The Netherlands bring few extremes from the weather. The flat, low-lying terrain ensure a similarity to the climate across the country - and the best word to describe it is ‘mild’. Winters don’t get too hot and summers don’t get too cold, with fairly regular rainfall through the year. But there’s a reason for all those windmills - it’s often breezy!

The prevailing westerly wind from the Atlantic ensures that winters are rarely harsh. Daytime temperatures typically hover a few degrees above freezing by day, although overnight frosts are quite frequent. And when winds come from a continental source, much colder air can arrive. So severe wintry spells of severe frost and snow can be expected, albeit infrequently.

The country is synonymous with spring bulbs; and the gentle warmth and regular rainfall explains why! There’s a lush verdancy from April onwards, although frost is not unheard of as late as May.

The summer months bring daytime temperatures mostly in the high teens or low 20s Celsius - a comfortable range for sightseeing in town, country or at the coast. And European heatwaves can occasionally send temperatures soaring into the 30s Celsius - often culminating in heavy thunderstorms - before cooler Atlantic winds return.

Autumn sees an erratic cool-down, although summer-like warmth can linger into October during some years. By November, though, the shortening days bring a more sustained chill and the risk of lingering mist across the flat countryside.

However, fresh, blustery winds are more typical, with stormy spells near the coasts as winter closes in. Wind-proofs and raincoats will be more useful than skiwear. Good luck finding a mountain to slide down anyway!

Quick facts about

Netherlands

Capital:

Currency:

Amsterdam