Best Time to Visit the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a nation of four distinct seasons. We’re providing a summary of each below.

Summer in the Netherlands: June to August

Spanning June to August, summer sees the best weather in the Netherlands. Due to its low-lying coastal topography, the country rarely gets too hot. Expect pleasant, balmy temperatures of around 20°C throughout the summer months. This season also sees an impressive festival roster, including Parkpop, Pinkpop, the Holland Festival, and the Rotterdam Summer Carnival.

July and August comprise the peak summer season when droves of North American, European, and North African holidaymakers arrive. Tourist meccas like Amsterdam get hectic at this time and the influx of travelers means prices will soar across the country.

Highlights:

• Try open-air dining in hip urban cities while touring Amsterdam or The Hague.
• Hike pristine nature reserves like the Hoge Veluwe or Biesbosch.

Travel tips:

• Book early because transport and accommodation fill up in peak season.
• Pack a light jacket because cool evenings aren’t uncommon in summer.

In-depth seasonal guides:
The Netherlands in June
The Netherlands in July
The Netherlands in August

Autumn in the Netherlands: September to November

Although autumn is the wettest season in the Netherlands, it’s also among the most spectacular. Lush green fields and fiery-ochre forests punctuate the landscape as the fall foliage turns. The weather remains relatively pleasant towards the start of the season but gets chilly as you move towards November. Because the summer holiday hordes have gone home, you’ll enjoy cheaper prices and thinner crowds.

Intrepid travelers with a thick coat can still have a ball during the winter season. Dutch Christmas markets boast boundless tinsel and twinkling lights. Brave souls can join thousands of masochistic locals on a New Year’s dive into the sea—at least you get a hot chocolate afterward. Come February, Carnival puts the whole country into party mode.

Highlights:

• Ice skating over frozen lakes in cosmopolitan cities like Amsterdam.
• Hunt for sweets and artisanal knick-knacks at a traditional Dutch Christmas market.

Travel tips:

• Pack plenty of thick, cold-weather gear.
• Winter days are short, so plan your sightseeing accordingly.

In-depth seasonal guides:
The Netherlands in December
The Netherlands in January
The Netherlands in February

Spring in the Netherlands: March to May

As the winter mist clears and the thick layer of frost thaws, spring sees the Dutch landscape bounce back to life. Warmer temperatures mean locals venture outdoors while blooming tulips beckon garden lovers from around the globe. April or May are the best time to visit Holland for tulips when the finest floral ensembles bloom, and you get the nicest springtime weather.

Gardens aside, May is among the best months to visit the Netherlands for its agreeable temperatures and thinner tourist crowds.

Highlights:

• The Keukenhof Flower Gardens puts on a must-see exhibition with over 7 million blooming tulips.
• Visit the Bloemencorso flower parade in Lisse to admire elaborate flower-festooned floats.

Travel tips:

• Book ahead, especially around public holidays like King’s Day (April 27th) and Easter.
• Wear layers as the spring weather is especially fickle.

In-depth seasonal guides:
The Netherlands in March
The Netherlands in April
The Netherlands in May

To learn more about the best time of year to visit Holland, check out our comprehensive Netherlands travel guide. We cover all the essential info, including how many days to spend in the Netherlands and Amsterdam weather patterns.