Visiting the Netherlands in Fall: Things to Do, Weather & Travel Tips
Fall is a beautiful and underrated season to visit the Netherlands with crisp days, fewer crowds, and the trees transform into stunning shades of autumn. The country takes on a cozy, atmospheric charm. Whether you’re interested in festivals, hearty seasonal food, or stunning landscapes, the Netherlands in autumn has plenty to offer.
Here’s your guide to experiencing the Netherlands in fall—what the season is like, where to go, and the best things to do.
What to expect from the Netherlands in Fall
Fall in the Netherlands is from September through November. With early fall (September) relatively mild and can have days that feel like summer, and late fall (November) can feel quite chilly and damp, especially in the evenings.
September: 15–20°C (59–68°F). The weather starts to get unpredictable ranging from feeling like summer to peak autumn vibes, but with plenty of daylight.
October: 10–15°C (50–59°F) This is the perfect month for the cozy vibes with colorful leaves at their peak.
November: 5–10°C (41–50°F) Days are shorter and evenings colder now, and it’s likely to be a wet and possibly windy month.
It’s a good idea to dress in layers since the weather can change quickly. (You can check out our full guide on how to pack for a fall trip to the Netherlands for a helpful information). Keep in mind that there is 300+ km (200+ mi) from the north to the south of the country, and while much of the country is inland, many of the well-traveled areas are closer to water, so these factors will also impact the temperature and weather.
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Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Netherlands
Fall foliage is one of the highlights of visiting in autumn. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the seasonal colors:
Veluwe National Park – Famous for its vast forests, wildlife, and heathlands. In fall, you may spot deer and wild boar.
Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park – A forested area ideal for hiking among the autumn leaves.
Amsterdamse Bos – Just outside Amsterdam, this sprawling forest is perfect for a half-day trip. In early autumn, enjoy kayaking under a canopy of fall foliage.
De Haar Castle – A stunning fairytale castle near Utrecht surrounded by trees that burst into autumn colors.
Tip: Early to mid-October is usually the best time for peak foliage.
Surprising Things to Do in Autumn
Looking for something a little different during your fall trip? The Netherlands has a few unique seasonal activities you might not expect:
Pumpkin and apple farms: Visit Pumpkin Farm Bregman or Pompoenen Boerderij Bos to pick your own pumpkins or enjoy a day in apple orchards like Olmenhorst or Fruittuin van West.
Dutch wineries: Autumn is harvest season, making it a beautiful time to explore the Netherlands’ small but growing wine regions. There are 9 wineries in the Netherlands you’ll want to visit.
Oyster picking: Head to Zeeland or Texel for oyster-picking experiences and taste them fresh on the spot.
Painting workshops: Join an Impressionist-style workshop and capture the season’s colors on canvas. What a perfect indoor option for rainy days.
Mushroom Foraging – The Netherlands’ forests (like the Veluwe) are dotted with edible mushrooms in fall. There are guided tours where you can learn how to safely identify and collect them.
Dutch Festivals and Events in the Autumn
Autumn is full of seasonal events:
Embassy Day (September): The Hague hosts Embassy Day, an event that showcases dozens of cultures in a big community event.
Open Monument Day (September): Amsterdam is home to many national moments and one day a year, these historical gems are open and free to the public.
Bokbier Festivals (October): Celebrate Dutch bokbier, a strong, malty beer brewed for fall. Experience one of these festivals in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Roosendaal.
Museum Night: Held in Amsterdam and The Hague, dozens of museums stay open late with special exhibits, music, and events.
Sinterklaas Arrival (mid-November): A traditional Dutch celebration when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) arrives by boat in different parts of the country. A festive and family-friendly cultural experience.
Early Christmas Markets: Some cities, like Valkenburg and Dordrecht, begin their Christmas markets toward the end of November.
Seasonal Dutch Food to Try in Fall
Dutch cuisine leans into hearty comfort food as the weather cools down. During autumn, you’ll want to try:
Bokbier: Rich, seasonal Dutch beer brewed in the fall.
Stamppot: Mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like cauliflower, kale, carrots, endives or sauerkraut, usually topped with sausage.
Erwtensoep (pea soup): A thick, hearty soup made with split peas, vegetables, and pork.
Appeltaart: Dutch apple pie, topped with whipped cream.
Speculaas and pepernoten: Crunchy spiced cookies that appear in shops from September as the Sinterklaas season approaches.
Best Fall Day Trips in the Netherlands
Fall is the perfect season to take day trips beyond Amsterdam. Some top destinations include:
Utrecht: A cozy city where tree-lined canals glow with golden leaves and the streets are filled with inviting and warm shops. Read our full guide on a day in Utrecht.
Haarlem: A little, though older sister, to Amsterdam and is especially atmospheric in autumn.
Hoge Veluwe National Park: Combine fall foliage with wildlife spotting and a visit to the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to Van Gogh’s works.
Castles like De Haar, Muiderslot, or Doorwerth: Beautiful historic settings that look even more magical surrounded by autumn colors.
Why Visit the Netherlands in Fall?
Fall is a wonderful time to visit if you want fewer crowds, lower hotel prices compared to summer, and a cozy seasonal atmosphere. You’ll also enjoy unique Dutch traditions like bokbier festivals, the arrival of Sinterklaas, and learn the meaning of gezellig.
Whether you’re exploring forests, tasting seasonal food, or wandering through colorful cities, autumn in the Netherlands is full of charm and local culture.