The Netherlands in February: Weather, Carnivals and More
With huge festivals, cheap rates, and temperatures starting to warm up, visiting the Netherlands in February is a good time to visit. Whether you’re looking to party at the legendary Carnival or want to explore the historic cities and museums without a ton of tourists around you, touring the Netherlands offers a lot of variety.
Although the temperatures in February are starting to rise, it’s still chilly during this month. Indoor attractions are a great idea, or if you’re heading outside, wrapping up warm is going to be really important!
- Patricia Hoson
- From Australia
The Netherlands Weather in February
The Netherlands’ weather in February is still characterized as chilly, with average temperatures floating between 0°C and 8℃. Although you are unlikely to freeze, this does mean that warm clothing is key, and you might want to have some indoor plans at the ready.
If you’re thinking of heading to 's-Hertogenbosch (known as just Den Bosch) just outside Rotterdam for the iconic Carnival celebrations, temperatures tend to be between 1°C and 6°C. Concerned about snowfall during February? In Den Bosch, you can expect just two days of snowfall which equates to only 8 mm throughout the whole month.
Thinking of heading to the architectural hotspot, Rotterdam? You may need an umbrella as there are 9 rainy days throughout February, accumulating an average of 22 mm of rain. This is in addition to the 19 mm of snow that normally falls in February.
For a monthly breakdown, read our article on the best time to visit the Netherlands.
Why Visit the Netherlands in February
From vibrant festivals to amazing music events to cheaper rates, February in the Netherlands has a little something for everyone to enjoy:
- Better rates: As February is still firmly in Holland’s low season, you can benefit from cheaper rates on both accommodation and flights. It can make it an affordable option if you’re looking for a Valentine’s city break!
- Fewer crowds: With the exception of Carnival, the crowd levels all across Holland are super low during February. As the tulip season hasn’t started yet and Christmas festivities have long passed, you can enjoy most of the major sights to yourself.
- Carnival: One of the biggest events in the Netherlands in February is Carnival, occurring mostly in the Southern Catholic region of the country. Dates run 6 weeks before Easter, meaning it normally happens toward mid or end of February. The festival celebrates the reversal of traditional social roles and expectations, so things can get wild, outlandish costumes included! The biggest festivities happen in Den Bosch, just outside Rotterdam.
- Winter Wooferland: If you love EDM (electronic dance music), you’ll want to take a trip to Amsterdam on the third weekend of February. This exciting festival brings together some of the biggest names in EDM for a weekend of dancing and debauchery.
Where to go and what to do
If you’re visiting the Netherlands in February, hit up Amsterdam with a loved one for a Valentine’s Day cruise down the iconic canals. With the city all lit up, it can be seriously romantic. You can also get canal cruises that include dinner and champagne if you’re looking to push the boat out — literally!
Soccer season in Holland is well in the swing of things in February. With some of the best players in Europe and a fierce local rivalry, catching a soccer game is a great evening out. If you’re touring Rotterdam, check out Feyenoord, or if you’re in Amsterdam, head to Ajax’s home ground, the mighty Johan Cruyff Arena. If there are no games on while you’re there, you can always take part in a stadium tour and see where these soccer giants play and get behind the scenes. Alternatively, you can always watch a match like a local — in a bustling pub filled with beer and big screens!
There are plenty of world-class museums and galleries all across Holland, like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and Escher in Het Paleis in the Hague, but if you’re looking for something different that keeps you out of the cold, check out the Heineken Experience. Lasting around two hours, this self-guided museum takes you through the history of this iconic beer, the impact it’s had on European and world culture, and of course, get to sample a few brews along the way.
If you’re looking for a good time but still want to travel during an affordable season, February in the Netherlands is the ideal time to visit. From music festivals and football matches to the vibrancy of Carnival, you can have a fantastic time without having to pay premium rates.
Sometimes you need a helping hand when planning a new trip. If you need assistance planning a customized trip to The Netherlands in February or just don’t know where to start, always contact our local travel experts, who’ll whip up a tailored itinerary for you in no time at all!
Other articles:
The Netherlands in January
The Netherlands in March
