Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Find out when is the best time to travel!
The opportunities for a vacation in Holland are so varied that determining the best time to visit the Netherlands can be quite challenging.
The country's beauty is on display throughout the year, as its mild maritime climate avoids extreme cold and sweltering heat, offering a wealth of options for meaningful leisure activities. Before engaging in debates with your family about when to plan your vacation in the Netherlands, it's advisable to first decide on your destination and purpose.
For instance, if you're heading to the seaside or want to admire the blooming flowers, consider that the high season for beach vacations in the Netherlands typically begins in June, after the tulips have already bloomed and the renowned Keukenhof Gardens are closed to the public.
Make use of the reliable information available on the tripmydream portal to understand the specifics of various types of vacations and the weather conditions in your chosen region during different seasons. This way, you'll never have to wonder about the best time to travel to the Netherlands to make the most of your trip.
Holidays in the Netherlands in Winter
Harsh winters are relatively unknown to residents of the carefree kingdom. Daytime temperatures rarely fall to zero, averaging between +5 to +9°C in the northwest and gently dropping to +4 to +6°C in the southeast as you move inland. Weak frosts may occur at night, and the passage of anticyclones from the East can sometimes trigger short-term episodes of sharp cold spells and snow drifts. However, overall, the weather in the Netherlands during winter is characterized as warm and stable. Snow quickly turns into slush, which can make road traction less than ideal, so it's advisable to choose another time for road trips.
If possible, consider planning a sightseeing trip to the Netherlands in winter, avoiding the peak tourist activity around Christmas. This way, you can save on accommodation costs, freeing up funds for entertainment and expanding your horizons. By mid-January, the Dutch low season is in full swing, leading hoteliers to significantly lower their rates. It might be the only time when museums in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague have almost no queues.
Despite the damp drizzle and slush, there's no shortage of things to do in the Netherlands during winter. Late December and early February see the hosting of fairs and carnivals, with the most colorful parades happening in Limburg. Another winter attraction is the year-round Appeltern Gardens between the Maas and the Waal, showcasing the work of fashionable landscape designers.
Don't overlook the Dutch favorite winter pastime of ice skating. Race across the mirror-like surface of ice-covered canals in Kinderdijk Park, passing dormant windmills, and experience the thrill of a champion at the finish line.
Holiday in the Netherlands in Spring: A Floral Extravaganza
Spring in the Netherlands literally blooms. By the end of March, the suburbs are covered in a carpet of flowers, saturating the air with captivating scents. You can enjoy a feast of colors not only in the famous Keukenhof but also in Lisse, Sassenheim, and Bennebrock.
Try to time your Netherlands vacation in mid-April when the flora is at its peak. This is also when the spectacular Parade of Flowers takes place, and practical flower growers don't miss the opportunity to buy bulbs of rare varieties at the Flower Exchange in Aalsmeer.
The weather in the Netherlands in spring allows for a little frost followed by rain. Daytime temperatures stay at +8...+11°C, and only in Eindhoven does the air warm up to +10...+12°С. In April, it becomes 2-3 degrees warmer, and in May, a powerful heat wave comes from the continent, radically turning the off-season into summer.
There are significant differences in air temperature even between neighboring communities. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, it warms up to +16...+17°С, while in The Hague, it's quite cool, up to +14°C. Evenings and nights in spring are still cold, so it's a good idea to stock up on warm clothes.
Spring is the time for many national, religious, and social festivals, and participating in them allows you to get an insider's view of the country and bring back lots of photos and original souvenirs from your vacation.
From April through June, you can go cycling in the many natural parks in the Netherlands without the discomfort of crowded trails. It seems that it's not just nature that's awakening: in April, Scheveningen and Kijkdown open the diving season, and in May, the first surfers appear on the beach in Domburg.
Summer in the Netherlands is fresh and cool. Even on the sunniest days, the air temperature does not exceed +23...+25°C, so holidaymakers are spared the heat and humidity. Daylight hours are 6-7 hours. In general, the weather in the Netherlands in summer is devoid of excesses and is well tolerated by elderly tourists and small children. Clear days are rare; the summer Netherlands is typically characterized by moderate cloudiness and short rains, after which a slight chill is felt.
Beach vacations in the Netherlands coincide with the mass vacation period and last from mid-June through August. Although Dutch tour operators do not generally consider beach vacations as a priority destination, Dutch seaside resorts are not empty, providing vacationers with a wide range of opportunities for various sports in addition to beach vacations.
Summer festivals of dance, carnivals, and youth music liven up the relaxed rhythms of resort life, while the sophisticated ears of Brahms and Beethoven aficionados will be treated to a long-running festival of classical music and opera - Robeco.
Summer vacations in the Netherlands are traditionally linked to cycling, but it's worth noting that during the summer, when there's an influx of vacationers, cycle paths are not the place to be. An alternative option for sporting leisure during the high season in the Netherlands is trekking, sailing, fishing, and horse riding.
Another inconvenience you have to put up with during the vacation season is high lodging rates and difficulty booking rooms. However, passionate travelers have the option to save on transportation by purchasing a Zomertoer group ticket, which will allow you to travel with family or friends for two days with no limit on the number of rides within the paid zone. For a large group of six people, Meerrmans Kaart tickets, which include a significant price concession, can be beneficial.
Holidays in the Netherlands in Autumn: The Charm of the Eye and the Start of Winter Sales
Autumn in the Netherlands doesn't bring cold weather right away. In September, clear summer skies often turn cloudy, but the air temperature remains quite high, around +17...+18°C, much like in June. October brings rather cloudy weather with thick morning fog, heavy rains, and sharp increases in wind. From mid-October onwards, it's the low season in the Netherlands, with the thermometer dropping to +13...+15°C, and frequent frosts and storms.
From mid-October, prices for accommodation in hotels and package tours start to drop, making it a good time to visit the Netherlands if you're on a budget. For young people traveling in large groups, there's an option to save on transportation by purchasing a Herfsttoer group ticket for unlimited travel on commuter trains during weekends.
Before the cold weather sets in, vacations in the Netherlands in the fall inspire fans of bright autumn colors and picturesque landscapes. The fall flower festival in Aalsmeer is reason enough for many to plan a trip. Fun fairs, festivals, and informal events keep you entertained, and in the second half of November, the country begins to prepare for Christmas, with many stores offering attractive discount programs.
