The city and surrounding areas begin to bloom with cherry blossoms in late In the fourth month offering beautiful displays. Days lengthen, making outdoor exploration pleasant. Bring layers for cool am and pm. During summer there is the hottest weather, with typical temperatures between 17-22°C (63-72°F). Lots of sunshine provide extended sightseeing and beach enjoyment. Autumn temperatures cool down, typically ranging from 10-16°C (50-61°F). Rainfall increases. The city’s parks and trees display vivid autumn foliage. Winter experiences cold temperatures, averaging 3-7°C (37-45°F). The weather often appears damp with rain or occasional snow.
The Netherlands does not experience monsoons or hurricanes. Extreme temperatures, either very cold (below -10°C / 14°F) or very hot (above 30°C / 86°F), occur rarely. Strong winds are a typical feature, particularly close to the coast, adding to the brisk feeling of the air.
Beach and Outdoor Activities: July-August provide the best conditions for enjoying Scheveningen Beach and other coastal pursuits.
Museums and Indoor Attractions: Visit these year-round. Cycling: May-September offers comfortable conditions. Tulip Fields (nearby): Plan your visit for mid-April to early During the month of may. Shopping and City Exploration: Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer nice weather and less people. Christmas Markets: December brings festive Christmas markets to the city.
June-August
Warmest weather, ideal for beach. Longer daylight. Attractions at full capacity.
High prices for accommodation/flights. Larger crowds. Pre-booking necessary.
April-The MONTH of may andamp; Sept-Oct
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds. Lower prices. Tulip season.
Less predictable weather, higher rain chance. Beach activities may wind down by late September.
November-March
Lower prices for accommodation/flights. Very few tourists. Cozy winter atmosphere.
Cold, often wet weather. Shorter daylight. Reduced operating hours.
Travelers to The Hague adhere to Schengen Area requirements for visas and entry. These rules are based on your nationality and the length of your stay. Citizens of many non-EU/EEA countries need a Schengen Visa for stays up to 90 days. Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Netherlands. Citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and many others do not need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) expected to be operational mid-2025 will apply to visa-exempt non-EU nationals. Stays longer than 90 days require a long-stay visa or residence permit.
Present a passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure date, not older THAN 10 years. Carry your valid Schengen visa (if applicable), return/onward ticket, accommodation confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds. Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage) is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants and highly recommended for all. Visa applications need recent passport-sized photos. The Hague imposes no general entry fees for tourists. Standard border security procedures apply.
The Hague offers options for every travel style, from frugal to luxurious.
The official currency is the Euro (€, EUR). ATMs, "Geldautomaat," are widely available at banks, shopping centers, and train stations. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are widely accepted; Amex is less common. Contactless payment should be prevalent. Notify your bank about your trip plans. Money exchange offices are present but generally offer less favorable rates than ATMs.
These ranges give an overview of typical costs you will encounter.
Approximate costs for common items and services.
The Netherlands boasts a high-quality healthcare system and generally low crime rates.
No specific vaccinations are required. Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Varicella, Polio, Flu) are up-to-date. Consult your doctor.
Minor colds, seasonal allergies (spring/summer), sunburn. Practice good hand hygiene, stay hydrated, use High-SPF sunscreen and Sun protection.
Tap water is safe and excellent quality. Food hygiene standards are high. Carry a Reusable water bottle.
Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
For non-emergency medical issues, visit a "huisarts" (General Practitioner). Den Haag has different hospitals with emergency departments (Spoedeisende Hulp), like HMC Westeinde. Pharmacies ("Apotheek") are widely available for medications.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers. A good policy includes coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Consider World Nomads for adventurous travel or SafetyWing for digital nomads. Insubuy provides medical and travel coverage for US visitors.
Special permits are not generally needed for tourism. The city maintains a high amount of safety and cleanliness.
The Hague has very low crime rates. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas like Centraal Station, Grote Markt, Scheveningen Boulevard, and on public transport. Remain aware of your surroundings. Keep valuables safe in a Money belt or hidden pouch. Avoid openly displaying large amounts of cash or expensive electronics.
No specific "no-go" areas. Scheveningen can be lively at night but remains generally safe.
Coastal storms having robust winds and heavy rain occur, especially in autumn/winter. Heatwaves are rare. Significant urban flooding is rare due to extensive flood defenses.
Knowing these numbers and procedures can be important during an emergency.
Images to help you prepare for your journey.
