Last updated: January 18, 2025
Groningen, located in the northern part of the Netherlands, is characterized by a Cfb climate according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, signifying a temperate maritime climate. The region experiences a significant variation in temperature throughout the year, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) recorded in February, showcasing its cold winters. Conversely, summer brings warmer conditions, reaching an average temperature of 11°C (51°F) and peaking at 37°C (99°F) in July. This climatic variability influences not only the local ecology but also the lifestyle and agricultural practices of the inhabitants.
Groningen experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns, with cold winters giving way to mild springs and warm summers. In winter, January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dropping to -16°C (4°F) in February, while averages hover around 4°C (39°F). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise; March sees an average of 6°C (43°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F), indicating a transition towards more temperate conditions. The warmest months of June and July showcase the region's summer, where maximum temperatures reach up to 37°C (99°F) and 34°C (94°F), respectively. As autumn approaches, temperatures start to decline, with averages falling back to 7°C (45°F) in November, signaling the return to cooler weather by December, when temperatures are once again akin to those experienced at the start of the year.
Groningen and Oldehove experience similar temperature ranges throughout the year. Both locations have a minimum temperature of -12°C (10°F) in February and can reach a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in July. For more detailed monthly temperature information, you can visit the respective links: monthly temperatures in Groningen and monthly temperatures in Oldehove.
Groningen experiences a relatively steady distribution of precipitation throughout the year, with the highest amounts occurring during the summer months. July is notably the wettest month, receiving an average of 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain across approximately 13 days, closely followed by August with 90 mm (3.6 in). This summer precipitation supports the lush vegetation and agricultural practices in the region, while relatively mild rainfall patterns in the spring, such as 69 mm (2.7 in) in March and 67 mm (2.6 in) in May, contribute to the blooming landscape leading into summer.
Conversely, the winter months of January and February yield similar precipitation levels around 60 mm (2.4 in), but with fewer rainy days, revealing a pattern of colder, drier conditions. April marks a slight dip in rainfall to 45 mm (1.8 in), offering a reprieve from the wetter winter months. As the year transitions into fall, October sees an uptick with 88 mm (3.4 in), often characterized by stormy weather, while November concludes the year with 53 mm (2.1 in), providing a mix of clear and dreary days. This annual rhythm of precipitation supports the region’s climate and ecological health.
In Groningen, the duration of sunshine showcases a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing as winter gives way to spring and summer. Beginning with a modest 96 hours in January, the sunshine hours gradually climb through the months, reaching 272 hours in March and peaking at 348 hours in April. This transition heralds the arrival of longer days and more vibrant natural settings, as the sunshine encourages the growth of flora and sparks outdoor activities for residents. By May, the sunshine reaches 400 hours, marking the onset of the summer season.
The summer months continue to shine brightly, with July bringing in the highest sunshine duration at 401 hours, followed closely by August at 386 hours. However, as the year progresses into autumn, the hours of sunshine begin to decline, dropping to 239 hours in October and further to 182 hours in November. This trend illustrates the typical Northern European climate, with shorter days and increased cloud cover as winter approaches. December records the lowest sunshine duration at 128 hours, emphasizing the stark contrast with the long, sun-filled days of summer, and highlighting the cyclical nature of Groningen's climate.
In Groningen, the Ultraviolet (UV) Index exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, reflecting the varying intensity of the sun's rays throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly in January and December, the UV Index remains at a minimal level of 1, categorized as low, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As the seasons transition to spring, March sees an increase to a moderate 3, indicating a need for caution during sun exposure, followed by an even more significant rise to 5 by April. This shift is accompanied by a reduction in burn time to 30 minutes, highlighting the importance of sun protection as days grow longer and sunnier.
The summer months present the highest UV Index readings, with June reaching 8, classified as very high, and a burn time dropping to just 15 minutes. July and August maintain a high index of 7, where caution is still essential with the burn time remaining at 25 minutes. As autumn arrives, the UV Index gradually decreases, retreating to moderate levels towards September and October, and finally returning to low levels in November, with a UV Index of 2. These variations underscore the necessity for individuals in Groningen to adapt their sun protection strategies according to the season, ensuring both health and enjoyment of outdoor activities year-round.
UV Risk Categories
In Groningen, the duration of daylight exhibits a pronounced seasonal variation, closely linked to the rhythms of the changing seasons. January starts the year with a modest 8 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 9 hours in February. As spring approaches, the duration rises significantly, with March experiencing 11 hours and April reaching 14 hours. This gradual lengthening of days culminates in May and June, where residents enjoy an ample 15 to 16 hours of daylight, allowing for extended outdoor activities and a vibrant atmosphere during the warmer months.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to wane, first dropping to 14 hours in August and further decreasing to 12 hours by September. This trend continues into October, with daylight lasting 10 hours, before plunging back to 8 hours in November and only 7 hours in December. The cyclic pattern of daylight duration in Groningen highlights the region's stark contrast between the long, sunlit hours of summer and the shorter days of winter, influencing both daily routines and seasonal activities for its inhabitants.
The climate in Groningen, Netherlands, exhibits distinct seasonal variations with cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C to a maximum of 13°C, while July can reach up to 35°C. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with July being the wettest month at 95 mm, and sunshine peaks in May and July, each with over 400 hours. Overall, it experiences about 2 to 3.5 inches of rainfall monthly, influencing the lush greenery typical of the region. For more detailed information, visit Groningen climate.
Oldehove, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures range from -7°C to 13°C, while July sees highs up to 35°C. Precipitation is highest in July with 95 mm, and although sunshine varies throughout the year, May and July are the sunniest months, both exceeding 400 hours. Residents of Oldehove can expect a wet climate overall, with significant rainfall especially during summer. For more details, visit Oldehove climate.
In summary, Groningen's climate presents a fascinating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours, creating distinct seasonal experiences throughout the year. From the biting cold of winter with its limited daylight and low UV index, to the balmy extended days of summer characterized by high sun exposure and ample daylight, each season offers unique challenges and opportunities for residents and visitors alike. As climate conditions evolve, understanding these patterns remains vital for adapting lifestyles, enjoying outdoor activities, and making informed decisions about health and safety in relation to sun exposure. The dynamic environment of Groningen serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of our planet, shaping the way life flourishes in this vibrant northern Dutch city.