Netherlands in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Netherlands
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Tulip season peak - over 7 million bulbs bloom at Keukenhof Gardens (open until mid-May), plus wild tulip fields throughout Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland provinces are at maximum color
- King's Day celebration on April 27th extends festivities into early May, with the best flea markets and street parties happening May 1st weekend when locals sell King's Day leftovers
- Perfect cycling weather - temperatures between 9-19°C (48-66°F) mean no overheating on long rides, plus 89mm (3.5 inches) of rain keeps the countryside brilliantly green
- Terrace season begins - café terraces officially open for outdoor dining, and locals embrace any sunny moment for outdoor drinks despite cool temperatures
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain with 10 wet days - showers can last 2-3 hours and completely change outdoor plans, unlike brief summer downpours
- Keukenhof crowds peak with 25,000+ daily visitors on weekends, requiring 2+ hour waits for entry and parking nightmares
- Cool evenings below 10°C (50°F) mean layering is essential - many tourists underestimate how chilly Amsterdam canals feel after sunset
Best Activities in May
Keukenhof Gardens and Bulb Field Tours
May is the absolute peak for tulip viewing with over 7 million bulbs in full bloom. The surrounding bulb fields in Lisse and Noordwijkerhout create carpet-like displays best seen from elevated cycling routes. Cool May temperatures of 9-19°C (48-66°F) keep flowers fresh longer than warmer months. Weekend crowds exceed 25,000 visitors, so weekday visits are essential.
Amsterdam Canal Ring Architecture Tours
May's soft light and green canal-side trees create perfect photography conditions for the UNESCO World Heritage canal ring. Cool temperatures make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, while spring rain keeps crowds lighter than summer months. The Golden Age architecture looks particularly striking against May's dramatic cloud formations.
Zaanse Schans Windmill and Village Tours
The historic windmills and wooden houses at Zaanse Schans are spectacular in May when surrounded by bright green polders. Cool weather makes the 20-minute walk between working windmills pleasant, and spring rains keep the landscape vivid. Traditional cheese and clog demonstrations run continuously due to moderate crowd levels.
Dutch Countryside Cycling Routes
May offers ideal cycling conditions with cool temperatures preventing overheating on 25-40 km (15.5-25 mile) routes through Noord-Holland and Utrecht provinces. The countryside is emerald green from spring rains, and tulip fields create impressive backdrops. Local cycling paths are less crowded than summer, with perfect visibility for photography.
Jordaan District Food and Market Tours
May marks the return of outdoor food markets after winter, with Noordermarkt and Boerenmarkt offering seasonal Dutch specialties like white asparagus and early strawberries. Cool temperatures keep food fresh during 3-4 hour walking tours, and spring ingredients are at their peak in local brown cafés and restaurants.
Van Gogh Museum and Art Quarter Tours
May's variable weather makes museum hopping ideal, with the Van Gogh Museum showcasing spring-themed works that resonate with the season. Museumplein area museums are less crowded than summer months, allowing more time for detailed viewing. The surrounding Oud-Zuid architecture is beautiful during May's green season.
May Events & Festivals
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
May 5th celebrates the end of WWII with free festivals throughout the Netherlands featuring live music, food stalls, and cultural performances. The largest celebrations occur in Amsterdam's Vondelpark and Utrecht's city center, with over 100,000 attendees each. It's the one day annually when most museums offer free entry.
National Windmill Day (Nationale Molendag)
Second Saturday of May opens 950+ historic windmills nationwide for free public tours, including normally private mills. Traditional demonstrations of grain grinding, cloth fulling, and land drainage showcase authentic Dutch heritage. Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans offer special programs with costumed interpreters.
Keukenhof Flower Parade
The Bloemencorso bulb region parade runs 42 km (26 miles) from Noordwijk to Haarlem, featuring elaborate floats made entirely from tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Over one million flowers create moving artwork celebrating Dutch bulb cultivation. The parade passes through 8 towns with viewing areas and local festivities.