Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Friesland, Netherlands, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger category Cfb, indicating a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -15°C (5°F) in February, while the warmest month, July, can reach peaks of 37°C (98°F). On average, Friesland enjoys a moderate annual temperature of 11°C (52°F), making it a region marked by its distinct seasonal changes and a stable maritime influence.
Friesland, Netherlands, exhibits a distinct temperature pattern throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. In the winter months of January and February, temperatures can drop significantly, reaching minimums as low as -15°C (5°F) and averaging around 4°C (40°F). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with March witnessing a notable increase, resulting in maximums reaching 21°C (70°F) by the end of the month. April and May further showcase this warming trend, with averages climbing to 12°C (55°F) and maximums soaring to 31°C (87°F). The summer months of June and July reach their zenith, with July temperatures peaking at a remarkable 37°C (98°F). As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to cool once more, with September still enjoying warm averages of 15°C (59°F) before descending into the cooler averages of October and November. Throughout the year, Friesland displays a significant temperature range that reflects the region's maritime climate, marked by vibrant seasonal shifts.
In Dokkum, temperatures range from a chilly -10°C (15°F) in February to a warm 35°C (96°F) in July, making for a diverse climate throughout the year. Schiermonnikoog experiences slightly milder extremes, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) in March and a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in June. Similarly, Leeuwarden records a minimum of -9°C (17°F) in March and a peak temperature of 33°C (92°F) in July. For more details, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Dokkum, Schiermonnikoog, and Leeuwarden through the provided links: monthly temperatures in Dokkum, monthly temperatures in Schiermonnikoog, and monthly temperatures in Leeuwarden.
Precipitation patterns in Friesland, Netherlands, reveal a relatively consistent distribution throughout the year, characterized by higher rainfall during the summer months and an overall average of approximately 72 mm (2.8 in) per month. January and February mark the wetter months of winter, with precipitation levels reaching 60 mm (2.4 in) and 64 mm (2.5 in) respectively. As spring approaches, a gradual increase in rainfall is observed in March, peaking at 69 mm (2.7 in). April experiences a notable dip to 41 mm (1.6 in) before the trend reverses in May, regaining 63 mm (2.5 in) as warmer temperatures set in.
The summer months of June, July, and August witness the highest precipitation levels, with July and August recorded at 93 mm (3.6 in) and 103 mm (4.0 in) respectively. This period also sees an increase in rainy days, particularly in August with 16 days of precipitation. As autumn unfolds, rainfall remains significant, particularly in October with 94 mm (3.7 in) before tapering off into November and December, which return to 55 mm (2.1 in) and 85 mm (3.3 in) respectively. Overall, Friesland experiences a dynamic precipitation regime, crucial for its lush landscapes and agricultural productivity.
In Friesland, Netherlands, sunshine duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal trend, with a steady increase in sunlight as the year progresses from winter to summer. January begins with a modest 105 hours of sunshine, gradually rising through February’s 201 hours and reaching a significant 287 hours in March. By April, as spring takes hold, the hours of sunshine rise further to 357 hours, heralding longer and brighter days. The month of May marks a pivotal shift, where residents enjoy 411 hours of sunlight, setting the stage for the peak summer months.
The sunniest period occurs in July, with an impressive 416 hours of sunshine, closely followed by August at 396 hours. This peak in summer is vital for the region's agriculture and outdoor recreation, contributing to the vibrant landscape Friesland is known for. However, as autumn approaches, a noticeable decline in sunshine hours is observed, plummeting to 326 hours in September and dropping further to 244 hours in October. The year wraps up with reduced sunlight in November at 191 hours, and then 137 hours in December, making winter months the least favorable for sunshine. This seasonal pattern underscores the cycling nature of light in Friesland, influencing both the local climate and lifestyle throughout the year.
In Friesland, Netherlands, the UV Index displays distinct seasonal fluctuations that highlight the varying intensity of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains low at 1 and 2, respectively, allowing for prolonged exposure times of 45 minutes without significant risk of sunburn. As spring approaches, the UV Index begins to climb, reaching 4 and 5 in March and April, which indicates a moderate threat level and requires more caution, with reduced burn times of 30 minutes.
The summer months see a peak in UV radiation, with the Index hitting a notable 8 in both June and July, classified as very high exposure and necessitating protective measures for skin, as the burn time drops to just 15 minutes. August maintains a high UV Index of 7, while late summer and autumn bring a gradual decline back to 5 and 3 in September and October, respectively. By late autumn and winter, the levels return to their safer ranges of 1 and 2, accompanied by longer burn times again, emphasizing the importance of monitoring UV levels and adjusting sun protection strategies throughout the year in Friesland.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Friesland, Netherlands, reflects a significant seasonal rhythm, showcasing longer days as the year progresses from winter to summer. In January, daylight lasts for about 8 hours, gradually increasing to 9 hours in February. As spring unfolds, daylight hours grow substantially, reaching 11 hours in March and expanding to 14 hours in April. By May, residents bask in 15 hours of daylight, with June bringing the peak of summer at 16 hours—a boost that fosters outdoor activities and agricultural productivity. This extended daylight sets a vibrant tone for life in Friesland during the warm months.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight hours begin to taper off, with July maintaining a steady 16 hours before gradually declining to 14 hours in August. September sees a further decrease to 12 hours, followed by a sharper reduction in October with 10 hours. The shorter days return in November with 8 hours, and the winter solstice in December brings the least daylight of the year at 7 hours. This ebb and flow of daylight hours not only underscores the cyclical nature of seasons in Friesland, but also significantly influences the region's lifestyle, recreational opportunities, and daily rhythms throughout the year.
Dokkum, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. January sees temperatures ranging from -7°C to 13°C, while July can reach up to 35°C. Precipitation is relatively distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being July and August, averaging around 90-91 mm. Sunshine peaks in the summer months, providing over 400 hours of sunlight in July and May. For more detailed information, visit Dokkum climate.
The climate in Franeker, Netherlands, features a temperate maritime pattern with distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can drop to a minimum of -7°C (19°F) in March, while summer highs reach up to 29°C (85°F) in June, July, and August. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the highest rainfall occurring in August (122 mm or 4.8 in) and a notable drop in April (35 mm or 1.4 in). Sunshine is abundant during the warmer months, peaking at 420 hours in July, while winter months receive significantly less sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Franeker climate.
Heerenveen, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate with noticeable seasonal variations. Winters can be harsh, with January temperatures averaging around 4°C (39°F), and lows dipping to -8°C (18°F). Summers are relatively warm, peaking in July with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and occasional highs reaching 36°C (97°F). The area receives substantial rainfall throughout the year, particularly in the summer months, with July averaging 94 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation. For more detailed information, visit Heerenveen climate.
Hindeloopen, Netherlands, experiences a temperate maritime climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months, particularly January and February, see average temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and 74 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation. Summers from June to August can warm up significantly, with average highs reaching 30°C (85°F) and abundant rainfall, peaking at 126 mm (4.9 in) in August. Sunshine hours vary greatly, with July enjoying the most sun at 420 hours, while January has the least at 108 hours. For more detailed information, visit Hindeloopen climate.
Leeuwarden, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and chilly winters. January and February see average temperatures around 4°C (40°F), with lows dropping to -9°C (17°F) and highs reaching up to 15°C (59°F). Summers, particularly in July, can be warm, with averages of 18°C (64°F) and highs soaring to 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in August with about 100 mm (3.9 in). For more detailed climate information, visit Leeuwarden climate.
Oost-Vlieland, Netherlands experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months like January and February feature colder temperatures, averaging around 5-6°C (41-43°F) and notable precipitation of approximately 68 mm (2.7 in). In contrast, summers from June to August are warmer, with average temperatures reaching 17-18°C (64-65°F) and maximums soaring to 26°C (78°F), although August sees the highest rainfall at 118 mm (4.6 in). The region enjoys plenty of sunshine, particularly in May and July, accumulating over 400 hours each month. For more detailed information, visit Oost-Vlieland climate.
The climate in Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands, is characterized by cool winters and mild summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -4°C to 11°C with substantial rainfall of about 75 mm, while July enjoys milder averages between 13°C and 27°C and the highest precipitation at 94 mm. Sunshine hours peak in July at 421 hours but decline sharply towards the end of the year, with only 102 hours in January. Overall, the island experiences a varied climate with a fair distribution of rainfall throughout the year. For more details, visit Schiermonnikoog climate.
The climate in West-Terschelling, Netherlands, showcases a temperate maritime environment, with average temperatures ranging from -1°C (30°F) in January to 28°C (82°F) in July. The summer months generally experience warmer temperatures and higher average rainfall, particularly in August with 126 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation. Sunshine hours peak in July at 422 hours, while winter months see less sunshine and cooler temperatures, averaging around 6°C (44°F) in December. This diverse climate supports a rich ecosystem and makes West-Terschelling an appealing destination year-round. For more information, visit West-Terschelling climate.
Workum, Netherlands experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C to a maximum of 10°C, while summers are mild to warm, peaking in July at temperatures of 13°C to 30°C. Precipitation is relatively high, particularly in the summer months, with August receiving the most rainfall at 126 mm. Sunshine hours fluctuate throughout the year, reaching a peak of 420 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Workum climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Friesland, Netherlands, presents a captivating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. From the chilly, sun-limited winter months to the warm, vibrant summer characterized by peak sunlight and higher UV exposure, Friesland's environment profoundly influences both its natural landscapes and the lifestyle of its residents. The distinct seasonal patterns—evident in temperature variations, fluctuating precipitation, and changing daylight hours—underscore the dynamic characteristics of this region. Understanding these climatic elements not only enriches our appreciation of Friesland's unique weather but also emphasizes the importance of adapting our activities and health precautions in harmony with its seasonal transitions.