Best Times to Visit

Weather

Winters in the Netherlands can be fairly cold; summers are generally warm, although very hot weather is rare. Rainfall is common throughout the year, and there is the possibility of some snow in winter.

Visitors are advised to bring clothing according to season, with light- to mediumweights worn in the spring, summer and autumn, and medium- to heavyweights in winter. Waterproofs are advisable all year.

More information on the Dutch weather may be found in Climate in the Netherlands.

Festivals

The nation hosts many different types of festival from the North Sea Jazz Festival in early July and the salsa festival in Haarlem in October to the Cannabis Cup, akin to a wine tasting event, held in Amsterdam in November, and the Amsterdam Roots Festival, celebrating African heritage, in June. The performing arts festival, or Holland Festival, is held throughout June. A number of film and dance festivals are also held in the country.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in the Netherlands: