The Netherlands in March: Weather, Crowds and More
From Van Gogh to tulips to Amsterdam blossoms, March is an excellent time to take a trip to the Netherlands— at least if you’re happy to rug up. This small European nation resides in a temperate zone so you can expect balmier March temperatures than its northern neighbors, but the Netherlands will be colder this time of year than Southern European countries like Italy and Spain.
There are still plenty of benefits to visiting the Netherlands in March. Colder temperatures mean far fewer tourists, which results in thinner crowds, cheap airfares and better-value hotels.
- Patricia Hoson
- From Australia
Weather in the Netherlands in March
Although the first month of spring brings the end of sub-zero temperatures, the country isn’t exactly warm this time of year.
Average highs hover around 10°C (50°F), and nighttime temperatures drop to 3°C (37°F). Expect warmer average temperatures towards the end of the month as spring kicks into gear.
As the Netherlands is tiny, there isn’t much temperature variation between cities. For example, the average highs in Amsterdam and Maastricht, two tourist-friendly destinations on opposite ends of the country, are 10°C (50°F) and 12°C (54°F) in March, respectively. Both have average lows of 3°C (37°F).
Snow is possible though uncommon in March. On average, it snows just four times throughout the country during this month. Throughout the month, the country receives an average rainfall of 65 mm.
As a result, you can expect consistent weather throughout the Netherlands in March. There’s no need to plan an itinerary around the climate here.
The Netherlands has seasonal weather. Make sure to check up on the best time to visit the Netherlands before planning your tour.
Why Visit the Netherlands in March
There are several compelling reasons you should consider visiting the Netherlands in March.
- Thinner crowds: Amsterdam gets grossly overcrowded in summer as swarms of holiday-makers overrun the capital. In March, you can enjoy this magnificent city’s monuments, cafes, and museums sans the maddening crowds.
- Lower prices: Modest demand means hoteliers and airlines will drop their rates to drum up business in the offseason. March is a great month to score a bargain for travelers looking to avoid the Netherlands’ icy-cold winters.
- Pleasant temperatures: While March in the Netherlands is on the cooler side, it’s usually not unbearably cold. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing in the evening and remain relatively comfortable during the day. Rugging up in warm clothes is all you need to do for an enjoyable holiday.
- Festivals and events: Taking place six weeks before Easter, the Netherlands’ famously colorful Carnival sometimes falls in March (though February is more common). If the opportunity arises, don’t miss these vibrant street parties and parades. Other notable March festivals include the Rotterdam International Comedy Festival and Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Flower Exhibition.
Where to Go and What to Do
There’s a plethora of fun things to do in the Netherlands in March.
March is a hassle-free time to take a trip to Amsterdam, which is usually flooded with camera-toting tourists. Enjoy thinner crowds at its world-famous attractions, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. Other worthwhile sites include the Rembrandt House Museum, the Royal Palace Amsterdam, and the NEMO Science Museum.
From mid-March to mid-April, Amsterdam’s leafy streets bloom with a sea of bright pink cherry blossoms. Head to Bloesempark (AKA Kersenbloesempark) to admire the jaw-dropping natural spectacle in full bloom.
The Netherlands’ other popular tourist destinations also receive fewer tourists in March. Take a Rotterdam tour or visit cities like The Hague, Utrecht, Maastricht, and Delft for a slew of worthwhile attractions for travelers seeking to explore beyond the capital.
For traveling families, March is the perfect time to visit Efteling. Located in Kaatsheuvel, this fairytale-inspired theme park is a delight for the young and young at heart.
As one of the world’s most spectacular spring garden festivals, the Keukenhof Flower Exhibition is a must-visit event for avid horticulturalists. The globally-renowned shindig takes place in Lisse, a small town south of the capital, and kicks off towards the end of March. The Netherlands is famous for its tulips, and this technicolored event is the best place to see them bloom.
All indoor cultural institutions in the Netherlands will be well-heated so you can stay comfortable during cooler days. Of course, due to the lower temperatures, March isn’t a great month for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.
What to bring
March in the Netherlands gets chilly, so you must rug up to stay warm. Stuff the following warm clothes into your suitcase for a comfortable trip.
- A jacket
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Long pants
- A couple of jumpers
Bring an umbrella or rain jacket, as precipitation is somewhat common in the Netherlands in March.
With fewer tourists, lower prices, and relatively pleasant weather, March is an enticing time for a holiday in the Netherlands.
It’s a perfect month to visit its world-renowned cultural institutions, as you get more elbow room and toasty heating to beat the chill. The start of spring also sees the flowers bloom, which you can admire at parks and festivals in Amsterdam and beyond.
For help planning a fully-bespoke trip to the Netherlands in March, contact one of our local travel experts today.
Other articles:
The Netherlands in February
The Netherlands in April
