Netherlands in summer. When is the best time to go to the Netherlands (Holland)? Notable places in the Netherlands
The Western European state, bordered on the east by Germany and on the west by the North Sea, combines the free spirit of wandering and the rich culture of European peoples. The country of tulips and windmills, where prostitution and soft drugs are allowed, is amazing and diverse, friendly and safe for tourists.
The climate of the Netherlands matches its unusual character. The proximity of the sea makes local summers moderately cool and winters warm. This atmosphere is ideal for visiting Dutch cities, which are replete with historical and architectural attractions, picturesque parks and canals, art museums and theaters. National nature parks and open-air museums are widespread in the Netherlands, where you can get acquainted with the history and culture of the country through the example of specific buildings or miniature models.
Each of the Dutch cities has its own unique character: the capital city is noisy and has a variety of attractions and entertainment, Rotterdam is more suitable for those who are accustomed to silence and contemplation and will appeal to lovers of antiquity, and Leiden is more suitable for people of an artistic nature.
The main Dutch souvenirs are tulip bulbs, wooden shoes - “klomps”, Delft porcelain, handicrafts with images of mills. In numerous cafes and restaurants in the country you can try traditional Dutch cheeses, herring and meat dishes - boiled beef (“Hutspot”), smoked sausage and cabbage puree (“Stamppot”) and meat stew made from stewed meat and vegetables (“Gutspot”). .
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
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What to see in Holland?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.
1. Windmills of Kinderdijk
Each country has its own symbol by which it is recognized throughout the world. For the Netherlands, such a symbol is the windmill. Today, the largest number of winged structures can be seen in the village of Kinderdijk, located fifteen kilometers from Rotterdam. Nineteen windmills were built here in the 18th century to drain marshy areas of the land.
2. Amsterdam canals
Amsterdam's four main canals encircle the city in concentric semicircles, with a total length of hundreds of kilometers. The oldest canal, Singel, was dug in 1428. At that time it was an ordinary moat protecting the western outskirts of the city. Canals following the Singel appeared in Amsterdam in the 18th century.
3. Vondelpark
Amsterdam's city park is named after the famous Dutch playwright Joost van den Vonden. It was opened in 1865 by a separate group of citizens who united in a special association to create a convenient area for riding and walking. Today in Vondelpark you can not only relax, but also watch films from different years in the local film museum.
4. Vrijthof Square in Maastricht
The central square of Maastricht has a telling name - Vrijthof, that is, “the courtyard in front of the church,” which is the Basilica of St. Servas. Located in the very center of the city, the square is a favorite tourist meeting and entertainment point: there are numerous cafes, restaurants and its own theater. The only tram in the city departs from Vrijthof, whose route runs through the main historical places of Maastricht.
5. Frans Hals Museum
Founded in 1862 in Haarlem, the Frans Hals Museum is housed in a former almshouse and contains a rich collection of paintings dating back to the golden age of Dutch painting. The oldest part of the museum exhibition consists of paintings with religious themes. Newer paintings (17th century) are of an everyday, cultural and historical nature.
6. Open Air Museum in Arnhem
The unique open-air museum, located in the suburbs of the small Dutch town of Arnhem, on the right bank of the Lower Rhine, is a collection of the country's folk architecture over the last three hundred years. In it you can see houses and farms, workshops and windmills, old shops and decorative arts.
7. Delft City Hall
Located in the southwest of Delft's Market Square, the city council building consists of two architectural components: a stone prison tower built in the 13th century and a two-story Renaissance structure built around it. Today Delft Town Hall is used for its intended purpose.
8. Rijksmuseum
Founded in 1808, the Amsterdam State Art Museum is located in a spacious, neo-Gothic palace built in the 70s of the 19th century. The Rijksmuseum exhibition is represented by paintings by famous Dutch painters - Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer and others. One of the museum halls contains a collection of antique doll houses.
9. Zaanse Schans
Located near the town of Zaandam, the Open Air Museum consists of thirty houses built in accordance with the architectural traditions of the Netherlands in the 17th and 18th centuries. Some buildings house museums and shops, but most of them are residential in nature. In addition to residential buildings, Zaanse Schans has several mills and sawmills.
10. De Hoge Veluwe National Park
Founded at the beginning of the 20th century by the Kröller-Müller couple, the park is part of the vast natural plain of the Veluwe and consists of three landscapes - open sand, heathland and coniferous forest. The territory of De Hoge Veluwe has its own museum and hunting lodge, built in 1915 by the architect Berlage.
11. Keukenhof
The world-famous Royal Flower Park is located in the town of Lisse, located between Amsterdam and The Hague. The Garden of Europe (the second name of the “Kitchen Park”) occupies an area of thirty-two hectares, where more than four and a half million tulips of one hundred varieties are grown. Daffodils, lilacs, roses and orchids bloom in Keukenhof's three greenhouses.
12. Vincent Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
The Amsterdam Art Museum, which houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings, was opened in 1973 in a building designed by G.T. Rietveld. In addition to the permanent exhibition dedicated to the work of the famous Dutch post-impressionist, the museum exhibits paintings by Van Gogh’s contemporaries and organizes exhibitions telling the history of art of the 19th century.
13. Anne Frank House Museum
The Amsterdam house on the Prinsengracht, in which a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl, hiding with her family from the Nazis during World War II, wrote her famous diary, became a museum in May 1960. The interior of the building is made in pre-war style. The museum's exhibition contains the original diary of Anne Frank and other materials about fascism and anti-Semitism.
14. Project "Delta"
Flood protection structures began to be built in the Rhine delta area back in 1950. At the time of completion of the project, in 1997, a large number of main and auxiliary dams and about three hundred associated structures - locks, barriers, etc. - had been erected in the southwest of the Netherlands. Today the Delta project is one of the largest engineering structures in the world.
15. Jordaan in Amsterdam
The oldest quarter of Amsterdam was formed in the 17th century under the influence of manufacturing workshops, which filled it with dirt, soot, noise and unpleasant odors. Today, Jordaan is one of the most fashionable areas of the capital, home to trendy clubs and bars, picturesque houses and medieval water pumps.
16. Leiden canals
Canals in Leiden appeared in the 17th century. Some of them served as water pipes, some were built as part of the formation of protective structures. Canals inside the city were dug for transport purposes. Today they cross the city in all directions and are lined with a large number of restaurants, parks and other recreational facilities. Travel along the canals is carried out by boats.
17. Royal Palace (Amsterdam)
Built in 1655, the Amsterdam City Hall is today one of three palaces under the jurisdiction of the Dutch monarch. The representative building, rising on Dam Square, is made of yellow German sandstone and decorated in the style of Dutch classicism. The interior decoration of the palace is marble. In the town hall galleries you can see paintings by famous Dutch painters.
18. Madurodam Miniature Park
Located in one of the districts of The Hague, the Miniature Park represents a reduced (in proportions of 1:25) history of the Netherlands. It consists of three thematic areas: City Center, World of Water and Innovation Island. Models of buildings, the originals of which are located in different parts of the country, are exhibited in Madurodam.
19. De Wallen Quarter
The largest red light district is located in the old part of Amsterdam. In medieval and modern buildings, copying the architectural style of the 14th century, there are about three hundred rooms with showcases in which girls offer themselves to passers-by. De Wallen has sex shops and sex theaters, coffee shops where you can try marijuana, and has its own Museum of Prostitution.
20. Castle De Haar
The most majestic castle in the Netherlands is located thirty minutes from the country's capital. De Haar's architectural style can hardly be called fairy-tale: numerous towers with pointed spiers, hanging bridges and ditches along the perimeter give the ancient building a formidable and, at the same time, magical appearance.
More than 10 million people from various countries visit Holland every year. The recreation options here are extremely diverse and are of interest to people of different ages, interests and financial capabilities.
The country is predominantly located on a plain, washed from the west and north by the North Sea. A temperate maritime climate prevails here, due to which the winters are very mild and the summer months are quite warm, but not sultry. A distinctive feature, perhaps, is precipitation, which can fall at any time of the year. Cloudy weather, showers, and fog are not uncommon here. In the coastal part of the country, the climate is calmer without sudden changes, and the further from the coast, the more pronounced the seasons of the year are.
When to go on holiday to the Netherlands depends on your preferences, but spring and summer are the most comfortable.
Winter tours
You will not encounter a harsh winter in Holland. In winter, the air temperature here rarely drops below zero, although sometimes there are slight frosts at night. Short periods of cold weather and snowfall are possible during the period of anticyclones, which from time to time visit here from Eastern Europe. But this fluffy snow quickly melts, turning into unpleasant slush.
Despite the wet and damp winter weather, tours to the Netherlands for the New Year are very popular. The approach of Christmas fills local towns with a fairy-tale atmosphere and tourists. Traditional fairs and carnivals keep you busy in winter.
But, if you want to travel cheaper, then you should plan your vacation after the Christmas holidays. In January and February it is also interesting and there is something to do. For example, until January 17, Amsterdam is hosting unique exhibitions dedicated to the works of Van Gogh and Edvard Munch. St. Valentine's Day is celebrated here on a grand scale. Valentina. In February, vibrant carnivals are held throughout the country and especially in the city of Limburg, so holidays during the period of February 23 will also be exciting.
Cheerful spring
In the spring, a real tourist rush begins in cities, which means that the best time has come to travel to the Netherlands in 2020. In spring, Holland literally blooms. You can book tours starting from March 8, since already this month the suburbs are covered with a bright floral carpet, and the air is filled with fresh and delicious aromas. The culmination of flowering in gardens and parks occurs in mid-April. During this period, a very spectacular flower parade that attracts many tourists takes place. If you like to grow them, then do not miss a great chance to purchase bulbs of various (including rare) plant varieties for your garden at the flower auction in Aalsmeer.
Rain is possible in early spring, so be sure to take an umbrella with you. In April the air warms up to +10... +12 o C, and from the May holidays the thermometer can show +15... +17 o C.
Spring time in the Netherlands is a time of various holidays and festivals. In addition, the country's numerous attractions, cathedrals, palaces, the famous Keukenhof park, as well as the country's landscaped fields and farms are of great interest.
Summer holidays
Another great time to go to the Netherlands is summer. The weather in the summer months is pleasant with both warm and fresh days. Daytime temperatures in cities can rarely exceed +25 o C, so stuffiness and heat do not happen here. This weather is well tolerated by the youngest travelers, the elderly and those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. However, in the summer in Holland there are often cloudy days and rain, especially in August.
The country is also known for its long beaches, so you can go here for some beach activities. The sandy beach located in The Hague, in the town of Scheveningen, has excellent reviews. Of course, the beaches of Holland, washed by the waters of the North Sea, are far from the Maldives, but here you can swim, sunbathe, and also go diving and windsurfing.
In addition to excursion programs and beach time, cycling is very popular in the Netherlands in the summer. The bike paths are, of course, overcrowded due to the influx of guests. It is worth taking into account the high prices for accommodation, so if you are planning a vacation in 2020 in the summer, then book your tour in advance.
Autumn mood
At the beginning of autumn, the weather is still pleasant with sunny and warm days, but the clear sky is often covered with clouds. In October it is mostly cloudy and somewhat cool, so the flow of tourists decreases. But at this time it will be extremely comfortable for those who like to relax alone in a leisurely atmosphere. Autumn weather with a rainy mood and thick fogs is very conducive to such a vacation.
In November, prices for hotels and flights are significantly reduced, so you can save big during the November holidays. If you are not afraid of rain and are attracted by “Pushkin” landscapes, do not miss the opportunity to relax in Holland in the fall. In addition, from mid-November they already begin to prepare for Christmas.
Flower fields, windmills, the famous Dutch cheese, the work of Van Gogh - all these clichés are firmly attached to the “freest country in Europe”, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in its western part on the North Sea coast, as well as on several islands of the Caribbean Sea. Read our article on the Tour Calendar, in which we tell you why the best time to visit Holland is from May to early October.
Tourist season in Holland
Today, the number of visitors to the Netherlands is about 11 million people from around the world. The tourist season here lasts all year round, and all because holidays in this truly unique country are multifaceted and designed for people of all ages. First of all, of course, Holland (another name for the Netherlands) is Amsterdam with its Red Light District, coffee shops, and incendiary shows in nightclubs, a “must-visit” in the “cultural program” of wealthy youth free in body and spirit, as well as lovers of “going to nirvana” over 30. Followers of cultural and educational tourism feel great here: delightful architecture, interactive museums, art galleries, fishing villages and medieval cheese fairs - food for the mind is very diverse. The Netherlands is also very popular due to the great opportunities for family holidays with children: flower gardens, theme parks and many attractions.
High season in the Netherlands
The summer months in the Netherlands are the busiest of the tourist season. Vacation time begins for students, and vacation season begins for workers. Multilingual speech can be heard on city streets. There is also great excitement at the beginning of May, when the famous flower exhibition takes place. Mostly Germans, Belgians, British, Canadians and French come to Holland. Russians also experience all the delights of holidays in this country, but there are no more than 155 thousand of them per year. Although we must still recognize the growing interest in Dutch tourism products among our compatriots. Largely, of course, thanks to the recent year of Russian-Dutch cooperation, which turned out to be very eventful for both countries with thematic exhibitions, cultural festivals and various celebrations. One of his main achievements was the beginning of issuing long-term visas to the country to Russians. However, prices during the high season for air travel, accommodation and food still remain quite high, which, one way or another, limits the accessibility of this tourist destination and outlines a certain circle of its people - travelers with above-average incomes.
Low season in the Netherlands
Between October and March, the concentration of tourists in the Netherlands decreases, and some hotels lower their price levels, so holidays in the off-season are the most economical. Regardless of whether you go to Holland by bus as part of a tour or by plane, it will cost much less than in the summer. In addition, the mild climate of the country makes traveling around the country very comfortable in late autumn, winter and early spring. Most museums and historical sites are open to the public, and there are no long queues. As you can see, there are many advantages of traveling to the Netherlands outside the high tourist season. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that the entire Christmas week, New Year and the first few days after it in the country are another influx of foreign guests. It’s customary to have fun here until you drop, going all out. It is therefore not surprising that the Netherlands is at the top of the list of most visited countries for winter holidays.
Best time for excursions
The answer to the question of when is the best time to explore a country depends primarily on what exactly you plan to visit. For example, cyclists can be advised to visit the period from April to the end of June and from the end of August to the end of September, when the flow of tourists is not so great and the trails are in satisfactory condition. In the summer, despite the tourist crowd, it is very cool to see the sights; you can also take part in a boat trip along the canals of Amsterdam or take a mini-cruise along the waters of the port of Rotterdam - the largest in Europe in terms of cargo turnover.
Beach season in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is not at all the country where you go for a beach holiday. However, the beach business here has been established for a long time. This is favored by a long strip of sand dunes and a clean sea coast. The swimming season lasts from the beginning of July to the end of August. The water temperature in the North Sea in summer fluctuates between +17 °C..+19 °C, rising to +20 °C on the warmest days. This is quite small, so only the most seasoned swim, while the rest of the holidaymakers prefer to sunbathe. Dutch beaches are recommended for those who cannot stand the heat well, since the summer weather in the country is very comfortable, and the sun is devoid of aggressive habits. Well, if you still want to swim, but at the same time you cannot classify yourself as a “walrus”, we advise you to go to Schwenningen, where a large water park is located.
Surf season
People don’t go to the Netherlands specifically for surfing. Let's just say that surfing is a nice bonus to a beach holiday. This sport is also practiced mainly in the southwest of the country. The surfing season here lasts from May to September; a wetsuit is required due to the cold sea water.
Diving season
Despite the relative coolness of the North Sea, water sports in the Netherlands are represented in almost all forms. Diving has become especially widespread. The largest number of dive sites are concentrated on the southwest coast, but the water temperature here never exceeds +15 °C. The most favorable weather conditions for diving are observed from May to October.
Cruise season
During different periods of the year, passenger ships depart from the ports of the Netherlands to the countries of Scandinavia, Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and also to Asia. A cruise line was organized directly from Rotterdam, ultimately connecting this city with St. Petersburg, and from the sea gates of Amsterdam, snow-white liners travel through France, Spain, Tunisia, Croatia, Italy and Greece to Odessa. As a rule, such cruises are carried out in the spring and summer. In winter, during the Northern Lights season, a number of shipping companies offer cruises to the Nordic countries, ending in the Netherlands.
Flower season
In April, tens of thousands of tourists come to Holland to enjoy the colorful "tulip carpets"
Dutch tulips are the pride of the Netherlands. Keukenhof National Park is one of the most fantastic attractions in the country, popularly called the “Garden of Europe”. Traditionally, at the end of March each year, its doors open to millions of guests; this is the opening time of the tulip season, which lasts until the last days of May (the dates may shift, plus or minus, a couple of weeks). However, these flowers are not the only ones represented in Keukenhof. Here you can see greenhouses with hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, and azaleas. In the second half of April, the grandiose flower parade “Bloemencorso Bollenstreek” takes place here: giant flower platforms move from Noordwijk to Harley, and thematic exhibitions and competitions are held in the park itself. In addition, there are entire “flower routes”. So, in addition to Keukenhof Park, aesthetic pleasure from contemplating tulips can also be obtained in the all-season Appeltern Gardens and in the villages of Bennebrock, Lisse and Sassenheim. By the way, in the spring people come to Holland not only to admire all this incredible beauty, but also to buy flower bulbs. Another bright event in the “flower world” is the Flower Parade in Aalsmeer, starting on the first weekend of September. This time the procession reaches Amsterdam, ending in its central square. Well, to sum it up, let’s say that the best time to travel to watch the luxurious blooming of tulips is mid-April.
It's time for holidays and festivals
Despite the fact that the Netherlands is a rather controversial country, almost all traditional European holidays and dates of the Catholic calendar are celebrated here - St. Martin (November 11), St. Nicholas (December 6), St. Stephen (December 24), Catholic Christmas (December 25), St. Sylvester (December 31), New Year (January 1), St. Epiphany/Epiphany (January 6), St. Day Valentine's Day (February 14), Catholic Easter (late March-April) and Labor Day (May 1). Events of state and national significance include the following: Queen Biatrix’s birthday “Konninginnedag”, which falls on April 30, is the main holiday of the country, the most important celebrations take place in The Hague; Dutch Liberation Day, celebrated annually on May 5; Cyclists' Day "Landelijke Fietsdag" and National Miller's Day "Nationale Moldendag", falling on the second Saturday in May, as well as the official opening of the Parliamentary Year "Prinsjesdag" in The Hague on the third Tuesday in September. Very notable are the Winter Carnival that precedes the beginning of Lent, the cheese fairs held in different cities of the country from April to September, and the Herring Festival in the port of Scheveningen on the first Saturday in June.
Climate in Holland
The country's weather conditions are dictated by its location in the temperate maritime climate zone. Summers are quite rainy and not hot, and winters are mild, but damp and windy. About 40% of the entire territory of the Netherlands is located below sea level, this is where the flow of 3 European rivers (Rhine, Scheldt and Meuse) ends, and in addition, their landscapes lack mountain ranges. All these factors provoke very high levels of relative humidity throughout the year. One of the striking features of the climate of the Netherlands is the prevailing winds blowing from the North Sea, which significantly cool in summer, and in winter can penetrate “to the very bones”. In general, the weather tends to change several times a day. The sun in Holland is worth its weight in gold; it appears in the sky mainly in summer. The rest of the time, cloudy weather prevails.
Netherlands in spring
In spring, the Netherlands appears in all its glory. Despite the precipitation and low temperatures at the beginning of the season, nature delights with a riot of lush greenery, “floral outfits” of lawns and greenhouses, as well as the first timid rays of the sun after winter. In March, the air throughout the country during the daytime warms up to an average of 8 °C, and already in April it becomes a couple of degrees warmer. Until mid-May in the Netherlands you can admire entire fields of patchwork flowers; special attention at this time is focused on the vast tulip plantations. The last month of the season brings real warm and sunny weather, mostly stable. The only thing that may be upsetting is a slight increase in precipitation. By the way, in the spring the weather in The Hague is a little colder than in the capital, but in the southernmost city, Maastricht, on the contrary, it is warmer. The nights are quite cold, so winter clothes may come in handy in the evening.
Temperature and weather in the Netherlands in spring
| Weather in March | Weather in April | Weather in May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | +9 +6 | +12 +9 | +17 +11 |
| Hague | +7 +6 | +10 +8 | +14 +11 |
| Rotterdam | +8 +8 | +11 +8 | +16 +16 |
| Groningen | +8 | +11 | +16 |
| Eindhoven | +10 | +13 | +18 |
Netherlands in summer
Summer in the Netherlands is not at all hot. On the sunniest day, the thermometer rises to +24 °C, but usually at noon the air temperature fluctuates between +19 °C..+21 °C. This is the rainiest period of the year, so a 6-7-hour sunny day is often “diluted” by precipitation. As a rule, they lead, although short-term, to a significant cooling, when it is impossible to do without some insulation. In July, the beach season traditionally opens; the water in the North Sea warms up to approximately +18 °C..+19 °C. At the beginning of August, this figure can rise to +20 °C. When going to the Netherlands in the summer, remember that no matter how clear and sunny the weather forecasters predict during the day, in the evening you will not be comfortable wearing light clothes. As the sun sets, the air cools down very quickly, and this happens quickly.
Temperature and weather in the Netherlands in summer
| Weather in June | Weather in July | Weather in August | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | +19 +14 | +21 +17 | +21 +18 |
| Hague | +16 +14 | +18 +16 | +18 +18 |
| Rotterdam | +18 +16 | +20 +17 | +21 +17 |
| Groningen | +19 | +20 | +21 |
| Eindhoven | +20 | +22 | +22 |
Netherlands in autumn
At the beginning of autumn in the Netherlands it gets a little cold, clear weather gives way to partly cloudy weather, but in general the temperatures are quite high for this season. In October, nature is increasingly in a bad mood. The wind is blowing up in earnest and heavy rains are pouring in. In the mornings, cities are shrouded in a white veil of fog, cloudy weather is now becoming normal. A bright spot among the frowning landscapes is the fallen golden foliage of numerous parks and gardens, forming entire carpets underfoot. In the last month of autumn, cold weather and frequent storms may prevent long walks along the coast. In the evening the thermometer drops to +3 °C..+4 °C, and at night the water in puddles sometimes freezes.
Flower fields, windmills, the famous Dutch cheese, the work of Van Gogh - all these clichés are firmly attached to the “freest country in Europe”, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in its western part on the North Sea coast, as well as on several islands of the Caribbean Sea. Read our article on the Tour Calendar, in which we tell you why the best time to visit Holland is from May to early October.
Tourist season in Holland
Today, the number of visitors to the Netherlands is about 11 million people from around the world. The tourist season here lasts all year round, and all because holidays in this truly unique country are multifaceted and designed for people of all ages. First of all, of course, Holland (another name for the Netherlands) is Amsterdam with its Red Light District, coffee shops, and incendiary shows in nightclubs, a “must-visit” in the “cultural program” of wealthy youth free in body and spirit, as well as lovers of “going to nirvana” over 30. Followers of cultural and educational tourism feel great here: delightful architecture, interactive museums, art galleries, fishing villages and medieval cheese fairs - food for the mind is very diverse. The Netherlands is also very popular due to the great opportunities for family holidays with children: flower gardens, theme parks and many attractions.
High season in the Netherlands
The summer months in the Netherlands are the busiest of the tourist season. Vacation time begins for students, and vacation season begins for workers. Multilingual speech can be heard on city streets. There is also great excitement at the beginning of May, when the famous flower exhibition takes place. Mostly Germans, Belgians, British, Canadians and French come to Holland. Russians also experience all the delights of holidays in this country, but there are no more than 155 thousand of them per year. Although we must still recognize the growing interest in Dutch tourism products among our compatriots. Largely, of course, thanks to the recent year of Russian-Dutch cooperation, which turned out to be very eventful for both countries with thematic exhibitions, cultural festivals and various celebrations. One of his main achievements was the beginning of issuing long-term visas to the country to Russians. However, prices during the high season for air travel, accommodation and food still remain quite high, which, one way or another, limits the accessibility of this tourist destination and outlines a certain circle of its people - travelers with above-average incomes.
Low season in the Netherlands
Between October and March, the concentration of tourists in the Netherlands decreases, and some hotels lower their price levels, so holidays in the off-season are the most economical. Regardless of whether you go to Holland by bus as part of a tour or by plane, it will cost much less than in the summer. In addition, the mild climate of the country makes traveling around the country very comfortable in late autumn, winter and early spring. Most museums and historical sites are open to the public, and there are no long queues. As you can see, there are many advantages of traveling to the Netherlands outside the high tourist season. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that the entire Christmas week, New Year and the first few days after it in the country are another influx of foreign guests. It’s customary to have fun here until you drop, going all out. It is therefore not surprising that the Netherlands is at the top of the list of most visited countries for winter holidays.
Best time for excursions
The answer to the question of when is the best time to explore a country depends primarily on what exactly you plan to visit. For example, cyclists can be advised to visit the period from April to the end of June and from the end of August to the end of September, when the flow of tourists is not so great and the trails are in satisfactory condition. In the summer, despite the tourist crowd, it is very cool to see the sights; you can also take part in a boat trip along the canals of Amsterdam or take a mini-cruise along the waters of the port of Rotterdam - the largest in Europe in terms of cargo turnover.
Beach season in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is not at all the country where you go for a beach holiday. However, the beach business here has been established for a long time. This is favored by a long strip of sand dunes and a clean sea coast. The swimming season lasts from the beginning of July to the end of August. The water temperature in the North Sea in summer fluctuates between +17 °C..+19 °C, rising to +20 °C on the warmest days. This is quite small, so only the most seasoned swim, while the rest of the holidaymakers prefer to sunbathe. Dutch beaches are recommended for those who cannot stand the heat well, since the summer weather in the country is very comfortable, and the sun is devoid of aggressive habits. Well, if you still want to swim, but at the same time you cannot classify yourself as a “walrus”, we advise you to go to Schwenningen, where a large water park is located.
Surf season
People don’t go to the Netherlands specifically for surfing. Let's just say that surfing is a nice bonus to a beach holiday. This sport is also practiced mainly in the southwest of the country. The surfing season here lasts from May to September; a wetsuit is required due to the cold sea water.
Diving season
Despite the relative coolness of the North Sea, water sports in the Netherlands are represented in almost all forms. Diving has become especially widespread. The largest number of dive sites are concentrated on the southwest coast, but the water temperature here never exceeds +15 °C. The most favorable weather conditions for diving are observed from May to October.
Cruise season
During different periods of the year, passenger ships depart from the ports of the Netherlands to the countries of Scandinavia, Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and also to Asia. A cruise line was organized directly from Rotterdam, ultimately connecting this city with St. Petersburg, and from the sea gates of Amsterdam, snow-white liners travel through France, Spain, Tunisia, Croatia, Italy and Greece to Odessa. As a rule, such cruises are carried out in the spring and summer. In winter, during the Northern Lights season, a number of shipping companies offer cruises to the Nordic countries, ending in the Netherlands.
Flower season
In April, tens of thousands of tourists come to Holland to enjoy the colorful "tulip carpets"
Dutch tulips are the pride of the Netherlands. Keukenhof National Park is one of the most fantastic attractions in the country, popularly called the “Garden of Europe”. Traditionally, at the end of March each year, its doors open to millions of guests; this is the opening time of the tulip season, which lasts until the last days of May (the dates may shift, plus or minus, a couple of weeks). However, these flowers are not the only ones represented in Keukenhof. Here you can see greenhouses with hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, and azaleas. In the second half of April, the grandiose flower parade “Bloemencorso Bollenstreek” takes place here: giant flower platforms move from Noordwijk to Harley, and thematic exhibitions and competitions are held in the park itself. In addition, there are entire “flower routes”. So, in addition to Keukenhof Park, aesthetic pleasure from contemplating tulips can also be obtained in the all-season Appeltern Gardens and in the villages of Bennebrock, Lisse and Sassenheim. By the way, in the spring people come to Holland not only to admire all this incredible beauty, but also to buy flower bulbs. Another bright event in the “flower world” is the Flower Parade in Aalsmeer, starting on the first weekend of September. This time the procession reaches Amsterdam, ending in its central square. Well, to sum it up, let’s say that the best time to travel to watch the luxurious blooming of tulips is mid-April.
It's time for holidays and festivals
Despite the fact that the Netherlands is a rather controversial country, almost all traditional European holidays and dates of the Catholic calendar are celebrated here - St. Martin (November 11), St. Nicholas (December 6), St. Stephen (December 24), Catholic Christmas (December 25), St. Sylvester (December 31), New Year (January 1), St. Epiphany/Epiphany (January 6), St. Day Valentine's Day (February 14), Catholic Easter (late March-April) and Labor Day (May 1). Events of state and national significance include the following: Queen Biatrix’s birthday “Konninginnedag”, which falls on April 30, is the main holiday of the country, the most important celebrations take place in The Hague; Dutch Liberation Day, celebrated annually on May 5; Cyclists' Day "Landelijke Fietsdag" and National Miller's Day "Nationale Moldendag", falling on the second Saturday in May, as well as the official opening of the Parliamentary Year "Prinsjesdag" in The Hague on the third Tuesday in September. Very notable are the Winter Carnival that precedes the beginning of Lent, the cheese fairs held in different cities of the country from April to September, and the Herring Festival in the port of Scheveningen on the first Saturday in June.
Climate in Holland
The country's weather conditions are dictated by its location in the temperate maritime climate zone. Summers are quite rainy and not hot, and winters are mild, but damp and windy. About 40% of the entire territory of the Netherlands is located below sea level, this is where the flow of 3 European rivers (Rhine, Scheldt and Meuse) ends, and in addition, their landscapes lack mountain ranges. All these factors provoke very high levels of relative humidity throughout the year. One of the striking features of the climate of the Netherlands is the prevailing winds blowing from the North Sea, which significantly cool in summer, and in winter can penetrate “to the very bones”. In general, the weather tends to change several times a day. The sun in Holland is worth its weight in gold; it appears in the sky mainly in summer. The rest of the time, cloudy weather prevails.
Netherlands in spring
In spring, the Netherlands appears in all its glory. Despite the precipitation and low temperatures at the beginning of the season, nature delights with a riot of lush greenery, “floral outfits” of lawns and greenhouses, as well as the first timid rays of the sun after winter. In March, the air throughout the country during the daytime warms up to an average of 8 °C, and already in April it becomes a couple of degrees warmer. Until mid-May in the Netherlands you can admire entire fields of patchwork flowers; special attention at this time is focused on the vast tulip plantations. The last month of the season brings real warm and sunny weather, mostly stable. The only thing that may be upsetting is a slight increase in precipitation. By the way, in the spring the weather in The Hague is a little colder than in the capital, but in the southernmost city, Maastricht, on the contrary, it is warmer. The nights are quite cold, so winter clothes may come in handy in the evening.
Temperature and weather in the Netherlands in spring
| Weather in March | Weather in April | Weather in May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | +9 +6 | +12 +9 | +17 +11 |
| Hague | +7 +6 | +10 +8 | +14 +11 |
| Rotterdam | +8 +8 | +11 +8 | +16 +16 |
| Groningen | +8 | +11 | +16 |
| Eindhoven | +10 | +13 | +18 |
Netherlands in summer
Summer in the Netherlands is not at all hot. On the sunniest day, the thermometer rises to +24 °C, but usually at noon the air temperature fluctuates between +19 °C..+21 °C. This is the rainiest period of the year, so a 6-7-hour sunny day is often “diluted” by precipitation. As a rule, they lead, although short-term, to a significant cooling, when it is impossible to do without some insulation. In July, the beach season traditionally opens; the water in the North Sea warms up to approximately +18 °C..+19 °C. At the beginning of August, this figure can rise to +20 °C. When going to the Netherlands in the summer, remember that no matter how clear and sunny the weather forecasters predict during the day, in the evening you will not be comfortable wearing light clothes. As the sun sets, the air cools down very quickly, and this happens quickly.
Temperature and weather in the Netherlands in summer
| Weather in June | Weather in July | Weather in August | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | +19 +14 | +21 +17 | +21 +18 |
| Hague | +16 +14 | +18 +16 | +18 +18 |
| Rotterdam | +18 +16 | +20 +17 | +21 +17 |
| Groningen | +19 | +20 | +21 |
| Eindhoven | +20 | +22 | +22 |
Netherlands in autumn
At the beginning of autumn in the Netherlands it gets a little cold, clear weather gives way to partly cloudy weather, but in general the temperatures are quite high for this season. In October, nature is increasingly in a bad mood. The wind is blowing up in earnest and heavy rains are pouring in. In the mornings, cities are shrouded in a white veil of fog, cloudy weather is now becoming normal. A bright spot among the frowning landscapes is the fallen golden foliage of numerous parks and gardens, forming entire carpets underfoot. In the last month of autumn, cold weather and frequent storms may prevent long walks along the coast. In the evening the thermometer drops to +3 °C..+4 °C, and at night the water in puddles sometimes freezes.
The Netherlands is a unique country, or rather, a kingdom that is unlike any other. The lands allocated to the Netherlands are located below sea level, by a strange coincidence, in translation “Netherlands” means “lower lands”. No less surprising is the fact that this state has a public, or rather, official, and unofficial capital. The first and historically famous is Amsterdam, and the second, which carries the main political significance, is The Hague. If you want to go on holiday in the Netherlands in winter in 2020, you will learn from this article what is the best thing to do and what to see.
This amazing and unusual state has many attractions, each of which deserves special attention. Holland is the most visited part of the kingdom, it is allocated 2 of the 12 provinces, and for tourists this is the most favorite territory. The peak season in the Netherlands is, of course, in the summer, because many vacationers want to see the beautiful tulip fields. However, if your holiday falls in the winter, there is also plenty to see and do in the Netherlands.
Winter holidays in the Netherlands are significantly different. Winters in the kingdom are quite harsh, the cold penetrates to the core. The kingdom has a moderately warm, maritime climate, also exposed to cold air masses. The average temperature in January is around 0 degrees, with no sun. Because of this, coffee shops and restaurants are always packed to capacity, and surprisingly, all customers, or at least most of them, order hot tea, the most common there being Pickwick. How else do you stay warm and have fun in the Netherlands in winter, and where can you go on holiday at this time of year?
Netherlands on the map:
Where to go on a winter holiday in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam
You can visit the official capital of the country at any time of the year. In winter, holidaymakers in Amsterdam can enjoy an amazing atmosphere and a wide variety of entertainment.
How to get there and get around?
Buying a ticket from Amsterdam will not be a problem. Many flights connect these two capitals. In the winter of 2020, a flight to Amsterdam will cost approximately 8 thousand rubles (one-way ticket for one tourist).
Whether in summer or winter, you can stay in Amsterdam for several weeks - and you definitely won’t get bored. How to drive around the city, exploring its beauty? Easily. Amsterdam has a metro, trams and buses. If you will be moving around the city a lot, it is better to purchase a single transport card OV-chipkaart, which costs about 8 euros per day or 30 euros per week. You can also take a taxi, however, the canals and narrow streets make travel not very comfortable.
Where to stay?
Amsterdam is visited by a huge number of tourists, and the city has the opportunity to stay in a hotel establishment of any category.
Thus, unpretentious travelers can stay in a hostel; the cost of living for two people per day will be around 4 thousand rubles. A double room in a 3* hotel located near the station will cost about 5 thousand rubles per day - for this money tourists will live in modern rooms, be able to attend yoga classes, eat a wonderful breakfast and use excellent Wi-Fi. Well, if you want to arrange a luxurious Christmas trip for yourself, then for 9 thousand a day, two people can stay in a 5* hotel: excellent French cuisine, a location close to museums and a fitness center - this is a short list of pleasures.
If you decide to go to Amsterdam in winter, then do not forget to take skates and an umbrella with you - these are two things that will become integral requisites for your walks. During this period, the city's rivers and canals freeze, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to enjoy ice skating. This is a fascinating sight when the entire population and tourists - young and old - put on skates and perform real ice performances in the process of skating.
The Christmas and New Year period in the Netherlands is like a fairy tale. All shops, cafes, restaurants and, in general, all public institutions decorate for the holidays and do their best to maintain the solemn mood of all vacationers. One of the great winter activities in Amsterdam that families with children will enjoy is meeting Sinterklaass, or in our opinion, Father Frost. At the end of November, this character arrives by ship in Amsterdam, and local residents, together with government officials, meet the master of winter.
If you celebrate the New Year in Amsterdam, then on January 1, be sure to get out of there to the North Sea - on this day the Dutch gain courage and plunge into the icy water, thus renewing themselves for all the best. And in winter, the capital hosts the Ice Figure Festival - ice figures of famous personalities, all sorts of attractions, as well as a real ice hotel are displayed on Rodetorenplein.
If neither skating, nor swimming in the North Sea, nor ice appeals to you, you can always stroll along the streets of Amsterdam and visit its museums, because such entertainment does not depend on the season.
Be sure to go to the Noorderkerk church - it was built in the 17th century and is a fairly strict example of Protestant religious architecture. And on weekends, next to the church, you can also visit the Noordermarkt market, which will be appreciated by all lovers of environmentally friendly products. The Westerkerk church (also built in the 17th century) is considered the most beautiful in the capital. You can go inside and listen to the organ, or you can climb the church tower and view the city decorated for the holidays from there.
What are the must-see museums in Amsterdam? The capital has exhibitions for every taste:
- Art lovers should head to the Van Gogh Museum. The exhibition is structured according to the stages in the work of the great painter; more than 200 works by the artist, as well as the work of his other contemporaries and archives are presented in this museum. The ticket price is around 20 euros. If you like older masters, you can go to the Rembrandt Museum. This house-museum accurately reproduces the atmosphere of the time when this genius lived and worked, and also displays a large collection of his works. A ticket will cost approximately 15 euros.
- Young people will certainly appreciate the “spicy” museums of Amsterdam. So, in the city, which is famous, among other things, for the Red Light District, there is a museum of Erotica. For 7 euros you can learn more about the history of the area, as well as admire the “adults only” exhibition.
- Families with children should definitely visit the NEMO Museum. The huge structure in the form of a ship is dedicated to the interweaving of science and fiction. The exhibition is distinguished by a high level of interactivity; children will certainly like the fact that in the museum they can touch, rotate, and even hit the exhibits in any way they want.
- You can visit the Anne Frank House with your teenagers. This is a sad museum, because it is dedicated to a little Jewish woman who hid from the Nazis in this very house and kept a diary. The exhibition is tragic, but it can remind the younger generation about the horrors of war and the values of humanism.
Valkenburg
The most interesting entertainment of winter, especially during the festive period, is, of course, European fairs! And the most interesting of them in the Netherlands is held in the town of Valkenburg.
How to get there?
First you need to fly to Amsterdam. You can travel from the capital to Valkenburg by train. The journey with one transfer (in Maastricht) will take approximately 3 hours, the fare will be around 30-50 euros.
Where to stay?
There are not many hotels in the city, but they all have a high level of comfort and service.
A 3* establishment will cost two travelers approximately 5 thousand rubles per day. This hotel offers stunning views, a garden, a terrace, and a playroom for children. You can also stay in a luxurious place - for example, in the city there is a 4* hotel that offers its guests a large spa center, several swimming pools, thermal baths and saunas - at a cost of 15 thousand rubles per day for two.
What to see and do?
The town is mainly interesting for its Christmas market. The fact is that this event is located on very unusual “sites”, namely, in the caves - Velvet and Municipal grottoes. Works of decorative and applied art, a variety of goods, treats, and on Wednesday and Saturday - a real Christmas parade with decorated carnival floats await all guests of the city. The cost of a ticket to the fair does not exceed 10 euros.
After enjoying the colors, you should definitely do some holiday shopping and buy souvenirs and gifts. What to take with you from the Netherlands? These could be, for example:
- traditional Dutch wooden shoes;
- hemp clothing;
- porcelain;
- anything with a picture of a windmill or tulips.
If you come to Valkenburg for more than one day, you should not limit yourself to the fair, but be sure to enjoy the sights. The best of them is the ruins of Valkenburg Castle, which are located on a picturesque hill and are a cultural monument. Also in the city are the Roman catacombs, where mining was previously carried out. You can also go to Oud-Valkenburg, a village located in the surrounding area. Despite its small size, there is a lot to see - the settlement has preserved two ancient castles and the Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist.
Delft
The Netherlands is rich in history and locals put a lot of effort into preserving historical buildings. Thus, more than 20 villages and small towns have been preserved in the kingdom, which convey the centuries-old history of their people. One of the most visited is Delft.
How to get there?
And again - you need to start from Amsterdam. In just an hour's journey and about 15 euros, a train from the capital will take travelers to Delft. Traveling by car will also take about an hour; if you travel by rented car, getting there will not be difficult.
Where to stay?
Delft is a city quite visited by tourists, as a result of which there are hotel establishments of different categories.
So, you can stay in a 3* hotel for two people for about 2.5 thousand rubles per day. The modern rooms are tastefully and practically furnished and have all the amenities you need, including coffee and tea. There is also the option to stay in an apartment - for 6.5 thousand rubles per day for two, stunning apartments are offered right in the historical center of the city, with a well-equipped kitchen and a beautiful view.
What to see and do?
First of all, just take a walk through the center of this city with a very rich history. The Oude Kerk church was built back in the 14th century, built in the Gothic style and complemented by an elegant bell tower. In addition to viewing the architecture, you can listen to the organ in the temple and also view the exhibition. Another interesting building is the Nieuwe Kerk church, located on the main square of the city. Several times the temple was under threat of destruction - due to a lightning strike and an explosion, but it survived and invites everyone inside to this day. Delft Town Hall, built in the Renaissance style, is also interesting.
Delft has been famous for its porcelain products for centuries. In addition to purchasing them as a souvenir, you should definitely visit the Prinsenhof Museum. The building was a monastery and a palace, and now it houses an exhibition dedicated to both porcelain products and the history of the city, the personality of William of Orange, and the museum also has a collection of paintings by Dutch painters.
Leiden
Particular attention should be paid to the town of Leiden, which attracts with its irresistible and picturesque architecture of buildings. It is here that you can visit fairs and the richest markets in souvenirs.
How to get there?
The starting point will again be Amsterdam. In about half an hour and 10 euros you can get to Leiden by train, which runs around the clock every quarter of an hour.
Where to stay?
Leiden offers tourists a sufficient number of accommodation options - and most of them are average in price. A 3* hotel located in the city center will offer guests a decent level of comfort, good food and communications at a price of approximately 4.5 thousand rubles per day for two. For 9.5 thousand rubles per day, two travelers can stay in a chic boutique hotel located in a historical building, in a room with a unique “antique” interior and an abundance of various equipment.
What to see and do?
To start, take a stroll around Leiden, enjoying the beauty of the canals, small houses with tiled roofs, and an unusual local feature: many buildings are decorated with quotes from poets from around the world. Walk to Leiden University, founded in the 16th century and still functioning today. Don’t miss the opportunity to look at the Molen de Valk mill - after all, such buildings are one of the symbols of the country. By the way, you can also go inside the building; it houses a museum dedicated to the production of flour. Fans of temple architecture will love the Hooglandse Kerk.
Go to one of Leiden's many museums: the Museum of Antiquities with archaeological finds, the Ethnographic Museum, one of the very first in Europe, the Naturalis Museum dedicated to zoology, and others.
How else to relax in winter in Holland?
Since the Netherlands is located below sea level, you will not find mountains here. However, if you really want to go to the country not only to see the architecture and museums, but are also interested in active recreation, there are also ski slopes. True, they are artificial - and some operate all year round.
SnowWorld Landgraaf is a ski resort located in the village of Landgraaf (the easiest way to get there is through Maastricht). The resort has trails for beginners, intermediates and extreme athletes. You can ski and snowboard.
Snowplanet Spaarnwoude is located near Velsen and is suitable for beginners and intermediate athletes. And these are not all the options, however, hardly anyone will go to Holland for a ski holiday.
You can visit one of the open-air museums. Thus, the Openluchtmuseum is located an hour's drive from Amsterdam, in the city of Arnhem, and is an example of a traditional medieval Dutch village. The Archeon Park in Alpchen aan den Rijn depicts the history of the Netherlands, thanks to a careful reconstruction, visitors have the opportunity in a short period of time to become familiar with historical events and the way and way of life of the local inhabitants, dating back to primitive times.
The Netherlands has interesting palaces and castles. Among them are such as the Ammersoen fortress, the rather large De Haar castle, Neubourg castle and others. And if “the life of the people” is closer to you, go to Marken - a fishing village, whose inhabitants have preserved the attire of their ancestors and to this day wear costumes, the style of which is entirely consistent with the 17th century.
Wherever you go, you will probably be interested in the local cuisine. The first thing worth trying in the country is, of course, herring. The freshest pickled delicacy will seem close to our person. Among the appetizers, croquettes and bitterballens are worth a try. Of course, try the amazing cheeses; it’s interesting that the average local resident eats as much as 20 kilograms of this product per year.
The Netherlands is a great place to go on holiday at any time of the year. However, a winter trip will be especially distinguished by its unique festive atmosphere, allowing you to spend time in cozy cafes or at skating rinks, watching the good-natured locals. You can go sightseeing and visit museums whenever you want. Don't be discouraged if your vacation falls in the winter - you can really enjoy spending it in the Netherlands at this time of year!
A little more about the winter atmosphere in the country:
