In this guide
💡 Looking for a complete banking comparison? Read Best banking for expats in the Netherlands 2026 — covers ABN, ING, Bunq, Wise, Revolut & 5 others by expat use case.
What the Dutch Climate Actually Is
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate: mild temperatures year-round, rain in every season, and a lot of wind. The North Sea is the dominant influence and keeps winters from getting very cold and summers from getting very hot.
The figures in this guide are KNMI long-term averages for 1991-2020 at the De Bilt station in the middle of the country (KNMI climate table). At De Bilt the annual mean temperature is 10.5°C, annual precipitation about 855 mm, and sunshine about 1,715 hours a year. Coastal and southern stations differ somewhat from these values.
The Netherlands is flat, so there are no hills to shelter cities from wind. This guide goes through the weather month by month.
Spring: March, April, May
Spring starts cold and grey and warms up gradually.
March is still close to winter: at De Bilt the average daily maximum is 10.5°C and the average minimum 2.4°C. Bright days and cold, wet days can follow each other quickly.
April averages 14.8°C for the daily maximum and 4.5°C for the minimum. Evenings are still cold, so keep a coat handy. The tulip season and the Keukenhof gardens near Lisse fall in spring; check the Keukenhof website for the opening dates of the year.
May averages 18.3°C for the daily maximum and 8.0°C for the minimum, with on average about 218 hours of sunshine. Terraces fill up as the weather improves.
What spring means practically:
- Pack layers. The temperature can differ a lot between morning and afternoon.
- Carry a rain jacket, but you will also want sunglasses.
- Spring is a good time to explore the best cities in the Netherlands.
Summer: June, July, August
Summer is mild rather than hot. At De Bilt the average daily maximum is 20.9°C in June, 23.1°C in July and 22.9°C in August, with minimums of about 11 to 13°C. On average there are about 28 days a year of 25°C or more, and about 5 days of 30°C or more.
Heatwaves do happen. The national record is 40.7°C, measured on 25 July 2019 in Gilze-Rijen; it was the first time the Netherlands passed 40°C (KNMI). Air conditioning is uncommon in Dutch homes, so check how a home handles heat, especially top-floor flats.
July is the sunniest month in the averages, with about 214 hours of sunshine and about 85 mm of rain, often in showers. Carry a compact rain jacket.
Terrasjes culture is part of Dutch social life: cafés and restaurants put tables outside whenever the weather allows.
Autumn: September, October, November
September averages 19.5°C for the daily maximum and 10.0°C for the minimum, and is on average still fairly sunny (about 153 hours).
October averages 14.8°C for the daily maximum and 7.1°C for the minimum; sunshine drops to about 119 hours and rain days increase.
November averages 9.9°C for the daily maximum and 3.9°C for the minimum, with about 67 hours of sunshine on average and 13 days with at least 1 mm of rain. The clocks go back at the end of October, so evenings get dark early.
Winter: December, January, February
Winter is mild but grey. At De Bilt the average daily maximum is 6.1 to 7.0°C and the average minimum 0.7 to 1.6°C. On average there are about 35 frost nights per winter and about 6 days when the temperature stays below 0°C all day. Snow falls on about 19 days a year on average (based on 2003-2020), but it does not always settle.
The bigger issue for many people is light. December has on average only about 56 hours of sunshine for the whole month and January about 67 (KNMI), and overcast skies are common.
The Elfstedentocht is the 200 km ice skating race through Friesland. According to KNMI it can only be held when there is at least 15 cm of ice along the whole route. The last one was on 4 January 1997 (KNMI). When a cold spell looks promising, the race dominates the news.
Christmas and New Year in the Netherlands have their own character. Sinterklaas (5 December) is the main gift-giving event for many Dutch families. Check the Dutch holidays guide for the calendar. Since 1 August 2026 a national consumer fireworks ban applies: only category F1 items such as sparklers remain legal for private use, while professional shows and local displays with a municipal exemption can still go ahead (rijksoverheid.nl, checked 24 September 2026).
What to do about winter:
- Vitamin D: the Dutch advice (Gezondheidsraad, via the Voedingscentrum) is to take a supplement for specific groups, including children up to 3, women aged 50-69, people aged 70 and over, pregnant women, people with a dark or tinted skin, and people who spend little time outdoors during the day. Ask your huisarts whether it applies to you.
- Light therapy: Thuisarts says complaints in autumn and winter that look like depression usually improve with a light therapy lamp. Ask your huisarts about the options.
- Stay active. Cycling in winter keeps you outdoors and moving.
- Plan something to look forward to in the darker months.
The Wind
The Netherlands is flat and the North Sea is close, so wind is a regular presence. KNMI’s long-term averages for De Bilt show the windiest months from December to March.
The wind affects daily life in a few ways:
It makes cold days feel colder. Dress for the wind, not just for the air temperature.
It is hard on umbrellas. Most people on a bike wear a waterproof jacket with a hood instead.
It makes cycling harder. A headwind on a dike road is tiring, and cycling in the Netherlands in wind is part of everyday life.
The weather can change quickly. Dutch overcast can break up within hours, so waterproofing is more useful than staying indoors.
The Rain Reality
De Bilt gets about 855 mm of precipitation a year (KNMI 1991-2020), spread over the whole year: monthly averages range from about 40 mm in April to about 85 mm in July and 80 mm in autumn. About 132 days a year have at least 1 mm of precipitation, and about 186 days have at least 0.1 mm. Only about 25 days a year have 10 mm or more.
In practice you will rarely be stuck indoors because of rain, but you will often get a bit damp. Good waterproof clothing is the practical answer.
How Weather Shapes Daily Life
Gezelligheid, the Dutch idea of cosiness and togetherness, is often linked to the climate: candles, curtains left open and inviting people home are part of it.
Cycling in rain is normal for many people. Invest in rain gear: waterproof trousers, a waterproof jacket with a hood, and either waterproof shoes or overshoes.
Seasonal patterns shift: parks and canal sides fill up in summer, while winter moves social life indoors. Making friends in the Netherlands can take advantage of indoor activities and shared spaces in the colder months.
Tips by Nationality
If you come from a sunny country: the grey months can be a big adjustment. Make a plan for the darker months: daylight outdoors where you can, an active routine and social contacts, and a lamp or vitamin D if your huisarts advises it.
If you come from a cold country: Dutch winters are mild compared with continental winters, but damp wind can still feel cold. Waterproof layers matter more than extreme-cold gear.
If you come from the UK: the Dutch climate is also maritime. The Netherlands vs UK comparison covers more of the practical differences.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Some people get depression-like complaints in autumn and winter, which Thuisarts calls winterdepressie. Common symptoms of depression include low mood, tiredness, loss of motivation and trouble concentrating. If the complaints follow the season, tell your huisarts; according to Thuisarts the complaints usually improve with light therapy (Thuisarts: Winterdepressie).
Other things that can help are staying active outdoors in daylight, keeping social contacts and a regular routine. Mental health support for expats in the Netherlands covers where to find help. If symptoms affect work, relationships or daily function, speak to your GP.
What to Wear
Year-round essentials:
- A waterproof jacket with a hood. Do not rely on an umbrella as your main rain protection, especially on a bicycle.
- Layers. Dutch weather can change within a day.
Winter (November through March):
- Thermal underlayer
- Mid-layer fleece or wool jumper
- Waterproof outer layer
- Hat that covers your ears
- Waterproof gloves
- Waterproof ankle boots or cycling overshoes if you cycle
Spring and autumn:
- Light fleece or gilet as a mid-layer
- Waterproof jacket in your bag
Summer:
- Light layers
- A compact rain jacket
- Sun protection
Cycling gear: waterproof trousers that fit over regular clothes, mudguards, and working lights for dark mornings and evenings in winter.
The Calendar: Weather by Month at a Glance
Long-term averages for De Bilt, 1991-2020 (KNMI). “Days with rain” = days with at least 1 mm.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Days with rain | Sunshine (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.1°C | 0.9°C | 12.6 | 67 |
| February | 7.0°C | 0.7°C | 11.0 | 63 |
| March | 10.5°C | 2.4°C | 10.2 | 139 |
| April | 14.8°C | 4.5°C | 8.4 | 189 |
| May | 18.3°C | 8.0°C | 9.3 | 218 |
| June | 20.9°C | 10.8°C | 10.0 | 207 |
| July | 23.1°C | 13.0°C | 10.7 | 214 |
| August | 22.9°C | 12.5°C | 11.4 | 196 |
| September | 19.5°C | 10.0°C | 10.3 | 153 |
| October | 14.8°C | 7.1°C | 11.5 | 119 |
| November | 9.9°C | 3.9°C | 13.0 | 67 |
| December | 6.7°C | 1.6°C | 13.6 | 56 |
Practical Assessment of Dutch Weather
Prepare for winter practically and mentally: waterproofs, a plan for the darker months, and social contacts built before autumn. The summers are mild and long, and the spring and early autumn months are often the most pleasant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it rain a lot in the Netherlands?
It rains often but mostly in modest amounts. KNMI's 1991-2020 averages for De Bilt give about 855 mm of precipitation a year and about 132 days a year with at least 1 mm. Expect grey skies and showers in every month; the wettest months by days are November and December.
How cold are Dutch winters?
Mild by continental standards. KNMI's 1991-2020 averages for De Bilt show December to February daily maximums of about 6 to 7°C and minimums of about 1°C. Frost at night is normal (on average about 35 nights with frost per winter) and days that stay below freezing are few (about 6 per winter). Wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Does it snow in the Netherlands?
Yes, but how much varies a lot from year to year. At De Bilt snow falls on roughly 19 days a year on average (KNMI, based on 2003-2020), mostly from December to March. Snow that stays on the ground is less common.
What is the Elfstedentocht?
The Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour) is a 200 km ice skating race through Friesland. According to KNMI it is only organised when there is at least 15 cm of ice along the whole route. The last one was held on 4 January 1997.
What should I pack for Dutch weather?
Layers and waterproofs. A waterproof jacket with a hood is usually more practical than an umbrella, especially on a bike. Add a mid-layer, thermal underlayers for winter, waterproof trousers if you cycle, and light clothing for summer.
Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a problem in the Netherlands?
Some people get low mood in autumn and winter. Thuisarts, the GP information site, says complaints that look like depression in autumn and winter usually improve with light therapy. If symptoms are affecting your daily life, speak to your huisarts (GP).