Are you wondering when is the best time to visit the Netherlands?
The best time to visit the Netherlands is from May to September. This time of year brings warm, bright weather and long days, making it excellent for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
In this article, we’ll go through the weather and other elements to think about while arranging your vacation.
Keep reading to learn more about the best time to visit the Netherlands.
About the Netherlands
The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a country located in Western Europe. It’s bordered by Belgium to the south and Germany to the east.
The Netherlands has a population of about 17.3 million people. The capital city of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, known for its canals, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
The Netherlands is known for its picturesque fields of tulip flowers, windmills, and charming small towns. The country is also home to several major ports, including Rotterdam, which is one of the busiest ports in the world.
Climate in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a Temperate Maritime Climate.
It means it has cool winters and mild summers.
Average temperature
Spring in the Netherlands (March-May) brings mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from 10-18°C (50-64°F) and average lows ranging from 3-8°C (37-46°F).
During the summer months (June-August), the Netherlands experiences warm weather, with average highs ranging from 20-22°C (68-72°F) and lows averaging around 11-13°C (52-55°F).
In autumn (September-November), temperatures start to cool down, with average highs ranging from 10-19°C (50-66°F) and average lows ranging from 4-11°C (39-52°F).
Winter in the Netherlands (December-February) is generally cool, with average highs ranging from 6 to 7°C (43-45°F) and average lows ranging from 0 to 2°C (32-36°F).
Number of monthly rainy days
The precipitation in the Netherlands is quite moderate and constant throughout the year. The average number of rainy days per month ranges from 9 to 13 across the year.
The rainiest season is fall, with an average of 11-13 rainy days per month.
The least rainfall is during the spring and summer seasons, with an average of 10 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
The sunniest months in the Netherlands are May, June, and July with 220, 203, and 218 sun hours respectively.
The shortest days in the Netherlands are during the winter months, with an average of 52-88 sun hours per month.
Seasons in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (March to May)
Spring (March, April, and May) in the Netherlands is characterized by mild temperatures and increasing amounts of sunshine.
Average maximum temperatures in spring in the Netherlands range from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F), and the country receives an average of 125-220 sun hours per month. The days become longer as the season progresses, making it a great time to enjoy the outdoors.
There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, with an average of 9-11 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in spring in the Netherlands can be described as bad in March, tolerable in April, and good in May.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 10°C / 49°F | 14°C / 56°F | 18°C / 64°F |
| Min temperature | 3°C / 37°F | 5°C / 40°F | 8°C / 47°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 125 hours | 181 hours | 220 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 9 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Tolerable | Good |
Summer (June to August)
The summer season (June, July, and August) in the Netherlands is characterized by warm temperatures and long days.
Average maximum temperatures in summer in the Netherlands range from 20°C (68°F) to 22°C (72°F), and the country receives an average of 203-218 sun hours per month. The days are at their longest during this season, making it a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.
There is also a relatively low amount of rainfall during this season, with an average of 10 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in summer in the Netherlands can be described as great throughout the whole season.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 20°C / 68°F | 22°C / 72°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| Min temperature | 11°C / 52°F | 13°C / 55°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 203 hours | 218 hours | 198 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn (September, October, and November) in the Netherlands is characterized by cooler temperatures and increasing amounts of rainfall.
Average maximum temperatures in autumn in the Netherlands range from 19°C (66°F) to 10°C (50°F), and the country receives an average of 134-62 sun hours per month. The days start to get shorter as the season progresses.
There is also a moderate level of precipitation during this season, with an average of 11-13 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in autumn in the Netherlands can be described as good in September, tolerable in October, and bad in November.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 19°C / 66°F | 15°C / 58°F | 10°C / 50°F |
| Min temperature | 11°C / 51°F | 8°C / 46°F | 4°C / 39°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 134 hours | 108 hours | 62 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 13 days | 13 days |
| Weather conditions | Good | Tolerable | Bad |
Winter (December to February)
The winter months (December, January, and February) in the Netherlands are characterized by cold temperatures and short days. It is a challenging time to visit if you don’t enjoy cold weather, but it can also be a beautiful time to visit with the holiday lights and festive atmosphere.
Average maximum temperatures in winter in the Netherlands range from 7°C (44°F) to 6°C (43°F), and the country receives an average of 52-88 sun hours per month. The days are at their shortest during this season.
There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, with an average of 13-10 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in winter in the Netherlands can be described as bad throughout the season.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 7°C / 44°F | 6°C / 42°F | 6°C / 43°F |
| Min temperature | 2°C / 35°F | 1°C / 33°F | 0°C / 33°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 52 hours | 64 hours | 88 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 13 days | 11 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit the Netherlands weather-wise
The best time to visit the Netherlands weather-wise is from May to September. This is when the weather conditions are warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The summer months of June, July, and August are the ideal times to visit the Netherlands if you want to experience warm, sunny weather and long days. The country experiences its warmest temperatures and most sunlight during this time, making it a great period for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The spring and autumn months of May and September are good times to visit the Netherlands if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer tourist crowds. The weather during these months is generally good, with a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.
Best time to visit the Netherlands for sightseeing
The best time to visit the Netherlands for sightseeing is during the spring and autumn months of April-May and September-October.
During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable. These months also tend to experience lower tourist traffic, which might make it easier to visit popular attractions and landmarks without having to wait in line for a long time.
If you are planning to visit the Netherlands during the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect warm, sunny weather and longer days. However, these months are also the busiest and most popular time for tourists, so you can expect higher prices and more crowded attractions.
If you prefer to avoid crowds and very hot weather, consider visiting the Netherlands during the shoulder season in spring or autumn. The weather during these months is generally good, with a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.
Best time to visit the Netherlands for tulips
The best time to visit the Netherlands for tulips is typically from late March to early May. This is when the tulip fields are in full bloom and provide a stunning display of color.
The tulip fields start to bloom in late March and reach peak bloom in mid-April. By early May, the tulip season is starting to come to an end, and the tulip fields start to wilt.
If you want to see the tulip fields in full bloom, it is best to plan your visit to the Netherlands for late April. This will give you the best chance to see the tulips at their peak.
See more guides about the Netherlands
