When to Cycle in the Netherlands
Plan your Netherlands cycling trip right: tulip season in April, long rides in June, or crisp autumn colors in October.
- Best Time to Ride by Region
- South Holland – Tulips, Canals, and Heritage Towns
- North Holland & Amsterdam Area – Dunes, Polders, and City Loops
- Zeeland – Islands, Dikes, and Sea Bridges
- Friesland & the IJsselmeer Rim – Water, Wind, and Wide Horizons
- Limburg – Hills, Vineyards, and Classic Dutch Cycling Terrain
- Family-Friendly Cycling Across Holland
- Worst Season to Ride: November–March
- Tulip Flowering Season
- Month-by-Month Breakdown
- Wind, Rain, and Daylight
- Planning & Forecast Sources
- Planning Your Ride in Holland
With its temperate climate and world-class bike network, Holland is rideable for much of the year.
The best months for a cycling holiday, however, are spring through autumn (March–October), when daylight is long, conditions are mild, and the countryside is alive with color.
Winter brings short, wet, and windy days—not ideal beyond short city spins on clear afternoons. Plan your trip between April and September, and you’ll find the best mix of comfort, scenery, and reliability.
- Cycleable most of the year — prime months are March–October
- Spring (April–May): cycling season begins, tulips in full bloom, expect light showers, 12-18°C
- Summer (June–August): long daylight hours, peak holiday season, stronger coastal winds, 18-25°C
- Autumn (September–October): calmer routes, colorful landscapes, more frequent rain later in the season
- Winter (Nov–Mar): not suitable for cycling; short days, wet and often freezing conditions
Spring and early summer are best for flowers and lively scenery, while autumn offers quieter trails and softer colors.
Best Time to Ride by Region
Here’s a closer look at Holland’s most popular cycling regions, with their ideal riding seasons and tips for what to expect on the road.
South Holland – Tulips, Canals, and Heritage Towns
April–June & September = tulip season and mild days. Perfect for flower-belt rides and historic towns like Leiden and Delft.
Climate: Temperate coastal; mild springs, breezy summers.
Best Time: April–June for tulip bloom and September for calmer rides.
What to Expect: Daytime highs of 12–20°C in spring, tulip fields in peak bloom late April, and 20–22°C in early autumn with quieter routes. Short distances between towns (20–40 km) make it easy for relaxed touring.
What to Watch Out For: Showers and coastal breezes in spring; summer routes busier with day-trippers.
Pro Tip: Plan tulip rides midweek in late April to avoid the heaviest crowds.
North Holland & Amsterdam Area – Dunes, Polders, and City Loops
May–September = coastal breezes, long days, and lively culture. This is the heart of Dutch cycling, combining city routes with dune paths.
Climate: Maritime; breezy summers, mild winters.
Best Time: May–September, when dunes and polders are green and daylight runs up to 16 hours in June.
What to Expect: Highs of 18–24°C in summer, car-free dune trails, and ferry links to Texel. Expect crowds in July–August, but quiet rides in early mornings.
What to Watch Out For: Peak-season congestion in Amsterdam; coastal winds strongest in July.
Pro Tip: Combine city stays with dune routes for the best mix of culture and nature.
Zeeland – Islands, Dikes, and Sea Bridges
May–September = stable weather for exposed coastal rides. Zeeland is about wide horizons and long crossings over water.
Climate: Coastal; sunny summers, strong winds in shoulder seasons.
Best Time: May–September, when ferries and bridges operate smoothly and summer highs reach 18–23°C.
What to Expect: Open routes atop dikes, spectacular North Sea views, and daily ferries that link islands. E-bikes make breezy stretches more comfortable.
What to Watch Out For: Afternoon winds; pack layers for cool mornings and evenings.
Pro Tip: Plan stages with the wind at your back where possible.
Appears as part of longer itineraries like the Amsterdam to Bruges Cycling Tour.
Friesland & the IJsselmeer Rim – Water, Wind, and Wide Horizons
May–September = long daylight, ferry connections, and big skies. Ideal for riders who like open landscapes and cultural towns.
Climate: Lake and sea influenced; windy, but less extreme inland.
Best Time: May–September, with highs of 17–23°C and 15–16 daylight hours in June.
What to Expect: Ferry links across IJsselmeer, traditional Frisian towns, and Texel dunes. Winds are part of the ride—tailwind planning adds comfort.
What to Watch Out For: Sudden summer storms; ferries book up on busy weekends.
Pro Tip: Use an e-bike if tackling longer exposed stretches.
Limburg – Hills, Vineyards, and Classic Dutch Cycling Terrain
April–June & September–October = perfect for climbs and cultural rides. This is the only hilly province, offering vineyard roads and legendary climbs.
Climate: Continental; warmer summers, cooler autumns.
Best Time: April–June and September–October, when temperatures range 15–22°C and roads are lively with cycling events.
What to Expect: Short but steady climbs (100–300 m), Amstel Gold Race terrain, and cultural highlights in Maastricht and Valkenburg.
What to Watch Out For: Summer heat in July–August; busy roads during major race events.
Pro Tip: Time your visit with the Amstel Gold Toerversie to experience the course at its liveliest.
This region is a natural extension for riders wanting more elevation after flatland tours.
Family-Friendly Cycling Across Holland
March–October = safe, easy routes for all ages. Gentle terrain and car-free segments make Holland a family favorite.
Climate: Temperate; mild and safe for cycling most of the year.
Best Time: March–October, especially April–June and September for moderate temperatures and quieter routes.
What to Expect: Distances of 15–35 km/day, frequent playground stops, and family-run cafés.
What to Watch Out For: Busier city centers in peak summer; plan rural stages for calmer rides.
Pro Tip: Combine countryside stages with cultural stops for variety.
Worst Season to Ride: November–March
From late autumn through early spring, Holland is not suitable for cycling holidays. Temperatures often hover between 0–8°C, daylight shrinks to as little as 7–8 hours in December, and frequent rain or icy mornings make riding uncomfortable and unsafe. While locals still commute daily by bike, leisure routes lose their appeal, and many ferries and seasonal attractions shut down until spring.
If you’re set on a winter escape, consider our other warmer cycling destinations instead. Portugal, Spain, and Mallorca all offer mild conditions and year-round riding, making them excellent alternatives when Holland’s bike paths go into hibernation.
Get in touch with us and we will make sure you get the most out of the weather on your Dutch cycling holiday.
Tulip Flowering Season
Nothing says cycling in Holland like pedaling past endless rows of tulips in bloom. The season peaks from mid-April to early May, when fields around the so-called Bollenstreek (Flower Belt) burst into color with red, yellow, purple, and pink carpets stretching to the horizon.
The best region to see them is South Holland, between Haarlem and Leiden, where routes link the famous Keukenhof Gardens with open countryside dotted by windmills and farm villages. Daily distances here are flat and manageable (20–40 kilometers between towns), making it one of the easiest and most rewarding rides for leisure cyclists.
Because the season is short and world-famous, expect more crowds and busier cycle paths around Keukenhof during peak weeks.
Planning an early start—or combining quieter countryside loops with a garden visit—helps keep the experience relaxed.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at how Holland’s cycling conditions change through the seasons, so you can decide the best time to plan your ride:
November–February – Winter Pause
These are the coldest and darkest months in the Netherlands, with average highs of 3–8°C and frequent rain or drizzle. Daylight drops to just 7–8 hours in December and January, making long rides impractical. Cycling holidays are not recommended during this period, though locals still use bikes for short city commutes when conditions allow. Expect slippery paths from frost or ice, especially in the mornings.
March – Early Spring Openings
By March, the cycling season slowly begins to stir, especially in South Holland and around Amsterdam where routes are mostly flat and easy to access. Temperatures rise to 8–12°C, and daylight stretches to about 11 hours, though showers remain frequent. It’s still a transitional month—good for shorter rides or city exploration—but a jacket and layers are essential. Early tulip fields may begin to bloom toward the end of the month.
April – Tulip Season in Full Bloom
April is one of the most iconic times to cycle in Holland, as the flower belt (Bollenstreek) explodes with color. Daytime highs sit around 12–16°C, with breezy days and occasional showers. Routes through South Holland and North Holland are particularly rewarding, linking windmills, tulip fields, and heritage towns. This is a high-demand season, so tours and accommodations should be booked well in advance.
May – Peak Spring Riding
May offers some of the year’s most stable cycling weather, with average temperatures between 15–20°C and 15+ hours of daylight. Landscapes are lush and green, tulip season continues into early May, and routes are quieter than the summer peak. Mild coastal winds are common, but not as strong as in early spring.
June – Long Days, Lively Rides
June is the start of Holland’s peak cycling season, with warm temperatures of 18–23°C and daylight stretching past 16 hours around the solstice. Conditions are excellent for long-distance tours, though coastal winds can pick up in the afternoons. Expect lively towns, outdoor festivals, and buzzing cycle paths as both locals and visitors embrace the start of summer.
July – Warmest and Busiest Month
July is the warmest month, averaging 20–25°C in most regions. It’s a festive period with school holidays, meaning popular areas like Amsterdam, Zeeland, and Friesland can feel crowded. To avoid traffic on bike paths, many cyclists start earlier in the day and enjoy calmer routes by mid-morning. Coastal breezes are strongest now, so e-bikes or wind-aware planning are helpful for longer rides.
August – Coastlines at Their Best
August brings similar temperatures to July, but often with slightly more humidity inland. The Dutch coast shines this month, with sea breezes keeping conditions comfortable and beaches offering perfect rest stops. Rain showers are short and passing, meaning most cycling days are uninterrupted. This is also a favorite month for multi-day tours connecting Holland with Belgium or Germany.
September – Sweet Spot for Touring
September is one of the most rewarding months to ride in Holland. Daytime highs of 15–20°C, 12–13 hours of daylight, and calmer winds make for comfortable, balanced cycling conditions. Routes are quieter after the summer peak, yet cafés and attractions remain open and welcoming. It’s also harvest season, with fresh produce and vineyard tours adding flavor to the ride.
October – Golden Autumn Scenery
October brings cooler weather, with highs of 10–15°C and an increasing chance of rain. Autumn colors transform forests and canal-side routes, making this a scenic time for relaxed rides and photography. By mid- to late October, daylight drops to around 10 hours, so shorter daily distances work best. Despite more showers, early October still offers memorable tours with fewer crowds.
Wind, Rain, and Daylight
Weather is part of the Dutch cycling experience, and knowing what to expect helps you plan smoother, more enjoyable rides.
- Rainfall – The Netherlands sees 70–90 millimeters of rain per month (for comparison, Spain sees 50-60 millimeters/month), usually as light showers rather than heavy storms. Spring and autumn bring more frequent passing showers, while summer is generally drier and more stable.
- Wind – Breezes are constant, especially along the coast and IJsselmeer. Strongest in winter, calmer in late summer. Locals often ride into the wind first and enjoy a tailwind return. E-bikes are a popular way to take the edge off.
- Daylight – June offers over 16 hours of daylight, perfect for long rides. In December, just 7–8 hours remain, making winter unsuitable for cycling holidays. Summer and early autumn give the best balance of daylight and conditions.
For day-to-day planning, reliable weather and wind apps make all the difference.
Planning & Forecast Sources
Dutch weather can change quickly, especially near the coast. Having the right tools on hand ensures you know what to expect before setting out on your ride.
- KNMI – The Dutch Meteorological Institute provides detailed forecasts, live rain radar, and wind maps.
- Weather.com – Good for 10-day and hourly outlooks, including temperature, UV index, and rain probability.
- Windy – Especially helpful for visualizing wind strength and direction across coastal and inland routes.
Many cyclists also download offline maps in advance—useful if reception drops on long stretches between villages.
Planning Your Ride in Holland
Knowing the right season to cycle in the Netherlands helps you make the most of its tulip fields, coastal dunes, and historic towns. Each time of year brings its own character, from spring blossoms to autumn calm, so timing your trip around the weather ensures the smoothest and most enjoyable experience.
See our Holland bike tours to compare which routes fit the season you have in mind, and feel free to contact us if you’d like personalized advice on planning your cycling holiday.
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