The Netherlands in September: Weather, Tips and More
September in the Netherlands is that sweet spot between the crowded summer season and the onset of colder weather. You are likely to encounter mild autumn weather and relatively fewer tourists. Towards the end of September, leaves start turning a lovely golden hue. Travel and hotel costs are moderate in the Netherlands in September. Enjoy the Dutch coast around Zeeland; bike past herds of Sayaguesa cattle in the Drents-Friese Wold National Park; visit the country’s largest castle, Kasteel de Haar; and see world-class art in Amsterdam’s museums. Read on to find out what your tour to the Netherlands in September can look like.
- Patricia Hoson
- From Australia
The Netherlands Weather in September
September in the Netherlands is the first month of the short autumn season. The average temperature ranges between 21°C and 13°C. Being a small, flat country, regional variations in the weather are limited. The coasts, however, are windier. In September, the average high temperature in Amsterdam is 18°C, while the average low temperature is 13°C. The average temperatures in Rotterdam vary between 19°C and 13°C. Maastricht sees an average high of 19°C and an average low of 11°C.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit the Netherlands.
Why Visit The Netherlands in September
There are lots of exciting things to do in the Netherlands. Here’s why visiting the Netherlands in September is an excellent idea:
- Festive season: September is a carnival of Dutch creativity. Top-rated festivals include the Netherlands Film Festival in Utrecht, which showcases Dutch films; Draaiorgel Festival, where the classic Dutch tradition of playing barrel organs is celebrated; the Nederlands Theater Festival, featuring the best in Dutch theater; and Amsterdam Fringe Festival, which gives a platform to avant-garde, unorthodox and obscure theater productions.
- Beaches beckon: Dutch beaches start emptying out by September as the summer crowds leave. This means you’ll pretty much have the entire beach to yourself. Hollum, Duindamseslag and Scheveningen beaches are among the top picks.
- Shoulder season perks: The tourist numbers may not be down to a trickle as in winter, but there are noticeably thinner crowds in the Netherlands in September compared to the peak season. This means less jostling for tickets and views. And if you plan your trip in advance, you can get good deals on accommodation as well.
Where to go and what to do
September is a gorgeous month to visit the Netherlands. The pleasant Amsterdam weather in autumn makes it a prime destination during this time. Go on a charming canal tour, see the floating Flower Market in the artsy neighborhood of De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), enjoy craft beer at one of the many excellent breweries in the city, and admire the beautiful architecture of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Check out our tours in Amsterdam.
Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second-largest city, suffered extensive damage in World War II and had to reinvent itself. Marvel at the architectural innovation of the cube houses, tiny homes perched on a hexagonal base, a tribute to Rotterdom’s post-war renovation and revival. Take the Westersingel Sculpture Route, an open-air stroll past Europe’s biggest collection of public art. Book a water taxi or hire an electric sloop for an exciting ride on the Nieuwe Maas River that flows through Rotterdam. Eat at the Markthal, a modern architectural wonder that is both an office complex and a market. Here are our Tours to Rotterdam.
Spread over 13,000 acres, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is an enchanting place to visit in September. Hike through the beautiful forest area or go on a cycling excursion to spot local wildlife. You can also see the impressive Van Gogh collection in the Kröller-Müller Museum, a wonderful art surprise deep in the woods.
Maastricht became a symbol of the European Union in 1992 with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty. Walk through the lively Markt, admire the neoclassical façade of the 17th century Maastricht city hall or Stadhuis, visit the Roman Catholic Basilica of St. Servaaskerk, and see works by Dutch masters at the splendid Bonnefanten Museum.
The lingering after-effects of the warm summer months and the colors of the fall make September a lovely time to visit the Netherlands. For more ideas, check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in the Netherlands. Our local travel experts will help you craft a customized trip to the Netherlands to meet all your requirements.
Other articles:
The Netherlands in August
The Netherlands in October
