The Netherlands in November: Destination Tips and Weather Advice
If you are thinking about touring the Netherlands in November, expect the weather to be damp and chilly. You will be better off if you keep your tours and activities indoors, of which the country has no shortage. The Netherlands is home to many world-class art galleries, museums and architectural marvels. Take advantage of low tourist crowds to see the sights such as the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam; the Peace Palace and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag in the Hague; and Naturalis Biodiversity Center and the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden. The Netherlands is small and mostly flat land with an excellent transportation system, so getting around won’t be an issue.
- Patricia Hoson
- From Australia
The Netherlands Weather in November
November marks the end of fall and the beginning of winter in November. It is also the wettest month of year, with an average 90 mm of rainfall. The average temperatures in the Netherlands in November range from 4 °C to 9°C. In Amsterdam, the mercury hovers between 6 °C and 10 °C, with an average 17 rainy days of rain. The city also receives its first snowfall in November. Valkenburg sees temperatures hovering between 5 °C and 10 °C. The amount of rainfall is less than Amsterdam in November but there is more snowfall here in November.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit the Netherlands.
Why Visit The Netherlands in November
The weather in the Netherlands in November may be less than ideal, but there are still many great reasons to visit the country. Here are some of them:
- Better rates: As November falls in the low shoulder season in the Netherlands, you can find a lot of great deals on flights and accommodation all across the country. If you are traveling on a budget, November is a great month for you.
- Fewer crowds: You will find fewer tourists in the Netherlands in November. This is an excellent time to visit the country if you want to explore the popular sites and attractions at your own pace and in a crowd-free environment.
- Sinterklaas Intocht: On the first Saturday following November 11th, an unusual Christmas tradition is observed all around the Netherlands: the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus, by boat. You can expect parades, festivals, and plenty of family-friendly fun on the day.
- International Documentary Film Festival: Held during the start of November, IDFA Amsterdam is a world-renowned documentary film festival. A lot of directors and filmmakers debut their newest creations at this particular film festival. You should not miss the festival if you are into documentaries.
Where to go and what to do
Some of the best places to visit in the Netherlands in November are its major cities that boast plenty of indoor attractions. This way you can explore the museums and art galleries when the day is not great for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The best attractions in the capital, Amsterdam, have to be its world-class museums. From the Anne Frank House to the Van Gogh Museum to the Rijksmuseum, you can absolutely get your fill of art, culture and history in this beautiful city. Since November is part of the low season in the Netherlands, visitor numbers are at their minimum. You can take your time touring Amsterdam and its amazing spaces.
If you are looking to get into the Christmas spirit, head over to the town of Valkenburg, where a unique Christmas market kicks off in mid-November. Held in the Velvet Caves underneath the ruins of an old castle, it is a market like no other that draws visitors from all over.
Home to the UN’s International Court of Justice, the Hague is one of the most influential political cities in the world. A great activity here is to enjoy an architecture tour. From the Peace Palace to the Binnenhof, the city has plenty of popular landmarks to explore. The cooler temperatures are great for wandering, and the lower tourist crowds give you more time to appreciate the artistry. Check out our tours to the Hague here.
What to bring
Cold, wet, and sometimes snowy weather of the Netherlands in November means you need to pack many layers. You must also bring along a sturdy pair of shoes with good sole grips, as the cobbled streets can get slippery.
So, there you have it. Although November may not be the best month to visit the Netherlands, if you plan on visiting the amazing museums and sticking with indoor excursions, it can be a great time to visit. You will be able to find a lot more affordable flights and accommodation during this period, giving you more spending power to see all the cities and sites.
Organizing a trip to the Netherlands can be tricky, so if you need a hand in planning a customized trip to the Netherlands in November, contact our local travel experts, who can create a bespoke itinerary for you.
Other articles:
The Netherlands in October
The Netherlands in December
