Living with the Weather in the Netherlands

If you're thinking about moving abroad, consider the climate of your new country.

Could you live with 27 hours of sunlight in a month?

A happy dog at 12:30 PM on January 18. Even at noon, the sun stays low on the horizon in January.

In December 2024, the Netherlands received twenty-seven hours of sunlight. Twenty-seven hours in thirty-one days. I’ve known people who left the Netherlands because they just couldn't handle the long, dark winters. The weather in the Netherlands is similar to London or Portland, Oregon: grey and drizzly from fall through spring. And because the Netherlands is at such a northerly latitude, winter daylight hours are noticeably shorter than what most Americans are used to. In December and January, it can seem like the sun barely rises above the horizon, even at noon on a rare sunny day.

Some like it hot (just not me)

I grew up in Texas, but I absolutely melt in hot weather. Cooler temperatures are a must for me.

Others grew up shoveling snowy driveways and never want to see another snowman.

Weather preferences are deeply personal.

Before moving to the Netherlands, I lived in Colorado for 12 years. I absolutely loved Colorado's cool, dry climate, with 300 days of sun a year. The Netherlands is much milder—cool and wet for most of the year, with fewer dramatic swings between hot and cold temps. I miss Colorado's powdery snow and endless sunshine, but to be fair, I don’t miss shoveling driveways or slipping on ice. While we do get some icy days, temperatures well below freezing are rare in the Netherlands.

Leaning into the darkness

Like many people, I struggle with the darkness of Dutch winters, more than the cold. My Dutch friends have taught me to lean into the darkness and embrace the gezelligheid—a word that roughly translates to “cozy," similar to the Danish "hygge.” Think: burning candles, a fire in the fireplace, and twinkle lights that switch on at dusk. I personally prefer the short winter days to five months of summer in Texas.

Spring in the Netherlands is a riot of flowers, with stunning beauty around every corner.

April (And November, December, January, February and

March) Showers Bring May Flowers

Spring and autumn are stunning in the Netherlands. After 12 years in brown, dry Colorado, I am happy to be back in a place with trees and year‑round green. All that Dutch rain does pay off, with astonishingly beautiful flowers and towering trees. I can feel my blood pressure drop the minute I my hiking boots hit the moss in the nearby forest.

Sticky Summer Nights

Summer, on the other hand, can be challenging. The Netherlands is experiencing more hot days every year, and it's almost always humid. Unfortunately, most buildings in the Netherlands simply weren’t designed for today's warming climate. There’s also a cultural resistance to using air conditioning, which is seen as costly and bad for the environment - even though no one ever says this about heating in the winter, and Europe suffers from many deaths in summer heat waves. Even many newer buildings rely on the “just open a window” method to cool off on hot days. Window screens are extremely rare here, too, compared to the U.S. Between the light, noise, heat, humidity, and mosquitos, sometimes I find myself longing for the short, grey days of winter as I'm tossing and turning on sticky summer nights.

Crocuses and snowdrops on February 5

Four Short Seasons

One of the lovely things about living here is that there really are four distinct seasons. Winter may be dark, but it doesn’t last forever. By February, crocuses are already popping up everywhere, kicking off months of blooming flowers that make the rest of the year feel pretty magical.

Best Fit for You

All in all, I'm content with the weather in the Netherlands, and every year, it feels more like home. But not everyone is suited to months of grey days. If you're an American evaluating best places to move abroad, ask yourself if the weather there will be an issue.

© 2026 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, immigration, financial, tax, or medical advice. Laws, regulations, and personal circumstances vary, and the content here may not apply to your specific situation. Before making any decisions, you should consult with qualified professionals such as an attorney, immigration advisor, financial planner, tax consultant, or healthcare provider. The author makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided and accepts no liability for any actions taken or outcomes resulting from its use.