The climate of Zaanstad
Situated in the
Netherlands,
Zaanstad has a Marine West Coast climate, known in the Köppen system as Cfb, characterized by warm summers. The predominance of this climate accounts for the weather patterns experienced here throughout the year. There are distinct changes in temperature, with highs of 20.8°C (69.4°F) in
August and lows of 2.7°C (36.9°F) in
February. Yet, the range is not as dramatic when compared with other global regions.
Particularly noteworthy is Zaanstad's relative humidity, maintaining an average range from 75% to 84% throughout the year. This moisture in the air adds a perceptible level of dampness, especially during the colder months. Rainfall is yet another significant aspect of Zaanstad's climate. The city receives about 30mm (1.18") to 67mm (2.64") of rain monthly, with the heaviest rainfall in the warmer months, peaking in August at 67mm (2.64").
The amount of snowfall experienced in Zaanstad is relatively low and mainly confined to the winter months, with the highest snowfall occurring in February, at 14mm (0.55"). Alongside rainfall are cloudy skies, with cloud cover fluctuating from 39% to 66%. The cloud cover is densest in the winter and slowly decreases towards summer, giving way to longer hours of daylight from 8.3 hours in
January to 16.7 hours in
June.
The best time to visit Zaanstad
Given
Zaanstad's climate, the best time to visit would be during the warm months from
June to
September. The temperatures range between 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F) during these months, making it perfect for outdoor activities. With an average daylight duration of 15.8 to 16.7 hours, visitors have ample time to explore the city's attractions.
The worst time to visit Zaanstad
On the other hand, from
December to
February,
Zaanstad experiences its coldest temperatures dropping down to 2.7°C (36.9°F) to 5.9°C (42.6°F). Combining this with high relative humidity, frequent rainfall, and reduced daylight hours of between 7.8 and 9.9 hours, these months might be less appealing for outdoor tourism.
Spring weather in Zaanstad
In spring, temperatures in
Zaanstad gradually increase from 8.8°C (47.8°F) in
March to 15.1°C (59.2°F) in
May. The hours of daylight also increase from 11.9 hours in March to 15.8 hours in May. Despite the rise in temperature, rain does not cease with rainfall averaging between 30mm (1.18") in March and
April to 17mm (0.67") in May.
Summer weather in Zaanstad
Zaanstad's summer offers the highest temperatures from the yearly spectrum, reaching up to 20.8°C (69.4°F) in
August.
July and August also record the highest humidity levels, with relative humidity hovering around 77%. Besides, the months from
June to August have the longest daylight hours, ranging from 16.7 hours in June to 14.6 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Zaanstad
Coming to Autumn, temperatures follow a decreasing trend from 18°C (64.4°F) in
September to 9.9°C (49.8°F) in
November. Despite the temperature drop, humidity remains high around 78% to 82%. Rainfall also makes a substantial presence with amounts varying from 49mm (1.93") in
October to 44mm (1.73") in November.
Winter weather in Zaanstad
Winter is characterized by the coldest temperatures, cloudier skies, and reduced daylight. Temperatures fall down from 7.2°C (45°F) in
December to a chilly 2.7°C (36.9°F) in
February. Cloud cover fluctuates from 66% in
January to a high of 63% in December. Despite the presence of snowfall, it is minimal with the most significant amount recorded in February at about 14mm (0.55").
Weather in January
January in
Zaanstad,
Netherlands, ushers in the New Year with the invigorating freshness of winter. With a high temperature of only 5.6°C (42.1°F) and low hitting 3°C (37.4°F), expect a distinct chill throughout the month. During January, longer nights prevail, adding to the mystique of winter.
Weather in January » Weather in February
While
Zaanstad weather in
February remains cold, the air is slightly warmer compared to
January, with the high temperature touching 5.9°C (42.6°F) and the low dipping to 2.7°C (36.9°F). City streets are often treated to a short spectacle of snowfall, transforming Zaanstad into a winter wonderland.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March sparks the onset of a subtle shift in
Zaanstad's atmospheric mantle. While frostiness recedes, March ushers in a milder, softer chill, with temperatures significantly hiking from
February to a range of 8.8°C (47.8°F) at the high and 4.2°C (39.6°F) at the low.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Zaanstad discards the last vestiges of winter, making way for warmer air and longer daylight hours. Temperatures jump up noticeably from
March, offering highs averaging 12.8°C (55°F) and lows around 6.9°C (44.4°F). April rewards residents and visitors with a considerable increase in sunshine hours.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Zaanstad is full of the vibrancy and vitality of spring. Naturally, May paints the city with a pleasant palette of temperatures, with highs generally around 15.1°C (59.2°F) and dipping to 9.3°C (48.7°F) during cooler times.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As
June steps in,
Zaanstad embraces the first true hints of summer warmth. The city basks in temperatures reaching up to 18.2°C (64.8°F) at their peak and settling to around 12.8°C (55°F) in the cooler evenings. June witnesses maximum daylight and sunshine hours adding an extra dose of vibrancy to the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, at the heart of summer in
Zaanstad, brings in the highest temperatures of the year, averaging from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F). The city lavishes in warmth, coupled with the longest daylight and sunshine duration.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer narrative in
Zaanstad, echoing similar temperature patterns to
July, hovering roughly from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 15.9°C (60.6°F). Warm days and balmy evenings take center stage, despite having shorter daylight compared to July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September unfolds in
Zaanstad, temperature patterns undergo a smooth transition, averaging from 18°C (64.4°F) during the day to a cooler 13.5°C (56.3°F) at night. The city wraps itself in the mellow warmth of early autumn, slowly bidding farewell to the summer heat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Zaanstad stands as a testament to brilliant autumn. With high temperatures averaging 14.6°C (58.3°F) and lows typically around 10.6°C (51.1°F), October brings a nip in the air. The city is adorned in a myriad of fall colors, creating a wealth of picturesque moments.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signals the steady creep of winter into
Zaanstad, with the temperature tapering off to an average of 9.9°C (49.8°F) during the day and dipping to 7°C (44.6°F) during colder spells. The city's transformation under the mounting chill becomes increasingly apparent.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Finally,
December in
Zaanstad unveils a charming winter scene, with temperatures oscillating between 7.2°C (45°F) during warmer spells and 4.6°C (40.3°F) in colder periods. December is graced with the advent of snowfall, lending a festive charm to the city.
Weather in December »