During winter spells of cold, which last from one week to two months or more sometimes rivers and canals freeze. In mild winters this does not occur at all. Except in prolonged cool spells of winter, the weather in the Netherlands is rarely uncomfortable or unpleasant. When it does freeze people practice the traditional Dutch winter sport of skating along the numerous canals. The characteristic summer weather is fine and hot and may last for some weeks but on occasion the weather may be cool and unsettled. Rain is well distributed all over the year. However, rain falls on a few days in summer and is usually heavy. The average daily sunshine in January is two hours, while in June it is between seven and eight hours.

The Coast
The regions along the coast have the mildest climate through the whole year and the lowest amount of rainfall. In the summer, the midday temperatures are a little higher and there are occasional thunderstorms with heavy showers. In autumn and in winter gales are quite frequent on the coast.

The Inland
The inland has a distinct climatic character. The most densely populated area is the one between Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The flat character of its inland geography makes it a rather windy place all year round. In the past, this aspect of the weather was utilized by the Dutch, who erected a number of windmills to pump water from the characteristic low-lying land reclaimed from sea and rivers. Inland weather areas are very changeable from day to day all year round, and the character of the seasons varies from year to year. Summers are generally warm with changeable periods. Extremes of hot weather are rare. Winters may be quite cold with the possibility of some snow. Rainfall is prevalent throughout the entire year.

Clothing in the Netherlands
European clothing according to the particular season is advisable. In warmer summer months wear light to medium clothing, while in winter medium to heavy winter wear is recommended. Waterproof gear is proper all year round.

Latest weather forecast – sources

• www.bbc.co.uk/weather
  A useful site with the latest weather information about the Netherlands with a five day forecast in different cities.
• www.weather-forecast.com
  Latest weather information for the Netherlands with detailed forecasts of different cities in all major European languages.