Netherlands in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Netherlands
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak flower season - tulip fields bloom into July at later-planted farms, plus lavender and sunflower fields reach maximum color between July 15-30
- Summer festival season with over 200 music festivals, outdoor markets, and cultural events happening across the country, including North Sea Jazz Festival and Amsterdam Dance Event warmup parties
- Extended daylight hours with sunrise at 5:30am and sunset at 9:45pm, giving you nearly 16 hours of daylight for sightseeing and outdoor activities
- Beach season at Scheveningen and Zandvoort with average sea temperature of 18°C (64°F) - warmest water temperatures of the year
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, and popular attractions like Anne Frank House and Keukenhof require advance booking 4-6 weeks ahead
- Unpredictable weather with rain on 10 days of the month - afternoon showers can last 30-45 minutes and disrupt outdoor plans, requiring flexible scheduling
- Crowds at major attractions are heaviest between 10am-4pm, with canal cruise waiting times extending to 45-60 minutes during peak hours
Best Activities in July
Amsterdam Canal District Cycling Tours
July's extended daylight hours make evening cycling perfect - start at 7pm when temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) and cruise past illuminated canal houses until sunset at 9:45pm. Morning rides between 8-10am avoid both crowds and the day's humidity peak. Rain showers are brief and cycling infrastructure includes covered bike parking every 200m (656 ft).
Keukenhof Gardens Extended Season Tours
While main tulip season ends in May, Keukenhof's summer gardens feature late-blooming varieties, this destination, and the famous dahlia displays that peak in July. The 32-hectare (79-acre) park is less crowded than spring months but offers unique summer blooms and comfortable walking weather during morning hours before humidity peaks.
Giethoorn Village Boat Tours
July's warm weather makes this 'Venice of the North' ideal for boat exploration. Water temperature reaches 20°C (68°F), perfect for occasional swimming stops. The thatched-roof farmhouses are surrounded by peak summer blooms, and extended daylight allows for magical evening tours through the car-free village's waterways.
Zaanse Schans Windmill District Tours
July's reliable winds keep the historic windmills operating at full capacity - you'll see actual flour and paint production rather than static displays. The 18th-century village recreates traditional Dutch life with artisan workshops, and warm weather makes the 2.5km (1.6-mile) walking circuit comfortable throughout the day.
North Sea Beach Towns Day Trips
Scheveningen and Zandvoort beaches hit their stride in July with sea temperatures of 18°C (64°F) and beach clubs in full swing. The Pier at Scheveningen offers bungee jumping and zip lines, while Zandvoort hosts beach volleyball tournaments and music festivals. Both offer 5km+ (3+ miles) of sandy coastline perfect for July weather.
Hoge Veluwe National Park Nature Tours
July showcases the park's 55km² (21 sq mi) of forests and heathlands at peak bloom - purple heather carpets stretch for kilometers. Free white bicycles let you explore 40km (25 miles) of car-free trails, and the Kröller-Müller Museum's sculpture garden is perfect for July's long daylight hours. Red deer are most active during cooler morning and evening hours.
July Events & Festivals
North Sea Jazz Festival
Europe's largest jazz festival transforms Rotterdam into a music great destination with 1,200+ artists across 15 stages. Beyond jazz, expect funk, soul, R&B, and world music. The festival's intimate venue setup allows close artist interaction, and multiple food courts feature Dutch specialties alongside international cuisine.
Grachtenfestival Amsterdam
Classical music festival unique to Amsterdam where concerts happen on floating stages in the historic canals. Audience members watch from canal-side terraces, boats, and historic buildings. The acoustics created by water and 17th-century architecture make this unlike any other classical music experience.
Summer Carnival Rotterdam
Caribbean-style carnival brings color and energy to Rotterdam with elaborate costumes, steel drum bands, and street food from Dutch Caribbean islands. The parade route covers 6km (3.7 miles) through the city center, followed by evening parties in multiple venues.