Netherlands

Netherlands in December

Europe Updated 2026-07-01

Cold and dark, but the light festival gives the canals a reason to be walked at night.

Is December a good time to visit Netherlands?

December sits mid-range in Netherlands — around 58/100 nationally. January is noticeably calmer.

What closes and what fills up in December

  • Sinterklaas (5 December)
  • Amsterdam Light Festival

How December compares across the year

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Frequently asked questions

Is December a good month to visit Netherlands?

December sits mid-range in Netherlands — around 58/100 nationally. January is noticeably calmer.

How busy is Netherlands in December?

Averaged across the destinations we track, Netherlands sits near 58/100 in December. The calmest of them is Amsterdam.

What is the weather like in Netherlands in December?

Expect average highs near 7°C and lows near 2°C, with roughly 12 wet days — though Netherlands varies by region.

Other months in Netherlands