The best time to visit the Netherlands
Due to the fairly mild climate, and typical of Western Europe, there isn’t a truly bad time to visit the Netherlands. However, the best time to visit is mid-April, when there is less rain, more daylight, and the country’s tulips are in full bloom. Throughout summer (June to August), you can explore the beautiful countryside by bike or take to the waters like a local on a boat. In the lead-up to the winter holidays, the country becomes beautifully festive. Whenever you decide to visit, use this guide to help plan your trip to the Netherlands so you can experience the best this beautiful country has to offer at just the right time.
The weather is fairly moderate in the Netherlands, getting neither very hot or very cold. However, with its maritime climate and the unpredictability of the rain showers you should pack waterproof layers and an umbrella regardless of when you visit. The rainiest season is autumn (September to November), so if you want an outdoorsy trip, avoid visiting during that time.
Here are the best times to travel to the Netherlands!
Visiting Netherlands in December - March
December means Christmas markets in the Netherlands, which brings hoards of visitors in spite of the drop in temperature, which tends to be just above freezing. The country’s large carnival celebrations bring another wave of activity in February, but in general these winter months are a quieter time to visit, when you can avoid crowds and enjoy reduced hotel rates.
Events & Festivals
- Carnival (February): Carnival festivities take place all over the Netherlands. Street performances, parades, live music and extravagant costumes are the standard in this culture-spanning celebration.
- International Film Festival Rotterdam (January–February): For 45 years, this ten-day film showcase has focused on celebrating independent and experimental filmmaking.
- New Year’s Dive: Join over 10,000 people in this New Year’s tradition of diving into the frigid waters of the sea, followed by hot chocolate.
Visiting the Netherlands in April - May
Spring is in full bloom as temperatures warm, and the flower gardens attract millions to the country to see the renowned Dutch tulips. This is a singular sight, and a must if you’re interested in tulip cultivation, history, or just the chance to see this intense concentration of multi-hued flowers all in one place. You may find it overwhelming, however, if you don’t like crowds.
Events & Festivals
- Keukenhof Flower Gardens (April-May): One of the Netherlands‘ biggest attractions, the Keukenhof Gardens fill with the vibrant hues of seven million perfectly planted tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths.
- National Mill Day (May): For two days, 950 mills and watermills open their doors to visitors, detailing the importance water has played in the country and across Europe.
- World Press Photo Exhibition (April–June): The annual press photography contest kicks off each year in Amsterdam, exhibiting the best press photos from around the world.
Visiting Netherlands in June - August
With warm but not hot weather, medium-sized crowds and plenty of activities and festivals scheduled, June is a great month to visit between the busy flower season and summer holidays. Music festivals abound, including the Festival Classique celebrating classical music, Pinkpop, a massive rock festival that’s been going since 1970, and Parkpop, a free outdoor music festival at The Hague.
The summer season (July – August) has the best weather, with temperatures in this maritime climate averaging around 19°C (67°F). Sidewalk cafés, beaches and just walking or cycling through the country are best during this time, which also makes things crowded. The cities are full of lively events like the Rotterdam Summer Carnival and the Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival, and prices can increase as hotel availability becomes an issue.
Events & Festivals
- Holland Festival (June): The largest performing arts festival in the Netherlands, this month-long festival celebrates music, opera, theatre and dance from around the world.
- World Press Photo Exhibition (April–June): The annual press photography contest kicks off each year in Amsterdam, exhibiting the best press photos from around the world.
- Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival (August): Four nights of fireworks just outside The Hague, where individual countries battle for the award of most entertaining performance.
- Rotterdam Summer Carnival (July): Mimicking the Carnival of Latin America, the Summer Carnival festival includes plentiful music, dancing and bright costumes over the course of the two-day parade.
Visiting the Netherlands in September - November
As temperatures drop and autumn sets in, the trees put on their golden, red and orange shows. While this is the rainiest time of year, the scenery is excellent, and crowds and costs decrease. There are several film festivals, and the cuisine, festive pastries and darker beers are especially suited to this time of year. It’s also a great time to enjoy the countryside before winter sets in.
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