What is the best time to visit Netherlands?

Best Time to Visit Netherlands

The best time to travel to Netherlands is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

Spring in Netherlands

Spring in Netherlands is a beautiful time of the year. The temperatures start to rise and the days become longer and brighter. The tulips start to bloom in the months of April and May, making the country a sight to behold. During this time, travelers can expect pleasant weather conditions and enjoy activities like biking, sailing, and exploring the countryside. Popular attractions such as the Keukenhof Gardens and the Amsterdam Tulip Festival are in full bloom during this season.

Autumn in Netherlands

Autumn in Netherlands is a great time to visit the country. The weather is mild and comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The days are still sunny and the nights are cool and crisp. Travelers can experience the spectacular fall foliage in the countryside and explore the various national parks. Popular attractions such as the Amsterdam Light Festival and the Amsterdam Dance Event take place during this season.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Netherlands

Netherlands in January

Weather

January in the Netherlands is typically cold and wet. The average temperature is around 3°C (37°F), with lows of around 0°C (32°F) and highs of around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of around 10 days of rain throughout the month. Snow is also possible, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

Events

• Amsterdam Light Festival: This annual event takes place in Amsterdam and features a range of light installations and sculptures throughout the city. It usually runs from late November to mid-January.
• New Year’s Dive: On the first day of the year, thousands of people gather at Scheveningen beach to take part in the traditional New Year’s Dive. Participants brave the cold waters of the North Sea and then enjoy a hot drink and a snack afterwards.
• International Film Festival Rotterdam: This film festival takes place in Rotterdam and showcases a range of international films. It usually runs from late January to early February.
• Amsterdam Marathon: The Amsterdam Marathon is an annual event that takes place in Amsterdam. It usually takes place in late October, but in 2021 it will be held in January instead.
• King’s Day: King’s Day (Koningsdag) is a national holiday in the Netherlands that celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. It usually takes place on the 27th of April, but in 2021 it will be held on the 26th of January instead.

Netherlands in January

Weather

January is the coldest month in the Netherlands, with average temperatures ranging from 2-7°C (36-45°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of 8-10 days of precipitation throughout the month. Snowfall is also possible, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

Events

• New Year’s Day: Celebrated on January 1st, this is the official start of the year in the Netherlands.
• Amsterdam Light Festival: This festival of light and art takes place throughout the city of Amsterdam from the end of November to the end of January.
• Dutch National Ice Sculpture Festival: This annual event takes place in the city of Leeuwarden from mid-January to mid-February.
• Kingsday: This national holiday is celebrated on April 27th and marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander.
• Amsterdam Marathon: This annual marathon takes place in the city of Amsterdam in late October and attracts thousands of runners from around the world.

Netherlands in March

Weather

March in the Netherlands is usually mild, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 3°C (37°F) to an average high of 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is usually moderate, with an average of 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain throughout the month.

Events

• Koningsdag (King’s Day): This national holiday is celebrated on April 27th and is marked by parades, street parties, and outdoor markets.
• Amsterdam Light Festival: This event takes place from mid-November to mid-January and features light installations and projections from international artists.
• International Film Festival Rotterdam: This festival takes place from late February to early March and showcases films from around the world.
• Netherlands Dance Festival: This event takes place in mid-March and features performances from over 100 dance companies.
• Tulip Festival: This event takes place in mid-March and celebrates the blooming of tulips in the Netherlands.

Netherlands in April

Weather

April in the Netherlands is generally mild and pleasant. The average temperature is around 10°C (50°F) with an average high of 13°C (55°F). The days are usually sunny with some rain showers.

Events

• King’s Day (April 27th): A national holiday in the Netherlands, King’s Day is celebrated with street parties, parades, and outdoor markets.
• Tulip Festival (April): The Netherlands is known for its tulips and the Tulip Festival is a celebration of the country’s national flower. Visitors can enjoy tulip fields in bloom, art exhibitions, and other activities.
• Amsterdam Dance Event (April): This annual event is one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals. It features performances from some of the biggest names in the industry.
• Easter (April): Easter is celebrated in the Netherlands with church services, egg hunts, and special meals.
• Vondelpark Open Air Theatre (April): This open-air theatre in Amsterdam hosts a variety of performances, including music, theatre, and dance.

Netherlands in May

Weather

May in the Netherlands is typically quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). The days are usually sunny, but there is a chance of rain and thunderstorms.

Events

• The King’s Day celebrations take place on April 27th, and are celebrated throughout the country. The day is marked with parades, parties, and other festivities.
• The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is an annual electronic music festival held in Amsterdam in mid-May. It is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world.
• The Tulip Festival is an annual event held in the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. The festival celebrates the tulip season and features a variety of activities, including flower shows, live music, and more.
• The North Sea Jazz Festival is an annual music festival held in Rotterdam in late May. The festival features a variety of jazz, blues, and other genres of music.
• The Liberation Day celebrations take place on May 5th and are celebrated throughout the country. The day marks the end of World War II and is marked with parades, concerts, and other festivities.

Netherlands in June

Weather

June in the Netherlands is usually sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 16-20 degrees Celsius. Rain is common, but the days are usually dry.

Events

• The International Holland Music Sessions is an annual music festival held in June. It features performances by classical musicians from around the world.
• The Amsterdam Gay Pride is held in June and is one of the biggest LGBT events in Europe. The event includes a parade, music, and other festivities.
• The Pinkpop Festival is an annual music festival held in Limburg in June. It features performances by some of the biggest names in music.
• The World Port Days is an annual event held in Rotterdam in June. It features exhibitions and activities related to the maritime industry.
• The Dutch Open Air Museum is an annual event held in Arnhem in June. It features traditional Dutch architecture, crafts, and activities.

Netherlands in July

Weather

July is the warmest month in the Netherlands, with temperatures ranging from 16-20°C (61-68°F). The days are long and sunny, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day. Rainfall is low, with an average of 5-6 days of rain per month.

Events

• The Amsterdam Gay Pride is held in July, with a parade and events taking place throughout the city.
• The Holland Festival is an annual performing arts festival held in Amsterdam, featuring music, theatre, and dance performances from around the world.
• The North Sea Jazz Festival is held in Rotterdam, featuring jazz, funk, soul, and world music performances.
• The Open Air Theater in Amsterdam hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the month of July.
• The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the month of July.

Netherlands in August

Weather

August in the Netherlands is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C. Rainfall is usually light, with an average of 5-7 days of precipitation.

Events

• Amsterdam Pride: This annual event celebrates the LGBT community in Amsterdam and features a parade, music, and other activities. It usually takes place in the first week of August.
• Grachtenfestival: This annual canal festival takes place in Amsterdam and features boat parades, performances, and other activities. It usually takes place in the second week of August.
• North Sea Jazz Festival: This annual music festival takes place in Rotterdam and features jazz, funk, and other genres of music. It usually takes place in the third week of August.
• Dutch Open Air Museum: This annual event takes place in Arnhem and features traditional Dutch crafts, music, and activities. It usually takes place in the fourth week of August.
• National Windmill Day: This annual event takes place in the Netherlands and celebrates the windmills of the country. It usually takes place in the last week of August.

Netherlands in September

Weather

September is generally a pleasant month in the Netherlands, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 10°C (50°F) to an average high of 19°C (66°F). Rainfall is moderate, and the days are usually sunny and dry.

Events

• The Amsterdam Dance Event is a five-day electronic music festival held in Amsterdam, usually in late September. It features performances from some of the world’s biggest DJs and producers.
• The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam is a ten-day event held in Amsterdam in late September. It showcases documentary films from around the world.
• The Dutch National Heritage Days are held in September and are a great opportunity to explore the country’s cultural heritage. During this time, many museums, castles, and other historic sites are open to the public for free.
• The Amsterdam Marathon is a popular annual event held in late September. It attracts thousands of runners from around the world.
• The Dutch Cheese Festival is a two-day event held in Alkmaar in late September. It features a variety of Dutch cheeses, as well as cheese-making demonstrations and other activities.

Netherlands in October

Weather

October is the start of autumn in the Netherlands. The temperatures are milder than in the summer months, and the days are shorter. The average temperature in October is around 10°C, with highs of around 15°C and lows of around 5°C. Rainfall is common, with an average of around 8 days of rain during the month.

Events

• Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE): This is one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals, held in Amsterdam. It takes place over five days in October and features hundreds of DJs, live acts, and talks.
• Sint Maarten: This is a Dutch holiday celebrated on 11th October. It is a celebration of the life of St. Martin of Tours and is celebrated with parades, lanterns, and bonfires.
• Amsterdam Marathon: The Amsterdam Marathon is an annual marathon held in October. The course takes runners through the city’s iconic canals and streets.
• Amsterdam Light Festival: This is an annual festival of light and art held in Amsterdam. It takes place over six weeks in December and January, but the opening night is usually in October.
• Halloween: Halloween is celebrated in the Netherlands, with parties, trick-or-treating, and other activities.

Netherlands in November

Weather

November in the Netherlands is generally quite cold and wet, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 10°C (43°F to 50°F). The days are shorter and the nights are longer. Rainfall is common, with an average of 8 days of rain during the month.

Events

• Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE): This electronic music festival is held in Amsterdam every year in mid-November. It features performances by some of the world’s top DJs and producers.
• Amsterdam Light Festival: This annual event takes place in Amsterdam from mid-November to mid-January. It features light installations and artworks by international artists.
• Sinterklaas: This traditional Dutch holiday is celebrated on December 5th, but preparations begin in November with the arrival of Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) in the Netherlands.
• World Press Photo Exhibition: This annual exhibition, held in Amsterdam in November, showcases the best press photography from around the world.
• Dutch Design Week: This annual event takes place in Eindhoven and features exhibitions, workshops, and events related to design and architecture.

Netherlands in December

Weather

December in the Netherlands is usually cold and wet, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. Snow is often seen in the northern parts of the country, while the southern parts experience more rain.

Events

• Sinterklaas: Sinterklaas is a Dutch holiday celebrated on the 5th of December. It is a day to celebrate Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, and is celebrated with parades, parties, and gift-giving.
• Christmas Markets: Christmas markets are held in many cities in the Netherlands in December. These markets offer traditional Dutch food, drinks, and gifts, as well as festive decorations and activities.
• Christmas Concerts: Christmas concerts are held in many churches and concert halls throughout the Netherlands. The concerts feature traditional Christmas carols and other festive music.
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations: On New Year’s Eve, many cities in the Netherlands host fireworks displays and other festivities to celebrate the start of a new year.
• Ice Skating: Ice skating is a popular activity in the Netherlands during the winter months. Many cities have outdoor ice skating rinks that are open to the public.