When to visit the Netherlands for sightseeing
If you’re visiting the Netherlands for sightseeing, culture, and outdoor experiences, the best months are April to September.
- April – May (Spring): Ideal for tulip season, fewer crowds, and mild temperatures. In my opinion the best time as days are getting longer and you avoid the crowds.
- June – August (Summer): Warmest months with lively festivals, but also the most crowded and expensive.
- September (Early autumn): Similar to summer but with fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures.
Not sure if the tulips are blooming? Our countdown clock below will help you!
Tulip season countdown
Avoid November to February unless you enjoy cold, rainy weather and short daylight hours. However, December offers charming Christmas markets. During these months most Dutch people add vitamine D to their diets to stay healthy. We don't get that much sun!
Best time for expats
Expats moving to the Netherlands should consider August to October for a smooth transition.
- August - September: Ideal for securing housing before the university semester starts and before winter arrives.
- October - November: Good for job seekers as many companies hire in autumn.
- January - February: Often the cheapest months for relocation due to lower rental prices and fewer newcomers.
While summer is great for leisure, it can be challenging for finding housing, as demand peaks with new students and expats arriving for work.
Seasonal gardens and an indoor museum option
Keukenhof entry & shuttle from Amsterdam
A seasonal garden visit with shuttle transport from Amsterdam. Check the available dates for the next season.
Keukenhof entry & shuttle from Amsterdam on GetYourGuideRijksmuseum admission
Entry to the Rijksmuseum. Choose an available date and time.
Rijksmuseum admission on GetYourGuideMonth-by-month travel guide
Our monthly travel guides suggest things to do at each time of year. Every season has something worth visiting for.
January
- Weather: Cold, often rainy, 1-6°C.
- Best for: Indoor museums, ice skating (if cold enough), and winter sales.
- Events: New Year's celebrations, Amsterdam Light Festival.
- Tourist tip: Low season means fewer crowds and cheaper hotels. Best places to visit during this time are Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Maastricht and Groningen. These cities offer lots of musea and indoor things to do.
Compare stays for your travel dates
Check accommodation for the dates you are considering. Moving your stay by a few days lets you compare different rates and availability.
February
- Weather: Similar to January, still wintery.
- Best for: Carnival in the southern provinces, museums, and cozy cafés.
- Events: Rotterdam Film Festival, Carnival (Limburg & North Brabant).
- Tourist tip: Great time for budget travelers as flights and hotels are still affordable.
March
- Weather: 5-12°C, unpredictable but improving.
- Best for: Early spring visits, fewer tourists.
- Events: Keukenhof Gardens open (mid-March), St. Patrick’s Day events.
- Tourist tip: Dress in layers as temperatures fluctuate.
April
- Weather: 8-16°C, pleasant spring temperatures.
- Best for: Tulips, cycling, and exploring cities in mild weather.
- Events: King’s Day (April 27), Tulip season peaks, Easter markets.
- Tourist tip: Book early for King’s Day, as hotels sell out quickly.
May
- Weather: 10-20°C, sunny with occasional showers.
- Best for: Outdoor activities, blooming flowers, fewer crowds than summer.
- Events: Liberation Day (May 5), Dutch Grand Prix (some years).
- Tourist tip: A perfect time for budget-conscious travelers before peak season starts.
June
- Weather: 12-22°C, beginning of summer.
- Best for: Long daylight hours, festivals, and pleasant outdoor dining.
- Events: Open Garden Days, Holland Festival.
- Tourist tip: The weather is warm but not overly hot, making it perfect for sightseeing.
July
- Weather: 15-25°C, warmest month.
- Best for: Beach trips, festivals, and cycling through the countryside.
- Events: North Sea Jazz Festival, Pride Amsterdam.
- Tourist tip: Expect large crowds and higher prices, so book accommodations early.
August
- Weather: 15-24°C, still warm but occasional rain.
- Best for: Summer events and open-air festivals.
- Events: Lowlands Festival, Canal Festival Amsterdam.
- Tourist tip: Great time for visiting the Dutch coastline or the Wadden Islands.
September
October
- Weather: 8-16°C, cooler but not too cold.
- Best for: Autumn scenery, city trips, and cultural events.
- Events: Amsterdam Dance Event, Dutch Design Week.
- Tourist tip: Pack an umbrella, as rainfall increases in October.
November
- Weather: 4-10°C, wet and gray.
- Best for: Museums, cozy cafés, and Christmas shopping.
- Events: Sinterklaas arrival (mid-November), IDFA Film Festival.
- Tourist tip: This is a low season, so flights and hotels are more affordable.
December
- Weather: 1-7°C, cold but festive.
- Best for: Christmas markets, holiday lights, and winter vibes.
- Events: Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- Tourist tip: Visit Maastricht or Valkenburg for the most charming Christmas markets in the Netherlands.
Our tourguides get these questions from tourists
What is the best time of year to visit the Netherlands?
Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September) are ideal. Spring brings tulip fields in full bloom, while autumn often has mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is pleasant but can be busy, and winters are cold and damp with short days.
Does it really rain all the time in the Netherlands?
Not constantly, but showers are frequent and unpredictable. Instead of long downpours, the Netherlands often gets short bursts of rain, sometimes with sunshine in between. An umbrella or rain jacket is a must for visitors.
How cold does it get in winter?
Not really, winters are usually mild compared to Eastern Europe, with temperatures averaging 0–6 °C. Snow is rare but possible, and canals occasionally freeze, which can lead to the magical tradition of ice skating outdoors.
What should tourists pack for the Dutch weather?
Layers are key. Bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, and clothes that can be adjusted quickly to sun, wind, or rain. Even in summer, evenings can be chilly, so a light sweater is useful.
How windy is it in the Netherlands?
Very! The flat landscape and proximity to the North Sea make the country one of Europe’s windiest. This is why you’ll see so many windmills and wind turbines. Tourists should be prepared for strong gusts, especially in coastal cities like The Hague or Rotterdam.
Does the sun shine often in the Netherlands?
Personal answer; NO. The country isn’t known for endless sunshine, but you’ll still get bright days, especially in spring and summer. On average, there are about 1,600 hours of sunshine per year. Coastal regions tend to get a bit more sun than inland areas.
Can I see tulips if the weather is bad?
Yes! Tulips bloom in spring regardless of rain or wind. The flowers usually open from mid-March to early May, with the Keukenhof gardens and fields around Lisse being the most spectacular. Even on a cloudy day, the colors are breathtaking.
How hot does it get in summer?
Summers are mild compared to Southern Europe, with average temperatures between 20–25 °C. Heatwaves do happen, pushing temperatures above 30 °C, but they usually don’t last long.
Does the Netherlands experience extreme weather?
Serious storms are rare, but autumn and winter can bring strong winds and heavy rain, especially along the coast. Summers sometimes bring short thunderstorms. Flooding is well-controlled by the country’s advanced water management system.
Is the weather the same everywhere in the Netherlands?
Roughly, in my opinion. The coast is milder and windier, while inland areas can be slightly warmer in summer and colder in winter. Rain showers can be very local, so you might see sunshine in Amsterdam while it’s raining in Utrecht.