IJsselmeer
Beginner-friendly
Best conditions around August 3
Dutch inland sea — flat water, friendly winds, traditional Dutch towns.
Best time to sail
Best time to sail in the Netherlands
The best time to sail in the Netherlands is June to September, with peak conditions in July and August.
That verdict comes from 1991–2020 climate normals — wind, rain, sunshine, and air temperature — scored week by week for charter conditions across 1 sailing area.
Sailing conditions in the Netherlands, month by month
Mean weekly values across our sailing areas in the Netherlands. The sail score weighs wind, rain, sun, and temperature — and discounts tropical-storm season where one applies.
| Month | Sail score | Wind (kn) | Rain (mm/day) | Sun (h/day) | Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Fair | 13 | 2 | 12 | 4 |
| February | Fair | 13 | 1.8 | 12 | 4 |
| March | Fair | 12 | 1.6 | 12 | 6 |
| April | Fair | 11 | 1.7 | 12 | 9 |
| May | Fair | 9 | 1.8 | 12 | 13 |
| June | Excellent | 9 | 1.9 | 12 | 16 |
| July | Excellent | 9 | 1.7 | 12 | 18 |
| August | Excellent | 9 | 2.1 | 12 | 18 |
| September | Excellent | 10 | 2.3 | 12 | 15 |
| October | Fair | 11 | 2.5 | 12 | 11 |
| November | Fair | 12 | 2.4 | 12 | 7 |
| December | Fair | 13 | 2.4 | 12 | 5 |
Sailing areas in the Netherlands
Every area below is scored individually in the interactive calendar; where we have an in-depth guide, it's linked.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to sail in the Netherlands?
June to September offers the most reliable conditions, with July and August scoring best for wind, rain, sunshine, and temperature in the 1991–2020 climate normals.
When is the cheapest time to charter in the Netherlands?
The shoulder months — June and September — usually combine good sailing conditions with fewer crowds and lower charter prices than the peak in July and August.
How warm is it in the Netherlands in July?
Around 18 °C air temperature on average in July, with about 12 hours of sun a day.