The Netherlands in August: Events, Weather and More
If you’re thinking about touring the Netherlands in August you can expect amazing sailing and music events, as well as beautiful weather conditions. August is the height of the peak season in the Netherlands, so there are a lot of tourists around and the prices tend to go through the roof, especially in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. To find more affordable options, you can head to Scheveningen or Utrecht.
- Patricia Hoson
- From Australia
The Netherlands Weather in August
The weather in the Netherlands in August is at its peak for the entire year. Temperatures in Amsterdam hit average highs of 21° C, perfect for chilling out at the Vondelpark or exploring the cities and rural areas by bike. If you head out to Scheveningen for the fireworks, you may need an umbrella. Despite being the heart of summer, August is the rainiest month in the seaside resort. You can expect 20 days of rain throughout the month, but temperatures remain a balmy 21°C.
Check out our guide if you’re looking for the best time to visit The Netherlands.
Why Visit The Netherlands in August
From international events to sports to festivals, there are a lot of reasons to go on a trip to The Netherlands in August:
- Pride Amsterdam: At the start of August, you’ll be able to celebrate LGBT+ Pride, featuring a huge march, parties, concerts, and celebratory vibes, in Amsterdam. It’s a huge party with an even bigger and more important message: love is love!
- Sneekweek Sailing Regatta: Unlike other regattas, the Sneekweek Sailing Regatta actually takes place in the province of Friesland. The city of Sneek plays host to sailors from all around the world for this unique water event.
- Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival: Even though the days are long in the summer months, the seaside resort area of Scheveningen likes to stay up late with huge fireworks displays that last four days. See the pyrotechnic artists from all over the world put on a spectacular fireworks show.
Where to go and what to do
There are so many amazing places to visit in the Netherlands in August, and it’s the perfect month to get outside. While Amsterdam might be swarming with tourists, other Dutch cities, like Haarlem are a lot quieter. Hire a bike and enjoy a city tour around the cobbled streets of Haarlem in the summer sunshine. Enjoy the canals and medieval architecture as you pedal, and feel refreshed by the breeze from the North Sea. Here are our tours to Haarlem.
Another underrated thing to do in the Netherlands in August is to check out the culture and natural beauty of the Frisian Islands. Located just a short drive from Amsterdam, these beachy islands have a culture and language all of their own. The largest island, Texel, is especially famous for its beer which is well-known all around the Netherlands. The Frisian Islands are the perfect spot for a relaxing summer escape. You can kick back on the sands and tour local museums like Antiquity Room Texel.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to learn about Dutch history, head to the lesser-visited city of Utrecht, one of the most popular things to do here is to the largest castle in the Netherlands, Castle De Haar. Summer is the perfect time as it’s surrounded by acres of amazing parkland where you can wander or even enjoy a picnic.
Although the Netherlands can be really busy in August, you can still have a wonderful time if you avoid the popular cities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam. You can enjoy cycling through the Dutch countryside, take in a truly unique sailing event, or even learn a whole new culture on the Frisian Islands. Just remember to book your flight and accommodation well in advance.
We know that it’s not always easy to plan a trip to the Netherlands in the summer months. If you need help with planning a customized trip to the Netherlands in August, you can always reach out to our local travel experts who can devise a tailored itinerary especially for you.
Other articles:
The Netherlands in July
The Netherlands in September
