The Netherlands in July: Weather, Festivals and More
July is the middle of summer and the peak tourist season in the Netherlands. It’s one of the warmest months although extreme temperatures are rare. Take a trip to the Netherlands in July to enjoy the beaches of Zeeland province and cycle in the 500-acre Bossche Broek. Check out the cultural hotspots, like Anne Frank House and the Royal Palace, in the capital Amsterdam. Consider spending some days in cities like Haarlem, where you can visit the 14th-century St. Bavo Church, and see the art collection of the Netherlands’ oldest museum, Teylers Museum. Hotel and air ticket prices are highest in the Netherlands this month, so book well in advance.
- Patricia Hoson
- From Australia
The Netherlands Weather in July
The days are long, and the sun is almost always shining in July in the Netherlands. Though July is a warm month, the weather in Holland in July is typically pleasant and the temperatures are comfortable because the country is in a low-lying coastal part of Northern Europe. The average high temperature is 21°C and the average low is 13°C.
There isn’t much regional variation in climate, but the coasts can be windier. Overall, the weather in the Netherlands in July is ideal for spending time outdoors.
In July in Amsterdam, the average temperature ranges between a maximum of 21°C and a minimum of 14°C. In Haarlem, the average high and low temperatures are 19°C and 16°C, respectively. The Hague sees temperatures varying between an average high of 20°C and an average low of 15°C.
For a seasonal overview, check out our article on the best time to visit the Netherlands.
Why Visit The Netherlands in July
Midsummer is the time to enjoy sunny days in the Netherlands, lounge on beaches, and park yourself in streetside cafés. Here’s why so many tourists end up visiting the Netherlands in July:
- Beautiful days: The days are long and lovely in July. You can pack your day with outdoor activities. The weather is warm but never oppressive.
- Beaches beckon: Beaches are probably the Netherlands’ best-kept summer secret. Top picks include Hollum Beach on the Frisian Island of Ameland, Duindamseslag Beach near Noordwijk, and Scheveningen, the Netherlands’ most popular beach.
- Bike away: The July weather is also excellent for cycling. Bike along the canal in Kinderdijk, follow the scenic Vecht River, or choose the Waterland cycling path in the Dutch capital – the Netherlands is a cyclist’s paradise. Here are our bicycling tours in the Netherlands.
- Summer fests: Summers are a time to celebrate under the open skies. Popular events and festivals in July include the North Sea Jazz Festival Rotterdam, a superb three-day jazz festival featuring local and international names; the Internationale Vierdaagse Afstandsmarsen Nijmegen (Four Day Marches), one of the biggest walking events in the world; and Rotterdam Summer Carnival, which has plenty of music and entertainment.
Where to go and what to do
When it comes to things to do in the Netherlands in July, you’ll be utterly spoilt for choice. The museums, restaurants, bars and cafés in big cities and smaller towns overflow with tourists. With its lovely canals, world-class art and laid-back vibes, Amsterdam is one of the most charming capitals in Europe. Check out the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the world’s most extensive collection of his works. De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) is a trendy and whimsical Amsterdam neighborhood — visit its Biblical Museum, which provides a unique insight into the role of the Bible in Dutch culture; see the Flower Market, a floating market on boats; and admire the works by leading local artists at De Negen Straatjes’ Keren de Vreede Gallery. Check out our tours to Amsterdam for more ideas.
With a rich history going back hundreds of years, the port city of Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ second-largest city and a must-visit destination in July. Shop and eat at the Markthal, a marvel of modern architecture with its semi-circular façade and prominent windowed section; visit the 15th-century Church of Saint Laurence, an all-stone building with a striking interior, and climb up the 185-meter tall Euromast Tower for spectacular views during your Rotterdam tour.
To get a feel of how the Netherlands might have been in its Golden Age in the 17th century, head to the charming little town of Delft, with its quaint canals and cobblestone streets. Johannes Vermeer, one of the greatest Dutch artists, was born in Delft and spent his entire life here. The Vermeer Centrum Delft has fascinating information on him and his works. Also, visit the Royal Delft, an earthenware factory that has been making painted porcelain since the mid-17th century, and Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the final resting place of William of Orange.
July is a lovely month to enjoy the art and architecture of the Netherlands and explore its big cities and small towns. Our travel guide will give you more ideas on how many days to spend in the Netherlands in July. You can plan a customized trip to one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations with the help of our local travel experts.
Other articles:
The Netherlands in June
The Netherlands in August
