Netherlands in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Netherlands
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Tulip season peaks mid-to-late April - Keukenhof Gardens displays 7 million bulbs across 32 hectares (79 acres) with perfect blooming conditions and 15°C (59°F) average temperatures ideal for walking
- King's Day (April 27) transforms the entire country into an orange celebration with free street markets, canal parties, and locals selling goods tax-free - the only day this is legally permitted
- Tourist crowds 40% lower than summer months but weather warm enough for comfortable cycling - rental bikes cost €10-15/day versus €18-25 in peak season
- Museum queue times average 15-20 minutes versus 60+ minutes in July/August, plus many outdoor terraces reopen after winter closure around April 15th
Considerations
- Unpredictable spring weather requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) in a single day, and sudden rain showers interrupt outdoor plans 60% of days
- Accommodation prices spike 30-50% during King's Day weekend (April 25-27) and must be booked 8+ weeks ahead or expect €200+ per night for basic hotels
- Some seasonal attractions like beach clubs in Zandvoort and outdoor markets don't fully reopen until May 1st, limiting coastal activities
Best Activities in April
Keukenhof Gardens Tulip Tours
April is the only month to see the world's largest flower garden at peak bloom. 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create a carpet of color across themed gardens. Morning visits (8-10am) offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds. The garden's indoor pavilions provide shelter during April's frequent light showers.
Amsterdam Canal Ring Cycling Routes
April's mild temperatures (10-15°C/50-59°F) and longer daylight hours make this perfect cycling weather. The UNESCO World Heritage canals are framed by blooming trees, and you'll avoid summer's sweltering heat and winter's freezing rain. Bike paths are less crowded than peak season but fully accessible after winter maintenance.
Kinderdijk Windmill Photography Tours
Spring's dramatic skies and scattered clouds create ideal conditions for windmill photography. The 19 UNESCO windmills operate during April's moderate winds, and surrounding polders show fresh green growth. April's cooler temperatures make the 3.2 km (2 mile) walking route comfortable, while summer heat can be exhausting.
Zaanse Schans Traditional Crafts Experience
April marks the reopening of outdoor demonstrations after winter closure. Watch cheese-making, wooden shoe carving, and working windmills in comfortable spring weather. The 15-minute walk between attractions is pleasant at April temperatures but would be uncomfortable in winter cold or summer heat.
Giethoorn Canal Boat Tours
The 'Venice of the North' is spectacular in April when tourist boats resume full schedules but crowds remain manageable. Spring temperatures make the 1-2 hour boat rides comfortable, and waterside gardens begin blooming. Summer sees 3x more visitors and booking difficulties.
King's Day Street Festival Participation
April 27th (or 26th if 27th falls on Sunday) is the Netherlands' biggest celebration. Every city becomes a massive street party with free markets, orange-themed events, and canal boat parties. This is the only day citizens can sell goods without permits - locals sell everything from clothes to homemade food on streets and canals.
April Events & Festivals
King's Day (Koningsdag)
The Netherlands' national holiday celebrating King Willem-Alexander's birthday transforms every city into an orange street party. Amsterdam alone hosts 600,000+ participants with free markets, canal parties, and outdoor concerts. The entire country wears orange and celebrates from sunrise to late evening.
Keukenhof Flower Festival
The world's largest flower garden opens only 8 weeks per year, with April being peak bloom time. Special themed gardens, flower parades, and photography exhibitions showcase Dutch flower cultivation expertise. Over 800,000 visitors during the season, with April seeing the most spectacular displays.
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
April 30th commemorates the end of WWII occupation with free outdoor festivals, concerts, and cultural events across the country. Many museums offer free entry, and cities host educational programs about Dutch resistance history alongside contemporary music festivals.