Haarlem

Stay up to date with the weather in Haarlem so that every plan of yours comes to life! In this section, we've gathered current data, detailed forecasts, and convenient charts.

The climate in Haarlem, typical of the Netherlands, can be described as temperate maritime. This means there are no extreme temperatures—neither intense summer heat nor harsh winter frosts. The weather is quite changeable, so you should always be ready for surprises, but overall it is comfortable for travel at any time of year.

Haarlem has four distinct seasons. Summer, from June to August, is usually warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 16-19°C, ideal for walking and exploring the city. Winters, from December to February, are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping significantly below freezing, averaging around 5-6°C. Spring and autumn are picturesque transition periods: in spring, nature blooms, and in autumn, the city is painted in golden tones, although the weather during these seasons can be more unpredictable.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Haarlem is high humidity and frequent precipitation throughout the year. Although the monthly amount of precipitation is not very large (averaging 2-4 mm), rainy days occur regularly—from 11 days in the driest months (April, May) to 19 days in December. Rain is especially frequent in autumn and winter. Therefore, when heading to Haarlem, don't forget to pack an umbrella or a raincoat to be ready for any weather and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Haarlem experiences a moderate temperature regime throughout the year, without sharp fluctuations. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature stays around 5.5°C, with daily average lows dropping to 4.1°C and highs reaching 6.9°C. The warmest month is August: the average temperature rises to 18.7°C, with daily highs averaging 20.9°C and nightly lows around 16.5°C. The annual temperature cycle is quite smooth, which is typical of the Netherlands' maritime climate.

Summer months in Haarlem—from June to August—bring pleasant warmth but not exhausting heat. In June, the average temperature is 16.5°C, with daytime peaks averaging 18.9°C and nightly values around 14.0°C. July brings further warming with an average temperature of 17.8°C (average high 20.0°C, average low 15.6°C). As mentioned, August is the peak of summer, offering the highest temperatures of the year. Overall, the summer period is characterized by comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities, without extreme temperature readings.

Winter in Haarlem, spanning December, January, and February, is characterized by its mildness. Average monthly temperatures range from 5.5°C in January to 6.4°C in December. Night frosts are atypical, as average minimum temperatures stay above freezing: 4.1°C in January and February, and 5.0°C in December. Daily highs in winter are usually in the range of 6.9°C - 7.8°C. Temperature fluctuations between day and night throughout the year in Haarlem are small; the difference between the monthly average high and low usually ranges from 2.8°C to 4.9°C, emphasizing the sea's moderating influence.

Precipitation in Haarlem is a frequent guest throughout the year, but there is no distinct season for heavy downpours or, conversely, prolonged drought. The total monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 2 mm to 4 mm, which indicates the predominantly moderate nature of the rain—most likely frequent drizzle or light precipitation rather than downpours.

The highest frequency of rainy days is observed in the autumn-winter period. December is the leader in the number of days with precipitation—an average of 19 days. Close behind are October (18 days), November (17 days), and January (16 days). In terms of volume, September, October, and December are the wettest, each with 4 mm of precipitation. Given the moderate winter temperatures, winter precipitation falls mainly in the form of rain.

The period with the fewest rainy days can be considered mid-spring: in April and May, an average of 11 days with precipitation is recorded. These same months, along with March, June, and July, are also characterized by minimum precipitation volume—only 2 mm. Nevertheless, even during these relatively drier periods, the probability of rain remains significant, so being prepared for changeable weather will be useful at any time of year when visiting Haarlem.

When planning a trip to Haarlem, it's important to consider its temperate maritime climate with frequent, though not heavy, precipitation throughout the year. The key to a comfortable trip is layering your clothes. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring comfortable waterproof shoes for long walks around the city and an umbrella or a light raincoat, as even in the driest months (April-May) there are about 11 rainy days, and in December their number reaches 19. Windy weather is also typical for the Netherlands, so a windproof jacket will be very handy.

For a trip to Haarlem in winter (December-February), when average temperatures hover around 5-6°C, pack a warm jacket or coat, sweaters, a hat, scarf, and gloves. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is changeable: temperatures range from cool to moderately warm (6°C to 16°C). In these seasons, you will need a mid-season jacket, jumpers, and cardigans that are easy to take off and put on. Summer (June-August) in Haarlem is usually pleasantly warm, with average temperatures of 16-19°C. Pack lightweight clothing (T-shirts, dresses, shorts), but don't forget a light jacket or sweater for evening walks or cooler days. Sunscreen and sunglasses will also be useful in the summer months.

Regardless of the time of year, clothes made from natural, breathable fabrics will be the most comfortable. Remember that even if the monthly precipitation is low (2-4 mm), drizzling rain can catch you off guard. Therefore, a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella should be your constant companions in Haarlem, allowing you to enjoy the city's beauty regardless of the whims of the weather.