Rouen catches people out with rain, not cold. Every month has 8 to 16 rain days, and the old town is cobbles, half-timbered lanes and a lot of standing outside looking up at the cathedral. Pack a real rain shell and shoes that grip on wet stone.
Rouen weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 18°C64°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 17°C63°F | 11°C52°F | 9°C48°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 3°C37°F | 4°C39°F | 6°C43°F | 9°C48°F | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 14°C57°F | 12°C54°F | 9°C48°F | 6°C43°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 15 | 9 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 16 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 14 | 12 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryWinter is cold, grey and damp. Highs run 7–9°C (45–48°F) and lows 2–4°C (36–39°F), with 9 to 15 rain days a month, and January is the wettest of the three. Pack a warm coat with a hood, a sweater and gloves. The Musée des Beaux-Arts makes a good rainy-afternoon plan.
Spring
March–MaySpring warms slowly, from a 12°C (54°F) high in March to 18°C (64°F) in May, with lows of 4–9°C (39–48°F). Rain stays steady at 11 to 15 days a month, so layers and a waterproof beat a big coat. It's a good time for a day trip to Monet's gardens at Giverny.
Summer
June–AugustSummer is mild, not hot. Highs sit at 23°C (73°F) all three months and lows at 13–14°C (55–57°F). July is the wettest month of the year with 16 rain days, so don't leave the rain shell at home. Bring a light jacket for evenings along the Seine.
Autumn
September–NovemberAutumn cools from a 21°C (70°F) high in September to 11°C (52°F) in November, with lows of 6–12°C (43–54°F) and 11 to 15 rain days a month. Bring a warm layer, a waterproof and shoes that can handle wet leaves on cobbles.
What to bring to Rouen
0 of 20 packedRouen gets 8 to 16 rain days every month, and this folds into its own pocket when the sun comes out.
A light waterproof you can keep in your bag all day, which in Rouen you'll need in July as much as January.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zips helps keep your camera and guidebook dry through a wet afternoon in the old town.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Covers France's Type C and E sockets and charges your phone, laptop and camera off one plug.
- A warm wrapClothing
Wear it as a scarf on 2°C (36°F) mornings and a blanket on the train back from Paris.
- Boot Bananas Original Shoe DeodorizersFootwear & Shoe Care
Slip them into shoes that got soaked on the cobbles to pull out the damp overnight.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Phone, cards and passport in one water-resistant bag on the train and in the market crowds.
Clothing
- Sweater or fleece · 2
- Long pants · 3
- Warm coatDec–Feb highs of 7–9°C
- Hat and glovesWinter
- Light summer layers · 2 setsSummer highs reach 23°C
Footwear
- Waterproof shoes with grip · 1 pairCobbles get slick when wet
- Spare pair of shoes · 1 pair8 to 16 rain days every month
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrella
Health and toiletries
- Basic medications
Documents and money
- Passport
- Train tickets for day tripsGiverny, Étretat and Honfleur are easy day trips
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for Rouen?
Rouen's old town is cobbled, and the stones get slick when wet, which is often. Bring waterproof walking shoes or low boots with good grip. Skip mesh or knit sneakers, because they soak through in the first shower. A day trip to the cliff paths at Étretat needs proper tread too.
What do people wear in Rouen?
Rouen dresses like a smart French regional city. Think dark jeans or trousers, knitwear, a good coat and a scarf. Locals aren't flashy, and neutral colors blend in better than bright athletic gear. A trench or hooded rain jacket is normal here most of the year.
What plugs does Rouen use?
France uses Type C and E sockets at 230V. Visitors from the US, UK and Australia need an adapter, and our universal adapter covers EU plugs. US travelers should check that hair tools handle 230V before plugging in.
Tours and things to do in Rouen
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Rouen.
What should you leave at home for Rouen?
Leave the heels and the suede shoes. Wet cobbles ruin both. An umbrella on its own isn't enough either, and a hooded shell is easier in the narrow lanes. You won't need shorts outside a warm week in summer.
Packing for Rouen: questions people ask
Does it rain a lot in Rouen?
Yes. Every month has at least 8 rain days, and January, March, July and October each have 15 or more.
What should I wear in Rouen in winter?
A warm waterproof coat, sweaters, gloves and boots with grip. Highs are 7–9°C (45–48°F) and lows 2–4°C (36–39°F).
Is Rouen hot in summer?
No. Highs sit around 23°C (73°F) with lows of 13–14°C (55–57°F), so pack a light jacket even in July.
Do I need a plug adapter in Rouen?
Yes, unless you're coming from mainland Europe. France uses Type C and E sockets at 230V.
What shoes are best for Rouen?
Waterproof walking shoes or low boots with good tread. The old town's cobbles get slippery when wet.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.