When is the best time to go to Holland? When is the best time to go to the Netherlands?
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, the cost of which will be 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. 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 everything public institutions They 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 ice water, thus renewing itself for the very best. And in winter, the capital hosts the Ice Figure Festival - figures made from ice are displayed on Rodetorenplein. famous personalities, all sorts of attractions, as well as a real ice hotel.
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 something to see in it - two ancient castle 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 centuries-old history of his 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 historical center city, with a well-equipped kitchen and a beautiful view.
What to see and do?
First of all, just take a walk around 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 main square cities. 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 leisure- there is also ski slopes. True, they are artificial - and some operate all year round.
SnowWorld Landgraaf - ski resort, which is 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, it is unlikely that anyone will go for ski holiday specifically to Holland.
You can visit one of the museums located under open air. 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.
In the Netherlands there is 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 and local kitchen. 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.
Netherlands - perfect place to go on vacation 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:
by Notes of the Wild Mistress
Spring in Holland is a special time. “The Land of Flowers” is transformed precisely at this time: nature blossoms, everything around is transformed, which is certainly reflected in holidays and traditions. Dni.Ru decided to formulate five good reasons why you should definitely visit Holland in the spring.
King's Day
King's Day
On April 7, the country celebrates its favorite national holiday - King's Day, dedicated, as you might guess, to the beloved royal person, Willem-Alexander, who became the first male monarch in the history of Holland since 1890.
On this day, all the cities of the kingdom will be covered with an orange wave: people, buildings, cars - everyone will dress up in this bright, cheerful color. The streets will be filled with noisy crowds, but the main festivities will traditionally take place in Amsterdam. Here, at every intersection, you can stumble upon an incendiary party in some street establishment or a spontaneous flea market, where you can buy some useful (or not so useful) curiosity at a reasonable price. It is a local tradition to sell unnecessary things that have accumulated in the house on this day: dishes, toys, decor - you won’t find anything here! The thing is that trading on the monarch's birthday is not subject to taxes. Particularly chic is to become a participant in a ceremonial boat procession, riding along the city canals.
King's Day is also celebrated in other major cities: Utrecht, Eindhoven, The Hague, Rotterdam, Breda, Zwolle, Arnhem, Groningen, Nijmegen. So put on orange clothes, take an orange mood with you - and go!
Mill in Holland
Mill Day
This year, National Mill Day will be celebrated in Holland on May 13th and 14th. It would seem that the name is too loud for such technical buildings, but it is worth understanding that it is very for a long time It was they who played a huge role in the food supply of the state. Nearly 1,000 wind and water mills will be available for visiting these days: guests will be shown everything, told everything, and maybe even given some mechanism to spin.
It goes without saying that in honor of the holiday, they try to decorate ancient mills to give them an elegant look. Since in Holland the distances and climate are not as harsh as in Russia, you can rent bicycles, create your own route and actively pedal all day, stopping where you like most.
Season at Keukenhof Flower Park
Royal Park flowers Keukenhof has already opened its doors to visitors. Every spring you can see orchids, roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, carnations, irises, lilies and many other beautiful plants - about 7 million flowers in total.
Royal Flower Park Keukenhof
This is the largest park of its kind in the world. It is in Keukenhof that the traditional international flower exhibition will take place, where more than a hundred suppliers will surprise and delight the public. This year's theme is "Dutch Design". The organizers promise mosaics of fresh flowers, flower shows, a sculpture garden and other interesting things. There's a lot to see. Despite the fact that the garden is open only part of the calendar year, there is no end to tourists.
Running marathon in Rotterdam
On April 8 and 9, 2017, the country's largest running marathon will be held in Rotterdam. Thousands of people will gather together to conquer the iconic distance of 42.195 km. They include both amateurs and famous professional athletes. There will also traditionally be satellite races over shorter distances, including a special children's race. If you like this kind of adventure, then you should hurry up, because there are a lot of people interested, and the number of participants is limited. Therefore, you should think about registration now.
Flower Parade
On April 22, the famous flower parade will take place for the 70th time. Accompanied by brass bands, a string of large platforms surrounded by fresh flowers will set off. The action will start in the morning in Noordwijk and follow kilometer by kilometer along the main roads of Holland through Keukenhof Park to finish in Haarlem in the evening. Spring, flowers and all-consuming love - what could be better!
Flower Parade
Vasily Ruchkin
Photo: GLOBAL LOOK press,
When you go on a trip, you need to prepare for what kind of weather will await you in a foreign country. Is it constantly hot there or is it cool in the evenings, and do I need to take warm clothes? Does it rain often? And how does the weather in the country's capital differ from the weather in other regions?
Climate features in Holland
The climate in Holland is the same in almost all areas of the country due to the absence mountain peaks. The weather here depends on the influence of cyclones coming from the Atlantic Ocean. The state is located in the temperate zone, which determines the local climatic features.
The climate of Holland is maritime and very humid. average temperature in January +3 °C, and in July - +17 °C. The country is quite warm, but frequent westerly winds often lead to a sharp drop in temperature even in the hottest months.
Weather in Holland by season
The weather in different regions of the country is almost the same: cool summers give way to fairly mild and not frosty winters. It cannot be said that the weather in the Netherlands is ideal: it is compared with St. Petersburg: a large number of rain, constant clouds overhead and a small number of sunny, clear days.
Weather in winter
Winter in Holland is the worst time to travel: constant rain, fog and strong winds are not conducive to getting positive emotions. But there is practically no sub-zero weather: on average, the thermometer stays at 4–6 degrees Celsius. Locals They even rejoice in the frosts: they take out their skates and organize competitions.
Weather in spring
But spring is the best time to relax. There is practically no precipitation in the off-season, and the sun is often bright. The air temperature in spring does not exceed 15 degrees Celsius. By the way, it is at this time that tulips bloom in Holland. The picture of colorful flower fields is incredibly pleasing to the eye.
Weather in summer
Summer in Holland is quite cool - the temperature rarely reaches 21 °C, most days the thermometer does not exceed 18 °C. Only daredevils swim in the summer - the water is quite cold, and it rains constantly.
Weather in autumn
Dutch autumn is practically no different from summer. Maybe the air temperature is lower. Constant rains, fog and cloudy skies - this is what autumn is like in Holland.
In general, the weather in Holland is not very pleasing to tourists. When going here on vacation, be sure to bring warm clothes - you will definitely need them.
When is the best time to go to Holland?
What season should you choose to travel to the Netherlands? It is clear that you should not rely on weather conditions: beach lovers have nothing to do here. This country is a godsend for lovers of cultural tourism and active entertainment.
"Flower" season
Holland is a country of colorful tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. To admire all this floral splendor, plan your trip between late April and mid-May. Why this particular time? The fact is that at the beginning of April the daffodils are just beginning to bloom, and by mid-May there will be no more flowers left in most fields.
To admire the abundance of flowers, head to the Royal Flower Park - Keukenhof (open until May 18). Or take part in the grand Blumencorso flower procession (held on the first Saturday of May).
By the way, in the last spring month the weather in Holland is the hottest - you may not need warm clothes.
Shopping season
Winter is not the best time for a holiday in Holland: constant rains, accumulations of dark clouds and dense fogs can cause a dull mood. But winter is the season of discounts and sales in the country. Therefore, during your trip you can go on a grand shopping spree. Don't forget to pack warm clothes in your suitcase that are designed to withstand temperatures of 2°C.
Excursion season
The best time for sightseeing in Holland is either from April to July or from August to October. You can rent a bike and go explore the trails, which at this time are in good condition due to the small flow of vacationers.
From July to August is the season when a huge number of tourists come. During this time, you can take part in boat trips along the Amsterdam canals or mini-cruises along the water area of Rotterdam.
Season of surfing and cultural entertainment
From May to September, surfers flock to the southwest of Holland. Nobody goes to the Netherlands specifically for this entertainment: but why not try to ride the wave if you come to the country in the summer? Be sure to have a thick wetsuit - the water is very cold. It can be rented.
During the summer, Holland also hosts many themed exhibitions, music festivals and government celebrations.
In general, you can go on a trip to the Netherlands at any time of the year: there is always plenty of entertainment. Even in the cold season, the doors of many entertainment venues and museums are hospitably open here. Well, historical and architectural sights are always in their places.
Amsterdam - ancient and beautiful city, in which many cultures and nations are amazingly mixed. Thanks to this he became unique place, unlike any other in the world. Every day thousands of tourists come here to see everything with their own eyes, but when is the best time to go to Amsterdam?
Amsterdam in summer - parks and festivals
In summer, Amsterdam becomes even more beautiful due to the abundant greenery of the trees and numerous flowerpots with flowers on residential buildings. Despite the fact that the truly warm summer here does not last long, you can enjoy the warm rays of the sun quite often. The hottest time of the year falls in July, when the thermometer often shows 30C. On days like these, the Dutch flock to the beach, leaving tourists alone with the city. Lovers of deserted streets will benefit from this, and after walking around enough, you can go to one of the many parks, lie on the grass there, or have a picnic.
This is the time to take a leisurely stroll around the city and enjoy its streets and canals. Download our audio guide to Amsterdam and go on an exciting walk.
In such heat, high humidity, and here it usually reaches 80%, can be a big problem for those who cannot stand such a climate, so take this into account when planning your trip. There are a lot of festivals in Amsterdam in the summer, but the most significant of them are:
- dance music festival Sensation Amsterdam, usually taking place on the first weekend of July. Where the best DJs and several thousand dance lovers gather under one roof.
- gay pride parade, taking place on the first Saturday in August, when Amsterdam turns into an open-air dance floor.
- classical music festival Amsterdam Canal Festival, taking place in the second half of August.
Amsterdam in autumn - culture and sports
Autumn is also rich in various festivals. On the first weekend of September, the Jordan Festival takes place, dedicated to ballads about life in Amsterdam. The next weekend is no less significant and many Dutch people wait for these days all year, because it is on these days that you can get inside most architectural monuments that remain inaccessible to visitors for the whole year. A list of open monuments and their addresses can be asked at the tourist center.
If sport is an integral part of your life, then you will undoubtedly be interested in the Amsterdam Marathon, which takes place in mid-October. Arriving in Amsterdam in November, you can see one of the most wonderful holidays for children - the Procession of St. Nicholas.
Amsterdam in winter - Christmas and... tulips!
It is believed that it was on November 15 that St. Nicholas and his assistant sailed by ship from Spain. From this day the pre-Christmas period begins, Christmas decorations appear on the streets, and in December, Christmas markets. Undoubtedly, the main holiday of the country is Christmas (December 25) and on these days museums and shops are usually closed.
National Tulip Day can rightfully be considered the most unexpected and striking event of January. On this day, the entire Dam Square is covered with a carpet of blooming tulips, which everyone can take with them completely free of charge. When going to Amsterdam in autumn and winter, be sure to take waterproof and warm clothes with you, and from mid-October a scarf, hat and gloves can be very useful. At this time of year, as a rule, frequent rains are accompanied by a cold wind blowing from North Sea.
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 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 different countries peace. The tourist season is here all year round, and all because relaxation in this truly unique country multifaceted and designed for audiences 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. Adherents of cultural and educational tourism feel great here: amazing architecture, interactive museums, art galleries, fishing villages and medieval cheese fairs - food for the mind is very diverse. The popularity of the Netherlands is also high due to the great opportunities for family vacation 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 in high season airfare, accommodation and food costs are still quite high, which somehow limits the availability 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. Besides, mild climate The country allows you to travel around the country in late autumn, winter and early spring very comfortably. 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 summer, despite the tourist crowd, it is very cool to see the sights, you can also take part in boat trip along the canals of Amsterdam or take a mini-cruise through 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 the long strip sand dunes and the cleanest sea coast. 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 at the most warm days up to +20 °C. This is quite small, so only the most seasoned swim, while the rest of the holidaymakers prefer to sunbathe. Dutch beaches are indicated for those who do not tolerate 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, aquatic species sports in the Netherlands are represented in almost all forms. Diving has become especially widespread. The largest number of dive sites are concentrated on southwest coast, but the water temperature here never exceeds +15 °C. The most favorable weather diving is 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. Organized directly from Rotterdam cruise line, 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, in season northern lights, a number of shipping companies organize cruises to countries Northern Europe 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. National Park Keukenhof 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 summarize, let's say that best time for a trip to observe the luxurious blooming of tulips - 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. Day 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", which fall on the second Saturday of May, as well as official opening Parliamentary Year "Prinsjesdag" in The Hague on the third Tuesday of September. Very noteworthy are the Winter Carnival, which precedes the beginning of Lent, and the cheese fairs held in different cities countries from April to September, and the Herring Festival in the port of Schefeningen on the first Saturday of 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 area 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 might 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, and in southern city Maastricht, on the contrary, 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. Traditionally opens in July beach season, 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.
