Best Time to Visit Netherlands
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 23/08/2024
Whether you want to explore the blooming tulip bulbs in the warm spring season or enjoy the artworks displayed at over 400 museums during the winter months, there is plenty to unravel when in the Netherlands.
Again, if you enjoy adventure-themed holidays, then there is no dearth of activities to engage in throughout the year. Make your summer exciting with a coastal holiday, plan a cycling excursion around the fall, or get a chance to ice skate on a frozen canal during winter.
With all these options to choose from, it becomes difficult to specify the best time to visit the Netherlands. Read on to know which time of the year best aligns with your desire to visit this country.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Netherlands?
For those still in the early stages of planning a holiday, the months between June and August serve as the best time to visit the Netherlands from India or any other country. From exploring palaces and castles to treating your eyes with enchanting fields of tulips on sunny days, the Netherlands has much to offer to all its visitors.
Although June is the best month to visit the Netherlands, it might be tough to find accommodation due to all the festivals that attract visitors from across the world. Moreover, rain episodes are common in the summer months, making the weather in this part of the year quite unpredictable.
If you are on a budget, then visiting the Netherlands during the fall season can be a good option. The air is cold and wet, bringing down the number of visitors this part of the year. This is also the best time of the year to go to Amsterdam to visit the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum.
Depending on what your idea of an ideal holiday in the Netherlands is, you can decide which time of the year is the best to visit this country.
Which is the Best Season to Visit the Netherlands?
The beauty of the Netherlands can be enjoyed all through the year, as its coastal climate prevents the weather from getting too hot or extremely cold.
Take a look at the different seasons experienced in the Netherlands, as it will help you with your vacation planning:
Peak Season in the Netherlands
Tourism is at its peak in the summer season in the Netherlands. It is the best time to visit the Netherlands. The summer festival of the Netherlands, also called Vierdaagsefeesten, is an enormous, freely accessible event that includes over 1200 performances and 40 stages across Nijmegen, its oldest city.
Not to forget the Pride Amsterdam festival in August, which is the only waterborne Pride festival in the world, making it the best month to go to Amsterdam.
Shoulder Season in the Netherlands
Constituted in Spring and Fall, this season is when the crowds have started thinning down and the weather has become more pleasant. The Shoulder Season is when the cultural activities start across the country.
The Amsterdam Dance Event and Rotterdam’s Wereldhavendagen are among the most popular events held during this time.
Low Season in the Netherlands
Winter is the time when the Netherlands experiences a drop in tourism. Days get darker and nights get colder, bringing down the number of visitors even further than the Shoulder Season.
While it cannot be said to be the worst time to visit Amsterdam, the harsh weather conditions do play a part in preventing outdoor trips.
Best Month to Visit Netherlands - A Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting the Netherlands
The rich cultural display, the vibrant festivals and the spectacular natural beauty of the Netherlands can easily keep tourists engaged all year round.
The following breakdown of each month of the year will help you decide the best month to visit the Netherlands.
January in the Netherlands
There is a chill in the air as the heart of winter causes the mercury to drop in the Netherlands. Moreover, the days are mostly grey and you can expect rainfall in January.
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, experiences a total of 3 days of snow and an average of 15 mm snowfall. You can still engage in a multitude of activities including trips to various museums and ice skating on either frozen ponds and canals or on rinks.
Average Temperature: 1°C to 5°C
Best Places to Visit:
Rotterdam for its International Film Festival
The Scheveningen beach outside The Hague or the North Sea or any other lake, to experience the New Year’s Dive event
Amsterdam to explore the Rembrandt House Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum
Things to Experience:
National Tulip Day, which takes place on January’s third Saturday to mark the beginning of the tulip season.
The Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the streets of this city
Ice skating on the popular frozen canals of Amsterdam
Group walking tours in Rotterdam to experience the architectural spectacle in winter
February in the Netherlands
It is another cold month in the Netherlands with low temperatures, fog, wind and snow making it tough to plan outdoor activities. However, festivals and carnivals begin in February despite the short daylight hours.
Cheaper accommodation rates and fewer crowds are good enough reasons to visit the Netherlands in February.
Average Temperature: 0°C to 8°C
Best Places to Visit:
The cities of Maastricht and Den Bosch for their elaborate Carnival celebrations
Amsterdam for its International Fashion Week and Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival
Things to Experience:
Valentine’s Day Cruise in Amsterdam’s canals
Watch live football matches in Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam or Feyenoord in Rotterdam
Get a two-hour Heineken Experience while keeping the cold weather at bay
Take a tour of the Escher in The Palace at The Hague
March in the Netherlands
This is the month of tulips in the Netherlands, as the days start growing warmer and longer. Moreover, March is a month of dry spells, making it easier to plan outdoor trips to enjoy the scenic beauty.
This is the time to plan some of the best day trips in Amsterdam, as the pleasant weather and fewer tourists make for great outings.
Average Temperature: 3°C to 9°C
Best Places to Visit:
The Keukenhof Gardens in the town of Lisse to get a first-hand experience of one the largest flower gardens in the world
The Van Gogh Museum, the NEMO Science Museum and the Royal Palace Amsterdam
Rotterdam International Comedy Festival for a laughter-filled experience
Things to Experience:
Experience the natural spectacle of flowers in bloom at the Bloesempark
Take your family to the Efteling Theme Park for a fairytale experience
The colourful carnivals (if taking place in March) include street music, dancing, colourful costumes and drinking
April in the Netherlands
This is the month when the temperature finally rises, bidding farewell to the winter season. With a plethora of activities lined up, you can start by visiting the windmills at Zaanse Schans. Take a tour of the country to get entangled in the crooked houses and intertwined canals unique to the Netherlands.
Average Temperature: 4°C to 12°C
Best Places to Visit:
The Flevoland Province for its vast fields of tulip blooms, and if possible, Noordwijkerhout, Noordoostpolder and Amsterdam to experience the immersive landscape.
Vondelpark in Amsterdam for its eye-catching scenic beauty
The Wynand Fockink distillery in Amsterdam to get a taste of “jenever”.
Trips to Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Bourtange, Giethoorn and Heusden
Things to Experience:
Celebrate the King’s Day, which is the Dutch King Willem Alexander’s birthday, along with the locals
The World Press Photo Exhibition in Amsterdam
The Dutch wildlife at Nationaal Park De Biesbosch or Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park
May in the Netherlands
May is a good time to visit the Netherlands as the days are sunny and it is less crowded. Activities to engage in include visiting the clubs in Amsterdam for night-time celebrations or renting a bike to experience the late spring weather during the day.
Average Temperature: 8°C to 17°C
Best Places to Visit:
Swifterbant, Dronten, Lelystad and Zeewolde for their colourful fields
The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam for enjoying contemporary art
Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus to understand the history of the Dutch lifestyle
Things to Experience:
Take part in the National Mill Day celebrated in May’s second weekend.
Enjoy bird watching at the Het Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe, the Schoorl Natural Reserve or even the Nationaal Park De Biesbosch.
Canoeing or kayaking at the Prinsengrach or the Singel canals in Amsterdam
Ride a bike from Amsterdam to the Waterland loop.
June in the Netherlands
This is the month when summer starts in the Netherlands. It is the best time to visit the beaches, ride a bike and explore lesser-known cities of this country. June is a heavily-booked month in the Netherlands so plan accordingly.
Average Temperature: 11°C to 19°C
Best Places to Visit:
Giethoorn village for its thatched farmhouses, wooden arch bridges, boat rides on canals and its Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus
A day trip to De Hoge Veluwe National Park and its Kröller-Müller Museum to view Van Gogh’s paintings
The Rietveld Schröder House in Utrecht, which is a UNESCO Heritage site
Things to Experience:
Revel in music, theatre, dance and opera at the Holland Festival in Amsterdam
Enjoy classical music at the Festival Classique held in The Hague
Take part in the Pinkpop and Parkpop music festivals
Visit breweries and cafes in Amsterdam
Cycle along the Ooijpolder route
July in the Netherlands
It is the peak season for tourism in the Netherlands. The warm temperature is ideal for bike rides and visits to cultural hotspots and coastal areas. Take a rest at the parks and beach lounges and take a gastronomical survey of the local cuisines at streetside cafes.
Average Temperature: 13°C to 21°C
Best Places to Visit:
Scheveningen, Duindamseslag Beach and Hollum Beach (Frisian Island) to experience beaches in summer
The Bossche Broek for a refreshing cycling experience
The Teylers Museum in Haarlem to enjoy watching art collections at the Netherland’s oldest museum
The town of Delft to learn about 17th Century Netherlands
Euromast Tower in Rotterdam for a spectacular view
Things to Experience:
Live Music at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam
Enjoy the Dutch Caribbean culture at the Rotterdam Summer Festival
Get a health check by participating in the Internationale Vierdaagse Afstandsmarsen Nijmegen, also called the International Four Day Marches Nijmegen
August in the Netherlands
August is the month of live music and sailing events in the Netherlands. With tourists flooding in, August serves as one of the peak tourism months in this country. While Rotterdam and Amsterdam are pricey this month, you can find affordable accommodations in Utrecht or Scheveningen.
Average Temperature: 13°C to 21°C
Best Places to Visit:
The Frisian Islands to experience the beaches and tour the Antiquity Room Texel museum
Castle De Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands
Tour the Haarlem city on a bike to explore its cobbled streets, mediaeval architecture and canals
Things to Experience:
Be part of the Pride Amsterdam festival
Enjoy the illumination at the Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival
Enjoy sailing at the Sneekweek Sailing Regatta event
September in the Netherlands
With the onset of autumn in the country, September is yet another month for cycling and other outdoor activities. The crowds start thinning as the weather gets a little colder than the summer months. You can explore the breweries and take walks along the less-crowded beaches to spend your day.
Average Temperature: 11°C to 18°C
Best Places to Visit:
The Floating Flower Market in Amsterdam
De Hoge Veluwe National Park for spotting wildlife or riding a bike
The Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht
Markthal Market Hall to enjoy delicious Dutch cuisine
Things to Experience:
Participate in the Netherlands Film Festival to watch Dutch films
Rent an electric sloop or a water taxi to ride on Rotterdam’s Nieuwe Maas River
October in the Netherlands
- This is the month for sightseeing in the Netherlands. You can hike the moorlands or stroll along the stunning waterfront streets and canals. Although there is a possibility of occasional rainfall, you can explore the cultural attractions by visiting cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Maastricht, The Hague, Haarlem, Leiden and Utrecht.
Average Temperature: 8°C to 15°C
Best Places to Visit:
Museums at Museumplein in Amsterdam
The Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam to reminisce the World War II
The Old Harbor and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam
Museum de Waag in Deventer
Things to Experience:
Enjoy films at the Netherlands Film Festival as it continues through this month
Participate in the Amsterdam Dance Event
Learn about the latest in the fashion world at the Dutch Design Week, held in Eindhoven
November in the Netherlands
The weather in November in the Netherlands is chilly and damp. It is best to engage in indoor activities this time of the year, of which there is no dearth in this country. You can explore various architectural marvels, art galleries and museums as part of your sightseeing tours.
Average Temperature: 4°C to 9°C
Best Places to Visit:
The National Museum of Ethnology and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden
The Kunstmuseum Den Haag and the Peace Palace in The Hague
Velvet Cave in Valkenburg for the Christmas experience
Things to Experience:
Welcome the Christmas season with the Sinterklaas Intocht event in Amsterdam
Take part in the world’s largest documentary film festival, the International Documentary Film Festival
December in the Netherlands
Exclusive Christmas decorations, charming cities and smaller crowds are good enough reasons to celebrate the end of the year in the Netherlands. You can expect an expansive holiday activity list when visiting this country in December. Rain and snow are common in this month, but that should not dissuade you from celebrating the festivities the traditional way in the Netherlands.
Average Temperature: 3°C to 6°C
Best Places to Visit:
Deventer for the Dickens Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival that ushers in the spirit of Christmas
Vrijthof Christmas Market in Maastricht for ice skating and Christmas shopping
Things to Experience:
Experience one of the Netherland’s oldest light festivals, the Gouda by Candlelight Festival
Enjoy a classical music event at the Het Concertgebouw
Skate at the giant ice rink in the Ice Village (outside of Rijksmuseum)
Why Should You Opt for Travel Insurance for Your Trip to the Netherlands?
There are many festivals and scenic beauties to enjoy when in the Netherlands. However, there is always the risk of unforeseen accidents in a foreign land.
With the help of Tata AIG overseas insurance, you can focus entirely on enjoying your trip. Our travelling insurance provides you with all the necessary protection for your trip. Moreover, since the Netherlands is a part of the Schengen region, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for getting a visa.
Whether you are looking for baggage protection or urgent medical care, we provide coverage to ensure a safe trip for you. Visit our website to buy travel insurance online without any hassle.
Conclusion
Now that you are well informed about the best time to visit the Netherlands and what the country has to offer every month of the year, planning your trip will become easier. You can take part in festivals, or visit visually appealing museums and monuments and cycle along the countryside to get closer to nature. The choice rests with you. But ensure you safeguard your trip with travel insurance to enjoy it to the fullest.
FAQS
Is Holland and the Netherlands the same?
No, Holland refers to two out of twelve provinces in the country. The Netherlands refers to the country as a whole.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Netherlands visa?
Yes, Indians applying for the Netherlands visa (Schengen visa) must have a minimum medical insurance coverage of Euro 30,000.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.