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Contents
- The climate of Leiden
- The best time to visit Leiden
- The worst time to visit Leiden
- Spring weather in Leiden
- Summer weather in Leiden
- Autumn weather in Leiden
- Winter weather in Leiden
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Leiden
Residing in the Netherlands, Leiden exhibits a Köppen climate classification of Cfb, indicating a predominant marine west coast climate with warm summers. This essentially means it endures mild to moderately warm temperatures interspersed with ample rainfall across the year.
The yearly cycle shows a noticeable shift in many climate parameters. The maximum average temperature swings from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in January to 21°C (69.8°F) in August, while the minimum average temperature varies from 2.8°C (37°F) in February to 16.3°C (61.3°F) in August. This trend underlines the mild to warm character of Leiden's weather.
Humidity also shows a variation, albeit not as marked as temperatures, ranging from a relative low of 75% in April and August to a peak of 83% in January and December. Additionally, this coastal city experiences considerable precipitation throughout the year, peaking at 53mm (2.09") in August, with rainfall days highest in the same month at 19.1 days.
One of the exceptional weather patterns in Leiden stems from its relatively high amounts of snowfall in January and February, up to 10mm (0.39") and 22mm (0.87") respectively, and minimal snowfall beyond these months. Furthermore, the city's sunlight hours expand from 8.3 hours in January to a generous 16.7 hours in June, reinforcing the extend of daylight enjoyed during the summer months.
The yearly cycle shows a noticeable shift in many climate parameters. The maximum average temperature swings from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in January to 21°C (69.8°F) in August, while the minimum average temperature varies from 2.8°C (37°F) in February to 16.3°C (61.3°F) in August. This trend underlines the mild to warm character of Leiden's weather.
Humidity also shows a variation, albeit not as marked as temperatures, ranging from a relative low of 75% in April and August to a peak of 83% in January and December. Additionally, this coastal city experiences considerable precipitation throughout the year, peaking at 53mm (2.09") in August, with rainfall days highest in the same month at 19.1 days.
One of the exceptional weather patterns in Leiden stems from its relatively high amounts of snowfall in January and February, up to 10mm (0.39") and 22mm (0.87") respectively, and minimal snowfall beyond these months. Furthermore, the city's sunlight hours expand from 8.3 hours in January to a generous 16.7 hours in June, reinforcing the extend of daylight enjoyed during the summer months.
The best time to visit Leiden
Planning a visit to Leiden largely depends on individual preferences for weather conditions. However, for those seeking milder temperatures and more daylight, the optimum window ranges from May to August. During this period, minimum temperatures register at around 9.9°C (49.8°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F), while daylight extends from 15.7 to 16.7 hours. Additionally, the average sunshine duration is also at its highest, ranging from 9 to 10.3 hours across these months. Do note that rainfall is relatively high given August's peak average of 53mm (2.09").
The worst time to visit Leiden
The less favourable time to visit Leiden tends to be in the colder months, specifically from November to February. During this timeframe, temperatures plummet to an uncomfortable low between 2.8°C (37°F) and 7.5°C (45.5°F), and the average hours of sunlight drastically reduce to between 7.8 and 10.3 hours. Additionally, November and December are among the months with the highest relative humidity, at 81% and 83% respectively.
Spring weather in Leiden
Spring ushers in warmer and more comfortable temperatures to the city, with averages steadily rising from 9°C (48.2°F) in March to 15.2°C (59.4°F) in May. Meanwhile, night temperatures also increase from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 9.9°C (49.8°F) within the same period. Spring season observes a relative decrease in humidity from 78% to 76%. Daylight also sees a noticeable increase, stretching from 11.9 hours in March to 15.7 hours by the end of May.
Summer weather in Leiden
Summers in Leiden are mild, with temperature averages sitting between 15.2°C (59.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F) from June through August. The night-time weather does not stray too far behind, maintaining a range of 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F). The summer period also boasts the highest period of daylight, peaking at 16.7 hours during June. While sunshine hours remain relatively high - around 10 hours - rainfall also increases, reaching a year-high in August with an average of 53mm (2.09").
Autumn weather in Leiden
Autumn in Leiden is accompanied by a gradual decline in temperature, from an average high of 18.1°C (64.6°F) in September down to 10.3°C (50.5°F) by November. Similarly, minimum temperatures decrease from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 7.5°C (45.5°F) within this period. This season also sees a familiar pattern of shorter daylight hours, decreasing from 12.7 hours in September to 8.8 hours in November.
Winter weather in Leiden
Wintertime in Leiden is defined by lower temperatures, declining daylight hours, and increases in snowfall and humidity. Average temperatures fluctuate between 5.8°C (42.4°F) and 7.5°C (45.5°F), while minimum temperatures hover from 3.3°C (37.9°F) to 4.9°C (40.8°F) between December and February. Daylight hours continue their decline to a year-round low of 7.8 hours by December. Notably, snowfall becomes prevalent, with January experiencing an average of 10mm (0.39"), while relative humidity hits its peak at 83%.
Weather in January
The new year in Leiden, Netherlands, begins with somewhat mild but damp weather conditions. January's weather sees a significant amount of rainfall at 30mm (1.18") and the presence of relatively high humidity at 83%. Additionally, brief snowfall events occur, adding a touch of winter charm to the city. Weather in January »
Weather in February
As the year progresses to February, the weather in Leiden continues on a chilly note, with slightly lower minimum temperatures compared to January. The amount of rainfall decreases slightly from January to 28mm (1.1"). On the brighter side, there is an increase in the number of sunshine hours, indicating the gradual shift towards spring. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March brings a distinct shift in Leiden's weather as the winter cold begins to lose its grip. The enhancements in terms of weather conditions become more evident with rainfall decreasing to 22mm (0.87"). The lengthening of daylight hours indicates the impending arrival of spring. Weather in March »
Weather in April
Entering April, the town of Leiden bids farewell to the winter snow altogether. In its stead, a notable increase in temperature occurs along with an adequate amount of rainfall at 14mm (0.55"). The weather in Leiden in April is characterized by longer daylight hours, bringing more opportunities for outdoor activities. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May ushers in the warmer climes in Leiden, a noticeable shift from the spring weather pattern. Although the month sees an increase in rainfall to 21mm (0.83"), the increase in temperature along with longer daylight hours balances out the wet conditions. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June is the entry point to summer in Leiden, with noticeable improvements in weather conditions. The month of June witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, reaching 34mm (1.34"). Simultaneously, the temperature and humidity remain on the higher side, indicating the typical summertime weather. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is undeniably the warmest month in Leiden, reflected in both the high and low average temperatures. Weather in Leiden in July experiences the highest rainfall amounting to 40mm (1.57"). Regardless of the increased rainfall, the extended daylight hours coupled with warm weather create perfect conditions for summer activities. Weather in July »
Weather in August
As the peak of summer, August continues to exhibit warm weather in Leiden. The noticeable feature in August's weather is the high rainfall, peaking at 53mm (2.09"), the highest rainfall throughout the year. Despite the sporadic showers, the weather remains mostly warm and humid. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September marks the start of the transition from summer to autumn in Leiden. With temperatures and rainfall dropping to 18.1°C (64.6°F) and 40mm (1.57") respectively, the weather begins to cool. Despite fewer sunshine hours, the beauty of the changing colors of nature provides a visual treat. Weather in September »
Weather in October
Entering October, the temperature in Leiden drops further, bringing a definitive touch of fall. The weather endures a high amount of rainfall, holding steady at 39mm (1.54"). The shorter days signal the changing season, with lesser daylight and sunshine hours compared to September. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Leiden's weather in November is decidedly colder, leading to a drastic change in the city's overall climate. The temperature continues to plummet, accompanied by a rise in average rainfalls to 37mm (1.46"). As autumn begins to give way to winter, the daylight hours continue to diminish, leading to shorter days. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December in Leiden is synonymous with winter chill, characterized by biting cold and significant rainfall. The rainfall increases to 42mm (1.65"), coupled with a decrease in temperature, cementing the onset of winter. The shortened daylight hours and reduced sunshine signal the end of the calendar year. Weather in December »
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest time of year in Leiden?
The coldest period in Leiden is January, when temperatures fluctuate between an average high of 5.8°C (42.4°F) and a low of 3.3°C (37.9°F).
What is the most humid month in Leiden?
January and December, with an average relative humidity of 83%, are most humid months in Leiden.
How much does it rain in Leiden?
In Leiden, Netherlands, during the entire year, the rain falls for 183.4 days and collects up to 400mm (15.75") of precipitation.
When does it snow in Leiden?
Months with snowfall in Leiden, Netherlands, are January through March, November and December.
How much does it snow in Leiden?
In Leiden, during the entire year, snow falls for 9.5 days and aggregates up to 46mm (1.81") of snow.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Leiden?
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.
When does it snow the most in Leiden?
February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 3.8 days and accumulates 22mm (0.87") of snow.
What are the least humid months in Leiden?
The months with the lowest humidity in Leiden are April and August, with an average relative humidity of 75%.
What is the driest month in Leiden?
The month with the least rainfall in Leiden is April, when the rain falls for 11.3 days and typically collects 14mm (0.55") of precipitation.
When it does not snow in Leiden?
In Leiden, Netherlands, snow does not fall in April through October.
When are the longest days in Leiden?
With an average of 16h and 42min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Leiden.
What month has the most sunshine in Leiden?
June has the most sunshine of the year in Leiden, Netherlands, with an average of 10.3h of sunshine.
When is the highest UV index in Leiden?
June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index.
What part of the year is the hottest in Leiden?
August is the month when Leiden's temperatures reach their peak, with averages of 21°C (69.8°F) and lows of 16.3°C (61.3°F).
What is the wettest month in Leiden?
The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 19.1 days and typically aggregates up to 53mm (2.09") of precipitation.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Leiden?
On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 03:00, Daylight Saving Time ends in Leiden, Netherlands, and the time zone changes from CEST to CET. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 30. March 2025, at 02:00, and the time zone reverts from CET to CEST.
What is the month with the shortest days in Leiden?
With an average of 7h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Leiden?
December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.5h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Leiden, Netherlands
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (21°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (5.8°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (16.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (2.8°C).
Average pressure
Leiden, Netherlands
- Average pressure in January:
1014.6mbar - Average pressure in February:
1014.1mbar - Average pressure in March:
1015.5mbar - Average pressure in April:
1015.9mbar - Average pressure in May:
1016.6mbar - Average pressure in June:
1016.1mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1015.2mbar - Average pressure in August:
1015mbar - Average pressure in September:
1016.8mbar - Average pressure in October:
1015.5mbar - Average pressure in November:
1011.2mbar - Average pressure in December:
1014.3mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is September (1016.8mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (1011.2mbar).
Average wind speed
Leiden, Netherlands
- Average wind speed in January:
23.3km/h - Average wind speed in February:
23.1km/h - Average wind speed in March:
20.1km/h - Average wind speed in April:
16.6km/h - Average wind speed in May:
16.8km/h - Average wind speed in June:
16.5km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
16.1km/h - Average wind speed in August:
16.5km/h - Average wind speed in September:
17.5km/h - Average wind speed in October:
20.2km/h - Average wind speed in November:
21.9km/h - Average wind speed in December:
24.7km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is December (24.7km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (16.1km/h).
Average humidity
Leiden, Netherlands
The months with the highest relative humidity are January and December (83%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and August (75%).
Average rainfall
Leiden, Netherlands
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (53mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (14mm).
Average rainfall days
Leiden, Netherlands
- Average rainfall days in January:
16.6 days - Average rainfall days in February:
12.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in April:
11.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
13.2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
12.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
17.2 days - Average rainfall days in August:
19.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
15.6 days - Average rainfall days in October:
17.3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
17.3 days - Average rainfall days in December:
18 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (19.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is April (11.3 days).
Average snowfall
Leiden, Netherlands
The month with the highest snowfall is February (22mm).
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Leiden, Netherlands
- Average snowfall days in January:
2.3 days - Average snowfall days in February:
3.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0.8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
1.9 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Leiden, Netherlands
- Average daylight in January:
8h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
16h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
16h and 1min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
8h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
7h and 5min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 7h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 4min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 2min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 3min - Average sunshine in September:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
4h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 3min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 3h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Leiden, Netherlands
- Average sunshine days in January:
10.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
16.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14.1 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
9.5 days - Average sunshine days in September:
10.8 days - Average sunshine days in October:
9.6 days - Average sunshine days in November:
8.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
8.1 days
The month with the most sunshine days is April (16.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is December (8.1 days).
Average UV index
Leiden, Netherlands
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Leiden, Netherlands
The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 65).
The months with the least cloud cover are April and August (Cloud cover 38).
Average visibility
Leiden, Netherlands
The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and December (9km).
Leiden, Netherlands
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