Summer in Netherlands: Your Guide to Sunny Adventures and Celebrations

A summer in Netherlands is a delightful blend of warm sunshine, vibrant outdoor festivities, and leisurely explorations of picturesque cities and countryside.

With temperatures hovering comfortably, the Dutch summer creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

Understanding Netherlands’s Summer Climate

The Netherlands enjoys a mild maritime climate, with summer stretching from June to August. The country basks in pleasant temperatures during these months, making for comfortable evenings.

Category	Details
Temperature	High: 19-23°C Low: 10-13°C Average: 15-19°C
Precipitation & Rainfall	70mm
Humidity	70-80%
Average Sunset Time	9:30-10:15 PM

Why Visit Netherlands in Summer?

Summer in Netherlands offers a delightful mix of cultural celebrations, outdoor recreation, and pleasant weather. With longer days and ample sunshine, summer is perfect for enjoying the Netherlands’ outdoor attractions.

The Netherlands’ North Sea coast is dotted with wide sandy beaches that bustle with activity in summer, such as sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Transportation in Netherlands

Getting around the Netherlands in summer is a breeze thanks to the country’s excellent transportation network. Here are some options:

• Trains: The Netherlands’ efficient rail system connects all major cities and towns. Trains are comfortable and reliable and offer scenic views of the Dutch countryside.

• Cycling: With its flat terrain and extensive network of bike paths, cycling is a quintessentially Dutch experience. Many cities have bike-sharing programs, making it easy to explore on two wheels.

• Buses and Trams: Most Dutch cities have comprehensive bus and tram networks convenient for getting around urban areas.

• Ferries: If you’re visiting the Dutch islands or traveling between coastal cities, ferries are a scenic way to journey.

Places to Visit in Summer in Netherlands

Discover the Netherlands’ top summer destinations, where vibrant tulip fields, historic cities, and serene canals await.

Amsterdam

• Top Attractions:

  • Cruise Amsterdam’s historic canals by boat to admire the city’s iconic architecture

  • Immerse yourself in art at the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and other world-class galleries

  • People-watch in lively Dam Square, home to the Royal Palace and street performers

  • Get lost in the charming streets of the Jordaan neighborhood, filled with cozy cafes and boutiques

  • Picnic and relax in the sprawling green lawns of Vondelpark

• How to Reach:

  • Catch frequent trains from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station

  • Hop on the Amsterdam Airport Express bus for a direct ride to the city center

  • Navigate the city easily with 14 tram routes and 5 metro lines

• Tips:

  • Purchase an OV-chip card for seamless travel on public transport

  • Save on attractions with the I Amsterdam card, which offers discounts and free entry

  • Ride the free ferries from Centraal Station to explore the trendy Amsterdam-Noord district

Delft

• Top Attractions:

  • Visit the Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th-century church housing the tomb of William the Silent

  • Climb the leaning tower of the Oude Kerk for panoramic views of Delft

  • Discover the iconic blue-and-white pottery at the Royal Delft factory and museum

• How to Reach: Direct trains run from Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam to Delft

• Tips:

  • Wander through the picturesque streets and canals of Delft’s historic center

  • Tour the innovative campus of Delft University of Technology, one of Netherlands’ top universities

Rotterdam

• Top Attractions:

  • Cross the Erasmusbrug, an iconic cable-stayed bridge offering stunning city views

  • Sample international cuisine under the colorful roof of the horseshoe-shaped Markthal

  • Admire Dutch and European masterpieces at the renowned Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

• How to Reach: Frequent direct trains connect Rotterdam to Amsterdam, The Hague, and other major Dutch cities

• Tips:

  • Marvel at Rotterdam’s quirky Cube Houses, a set of innovative cube-shaped residences

  • Spend a family-friendly day meeting the animals at Rotterdam Zoo

The Hague

• Top Attractions:

  • See Dutch Golden Age paintings, including Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” at the Mauritshuis museum

  • Tour the Binnenhof, the seat of Dutch parliament and office of the Prime Minister

  • Relax on the sandy shores of Scheveningen Beach, a popular summer destination

• How to Reach: Direct trains run frequently from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and other Dutch cities to The Hague

• Tips:

  • Visit the Peace Palace, home of the International Court of Justice

  • Stroll through the lush greenery of Haagse Bos, one of the oldest forests in Netherlands

Maastricht

• Top Attractions:

  • Explore the Vrijthof, a historic square bordered by the medieval St. Servaas Church and St. Jan’s Cathedral

  • Shop and dine around Markt, the city’s vibrant central market square

  • Take a boat tour along the Meuse River for a unique perspective of Maastricht

• How to Reach: Intercity trains connect Maastricht to Amsterdam, Utrecht, and other major Dutch hubs

• Tips:

  • Walk along Maastricht’s ancient city walls and fortifications

  • Discover contemporary art and culture at the Bonnefanten Museum

Edam

• Top Attractions:

  • Experience the traditional Edam Cheese Market, held weekly in summer

  • Wander through Edam’s quaint streets and over its narrow canals

• How to Reach: Buses run directly from Amsterdam to Edam

• Tips:

  • Learn about Edam’s cheese-making history at the Edam Museum

  • Admire the well-preserved traditional Dutch architecture throughout the town

Middelburg

• Top Attractions:

  • Visit the Abbey of Our Lady, a medieval monastery complex housing a museum and library

  • Admire the Flemish Renaissance architecture of the Stadhuis, Middelburg’s town hall

• How to Reach: Direct trains connect Middelburg to Rotterdam and other Dutch cities

• Tips:

  • Get lost in Middelburg’s charming medieval streets and canals

  • Discover regional art and history at the Zeeuws Museum

Volendam

• Top Attractions:

  • Watch the bustle of activity around Volendam’s harbor, filled with fishing boats and seafood eateries

  • Learn about local fishing heritage and traditional clothing at the Palingsound Museum

• How to Reach: Buses run regularly from Amsterdam to Volendam

• Tips:

  • Sample fresh seafood and local favorites like smoked eel at the harbor restaurants

  • Embark on a boat trip from Volendam to the nearby island of Marken

Thorn

• Top Attractions:

  • Admire the unique all-white houses of “the White Village”

  • Tour the historic moated Castle Thorn and its manicured gardens

• How to Reach: Thorn is best reached by car or bus from Maastricht or other nearby cities

• Tips:

  • Appreciate Thorn’s striking architecture and well-preserved medieval atmosphere

  • Savor regional Limburg specialties at the village cafes and restaurants

Kinderdijk

• Top Attractions:

  • Marvel at the 19 UNESCO-listed windmills lining the canals of Kinderdijk

• How to Reach: Kinderdijk is accessible by car or bus from Rotterdam or Utrecht

• Tips:

  • Join a guided tour to learn about the history and mechanics of the iconic windmills

  • Enjoy a picnic while taking in the quintessentially Dutch polder landscape

Breda

• Top Attractions:

  • Explore the Castle of Breda, a medieval fortress now housing a military academy

  • Visit the Grote Markt, Breda’s main square, home to the grand Church of Our Lady

• How to Reach: Direct trains connect Breda to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and other major cities

• Tips:

  • Stroll through the Begijnhof, a serene courtyard lined with traditional houses

  • Relax in Valkenberg Park, a lush green space in the heart of Breda

Eindhoven

• Top Attractions:

  • Discover contemporary art and design at the Van Abbemuseum

  • Learn about the history of electronics giant Philips at the Philips Museum

• How to Reach: Intercity trains run directly from Amsterdam, Utrecht, and other cities to Eindhoven

• Tips:

  • Explore Eindhoven’s thriving technology and innovation scene

  • Visit the Strijp-S district for its cutting-edge architecture and cultural venues

Giethoorn

• Top Attractions:

  • Cruise the picturesque canals of “the Venice of the North” by boat or kayak

  • Explore the car-free village on foot or by bike, crossing charming wooden bridges

• How to Reach: Giethoorn can be reached by car or bus from nearby Zwolle

• Tips:

  • Rent a whisper boat for a serene self-guided tour of the canals

  • Cycle through the surrounding countryside to admire the rural Dutch landscape

Haarlem

• Top Attractions:

  • Admire the Gothic architecture of St. Bavo’s Church on Haarlem’s main square, Grote Markt.

  • See Dutch Master paintings at the Frans Hals Museum

• How to Reach: Frequent trains run between Amsterdam and Haarlem

• Tips:

  • Wander through Haarlem’s historic streets and along its picturesque canals

  • Visit the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, for eclectic exhibits of art and science

Summer Travel Tips

To make the most of your summer in the Netherlands, keep these tips in mind:

• While Dutch summers are generally mild, temperatures can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to pack a mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts and a light jacket or sweater.

• Summer showers are common in the Netherlands, so be prepared with a waterproof layer or umbrella.

• With so much to see and do, you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, so pack comfortable, supportive shoes.

• Summer in Netherlands is peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to book your hotel or vacation rental well in advance to secure your preferred dates and rates.

• Popular restaurants can get booked up quickly in summer, so consider making reservations to avoid disappointment.

• With sunset as late as 10:00 PM in June and July, you’ll have plenty of daylight hours to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

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FAQs

How hot is the Netherlands in summer?

The Netherlands has a mild maritime climate, with average summer temperatures ranging from 18-21°C (64-70°F). While it can get warm, temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F).

Can you swim in the Netherlands during the summer?

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming in the Netherlands during summer. The country has several beautiful beaches along its North Sea coast, inland lakes and swimming pools. Popular spots include Scheveningen Beach in The Hague and Zandvoort Beach near Amsterdam.

What is the average temperature in the Netherlands in summer?

The average daytime temperature in the Netherlands during summer is around 22°C (72°F), with average lows around 13°C (55°F). July and August are typically the warmest months.

Is it sunny in the Netherlands during summer?

Yes, summer is the sunniest season in the Netherlands, with an average of 587.6 hours of sunshine from June to August. However, the country can still experience cloudy days and occasional rainfall, so it’s a good idea to pack accordingly.

Is it windy in the Netherlands during summer?

The Netherlands can be quite windy year-round, and summer is no exception. Coastal areas tend to be windier than inland regions. The wind can make temperatures feel cooler, so pack a light jacket or sweater.

What clothes to wear in the Netherlands in summer?

For a summer trip to the Netherlands, pack a mix of clothing for mild to warm weather. Bring shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and sandals for warm days, plus light layers like long pants with a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and unpredictable weather.

What are some things to do in Netherlands in summer?

Explore the vibrant cities, visit museums, take canal tours, and enjoy outdoor activities like biking and hiking.

What can I see in the Netherlands in summer?

Witness stunning tulip fields, iconic windmills, beautiful beaches, and historic towns in full bloom.

What adventure activities can I do in Netherlands in Summer?

Try windsurfing, kayaking, cycling tours, or even exploring nature reserves for hiking and wildlife watching.

What are the free things to do in Netherlands in Summer?

Enjoy free walking tours, visit public parks, explore free festivals, and relax by the canals.

Is Netherlands cheaper in summer?

Summer in Netherlands is generally more expensive due to peak tourist season, but early bookings and local accommodations may offer savings.