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Best Time to Visit Netherlands from India
The best time to visit the Netherlands is from June to August. From lazing in the dales of tulips to exploring castles and palaces, the Netherlands is a dream destination for nature lovers and foodies. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a paradise for art lovers hosting hundreds of museums.
Each season in the Netherlands is a new world engaging tourists with its season-specific activities. If you are planning to explore this beautiful European country, you will want to pick the best time to visit the Netherlands for a unique experience.
Read to know the various seasons when you can visit the Netherlands.
Table of Contents
Best Months/Seasons to Visit Netherlands
If you are trying to find the best seasons for travelling to Netherlands, note the list discussed below:
| Month | Average Temperature | Description |
| March-May (Spring Season) | 5 to 19 degrees Celsius | Enjoy blooming tulips at Keukenhof Gardens, explore Amsterdam's canals in mild weather, and experience King's Day festivities in April. Popular events during this time: King's Day (Koningsdag), Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) and Flower Parade of the Bollenstreek. |
| June-August (Summer Season) | 13 to 22 degrees Celsius | Warm temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities like cycling, visiting beaches along the coast, and attending music festivals and cultural events. Popular events during this time: Amsterdam Gay Pride, Uitmarkt Amsterdam, North Sea Jazz Festival and Holland Festival. |
| September-November (Autumn Season) | 8 to 14 degrees Celsius | Mild weather, perfect for exploring forests, enjoying fall foliage, and experiencing cultural events and local food markets. Popular events during this time: Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Leiden's Ontzet (Relief of Leiden) and International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). |
| December-February (Winter Season) | -7 to -1 degrees Celsius | Cold temperatures are great for visiting festive Christmas markets and indoor museums like the Rijksmuseum and enjoying Dutch comfort foods. Popular events during this time: Amsterdam Light Festival, Christmas markets and New Year's Eve celebrations. |
March-May (Spring Season)
The Netherlands in spring, a vibrant period marked by flowering tulips grown in famous gardens like Keukenhof, demonstrating the country's flora. The gentle weather allows for strolling along Amsterdam's scenic canals and sitting at outdoor cafes.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning a trip to the Netherlands:
| Weather | Pleasant and cold |
| Temperature | 5°C to 19°C |
| Season | Moderate |
| Season for Localities | King's Day (Koningsdag), Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) and Flower Parade of the Bollenstreek |
| Key Highlights |
|
June-August (Summer Season)
Summer in the Netherlands means high temperatures, city life in Amsterdam, and relaxed canal rides. Besides, this season offers an opportunity to wander through the open-air markets of this country, visit sandy shores on the coast or go to some active music events. Also, there are long daylight hours for sightseeing in any part of the country.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning a trip to the Netherlands:
| Weather | Warm and pleasant |
| Temperature | 13°C to 22°C |
| Season | Peak |
| Season for Localities | Amsterdam Gay Pride, Uitmarkt Amsterdam, North Sea Jazz Festival and Holland Festival |
| Key Highlights |
|
September-November (Autumn Season)
Autumn in the Netherlands presents an exquisite view of a landscape painted red, orange and gold by falling leaves. Go walking through little towns, breathe fresh air or purchase at local markets where you can find all ripe products of nature's bounty.
The cultural holidays and art festivals add more charm to it, thus making it a great time to see Dutch traditions surrounded by beautiful autumn colours.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning a trip to the Netherlands:
| Weather | Crisp and cool |
| Temperature | 8°C to 14°C |
| Season | Moderate to Peak |
| Season for Localities | Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Leiden's Ontzet (Relief of Leiden) and International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) |
| Key Highlights |
|
December-February (Winter Season)
Christmas markets, lit streets, and typical Dutch food like oliebollen create a cosy atmosphere that characterises winter in the Netherlands. It is also quite chilly outside, so it is a nice time to visit museums and indoor attractions or ice skating on frozen canals during that time of the year if we are lucky to have this kind of weather.
At the same time, the season offers less crowded places, making it perfect for an intimate experience of their culture and cuisine.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning a trip to the Netherlands:
| Weather | Very cold |
| Temperature | -7°C to -1°C |
| Season | Off |
| Season for Localities | Amsterdam Light Festival, Christmas markets and New Year's Eve celebrations |
| Key Highlights |
|
When to Avoid Visiting Netherlands?
Though the Netherlands is beautiful throughout all seasons, there are moments when it might not be desirable to visit for various reasons. One must understand those times to plan a trip that will give you joy; it's better to keep off moving around.
| Months to Avoid | Reason |
| December to February (Winter Season) |
|
Seasonal Travel Costs of Visiting Netherlands from India
Travelling to the Netherlands from India can be affordable if you choose the right time of year. The cost of flights and hotels varies significantly between seasons. Below is a detailed table outlining the different months/seasons and their respective pricing for various parameters:
| Season | Average Flight Cost | Average Hotel Cost per Night | Description |
| Spring (March-May) | ₹21,000 - ₹30,000 | ₹8,000 - ₹11,000 | Moderate prices; ideal for exploring cities and outdoor activities with mild weather. |
| Summer (June-August) | ₹27,000 - ₹45,000 | ₹9,000 - ₹14,000 | Peak season with higher prices due to increased tourism; perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. |
| Autumn (September-November) | ₹24,000 - ₹30,000 | ₹8,000 - ₹10,000 | Moderate season with lower prices; great for sightseeing and cultural experiences. |
| Winter (December-February) | ₹24,000 - ₹40,000 | ₹8,500 - ₹12,000 | Off-season with moderate prices; ideal for winter sports and indoor cultural activities. |
Things to Know Before Visiting Netherlands
A successful trip requires a lot of planning. From researching about the place and its people to knowing what to pack, the list goes on. So, before you start planning your voyage to Netherlands, here are a few things you need to know.
- Shops in Netherlands usually stay open from 10-6 PM. Therefore, you need to get done with your shopping quite early.
- Public urinals in Netherlands are free for men. Women have to pay in cash. However, women can use free urinals in restaurants.
- Rain in Netherlands is quite unpredictable. Therefore, always carry a light raincoat with you.
- Always carry cash along with your credit and debit cards.
- The tulip period is as short as 6 to 8 weeks in Netherlands. It also varies from one year to another. Therefore, before planning to visit during the tulip season, do your research on when flowers will start blooming.
- If you are visiting Netherlands during the peak months, make sure bookings are made in advance. Monuments like Anne Frank's house require prior bookings as they have limited seats for their shows.
- Cannabis is legal in Netherlands coffee shops only. Purchasing cannabis is illegal outside coffee shops in cities like Amsterdam. However, towns near the borders of Germany and Belgium may not allow foreigners to purchase cannabis, even in coffee shops.
Tips for Travelling in Netherlands
As you pack your backpack to visit the best places in Netherlands, here are a few tips for a safe and memorable trip:
- Residents of Netherlands are frank and straightforward people. Although they are pretty warm and hospitable, you need to respect their “no’’ and other boundaries.
- Although tipping is not mandatory, it is in fashion. So, you can opt for tipping 5-10% when visiting restaurants and cafes.
- De Pure Markt is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam for a foodie. At the same time, during your stay in Amsterdam, do try street foods and local delicacies from the De Pure Markt.
- Check for sturdy locks while renting bikes from shops. Also, while parking, lock them twice to avoid bike thefts.
- Avoid whispers like, “want a free bike?” or calls for bikes in low rent by random people walking down the streets.
- Abide by Netherlands’ travel guidelines that prohibit clicking pictures of women in red light areas.
- Netherlands is a country of art and encourages art enthusiasts with various offers. You can purchase a museum card or Amsterdam city card as you enter here. With these, you can visit 400 museums and 70 places to visit in Amsterdam. These cards also allow you access to public transport and a unique boat ride over the canals of Amsterdam.
What Phrases Should You Know Before Travelling to Netherlands?
Most of Netherlands' residents are bilingual and therefore fluent in English. However, as a courtesy, it would be great for travellers to know some Dutch phrases. These will help you communicate better with locals while increasing your linguistic skills.
Here are some Dutch words and phrases you should know while visiting tourist places in Netherlands:
| English | Dutch |
| Mister | Meneer |
| Hello | Hoi |
| 10 | Tien |
| 100 | Hondred |
| Brand! | Fire |
| Good morning | Goedemorgen |
| Bus Stop | Bushalte |
| Good evening | Goedenavond |
| Can I pay by card? | Kan ik met de PIN betalen? |
| Please | Alstublieft |
| Do you speak English? | Spreekt u Engels |
| This is delicious | Dit is heerlijk |
| Turn left | Sla linksaf |
| Straight ahead | Retchdoor |
| Where is the toilet? | Waar is het toilet |
| Train Station | Treinstation |
| Yes | Ja |
| Beer | Bier |
| Thank you very much | Dank u wel |
| Pardon | Pardon |
| Entrance | Ingang |
| Mrs/miss | Mevrouw |
| No | Nee |
| Very Good | Heel Goed |
| My name is | Ik heet |
| Airport | Luchthaven/ Vleigveld |
| I need help | Ik heb hulp nodig |
| Where is the nearest hospital | Waar is het dichtstbijzijnde ziekenhuis |
| Call the police | Bel de politie |
| How much does this cost? | Hoeveel kost dit? |
| Is a discount is available | Is er een korting mogelijk? |
| I am a vegetarian | Ik ben vegetariër |
| I am allergic to ... | Ik ben allergisch voor ... |
| Excuse me | Excuseer me |
| You're welcome | Graag gedaan |
| Do you have ...? | Heeft u ...? |
As you see, Netherlands is a year-round travel destination for tourists. However, spring and summer are the liveliest seasons. Summer festivities, street art, and Dutch beaches mark summer as the best time to visit Netherlands for a splendid European vacation. For lovers of solace and nature, autumn in Netherlands woods is bliss. As you plan your trip, make sure to get travel insurance for a safe European vacation.