable. Even if the temperature is moderate during the day, it will feel cold at night. Thermal underwear, gloves, scarves, hats and other accessories are particularly important in winter. These small accessories can effectively increase the body’s warmth and avoid discomfort due to sudden changes in the weather.
Hot drink bottle
Even in the lower temperature season, Rotterdam’s climate makes people feel cold easily. Prepare a thermos bottle during the trip, not only can you enjoy warm drinks at any time, but also help maintain body warmth.
Ⅳ. Equipment for changing weather
Rain gear
The weather in Rotterdam changes quickly, and sudden rainfall often catches tourists off guard. Therefore, it is necessary to bring a durable umbrella or a lightweight raincoat. Raincoats can be put on quickly when it rains to prevent clothes from getting soaked; while umbrellas can provide sufficient shelter when it is not raining heavily.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Although Rotterdam is rainy, the ultraviolet rays are still strong on sunny days. Sunglasses and sunscreen are necessary equipment for you to deal with direct sunlight. Especially in spring and summer, sun protection cannot be ignored to prevent skin from being damaged by ultraviolet rays.
Quick-drying clothes
The weather in Rotterdam changes quickly, and the humid environment often causes clothes to get soaked quickly. Therefore, it is very important to choose lightweight and quick-drying clothes. Quick-drying fabrics not only keep you dry, but also speed up the drying time of clothes to avoid discomfort when they are soaked.
Ⅴ. Special equipment: adapt to Rotterdam’s street culture
Camera and spare batteries
Rotterdam is not only a modern port city, but also a paradise for street art. The rich graffiti and street installations attract countless photography enthusiasts. During the tour, a high-quality camera is the best tool to record it all. In order to avoid missing the wonderful moments due to running out of power, remember to bring enough spare batteries.
Portable power supply
Rotterdam’s street art tour usually requires a long walk, so bringing a portable power supply can ensure that your electronic devices are charged. In this digital age, sufficient power is essential for travelers.
City map and navigation tools
Although Rotterdam’s street art is very attractive, its graffiti works are widely distributed and sometimes not easy to find. Therefore, it is very helpful to carry a city map or download relevant street art route applications. In addition, using map navigation tools can help you save time and avoid getting lost.
Ⅵ. Booking platform recommendations: ensure a smooth trip
The following are some practical booking platforms to help travelers better plan their trip to Rotterdam, from transportation to local activities. Arrangements can be completed in one stop.
1. Airbnb: Experience local life firsthand
If you want a more localized accommodation experience, Airbnb is an ideal choice. Unlike traditional hotels, Airbnb offers tourists a variety of options including apartments, homestays and unique accommodation spaces. Whether traveling alone, traveling with a family, or spending time with friends, you can find a place to stay in Rotterdam that suits your needs. In addition to accommodation, Airbnb also provides booking services for experience activities, such as local food tours, private tours, etc., which can make your trip to Rotterdam more enriched.
2. Tiqets: Quick ticket purchase and easy travel
Tiqets is a very convenient attraction ticket booking platform. You can use it to quickly purchase tickets for major attractions in Rotterdam, such as the Rotterdam Museum, Art Gallery and other popular attractions. Tiqets provides electronic tickets, and tourists can scan them directly on their mobile phones to enter, eliminating the trouble of queuing for tickets. This is a very practical option for travelers who want to save time and avoid long queues at attractions.
3. GetYourGuide: Local Activities and Travel Experiences
If you want to explore Rotterdam’s unique activities or participate in local cultural experiences, GetYourGuide is a recommended platform. It provides various activities and experience reservations in Rotterdam, including port cruises, art tours, street food experiences, etc. There are also user reviews and ratings on the platform, and you can choose the activities that suit you based on the feedback. In addition, GetYourGuide’s reservations are also very flexible and can be changed or cancelled at any time, which is suitable for tourists with irregular schedules.
4. Klook: Global Travel Experience Platform
Klook not only provides global flights and hotel reservation services, but also provides one-stop travel reservation services such as attraction tickets and local activities. For tourists who plan to enjoy local tourism activities in Rotterdam, Klook is a very good choice. Rotterdam activities on the platform include bicycle tours of the city, visits to Rotterdam’s museums, tasting of local food and other experience projects, which tourists can easily book and plan their itineraries in advance.
5. Viator: Guided tours and private experiences
Viator is a platform that specializes in providing guided tours and local private experiences. You can use it to book private guided tours in Rotterdam and participate in customized city sightseeing tours. Whether it is a walking tour of the city’s classic attractions or an in-depth exploration of local history and culture, Viator can provide professional guides to lead. It also provides tourists with a flexible cancellation policy to ensure that tourists have more choices and freedom during their travels.
6. Booking.com: An all-round platform for accommodation booking
Although we mentioned several specific hotel recommendations in the previous article, Booking.com, as a world-renowned accommodation booking platform, can provide suitable accommodation options for almost every tourist. Whether you want to stay in a luxury hotel, a boutique hotel with a sense of design, or an affordable youth hostel, Booking.com’s search engine can help you quickly find accommodation options that meet your needs. Real-time prices and user reviews on the platform can also help you make more informed decisions.
Although the weather in Rotterdam is unpredictable, you can easily cope with various weather changes and enjoy a worry-free travel experience by packing the right equipment.
In addition, plan your trip in advance and book accommodation, restaurants, attraction tickets, etc. through major travel booking platforms such as Booking.com and Expedia to ensure that you can better arrange your travel plans and avoid missing out on wonderful travel experiences due to temporary absences.
The weather in Rotterdam may bring some challenges, but with the right equipment and sufficient preparation, every moment of your journey can be full of joy and surprises. Whether you decide to visit a museum at the last minute or wander the streets, you can stay comfortable and happy and enjoy the charm of this modern port city.
