Best Time to Visit

Small but mighty perhaps best summarizes the Netherlands. A small but densely populated nation of 17 million people, the Netherlands is located on the North Sea in Western Europe, with Germany to its East and Belgium to its south. The term Holland is often mistakenly viewed as being interchangeable with the Netherlands but this is incorrect. Holland is the name of the Westernmost region within the country, split into two sections, North and South with North Holland containing the city of Amsterdam and the southern region containing both the cities of The Hague and Rotterdam. While the country itself may be small and compact, the same cannot be said for the Dutch people, however, as they are considered the tallest people on average in Europe.

Dutch summers offer long, sunshine-soaked days with late sunsets and early sunrises. However, prices for a Netherlands vacation are often higher during this period than throughout the rest of the year.

Being located on the North Sea, the Netherlands can experience bouts of rain and even storms, particularly in the winter months, so it is important to pay attention to the weather forecast and general weather patterns when planning a trip to the country. That said, the weather never reaches an extreme in either direction, being either too cold or too hot. 

For those who seek the multicoloured wonder of the famous tulip fields, late spring is the best time to visit. A blanket of vibrant tulips carpets the rural landscape and with the added backdrop of wooden windmills dotted around the landscape, it is a sight to behold.

What is the best month to visit the Netherlands?

The period from June to August is considered the busiest tourist season in the Netherlands as both locals and visitors soak up the long days of sunshine and warm weather with temperatures averaging around 23°C (73°F). Accommodation prices may be highest during this period so it's best to book well in advance. While Amsterdam may attract the most visitors, other Dutch cities have a lot to offer, often at a cheaper price.

Scheveningen, a small coastal town just outside of The Hague, is famous for its pier where amusement rides and restaurants can be found during the summer. Its beach and the nearby sand dunes are an excellent place to relax and leisurely stroll while enjoying the sunshine.

When is the peak tourist season in the Netherlands?

Summer is by far the most popular time for tourists to visit the country, particularly the period from June to August. It is the period with the warmest weather and parks such as Vondelpark in central Amsterdam will be packed with visitors looking to relax in the sun.

While the nation is not typically known for its beaches, they do attract many visitors from places such as Belgium and Germany during the summer months. Coastal towns such as Zaanfoort are particularly popular for their long, clean beaches and proximity to cities such as Amsterdam.

Which is the most affordable time to visit the Netherlands?

Winter is by far the most budget-friendly time to visit the country, with many hotels lowering the costs of their rooms between late November and late February. However, it can rain often during the winter months in the Netherlands, so be prepared for wet and cold weather if visiting at this time.

How long should I plan to visit the Netherlands?

The Netherlands itself is a small country, with it being possible to traverse the entire width of the country in less than three hours by car. While Amsterdam offers many sites and attractions to visitors, a period of 7 days would best be spent with the inclusion of other nearby cities such as Haarlem, which is only 15 minutes by train outside of Amsterdam. Other cities such as Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam are all readily accessible from Amsterdam via a short train journey and well worth a day trip.