The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate. That means mild winters, cool springs and summers that rarely get truly hot. When you can wear shorts depends a lot on the month — but also on wind, cloud cover and your personal cold threshold.
January and February: shorts essentially out of the question
Average daytime temperatures in January and February sit between 4 and 7°C. With wind and cloud cover — both common in the Dutch winter — it feels like 0°C or less. Shorts are not a realistic option in these months, except for the most cold-resistant.
March and April: the first warm days are possible
In March, temperatures slowly rise to an average of 10–12°C during the day. By late April, the first real spring days can occur: in calm, sunny conditions the feels-like temperature can reach 18–20°C. Shorts are certainly feasible then. But conditions remain unpredictable — a cloudy April day feels much colder than the thermometer suggests.
| Month | Avg. daytime temp. | Shorts likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| March | 10–12°C | Rare, only in full sunshine |
| April | 12–16°C | Sometimes, late April in good weather |
May: shorts season begins
May is the first month where shorts become genuinely normal. Average temperatures rise to 16–19°C. On sunny days with little wind the feels-like temperature easily exceeds 20°C. Cold spells and strong wind can still ruin the plan though.
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June, July and August: the peak
The Dutch summer is concentrated in these three months. Averages:
| Month | Avg. daytime temp. | Hot days (>25°C) per month |
|---|---|---|
| June | 19–22°C | 4–6 |
| July | 22–24°C | 7–10 |
| August | 21–23°C | 6–8 |
Shorts are the norm, though cloudy and rainy days occur regularly. The Netherlands rarely sees prolonged heat waves, but periods of 28–33°C happen every year.
September: summer is winding down
Early September still offers fine shorts weather on sunny days. But as the month progresses, temperatures drop quickly. By late September, cold mornings and evenings are the norm, and overcast days push conditions into the zone where shorts become uncomfortable.
October through December: winter conditions
From October onwards, average daytime temperatures drop below 15°C. With wind and rain it often feels like early winter. Shorts are not a serious option for most people during this period.
Conclusion
In the Netherlands, shorts season runs roughly from May through September. May and September are transition months — depending on the weather you may or may not get away with it. The heart of the season is July and August.
KorteBroekAan.nl uses the current feels-like temperature, wind speed and rain probability to determine per day and per location whether shorts are a good idea. That's exactly what it's built for.