Netherlands in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Netherlands
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Longest days of the year with 17+ hours of daylight - sunrise at 5:15am, sunset after 10pm gives you maximum sightseeing time and magical golden hour photography
- Peak flowering season for Dutch bulb fields aftermath - while tulips are done, you'll catch the impressive lupin fields in full purple bloom across Gelderland and the colorful poppy fields near Flevoland
- Perfect cycling weather with 20°C (68°F) highs and dry spells between light showers - ideal for exploring the 35,000 km (21,750 miles) of bike paths when locals are most active outdoors
- Festival season peaks with outdoor events - Pinkpop, Holland Festival, and countless local food festivals take advantage of the long daylight hours and mild temperatures
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain showers occur 10+ days per month, often starting suddenly and lasting 30-60 minutes, requiring constant umbrella carrying and flexible outdoor plans
- Tourism reaches near-peak levels with higher accommodation prices (30-40% above April rates) and crowded attractions, especially on weekends when Dutch families take day trips
- Strong UV exposure despite cool temperatures - the UV index of 6 combined with long daylight hours means sunburn happens faster than expected, catching visitors off-guard
Best Activities in June
Keukenhof Gardens and Bollenstreek Region Cycling
While Keukenhof closes early June, the surrounding Bollenstreek region transforms with summer wildflower displays and the famous lupin fields reach peak bloom. June's moderate temperatures of 20°C (68°F) and long daylight hours make cycling the 40 km (25 mile) flower route comfortable. Morning mist often lifts by 10am, revealing impressive purple lupin carpets that Instagram can't capture properly.
Amsterdam Canal Ring Evening Tours
June's 10pm sunsets create magical golden hour canal reflections that last until 9:30pm - impossible to experience in winter months. The mild 15-18°C (59-64°F) evening temperatures mean comfortable outdoor boat seating without heavy jackets. Fewer crowds after 8pm as day-trippers head home, giving you nearly private views of the UNESCO World Heritage canals.
Giethoorn Village Punting and Walking Tours
The 'Venice of the North' becomes truly magical in June when water lilies bloom and the 180 wooden bridges are framed by lush greenery. Cool morning temperatures around 12°C (54°F) mean glass-smooth water reflections before afternoon breezes start. June's extra daylight lets you explore the 7.5 km (4.7 miles) of waterways without rushing.
Kinderdijk Windmill Cycling Circuit
June's consistent but gentle winds provide perfect conditions to see these 18th-century windmills actually functioning. The 15 km (9.3 miles) cycling loop through UNESCO polder landscapes is comfortable in 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures. Morning golden light between 6-8am creates the iconic Dutch landscape photos, while afternoon brings active windmill demonstrations.
Hoge Veluwe National Park Sculpture Garden
The 55 km² (21 sq miles) park reaches peak beauty in June with heath plants beginning their bloom cycle and deer most active in cooler morning temperatures. The famous Kröller-Müller Museum's sculpture garden is perfect for the 17+ hour daylight, while free white bikes let you explore 42 km (26 miles) of paths comfortably in mild weather.
Zaanse Schans Traditional Crafts Experience
June's mild temperatures make the outdoor museum comfortable for exploring working windmills, traditional cheese-making, and clog workshops. The 15-minute walk between attractions is pleasant in 20°C (68°F) weather, and extended daylight hours mean demonstrations run until 6pm instead of winter's 4pm closure.
June Events & Festivals
Holland Festival Amsterdam
The Netherlands' premier international performing arts festival featuring theater, dance, music, and opera across 25+ Amsterdam venues. June showcases world premieres and avant-garde performances that define Dutch cultural sophistication, with many outdoor performances taking advantage of long daylight hours.
Pinkpop Festival
One of Europe's oldest annual music festivals held in Landgraaf, featuring international rock, pop, and electronic acts. The 3-day festival draws 180,000+ visitors and benefits from June's mild weather for comfortable outdoor camping and performances.
Open Garden Days (Open Tuinen Dagen)
Private gardens across the Netherlands open to public viewing, showcasing peak summer plantings and traditional Dutch garden design. Particularly spectacular in historic cities like Utrecht and Delft where canal-side gardens are normally hidden behind historic facades.