Netherlands Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

The ocean affects the weather conditions in the Netherlands. With a temperate maritime climate, summers are generally pleasant with very changeable periods, but excessively hot weather is rare. Rainfall is common throughout the year.

Winter and Ice Skating Traditions

Winters can be quite cold and dark, with the possibility of some snow. Around every seven years, it gets cold enough for the canals in Amsterdam to turn into a huge open-air ice rink. When the ice reaches about 15 cm (5.9 inches) in thickness, the Elfstedentocht is organized. The Elfstedentocht is a tour skating event on natural ice, almost 200 km (120 miles) long. It is held both as a speed skating competition and a leisure tour with [16,000] skaters. The event takes place in the northern province of Friesland, passing through eleven beautiful historical towns. The tour is held at most once a year, sometimes consecutively, but in other cases, gaps between events may exceed 20 years. When the ice is deemed suitable, the tour is announced and starts within 48 hours.

Weather Variability and Average Temperatures

Almost every day, clouds appear in the sky, and in winter, foggy weather is also common. The average temperature in the Netherlands is around 2°C (36°F) in January. In July, the average monthly maximum temperature is 22°C (72°F). The annual average temperature is approximately 10°C (50°F). The country receives about 700 mm (28 in) of rainfall per year.

People in the Netherlands often talk about the weather due to its unpredictability. Even if the morning starts sunny and clear, by the afternoon, rain showers might appear. Fortunately, the ever-changing skies often resemble the dramatic cloudscapes seen in famous Dutch paintings.

Best Time to Visit the Netherlands

One of the best periods to visit the Netherlands is during spring, from April until the end of June. The days become longer, and the Dutch embrace the sun by sitting on terraces while enjoying the blooming flower fields.

Global Warming and Its Effects in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is experiencing milder winters with fewer frost and snowfall days. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves have also increased, with record-breaking summer temperatures in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Summers have become drier, while winters see increased rainfall, leading to higher river levels and more frequent inland flooding.

The country is also witnessing earlier springs and later autumns. This shift affects bird migration patterns and has led to a northward movement of some insect populations.

As a low-lying country, the Netherlands is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, increasing the risk of flooding and requiring significant investments in coastal defenses.