The Netherlands – or Holland if you prefer – is a Western European country that sits at relatively low elevation. As a result of this, it enjoys milder weather conditions than some of its neighbours in Germany and Belgium.
Snow does fall in the Netherlands, but not much. The winter season lasts between December and February, but even then travelers are unlikely to see any significant flurries of snow.
Keep reading to find out more about snow in the Netherlands.
When does it snow in the Holland?
As a Northern European country, people often expect the Netherlands to be characterized by cold weather and the occasional snowdrift. In actual fact, the country enjoys relatively mild conditions and even the coldest of months only usually see temperature lows of 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius). If it does drop below freezing, it’s unlikely to stay that way for long and so fast-thawing ice is more likely than settled snow.
With this in mind, here is a month-by-month breakdown of snowfall in the Netherlands:
Snowfall in December
As winter draws in, temperatures across the Netherlands fall to lows of 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius). During this colder weather, Holland may see monthly snowfall of up to half an inch (12.7mm), although rain is more likely.
Snow in January
With the cold season wearing on, temperatures across Holland drop to lows of 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius). The chance of snow remains fairly consistent with December, and locals rarely see more than half an inch (12.7mm) during the course of the month.
Snow in February
As temperatures pick up with highs of 48.2 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius), the chance of snowfall levels off with up to a quarter of an inch (6.35mm) falling throughout the month. Even then, this is unlikely to settle as the ground temperature is usually too high.
Where does it snow in the Netherlands?
The upshot of Holland’s climatic conditions is that it really doesn’t snow very much. That being said, when snow does fall it makes for striking scenes – particularly in Amsterdam where the icy canals are the perfect backdrop for some winter fun.
Snow in Amsterdam
As the Netherlands’ capital city, Amsterdam doesn’t see very much snow. The canal-lined city is famous for its culture and a whole host of more illicit activities, but even when the snow does fall it’s unlikely to stick around for long.
Temperatures rarely fall below 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) in Amsterdam, and so snowfall is quite exceptional. Travelers are more likely to see sleet with locals reporting snow-flecked skies for up to 20 days per year.
Snow in Rotterdam
Given its coastal position, Rotterdam is even less likely to see snow than the inland capital city. Temperatures here remain fairly mild throughout the winter season and snow is only likely between December and January.
Ski Resorts in the Netherlands
Given its low elevation, the topography of the Netherlands does not lend itself to mountainous ski resorts or even pleasant beginner slopes. That being said, the Dutch people do still enjoy winter sports – making use of the many artificial and indoor facilities dotted across the country.
SnowWorld Landgraaf
SnowWorld Landgraaf is billed as the largest indoor ski village in all of Europe. With 5 slopes, a climbing park, and a whole host of other activities, it’s a veritable winter paradise despite its setting in one of Europe’s mildest countries.
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