The Netherlands enjoys a temperate climate, with relatively mild summers and moderately cold winters. The best time to visit, if you'd like to see the country's tulips in bloom, is roughly mid-March to mid-May. Generally speaking, temperatures rise the further south you go. This is offset by the prevailing westerlies that sweep in from the North Sea, making the wetter coastal provinces both warmer in winter and colder in summer than the eastern provinces, where the more severe climate of continental Europe has an influence. As far as rain is concerned, be prepared for it at any time of year.
The Rough Guide to Netherlands and related travel guides
In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.
Travel advice for Netherlands
- Eating and drinking in Netherlands
- Culture and Etiquette in Netherlands
- Festivals and Holidays in Netherlands
- Getting around Netherlands: Transportation Tips
- How to get to Netherlands
- Sports and Outdoor activities in Netherlands
- Travel Tips Netherlands for planning and on the go
- Best time to visit Netherlands
Find even more inspiration for Netherlands here
- An expert's guide: the best area to stay in Amsterdam
- 10 free things to do in Amsterdam
- Top 5 cities to visit in the Netherlands
- The world's most fascinating streets
- 7 Dutch cities to explore beyond Amsterdam
- Responsible travel - a green stay in Amsterdam
- Airbnb: ten unusual places to stay
- 20 of the world's most amazing engineering feats
- Amsterdam markets
- Amsterdam with kids: 7 things you need to know
written by
Keith Drew
created 10/11/2012
updated 8/29/2020
