The Netherlands in June: Weather, Destinations and More
June is the beginning of summer in the Netherlands and also the start of the peak tourist season. The weather in the Netherlands in June is comfortably warm, with long days and plenty of outdoor activities. June is the ideal time to visit lovely beaches like Zoutelande. If cycling is your thing, enjoy the beautiful countryside around Amsterdam on a bike. Or go kayaking in the canals of Utrecht and discover lesser-known Dutch cities like Deventer. Hotels will book up in June, so make your arrangements early if possible. Read on to find out what your trip to the Netherlands this month will look like.
- Patricia Hoson
- From Australia
The Netherlands Weather in June
The Netherlands is known for its mild summers, and you’ll find the weather in June fairly pleasant. Though the odd shower can’t be ruled out, June is typically warm and sunny. The average high temperature is 19°C, and the average low is 11°C for the country, just right for cycling or exploring cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam on foot.
In Amsterdam, the average temperature in June ranges from a minimum of 12°C to a maximum of 19°C while Maastricht sees higher temperatures varying between 21°C and 12°C. Utrecht varies between a low of 12°C and a high of 20°C.
Overall, the June weather in the Netherlands is pleasant for exploring! For a seasonal breakdown, check out our guide on the best time to visit the Netherlands.
Why Visit the Netherlands in June
Though June is the beginning of the high tourist season, it is still before the massive midsummer rush and is a transition period between the end of spring and full-blown summer. Here’s why visiting the Netherlands in June is such a great idea:
- Long days: With nearly 17 hours of daylight, June has the longest days of the year. You can make the most of the day by exploring cities or walking on beaches at Terschelling, and Bloemendaal, known for its beach parties.
- Island hopping: Famous for their rugged shorelines, extensive beaches and adorable cycling routes, the Wadden Islands make for an excellent summer destination. Admire the diverse landscapes and enjoy the local craft beer of Texel Island, sample locally produced cheese in Terschelling, and go on a seal safari on Vlieland Island.
- Cycling: The Netherlands is one of the most cyclist-friendly countries in the world. Make the most of the dreamy summer weather by hiring a bike. Top cycling sites include the Bossche Broek, a 500-acre nature reserve, and the Ooijpolder route, which offers lovely views of the sunset and the river. Check out our bicycling tours in the Netherlands.
- Summer festivals: Summertime in Holland is full of festivals and entertainment. The top-rated festivals in June include Amsterdam’s cutting-edge Holland Festival, which features groundbreaking shows by creators from around the world and crossovers of performing arts with visual art, digital art, photography and film. Other musical events to watch out for this month are Festival Classique, a week-long celebration of classical music; Pinkpop, a three-day rock music festival in Landgraaf; and Parkpop, another popular rock music festival in the Hague.
Where to go and what to do
The best things to see in the Netherlands in June include top-rated museums, quaint cheese factories, sprawling windmills and old churches.
A trip to Amsterdam is unsurprisingly one of the top summer activities in the Netherlands. Go beer hopping in one of the dozens of breweries in the city; enjoy a meal at a cafe or bar by the sea, on the lake, or overlooking a quaint canal; and admire the classical exterior, gorgeously furnished interior and splendid ceiling paintings of the 350-year-old Royal Palace of Amsterdam.
Known as the ‘Venice of the Netherlands,’ the fairytale village of Giethoorn has delightful wooden arch bridges and thatched farmhouses and is definitely worth a visit. Take a boat ride on the small canals, gliding under bridges and passing cozy cottages or explore the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, which looks at Giethoorn’s fishing and agricultural past.
Another excellent place to visit in June is Utrecht. Get a history lesson at sites like the Centraal Museum and Catharijne convent Museum, climb up the Dom Tower, the country’s tallest church tower that is more than 600 years old; and visit the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with the Dutch artistic movement called ‘De Stijl’ that advocated a pared-down visual language comprising precise geometric forms and primary colors.
If you’re keen on nature, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands in June. It is an excellent time to explore the park’s Kröller-Müller Museum, which has the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world; cycle the 40 km of biking paths that pass varied landscapes; and spot wildlife like wild boar and mouflon.
Discover big and small cities, explore waterways and windmills, visit superb museums, and enjoy summer festivals -- the fun and excitement never stop in the Netherlands in June. See our travel guide on how many days to spend in the Netherlands for more ideas. Our local travel experts will help you plan a customized trip that meets all your requirements.
Other articles:
The Netherlands in May
The Netherlands in July
