Did you know the Netherlands experiences over 200 rainy days a year? So dressing right is not just about looking good—it’s survival in style! If you are visiting the Netherlands for the first time, I’m sure you must have wondering What to wear in the Netherlands.
I was also very curious about my clothing because the Netherlands is filled with vibrant cities, beautiful canals, and rich cultural heritage. So your style must match the aura of those places.
The surprising fact is the Netherlands’ weather is very unpredictable. It takes a click to become sunny to rainy or sunny to snowy. That’s why you have to be ready with balanced clothing. And more importantly, your clothing should be comfortable so that your journey turns out easy for you.
My visit to the Netherlands was worth it because I was dressed according to the Dutch climate and its various activities. Then I felt that your dressing has a lot to do with coping with a certain environment. If you also want your visit to the Netherlands to be worth it like me, understand what to wear in the Netherlands. This article will guide you.
What Do Dutch People Wear?
Dutch is always popular because of its clothing. I find them very casual and stylish. Besides, Dutch fashion has a very practical approach. They focus on functionality, sustainability, and durability in their clothes.
The best part about Dutch culture is its eco-consciousness. You will see many locals here opt for sustainable fabrics, and their clothing items are always versatile.
So what are the popular items in the Dutch wardrobe? Well, they include rainproof jackets, sturdy shoes, and layers. The items are quite iconic because, in the Netherlands, weather changes on a dime. However, no matter what the weather is, the Dutch prefer comfort over style.
Hear out my funny story, and then you will understand how volatile Dutch’s weather is. One time, I was visiting Amsterdam. Like many other tourists, I also forgot to check the weather in Amsterdam. I was wandering there happily in the nice weather. After an hour, I saw the locals were dressed in raincoats and looked completely unfazed. Then I learned that the Dutch are always prepared.
In such a volatile weather condition in the Netherlands, it was difficult for me to maintain style. So I needed some fashion inspiration. After a lot of research, I found some Dutch influencers who share their stylish yet practical outfits on social media. You can also go through their accounts.
Negin Mirsalehi (@negin_mirsalehi) – Known for her chic and sophisticated style. Her dressing sense combines Dutch practicality with global trends.
Esmee Trouw (@esmee.trouw) – A fashion influencer focusing on minimalistic yet trendy outfits. These suit perfectly with the Dutch climate.
Dressing for Activities
The outdoor activities of the Netherlands have thrilled me. So I think you need to dress yourself based on the activities to make yourself the show’s topper.
The activities could be anything. Like cycling, exploring picturesque canals, or enjoying a meal at a cosy restaurant. What you wear depends largely on the activity:
Cycling: While cycling, it’s essential to wear comfortable and breathable clothing. Also, keep a waterproof jacket and a pair of sturdy shoes since rain can occur anytime.
Exploring canals: The Netherlands’ canals are filled with cobbled streets. For that, I prefer walking shoes or waterproof boots. These will keep your feet dry. If needed, layer your shoes so that you can stay out for long periods.
Dining out: Most restaurants in the Netherlands are casual. But there are some upscale eateries too, where you must follow a smart-casual dress code. Like, you can pair your jeans with a nice shirt or sweater and also add a pair of comfortable shoes.
If you’re in Amsterdam, consider heading to one of the Best Bars in Amsterdam after your meal for a cozy end to your night.
In general, casual attire goes well nearly everywhere in the Netherlands. You can use it for fine dining or formal events.
On the other hand,if you are into adventurous indoor activities check out Top 10 Best Escape Rooms in the Netherlands for unforgatable experience.
Which activity are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
The Netherlands Weather: Expect the Unexpected
In the Netherlands, the Dutch weather is very unpredictable. One minute the sky is clear, and the next, you’re caught in a torrential downpour.
I once left my hotel in Amsterdam on a sunny morning, and, just an hour later, I found myself drenched in rain without a single cloud in sight! From that incident, I learned that you should always check the weather app before leaving the house in the Netherlands. Buienradar would be a good one.
Well, I can give you some seasonal guides on what to wear in the Netherlands:
Winter (December to February)
Generally, the winter season in the Netherlands lasts from December to February. But the month of December here can be cold, with temperatures that are freezing.
Also, you can see strong wind chills and the occasional snowfall throughout the winter. Don’t worry, you can survive the cold by layering your clothes.
Outfit ideas:
-
- Use thermal layers to keep yourself warm.
-
- Get a good-quality warm coat or a wool jacket that will keep you toasty.
-
- Wear gloves, scarves, and hats to protect yourself against the chill.
-
- Wear waterproof boots, as there can be snow and slush that make streets slippery.
Spring (March to May)
April weather in the Netherlands is mild but still unpredictable. Like, you will see frequent rain showers and chilly evenings. So it’s wise to dress in layers during spring too.
Outfit ideas:
-
- Go with lightweight layers for daytime, like a long-sleeve shirt or sweater.
-
- Use a light cardigan for cool evenings.
-
- Carry a rain jacket or an umbrella to stay dry.
-
- Use waterproof footwear during those spring downpours. This will keep your feet dry.
Summer (June to August)
I find the summer in the Netherlands to be quite pleasant. Because at that time, the temperature is average, i.e., between 20 to 25°C (68-77°F). But most of the time, the evenings are cool, even during the summer.
Outfit ideas:
-
- Hop on breathable fabrics like cotton. They are ideal for hot days.
-
- Try cotton tops and dresses that are stylish and comfortable.
-
- Carry a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
-
- Make sure your walking shoes are comfortable so that you can explore the cities smoothly.
Autumn (September to November)
The autumn season in the Netherlands is usually seen during the months of September to November. At that time the temperature drops steadily and also brings windy and rainy conditions.
Outfit ideas:
-
- Wear chunky sweaters for warmth.
-
- Use carves when the wind is there.
-
- Wear boots that are durable to keep your feet warm and dry.
The Netherlands’ weather is known for its unpredictability. This quick reference chart will help you prepare for the average conditions by month.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (mm) | Average Rainfall (in) | Key Weather Features |
| January | 2°C | 36°F | 66 mm | 2.6 in | Cold, windy, occasional frost or snow |
| February | 3°C | 37°F | 49 mm | 1.9 in | Chilly, some sunny days, risk of frost |
| March | 6°C | 43°F | 68 mm | 2.7 in | Cool, windy, early signs of spring |
| April | 9°C | 48°F | 42 mm | 1.7 in | Mild, frequent showers, chilly evenings |
| May | 13°C | 55°F | 51 mm | 2.0 in | Warmer, blooming flowers, occasional rain |
| June | 16°C | 61°F | 68 mm | 2.7 in | Pleasant, sunny days, cool evenings |
| July | 18°C | 64°F | 78 mm | 3.1 in | Warmest month, frequent rain showers |
| August | 18°C | 64°F | 72 mm | 2.8 in | Warm, humid, occasional thunderstorms |
| September | 15°C | 59°F | 81 mm | 3.2 in | Cooler, windy, start of autumn rains |
| October | 11°C | 52°F | 85 mm | 3.3 in | Windy, rainy, colorful fall foliage |
| November | 7°C | 45°F | 78 mm | 3.1 in | Chilly, overcast, frequent rain |
| December | 4°C | 39°F | 73 mm | 2.9 in | Cold, short days, some snow or frost |
My Packing Tips for First-Time Dutch Tourists
Since you are visiting the Netherlands for the first time, you have to think ahead while packing. Because the weather in the Netherlands can change quickly.
So you have to be always ready with some essentials. Here are some of those essentials that can help you in your journey.
Compact umbrella—Always keep an umbrella with you, especially in spring and autumn. It will protect you against rain.
Versatile layers of cloth—By wearing your clothes in layers, you can help you to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Waterproof shoes— Whether it’s stylish boots or sneakers, make sure they are waterproof. Thus, you can keep your feet dry.
Other accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, or sunglasses are also important. With these, you can cope with the seasonal changes in the Netherlands.
It would be best if you used real-time weather updates. I also did that when I visited the Netherlands. I found the Buienradar app to be the most fruitful. Here, you will get accurate forecasts for rainfall and temperature in the Netherlands.
Bonus Tips: Best Places to Shop for Stylish and Budget-Friendly Clothing in the Netherlands
There are plenty of options when it comes to clothing in the Netherlands. I know you want practical yet fashionable clothing like me. That’s why I am going to suggest some shops to get those.
H&M, Zara, Mango, and Primark—these are the international retailers that offer trendy clothing in the Netherlands. Their clothing is affordable and available for all seasons.
HEMA—HEMA is a Dutch favourite clothing retailer where you will get all budget-friendly items. And their clothing is quite comfortable and fashionable.
Kings of Indigo – It’s a sustainable brand found in the Netherlands. And here, you will get all eco-friendly and stylish options.
Some of you may not want to invest in branded clothing every time. Sometimes, second-hand pieces also do a great job. There’s nothing to hesitate about; I have also tried out the second-hand clothes of the markets in the Netherlands.
From my experience, I found Amsterdam’s Waterlooplein Market very good. There, you will find all the unique and vintage pieces that go amazingly with the Dutch style.
There are also many deals on weather-appropriate clothing. For that, you must check out Marktplaats.nl. It’s a popular Dutch online marketplace for second-hand goods.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is a beautiful and diverse country. If you can dress for its unpredictable weather, you can have a good time there.
Be it wearing functional rain jackets or stylish boots, everything should be comfortable. To maintain the Dutch style, visit the retail shops that I suggested above. You will get incredible options out there.
So are you excited to visit the Netherlands with classy clothing? Share your thoughts on what you are going to wear to navigate the Dutch weather in style!
