You can wear shorts once the feels-like temperature is above 15°C (59°F). That is the rule KorteBroekAan.nl uses by default: feels-like above 15°C and a rain chance below 90%. The feels-like part matters. With wind and cloud, 18°C (64°F) can feel like 14°C; in full sun with no wind it feels like 23°C. If you don't mind the cold, the Daring setting in the app lowers the line to 10°C (50°F).
In the Netherlands you first get above that line regularly in May, and you drop below it again during September. Below is what to expect at each temperature first, then month by month.
Shorts or trousers: a guide by temperature
| Air temperature | Shorts or trousers? |
|---|---|
| 12°C (54°F) | Usually trousers. Only works in full sun with no wind. |
| 15°C (59°F) | Borderline. Yes with sun, no with wind or cloud. |
| 17°C (63°F) | Fine in sunshine, too cool when overcast and windy. |
| 18°C (64°F) | Shorts in the sun. Overcast and windy, it feels like 14°C. |
| 19°C (66°F) | Sun and wind decide: it can feel like anything from 12 to 25°C. |
| 20°C (68°F) | Usually shorts. Hesitate with wind, cloud or rain. |
| 21°C (70°F) | Shorts, unless it is overcast and windy at once. |
| 22°C (72°F) | Shorts for almost everyone. |
| 23°C (73°F) | Shorts. Only near-certain rain gives you pause. |
| 24°C (75°F) | Shorts. Long trousers start to feel too warm. |
| 25°C (77°F) | Shorts, no question. Watch out for muggy days. |
The air temperature is a starting point. Whether it holds depends on sun, wind and rain at the time.
When can you wear shorts in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate: mild winters, cool springs and summers that rarely get truly hot. Month by month it looks like this.
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
Shorts work once the feels-like temperature is above 15°C. In the Netherlands that makes shorts season run 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 (which already includes wind) and the chance of rain to determine per day and per location whether shorts are a good idea. That's exactly what it's built for.
Learn more
Read next
Shorts in May: what to expect?
May is the first month where shorts become genuinely normal in the Netherlands. But how warm does it get and when is it safe to head out without a jacket?
Can I wear shorts at 12 degrees? Usually too cold
12°C (54°F) is too cold for shorts for most people. In full sun with no wind it can feel like 17°C, and then it's just about doable.
Can I wear shorts at 15 degrees? Only in the sun
15°C (59°F) is the tipping point. In sun with no wind it feels like 20°C and shorts are fine; overcast and windy it feels like 11°C.
Can I wear shorts at 17 degrees? With sun, yes
At 17°C shorts work, but only with sun or little wind. Overcast with a steady breeze it feels like 13°C, and long trousers are the better call.
Why drizzle feels different from a rain shower
Drizzle looks harmless and often is, until it isn't. The difference between fine rain and heavy showers goes beyond wetness rates.