The climate of Leeuwarden
Leeuwarden, the capital city of the province of Friesland in the
Netherlands, experiences a temperate maritime climate, classified as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification. The city's geographical position close to the North Sea influences weather patterns throughout the year, particularly with predominance of winds and rainfall. This climate type is characterized by relatively cool summers and mild winters with rain falling all year round.
A closer look at the weather reveals that monthly average temperatures in Leeuwarden range from a low of 2.3°C (36.1°F) in
February to a high of 20.3°C (68.5°F) in
August. Relative humidity stays above 79%, suggesting a generally wet climate, with the highest recorded at 85% in
December. Rainfall occurs throughout the year with the heaviest precipitation witnessed in August with an average of 46mm (1.81"). Rain is least in
April, with levels dropping to 16mm (0.63"). The frequency of rainfall days is highest between
July and December, peaking at 18.8 days in December
Unique weather patterns include the city's snowfall, which although irregular, is recorded from December to
March, with the highest levels of 15mm (0.59") seen in
January and February. Another distinct feature of Leeuwarden's climate is its wind speeds. Windy months are observed predominantly during the colder months. The wind is recorded traveling at an average of 26.8km/h (16.7mph) in December. Conversely, the calmer months of April to August register wind speeds of between 17.2km/h (10.7mph) and 18.3km/h (11.4mph).
The best time to visit Leeuwarden
Considering the overall weather profiles, the best time to visit
Leeuwarden would be between
May and
September. During these months, the temperatures average between 14.2°C (57.6°F) and 20.3°C (68.5°F), providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. Additionally, these months have longer daylight hours, with average sunshine stretching from 8.9h in May to 9.9h in
June. Maximum daylight is observed in June with up to 16.9 hours. While the precipitation is higher in these months, the improved climate conditions and extra daylight make this period more favorable for tourists.
The worst time to visit Leeuwarden
Winter months between
December and
February might not make for the best time to visit
Leeuwarden due to the relatively colder and windier weather. Average temperatures during this period range from 2.5°C (36.5°F) to 5.3°C (41.5°F). Wind speeds also increase, averaging 26.8km/h (16.7mph) in December. The length of daylight is at the shortest during these months, ranging from 7.6h in December to 9.9h in February.
Spring weather in Leeuwarden
Spring in
Leeuwarden, from
March to
May, sees a gradual rise in temperature. The average temperature starts at 7.8°C (46°F) in March and rises to 14.2°C (57.6°F) in May. Likewise, daylight hours increase from an average of 11.9h to 15.9h in May. Although the frequency of rainfall days remains relatively high, the total monthly rainfall decreases slightly. Wind speeds also lessen, falling from an average of 21.8km/h (13.5mph) in March to 18.3km/h (11.4mph) in May.
Summer weather in Leeuwarden
Summer in
Leeuwarden, from
June to
August, is usually mild and somewhat wet. Temperatures in the summer months range from 17.1°C (62.8°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F), the highest in the year. These months also see the longest daylight hours, reaching up to 16.9h in June. The relative humidity remains relatively high, indicating that the summer might be a bit muggy.
Autumn weather in Leeuwarden
Autumn in
Leeuwarden, from
September to
November, sees a drop in temperature, daylight hours and a rise in rainfall. The average temperatures during these months range from 17.6°C (63.7°F) in September to 9.6°C (49.3°F) in November. Daylight hours decrease from 12.7h in September to 8.7h in November. The rainfall is high, with November registering a significant average precipitation of 34mm (1.34").
Winter weather in Leeuwarden
Winter in
Leeuwarden, from
December to
February, witnesses the lowest temperatures with averages from 5.3°C (41.5°F) to 2.5°C (36.5°F). Daylight hours are minimal, with an average ranging from 7.6h to 9.9h. Snowfall is possible during these months, with highest measurements in
January of 15mm (0.59"). Additionally, these months have high wind speeds, peaking at 26.8km/h (16.7mph) in December, contributing to the colder, severe weather.
Weather in January
The year opens with the coldest month in
Leeuwarden,
Netherlands, chalked with frequent showers. Tight cover of clouds contribute to the cold spell. Despite longer nights, the amount of sunshine is noticeably minimal. The winds, arriving at impressive speeds of 25.8km/h (16mph), add a notable chill, shaking off any remaining warmth.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, weather patterns in
Leeuwarden remain mostly unchanged from
January. The rainfall slightly decreases, and there are fewer snow days. However, the cool air does not show signs of warming, making Feburary a month fully encapsulated by winter's grasp.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings the first whisper of spring in
Leeuwarden. The weather gears towards milder conditions, but persistent clouds hinder the sun's attempts to break through. Yet spells of sunshine double and daylight hours increase by about two hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Leeuwarden experiences fine weather accompanied by the full bloom of spring. Desipte reduced rainfall, the moisture levels remain consistently high, fueling abundant greens. Longer daylight hours bring more opportunities to bask in the muted warmth of the sun.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May ushers in steadily rising temperatures, indicative of
Leeuwarden's approach towards summer. Residents anticipate more sunshine, offering a pleasant contrast to the preceding gloomy months. A subtle increase in rainfall ensures the city remains lush and vibrant.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the onset of summer in
Leeuwarden. The change in season is evident, enhanced by significant increases in temperature. Prolonged daylight hours provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities. The conditions remain favorable throughout the month, making June one of the most accommodating months weatherwise.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July endures as the warmest month in
Leeuwarden. Temperatures peak, making it undeniably summery. While rainfall increases, the city does not experience extreme downpours. A high-pressure result caps the maximum wind speed to 17.2km/h (10.7mph), contributing to the hot conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, the weather patterns in
Leeuwarden continue to follow
July's outline. With temperatures remaining mostly steady, it stands as the second warmest month of the year. However, thunderstorm activity grows which results in the most rainfall during the year, observed at 46mm (1.81").
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals the arrival of autumn in
Leeuwarden. The temperatures begin to cool down and the days shorten. Despite a decrease in temperatures, the city retains its lush appearance, aided by regular bouts of rainfall. It's indeed a time of transition, a gradual shift from the warmth of summer to the chill of winter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Leeuwarden brings in an unmistakable autumn chill. The drop in temperature is a stark reminder of the impending winter. The sun, with its shrinking presence, finds it challenging to permeate through the thickening clouds.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the beginning of cold weather in
Leeuwarden. The transition to winter firmly sets in, bearing cooler temperatures. Wind speeds increase, with a notable chill in the air. The shortened sunlight hours and deeper cloud cover amplify the bleak settings.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes full-fledged winter weather in
Leeuwarden. The city witnesses the shortest days of the year, exaggerating the winter chill. Ample cloud cover coupled with sparse sunlight results in sustained cold conditions. The month is marked by an increase in wind speed to 26.8km/h (16.7mph), further emphasizing the winter chill.
Weather in December »