WHEN TO TRAVEL TO THE NETHERLANDS

Location

Climate

The Netherlands is a destination of choice for lovers of art, nature and culture. In order to make the most of your trip, it's essential to know what's on offer. high and low season as well as major cultural events and public holidays.

The climate in the Netherlands: when to go?

The Dutch climate is oceanic, with mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, although the summer months are generally wetter. Here's an overview of climatic conditions by season:

• Spring (March to May): temperatures are gradually easing and the days are getting longer. This is the ideal time to admire the famous tulip fields in bloom.
• Summer (June to August) : Temperatures vary between 18 and 24°C on average. The weather is generally sunny, but a few showers can occur.
• Autumn (September to November): temperatures drop and the weather becomes more humid. Nevertheless, the autumn colors make for beautiful scenery.
• Winter (December to February): temperatures hover around 0°C, with occasional bouts of snow. This is the ideal season to visit museums and Christmas markets.

In short, if you want to enjoy a pleasant climate and avoid the tourist crowds, choose spring or autumn for your stay in the Netherlands.

Major cultural events in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is rich in cultural events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the highlights:

King's Day (April 27)

The festival celebrates King Willem-Alexander's birthday. All over the country, festivities are organized: concerts, street shows, fireworks... In Amsterdam, the canals are transformed into a veritable sea of orange, the color symbolizing the Dutch royal family.

Keukenhof" flower show (late March to mid-May)

The Keukenhof floral park near Lisse is one of the largest in the world. Every year, around seven million tulips are planted, creating a dazzling spectacle of color and fragrance.

Amsterdam Festival (late August to mid-September)

This multidisciplinary festival offers a rich program of theater, dance, music and visual arts. Performances are presented in various emblematic venues in the Dutch capital, such as the Stadsschouwburg and the Concertgebouw.

Gouda cheese market (April to August)

Every Thursday morning, Gouda's central square hosts a traditional market where local producers come to sell their cheese. It's a great opportunity to taste the famous Gouda cheeses and watch folkloric entertainment.

Public holidays in the Netherlands

Public holidays can have an impact on the opening of shops and tourist sites. Here are the main dates to bear in mind:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
• King's Day (April 27)
• Liberation Day (May 5)
• Ascension (date varies)
• Whit Monday (date varies)
• Christmas (December 25 and 26)

High and low tourist season in the Netherlands

There high season The tourist season in the Netherlands runs from May to September, with a peak in July and August. Accommodation rates are higher and tourist sites can be crowded. However, some less-frequented regions such as Friesland and Limburg offer an interesting alternative to avoid the crowds. Visit low season (October to April) is marked by cooler temperatures and wetter weather. Accommodation rates are generally more attractive and tourist sites less crowded. However, events such as Christmas markets and the Maastricht Carnival can attract many local visitors.

Key immigration figures for the Netherlands

The total number of foreigners settling in the Netherlands has increased over the years. According to data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS)In 2020, there will be around 4 million foreigners living in the Netherlands, representing almost 23 % of the total population. They include :

• Migrant workers
• International students
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• People who have joined their families through family reunification

Immigrants by origin

The main immigrant groups in the Netherlands come from different continents. Here is a breakdown of immigrants by country of origin:

• Europe: approx. 50 %
• Asia: approx. 25 %
• Africa: about 15 %
• America: approx. 10 %

It is interesting to note that immigrants from other European countries account for half of all immigrants to the Netherlands, with the majority coming from the Netherlands.Germanyof Poland and United Kingdom.

Most popular visas in the Netherlands

The immigration process in the Netherlands can vary depending on the type of visa requested. Here are the most frequently requested visas:

Work visa

Highly-skilled workers and young professionals are particularly attracted by the opportunities offered by Dutch companies. The most commonly requested work visa is the residence permit for highly qualified workerswhich is granted to people who have an employment contract with a Dutch company recognized as a sponsor.

Student visa

Every year, the Netherlands welcomes tens of thousands of international students, attracted by the quality of its higher education and the diversity of the programs on offer. To study in the Netherlands, foreign students must obtain a student visaalso known as a residence permit for studies.

Family reunion visa

Family reunification is another frequent reason for immigration to the Netherlands. People with partners or children living in the Netherlands can apply for a family reunion visawhich will enable them to live and work legally in the country.

Entrepreneur Visa

The Netherlands also encourages the arrival of foreign entrepreneurs, by offering a business visa. This visa is intended for people wishing to set up or expand a business in the Netherlands and who have an economically viable project.

International tourism figures for the Netherlands

Tourism is an important part of the Dutch economy. In 2019, the Netherlands welcomed almost 20 million international tourists. Visitors are mainly attracted by :

• Amsterdam and its iconic sites such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank's house and the canal district
• Tulip-growing region, including Keukenhof, the world's largest floral park
• Historic cities such as Delft, Rotterdam and The Hague