The Netherlands in October: Weather, Destinations and Festivals

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October is one of the best times to take a trip to the Netherlands if you want to combine indoor and outdoor activities with a bit of cultural immersion. The month falls in the middle of autumn, which brings mild but wet weather conditions. Depending on the day outside, you can enjoy the tours of world-class museums at the Museumplein in Amsterdam, stroll the beautiful canals and waterfront streets, or hike the Dutch moorlands awash in autumn hues. As the peak tourist season is long over, you can also expect to find affordable tours and accommodations in the Netherlands in October.

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The Netherlands Weather in October

Houses in Amsterdam on a sunny day with fall leaves in Holland in October.
Exploring the outdoors is a good idea in October due to the comfortable weather.

The Netherlands in October generally enjoys mild temperatures, with little regional variations. Overall, temperatures across the country are comfortable enough to spend time outdoors—except when it rains, which is not uncommon. The weather in Amsterdam in October is mild during the day, but the nights can be very chilly. The average temperature in October varies between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). Rotterdam sees an average high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F). Zwolle, the capital of the beautiful Overijssel province, averages between 8°C (46°F) and 14°C (57°F).

For a seasonal overview, check out our article on the best time to visit the Netherlands.

Why Visit The Netherlands in October

Dutch Moorlands bloom during sunset in the Netherlands in October.
Watch Moorlands bloom in October when you hike through the wonderful landscape.
A street in Amsterdam with people walking and cycling on a bright day.
Walk the streets of Amsterdam with fewer crowds around.

October is the shoulder season for tourism in the Netherlands. This means all the summer crowds have gone, and hotels, cafés and top-rated attractions are more accessible. Here’s why we recommend a trip to the Netherlands in October:

  • Hotel deals: Hotel rates in October may not be as low as in the cold winter season (when tourist numbers reduce to a trickle), but you’ll still get good discounts compared to summer.
  • Fewer people: Amsterdam and other major tourist destinations can get overwhelmed by visitors in the peak season. But in October, you get to enjoy top sights without much competition.
  • Moorlands bloom: The Dutch moorlands are in full bloom in October, and you can see dozens of shades of purple and lilac. If the weather is good, walk or bike along heather fields in this beautiful part of the Netherlands.
  • Enjoy festivals: If you’re an electronic music fan, the Amsterdam Dance Event is a must-visit. Likewise, every year on October 3rd, Leiden residents celebrate Leidens Ontzet (Relief of Leiden) to mark the retreat of Spanish forces from the city in the 16th century. It’s a day of food, games, rides, and, of course, alcohol. Another prestigious event in October is the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, the largest design event in Northern Europe, featuring more than 2,500 designers.

Where to go and what to do

A front view of Rijksmuseum on a bright day.
Explore the art and history of the Netherlands in Rijksmuseum.

The weather in Holland in October is great to divide your time between sightseeing in cities and exploring the great outdoors.

Amsterdam is home to the country’s best museums, like the Rijksmuseum, which has masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and other Dutch greats. The Anne Frank Museum is a poignant reminder of the horrors of World War 2. This is the house where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis. Your list of things to do on a trip to Amsterdam in October must also include walking along its elegant canals and tasting local delicacies like crispy meatballs called Bitterballen; and the flat, savory Dutch pancake Pannekoeken.

Next up, you should tour Rotterdam, the country’s second-largest city which was completely redeveloped after its destruction in World War 2. Stroll around the Old Harbor, watch the boats being repaired and visit the nearby Maritime Museum Rotterdam, which traces the city’s seafaring and shipping history. Rotterdam is also home to the superb Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which has works by Jan van Eyck and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Also, check out the Great St. Lawrence Church, a restored medieval Gothic cathedral.

If you wish to experience the outdoors, Overijssel province is an excellent choice. Visit the fairytale town of Giethoorn, with its lovely houses built along the water, see Deventer’s Museum de Waag, which explores local history, and go on walking and cycling trails like De Zwarte Dennen and Weerribben-Wieden.

The Netherlands in October is ideal for discovering its delightful cities, enjoying the colors of the fall, and feasting your eyes on world-class art. Check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in the Netherlands for more ideas. Or contact our local travel experts to plan a customized trip to the Netherlands.

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Published by Tim Green, updated on January 8, 2024

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