the Netherlands
The best time to visit
When to go to the Netherlands
Go in spring, April to May, for the tulips, or summer, June to August, for the longest, mildest days. The weather is changeable year round, so pack a layer and an umbrella whenever you come.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Amsterdam. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jun.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hard cold.
In short
The year at a glance
The Netherlands has a mild, damp maritime climate, so the question is more about light and warmth than dodging the rain. The ratings key off Amsterdam, where late spring and summer bring the best weather and the famous flowers.
Spring is the signature season, with the tulip fields and Keukenhof gardens blooming from late March to mid May. Summer is warm, long and busy, autumn is mild and golden, and winter is grey and short on daylight, though the canals and museums are atmospheric.
Month by month
the Netherlands month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Amsterdam.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 68 mm | Fair 34 | Cold with a little rain. |
| February | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 47 mm | Fair 40 | Cold and dry. |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 3°C / 37°F | 59 mm | Good 55 | Cool with a little rain. |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 42 mm | Ideal 75 | Cool and dry. |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 50 mm | Ideal 91 | Mild and dry. Amsterdam hotels in May |
| June | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | 63 mm | Ideal 93 | Mild with a little rain. Amsterdam hotels in June |
| July | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 71 mm | Ideal 90 | Mild with a little rain. |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 68 mm | Ideal 91 | Mild with a little rain. Amsterdam hotels in August |
| September | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 70 mm | Ideal 89 | Mild with a little rain. |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 46°F | 73 mm | Great 73 | Cool with a little rain. |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | 4°C / 39°F | 80 mm | Good 56 | Cool with a little rain. |
| December | 6°C / 43°F | 2°C / 36°F | 76 mm | Fair 35 | Cold with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
The bulb fields
The countryside south of Amsterdam blooms from late March to mid May, with Keukenhof the centrepiece of the tulip season.
Amsterdam and the cities
Best from April to September for canal walks, terraces and museums, with long, light summer evenings.
The coast and the islands
The North Sea beaches and the Wadden islands come alive in summer, when the weather is warmest and driest.
Go for
Best time to visit the Netherlands for
Tulips and gardens
Mid April for the peak of the bulb fields and Keukenhof, the single most popular time to visit.
Canals and cycling
May to September for warm, long days exploring Amsterdam and the countryside by bike.
Festivals
King's Day in late April and the summer months, when the cities fill with open-air events.
Quiet and value
Autumn and winter, outside the holidays, for cheaper, quieter, atmospheric city breaks.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Tulip season, April to May
The bulb fields and Keukenhof gardens burst into colour for a few short weeks.
King's Day, late April
The whole country turns orange for one of Europe's biggest street parties.
Hard cold
Dec to Feb.
Where to stay
Where to stay in the Netherlands
Compare hotels and rentals around Amsterdam, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit the Netherlands?
When is tulip season in the Netherlands?
Does it rain a lot in the Netherlands?
Where else, and when
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