Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of South Holland, Netherlands, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfb, indicative of a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. The region experiences a wide range of temperatures, with a remarkable minimum of -11°C (13°F) in February, illustrating the potential for cold spells during the winter months. In contrast, July can see maximum temperatures soaring up to 39°C (102°F), underscoring the influence of warm weather patterns. With an average annual temperature of 11°C (53°F), South Holland's climate is marked by a distinct seasonality that shapes its ecological and agricultural practices.
In South Holland, Netherlands, the temperature exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with winter months characterized by chilly conditions and frost, as seen in January and February, where minimum temperatures can plunge to -11°C (13°F). As spring approaches, a gradual warming trend emerges, with temperatures rising from an average of 5°C (41°F) in February to 10°C (49°F) by April, complemented by the potential for maximums reaching 28°C (82°F). The warmth continues to intensify in the summer, with July peaking at 39°C (102°F), marking the hottest period of the year. As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to cool, averaging around 13°C (55°F) in October, before returning to winter conditions in November and December, where the cycle completes with occasional frosts returning. This progression highlights the region's transition from harsh winters to warm summers, strongly influencing both the local ecosystem and inhabitants' lifestyles.
In Kinderdijk, temperatures range from a minimum of -10°C (14°F) in February to a maximum of 38°C (101°F) in July, while nearby Rotterdam experiences slightly milder extremes with a minimum of -9°C (15°F) in February and the same July maximum of 38°C (101°F). Scheveningen boasts a minimum temperature of -8°C (18°F) in February, reaching a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in July. For more details, visit the monthly temperatures in Kinderdijk, Rotterdam, and Scheveningen.
Precipitation in South Holland exhibits a dynamic pattern throughout the year, with winter months featuring relatively lower rainfall but consistent frequency of rainy days. January and February see average precipitation levels of 60 mm (2.4 in) and 67 mm (2.6 in), respectively, alongside about 12 rainy days each month. As spring unfolds, March experiences a slight increase to 70 mm (2.7 in), with rainfall over 14 days, while April shows a decline to 43 mm (1.7 in), reflecting a transitional phase with fewer rainy days at 9.
The summer months bring an uptick in precipitation, with June and July averaging around 72 mm (2.8 in) and 71 mm (2.8 in), respectively, which contributes to the lush greenery of the season. However, August marks the peak of rainfall, reaching 87 mm (3.4 in) across 14 days. Autumn continues this trend, with October experiencing the highest monthly precipitation at 98 mm (3.9 in) over 15 days, followed by November and December, which see 59 mm (2.3 in) and 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, respectively. This seasonal variation in precipitation directly supports the region's rich biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
In South Holland, Netherlands, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal progression, reflecting the shift from winter darkness to summer brightness. January starts the year with only 118 hours of sunshine, a stark contrast to February, which sees a significant increase to 201 hours as daylight begins to lengthen. As spring approaches, the hours continue to rise steadily, reaching 361 hours in April and peaking at 410 hours in May. This upward trend highlights the region's gradual transition toward longer days filled with increasing sunlight, providing a boost to both agricultural activities and outdoor leisure.
The peak of sunshine duration occurs during the summer months, particularly in July, when South Holland enjoys an impressive 423 hours of radiant sunlight. August follows closely with 396 hours, signaling the continued warmth and longer days typical of summer. However, a decrease in sunshine hours is notable in autumn, with September dropping to 328 hours and further declining to 243 hours in October, reflecting the onset of shorter days. By November and December, sunshine hours dwindle to 194 and 141 hours, respectively, signaling a return to winter's gloom. This seasonal variation in sunshine not only influences daily life but also enhances the region's dynamic climate, impacting flora, fauna, and human activities throughout the year.
The UV Index in South Holland reveals a significant seasonal variation, reflecting the changing intensity of sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, specifically January and February, the UV Index remains low at 1 and 2, respectively, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, March and April see an increase in UV levels to 4 and 5, categorized as moderate, which reduces the safe sun exposure time to 30 minutes. This progression indicates a gradual intensification of sunlight and emphasizes the need for greater sun protection as the weather warms.
The summer months present the highest UV levels, peaking at 8 in June and July, categorized as very high, with a considerably reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. This marks a critical period for sun exposure awareness, as the risk of skin damage significantly increases. Even in August, the UV Index remains elevated at 7, while it gradually declines to 5 in September and 3 in October. By late autumn, the UV Index returns to low levels of 2 in November and 1 in December, marking a return to safer sun conditions. Understanding these patterns is crucial for residents and visitors alike to ensure appropriate sun protection measures are taken during the peak months.
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Daylight duration in South Holland demonstrates a distinct seasonal pattern, beginning with shorter days in winter. January offers only 8 hours of daylight, which slightly increases to 9 hours in February as the region transitions towards spring. The real change comes in March, when daylight extends to 11 hours, marking the onset of longer days. As spring progresses into summer, April experiences 13 hours of daylight, boosting to 15 hours in May and peaking at 16 hours in June and July. This protracted daylight enhances outdoor activities and contributes positively to the regional lifestyle during the warmer months.
As summer wanes, daylight hours begin to diminish, reflecting the onset of autumn. In August, daylight decreases to 14 hours, followed by 12 hours in September, and further to 10 hours in October. November brings a sharp decline back to 8 hours, and by December, the year concludes with just 7 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern of daylight availability throughout the year not only shapes daily life and cultural practices in South Holland but also influences the natural environment, affecting plant growth and wildlife behavior during the changing seasons.
Brielle, Netherlands, experiences a temperate maritime climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -5°C to 13°C, while July can reach up to 37°C, making summers warm and occasionally hot. Precipitation is relatively spread throughout the year, peaking in October with 102 mm, and sunshine hours are highest in June and July, averaging around 425 hours. This climate fosters a rich ecosystem, making Brielle a charming destination for travelers. For more details, visit the Brielle climate page.
Delft, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from a frigid 5°C (41°F) in January to a warm 18°C (65°F) by July, with maximum temperatures soaring up to 37°C (98°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in October at 102 mm (4.0 in) while summer months tend to receive slightly less. Sunshine hours vary greatly, with July boasting the most at 425 hours, contributing to the pleasant summer atmosphere. For more detailed information, visit Delft climate.
Dordrecht, Netherlands experiences a diverse climate with noticeable seasonal variations. Winters are chilly, with January temperatures averaging around 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F), while summers can get quite warm, reaching up to 38°C (101°F) in July. Rainfall is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in August and October, both averaging around 88 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation. Sunshine hours are greatest in the summer months, with July receiving approximately 415 hours of sunlight. For more information, visit Dordrecht climate.
Gorinchem, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -11°C (13°F), while summers can peak around 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with July and August seeing the highest averages at 75 mm (2.9 in) and 78 mm (3.1 in) respectively. Sunshine hours are most abundant in the summer, peaking at 415 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Gorinchem climate.
Gouda, Netherlands experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. January sees average temperatures around 4°C (40°F) and significant precipitation of 57 mm (2.2 in), while July boasts maximum temperatures reaching up to 38°C (101°F) and 72 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall. The city enjoys the most sunshine during the summer months, especially in July, with 417 hours of sun, compared to only 116 hours in January. Overall, Gouda's climate is characterized by mild winters and relatively warm summers, making it a pleasant place year-round. For more details, visit Gouda climate.
The climate in Hoek van Holland features cold winters and mild summers, with January temperatures ranging from -5°C to 13°C (23°F to 56°F) and July reaching highs of 37°C (98°F). Precipitation is relatively high, peaking in October with 102 mm (4.0 in), while summer months enjoy the most sunshine, particularly July with 425 hours. The transition from winter to spring sees a gradual increase in temperature and daylight, enhancing the overall appeal of the region. For more detailed climate information, visit Hoek van Holland climate.
Katwijk aan Zee experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and moderately warm summers. January temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C, while July sees highs reaching up to 33°C. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, peaking in October with 120 mm, and the months of June and July enjoy the most sunshine, averaging over 400 hours. This coastal town is an attractive destination for those seeking varied seasonal weather. For more detailed information, visit Katwijk aan Zee climate.
Kinderdijk, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures fluctuate from -8°C to 14°C, while July can see highs of up to 38°C. Precipitation is fairly distributed throughout the year, with August and October being the wettest months, receiving 84 mm and 88 mm respectively. Sunshine hours peak in July at 417 hours, contributing to the area's vibrant summer days. For more information, visit Kinderdijk climate.
Kop van Zuid, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. January temperatures range from -8°C to 14°C, while July can peak at 38°C, showcasing significant seasonal variation. Precipitation is relatively high, particularly in late summer and autumn, with August receiving the most rainfall at 84 mm. Sunshine hours are abundant during the summer months, reaching a peak of 425 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Kop van Zuid climate.
Leiden, Netherlands, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while July can reach maximums of 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with October being the wettest month at 120 mm (4.7 in). Sunshine is abundant in the summer, peaking at 431 hours in July, but decreases significantly in winter months. For more detailed information, visit Leiden climate.
The climate in Noordeinde, Netherlands, features a wide temperature range throughout the year, with January averages around 5°C (41°F) and July peaks reaching up to 38°C (101°F). Precipitation varies, with the wettest months being August and October, receiving 84 mm (3.3 in) and 92 mm (3.6 in) respectively. Sunshine hours are most abundant in the summer, notably with July enjoying 425 hours of sunlight. For a detailed overview of the climate characteristics, visit Noordeinde climate.
The climate in Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands, features mild winters and warm summers, with January temperatures ranging from -4°C to 13°C and July temperatures peaking at about 33°C. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with significant rainfall in October (120 mm) and August (95 mm). The area experiences the most sunshine from May to July, with July receiving approximately 431 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information on seasonal variations and climate specifics, visit Noordwijkerhout climate.
Ouddorp, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate with distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, with January temperatures ranging from -6°C to 14°C, while summers are warm, reaching highs of 38°C in July. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with October being the wettest month at 94 mm. Sunshine hours peak in the summer, providing ample daylight, with July recording 427 hours. For more details, visit Ouddorp climate.
Rotterdam, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (41°F) in January to a warm 18°C (65°F) in July, with occasional peaks reaching up to 38°C (101°F). Precipitation is fairly distributed throughout the year, with August and October being the wettest months, recording 84 mm (3.3 in) and 92 mm (3.6 in) respectively. Sunshine hours vary considerably, with the most sun in July (425 hours) and the least in December (144 hours). For more detailed information, visit Rotterdam climate.
The climate in Scheveningen, Netherlands, features mild temperatures, with January and December typically ranging from -5°C to 13°C (23°F to 56°F) and July peaking at a maximum of 37°C (98°F). The region experiences considerable precipitation, with October being the wettest month at 102 mm (4.0 in), while summer months like July see around 67 mm (2.6 in). Sunshine is plentiful, especially in the summer, with July recording up to 425 hours of sunlight. For more details on the local climate, visit Scheveningen climate.
Schiedam, Netherlands, experiences a temperate maritime climate with distinct seasonal variations. January sees average temperatures around 5°C (41°F), while July can peak at 38°C (101°F), showcasing a wide thermal range. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with notable peaks in August (84 mm) and October (92 mm). Sunshine hours increase significantly from winter to summer, with June and July enjoying over 400 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Schiedam climate.
Strijp, Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -5°C to 13°C, while July can see highs of up to 37°C. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in October with 102 mm, while the summer months enjoy the most sunshine, especially in July with 425 hours. Overall, Strijp offers a varied climate perfect for enjoying the changing seasons. For more detailed information, visit Strijp climate.
Valkenburg, Netherlands, experiences a temperate oceanic climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 5°C (42°F) and December seeing the lowest minimums, touching -4°C (25°F). Summers are warm, peaking in July with an average of 18°C (65°F) and occasional highs reaching 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is relatively well-distributed throughout the year, with October being the wettest month at 120 mm (4.7 in), while sunlight peaks in summer with July receiving 431 hours. For more detailed information, visit Valkenburg climate.
In conclusion, the climate of South Holland, Netherlands, offers a fascinating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The seasonal variations reveal a rich ecological tapestry where cold winters transition into warm summers, significantly influencing local lifestyles, agriculture, and biodiversity. As daylight lengthens and sunshine increases during spring and summer, residents are presented with ample opportunities for outdoor activities; conversely, the shorter days and reduced sunlight in autumn and winter prompt adaptations in daily routines. Understanding these climatic dynamics not only enhances the appreciation of South Holland's unique environment but also underscores the importance of responsible engagement with nature to mitigate the effects of changing weather patterns and potential climate challenges.