The climate of Alkmaar
The climatic conditions of
Alkmaar showcase dominant features of a Marine West Coast, warm-summer (Köppen climate classification: Cfb) climate zone. Located in the
Netherlands, Alkmaar experiences relatively milder winters and moderate summer temperatures. Rainfall persists throughout the year without any specific wet or dry seasons.
On the temperature front, Alkmaar records a range from a cooler 3°C (37.4°F) to a milder 20.8°C (69.4°F) throughout the year. The warmest months on average are
July and
August, while
January and
February register the coldest temperatures. Relative humidity oscillates between 75% and 84% across months, signaling a predominantly humid climate for the major part of the year.
Meanwhile, monthly average rainfall measurement ranges from 17mm (0.67") in
April to a maximum of 67mm (2.64") in August. Snowfall, although minimal, does occur mainly in January and February. The prevalent breeze in Alkmaar blows at an average speed ranging from 15.2km/h (9.4mph) to 24km/h (14.9mph), with the windiest period being the latter part of the year.
Months with maximum daylight (around 16.8 hours) are observed during
June while
December registers the least (approximately 7.7 hours). Sunshine prevails predominantly in
May and June, with Alkmaar receiving an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day. However, cloud cover hovers around 52% to 66% throughout the year, with a slight increase during winter months.
The best time to visit Alkmaar
Taking into account diverse weather parameters,
May through
September provides the most advantageous time frame to visit
Alkmaar. These months see the maximum daylight hours reaching up to 16.8 hours in
June. The corresponding temperatures during this period range from 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F), offering a suitable climate for outdoor activities.
With the highest hours of sunshine - approximately 8.6 to 10 hours daily - recorded from May to
July, this period affords an excellent opportunity for sightseeing. The rainfall during these months, although present, is comparatively lower than the wetter months paving the way for a comfortable visit.
The worst time to visit Alkmaar
Given the low daylight hours and the relatively colder weather,
December to
February could be considered as less favourable months for visiting
Alkmaar. The average temperatures during these months range from 3°C (37.4°F) to 5.9°C (42.6°F), with
January and February experiencing occasional snowfall.
Moreover, with comparatively lower sunshine hours and increased cloud cover, these months might not provide the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities or sightseeing. The simultaneous increase in relative humidity could add to the perceived cold, potentially making a visit less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Alkmaar
Spring in
Alkmaar extends from
March to
May with average temperatures escalating from 8.8°C (47.8°F) in March to 15.1°C (59.2°F) in May. The daylight hours also experience a substantial increase from 11.9 hours in March to 15.8 hours in May, providing ample opportunity for daylight activities.
Rainfall during spring is moderate, fluctuating between 17mm (0.67") and 30mm (1.18") across these months. The occurrence of rainfall is spread out across 10.9 to 13.3 days on average.
Summer weather in Alkmaar
Summers in
Alkmaar range from
June through
August. Daily temperatures during this period settle between 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F), providing temperate climatic conditions despite being the warmest time of the year.
Longer daylight hours reaching up 16.8 hours and increased sunshine (9.8 to 10 hours per day), provide an ideal setting for enjoying outdoor activities. Despite being the rainy season with monthly averages leaning towards 67mm (2.64") in August, overall humidity is relatively lower compared to other months.
Autumn weather in Alkmaar
Autumn in
Alkmaar stretches between
September and
November. Autumn temperatures undergo a shift from 18°C (64.4°F) in September to 9.9°C (49.8°F) by November. Daylight hours, in tandem, witness a decline from 12.7 hours in September to 8.8 hours by November.
These months register significant rainfall with concentrations escalating from 51mm (2.01") in September to 44mm (1.73") in November. Wind speeds during this period show an increasing trend, adding a brisk touch to the ambience.
Winter weather in Alkmaar
The winter months in
Alkmaar, spanning from
December to
February, witness average temperatures dipping to the yearly lowest ranging from 3°C (37.4°F) to 5.9°C (42.6°F). In line with the seasonal trend, daylight hours are at the annual minimum, diminishing to 7.7 hours by December. Sunshine hours also follow a declining course, dwindling to 3.5 hours by December.
Rainfall during these months adds up to 36mm (1.42") to 52mm (2.05"), spread across 13.2 to 17.5 days. The winter months also see the yearly high in relative humidity. Occasional snowfall adds to the winter charm of Alkmaar, although amounts are typically minimal.
Weather in January
January brings the coldest temperatures to
Alkmaar,
Netherlands, with averages varying from 3°C (37.4°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). There is a high probability of experiencing snowfall, distinguishing this month from the rest of the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Weather conditions in
February are quite similar to those in
January, though snowfall sees a noticeable increase, from 9mm (0.35") to 14mm (0.55"). The duration of sunlight also extends slightly, signifying the slow but steady approach of spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March signals the onset of spring in
Alkmaar as the average temperatures see a perceptible rise, ranging from 4.2°C (39.6°F) to 8.8°C (47.8°F). There is a visible cutback in snowfall to a meagre 2mm (0.08"), as the weather conditions start to become milder.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the true onset of spring in
Alkmaar, characterised by an agreeable rise in temperatures. Snowfall hits negligible levels, contributing to the city's transition to spring-like weather. Brighter and longer days become an inviting factor for locals and tourists alike.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Alkmaar,
Netherlands, is marked by the continuation of the pleasant spring weather with a further rise in average temperatures. The longer daylight hours, coupled with the increased sunshine's welcoming warmth, make outdoor activities significantly enjoyable.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Weather in the
Alkmaar during
June takes a turn for the warmer, signaling the onset of summers. The increase in temperatures is noticeable with averages ranging from 12.8°C (55°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F). Not only does this month see significantly longer daylight hours but also boasts the highest levels of sunshine, up to 16.8 hours, the maximum for the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Alkmaar is distinctively the warmest month, with temperatures reaching a peak average between 14.8°C (58.6°F) and 20.2°C (68.4°F). The warmer weather generally coincides with a spike in the amount of rainfall, the highest throughout the year, reaching up to 55mm (2.17").
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, another summer month in
Alkmaar, maintains warm temperatures from 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). The city starts receiving more rainfall than in
July, reaching a peak of 67mm (2.64"), making it the wettest month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the onset of fall in
Alkmaar,
Netherlands, with temperatures averagely ranging from 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Although there's an increase in the amount of cloud cover, sunshine remains ample, allowing pleasant outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Alkmaar brings a definite autumn chill in the air with average temperatures ranging from 10.6°C (51.1°F) to 14.6°C (58.3°F). The legacy of warmer weather begins to wane as daylight hours diminish, and clouds begin to form more often.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the advent of winter in
Alkmaar with much colder average temperatures, varying from 7°C (44.6°F) to 9.9°C (49.8°F). The city's weather during this time presents a mix of overcast skies, shorter days, and a relatively greater chance of rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is characteristically a cold month in
Alkmaar, with temperatures dropping further from 4.6°C (40.3°F) to 7.2°C (45°F). Alongside lower temperatures, the city also witnesses a return of snowfall albeit a small amount of 8mm (0.31"), making this month decidedly frosty.
Weather in December »