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Rouen has an oceanic climate (Koppen Cfb) with mild winters, warm summers, and rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. The city sees about 820mm (32 inches) of annual precipitation across roughly 160 rain days, and averages 1,560 hours of sunshine annually. The Seine River moderates temperatures, keeping extremes rare: the record high is 38°C (100°F) and the record low is -17°C (1°F), but typical winter lows hover around 1 to 2°C (34 to 36°F) and summer highs reach 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F). This is not a city of dramatic seasonal swings, it’s a city where you’ll want a light jacket in July and a warm coat in January. For advice on choosing the right season for your trip, see our guide to the best time to visit Rouen. For more planning resources, see neighborhoods guide.
Rouen Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall and Sunshine
| Month | High (°C) | High (°F) | Low (°C) | Low (°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7 | 45 | 2 | 36 | 64 | 17 | 2 |
| Feb | 8 | 46 | 2 | 36 | 51 | 14 | 3 |
| Mar | 11 | 52 | 4 | 39 | 55 | 16 | 4 |
| Apr | 13 | 55 | 5 | 41 | 50 | 14 | 6 |
| May | 17 | 63 | 8 | 46 | 60 | 15 | 7 |
| Jun | 20 | 68 | 11 | 52 | 58 | 13 | 8 |
| Jul | 22 | 72 | 13 | 55 | 58 | 12 | 8 |
| Aug | 22 | 72 | 13 | 55 | 56 | 12 | 7 |
| Sep | 19 | 66 | 11 | 52 | 62 | 13 | 5 |
| Oct | 15 | 59 | 8 | 46 | 75 | 16 | 4 |
| Nov | 10 | 50 | 5 | 41 | 76 | 17 | 2 |
| Dec | 7 | 45 | 3 | 37 | 80 | 17 | 2 |
Winter: December to February
Winter in Rouen is chilly and damp rather than freezing. Daytime highs reach 7 to 8°C (45 to 46°F) while overnight lows settle around 2 to 3°C (36 to 37°F). Snow is rare, typically 2 to 4 days per winter, and rarely accumulates. December is the wettest month with 80mm of rain spread across 17 days, so waterproof footwear is a must. Sunlight is scarce: only 2 hours of sunshine per day, with sunset before 5pm. The medieval streets take on a moody quality in the winter drizzle, and indoor attractions like the Musee des Beaux-Arts and Historial Jeanne d’Arc are welcoming escapes. Hotel rates are at their lowest, with 4-star rooms available for EUR80 to 120 per night. For more planning resources, see events and festivals calendar.
Spring: March to May
Spring is a transitional season where temperatures climb from 11°C (52°F) in March to 17°C (63°F) by May. Rainfall holds steady at 50 to 60mm per month, but the rain days are often shorter showers rather than all-day drizzle. By May, you’ll get 7 hours of daily sunshine and the Jardin des Plantes bursts into bloom. The Joan of Arc and Medieval Festival in mid-May draws costumed parades through the old town. April and May are popular months for school groups, so book attraction tickets in advance. For more planning resources, see things to do guide.
Summer: June to August
Summer is the driest and sunniest season, with average highs of 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F) and 7 to 8 hours of daily sunshine in June and July. July and August each see only 12 rain days on average. This is when Rouen feels most alive: outdoor cafe terraces fill the Place du Vieux-Marche, the Cathedrale de Lumiere sound-and-light show runs nightly on the cathedral facade (free), and the Seine riverbank hosts Rouen sur Mer, a temporary urban beach with sand, deckchairs, and volleyball courts from July to early August. Daylight stretches until 10pm in June. Occasional heat spikes above 30°C (86°F) occur, but air conditioning is not standard in budget hotels, check before booking. For more planning resources, see best time to visit guide.
Autumn: September to November
September starts pleasantly with 19°C (66°F) highs and 5 hours of sunshine, but conditions decline quickly. By November, temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F) highs with only 2 hours of daily sun. October and November are among the wettest months, each with 75 to 76mm of precipitation. Autumn brings the Rouen a Table food festival in October, celebrating Norman cuisine. The changing leaves along the Seine banks add color, but pack layers and a waterproof jacket. This is shoulder season for hotels, with mid-range doubles at EUR90 to 130.