Climate - The Hague (Netherlands)

The Hague: Temperatures - Precipitation - Sunshine hours - Sea temperatures - Best time - Weather by month


The climate of The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch), the third largest city in the Netherlands and the de facto capital of the country, is sub-oceanic, humid and rainy, influenced by currents from the Atlantic and the North Sea, with cold, gray winters and mild or pleasantly warm summers.
The city is the capital of the province of South Holland and is located on the North Sea coast. Nearby are the cities of Rotterdam, Leiden and Delft.
The wind blows frequently, and can be intense, especially from November to March.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 3.9 °C (39 °F), that of the warmest months (July and August) is of 17.6 °C (63.7 °F). Here are the average temperatures.

Precipitation amounts to 865 millimeters (34.1 inches) per year: so, it is at an intermediate level. It ranges from 45 mm (1.8 in) in the driest month (April) to 95 mm (3.7 in) in the wettest (August). Here is the average precipitation.

Winter, from December to February, is not very cold for the latitude, but is often humid, windy and rainy. There may be relatively mild periods, when Atlantic currents prevail, and other colder periods, when the temperature drops below freezing and it can snow.
Sometimes, there can be cold spells, in which temperatures can drop as low as -10 °C (14 °F) or even below. In fact, Scandinavian high pressure systems can reverse the normal circulation and bring very cold periods, which in the past were more frequent. The cold record is -17.5 °C (0.5 °F), set in February 1956 and in February 2012.
Even in spring, until April or the first half of May, there is often cold and unstable weather. In April, there may still be some snow showers.
In summer, from June to August, the temperatures are generally pleasant and lend themselves to outdoor activities, although there are cool and rainy periods, and sometimes thunderstorms can break out.
At times, hot periods can occur, generally of short duration, which in recent years are becoming more frequent due to global warming, and in which the temperature can exceed 30 °C (86 °F). On the hottest days of the year, the temperature typically reaches 32 °C (90 °F). The heat record is 35.5 °C (96 °F), set in July 2019.



On average, there are around 1,840 sunshine hours per year. The sun does not shine very often, however, due to its position in the south and on the coast, The Hague is the sunniest city in the Netherlands (although in the Frisian Islands the amount of sunshine reaches 1,900 hours). Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

The sea temperature ranges from 6 °C (43 °F) in February and March to 18 °C (65 °F) in August. So, it never becomes warm for swimming (except for tourists from northern Europe). Here are the average sea temperatures.

Best Time

The best time to visit The Hague runs from mid-May to mid-September, since it is the warmest and sunniest period of the year. Sometimes, it can be hot in July and August, while in other circumstances, nights can be cool or even a little cold even in these months, so it can be useful to bring a sweatshirt or sweater and a light jacket.

The Hague - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

---

In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in The Hague is usually cold. The average temperature is of 3.9 °C (39 °F), with a minimum of 1.5 °C (34.7 °F) and a maximum of 6.4 °C (43.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6.5 °C (20.5 °F). However, it dropped to -13.8 °C (7.2 °F) in January 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 12 °C (53.5 °F). However, it reached 14.3 °C (57.7 °F) in January 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 8 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 2.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 27% of the time.
The average humidity is 86%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 20 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 7 °C (45 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In February, the weather in The Hague is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 4.1 °C (39 °F), with a minimum of 1.3 °C (34.3 °F) and a maximum of 6.9 °C (44.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -5.5 °C (22.5 °F). However, it dropped to -17.5 °C (0.5 °F) in February 2012.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 12.5 °C (54 °F). However, it reached 18.4 °C (65.1 °F) in February 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 35% of the time.
The average humidity is 85%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 6 °C (42.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In March, the weather in The Hague is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 6.3 °C (43 °F), with a minimum of 2.8 °C (37 °F) and a maximum of 9.7 °C (49.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -3.5 °C (26 °F). However, it dropped to -15 °C (5 °F) in March 2005.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 16.5 °C (61.5 °F). However, it reached 21.6 °C (70.9 °F) in March 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 40% of the time.
The average humidity is 82%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 6 °C (43 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In April, the weather in The Hague is usually mild. The average temperature is of 9.2 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 4.9 °C (40.8 °F) and a maximum of 13.6 °C (56.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1 °C (30 °F). However, it dropped to -4.4 °C (24.1 °F) in April 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22 °C (71 °F). However, it reached 27.7 °C (81.9 °F) in April 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 8 °C (46.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In May, the weather in The Hague is usually mild. The average temperature is of 12.7 °C (55 °F), with a minimum of 8.3 °C (47 °F) and a maximum of 17 °C (62.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 2.5 °C (36.5 °F). However, it dropped to -0.2 °C (31.6 °F) in May 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (78 °F). However, it reached 30.5 °C (86.9 °F) in May 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 50 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 11 °C (52 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In June, the weather in The Hague is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 15.4 °C (60 °F), with a minimum of 11.3 °C (52.3 °F) and a maximum of 19.6 °C (67.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6 °C (43 °F). However, it dropped to 1.7 °C (35.1 °F) in June 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28.5 °C (83 °F). However, it reached 33.5 °C (92.3 °F) in June 1996.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 16 hours and 40 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 46% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14 °C (57 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In July, the weather in The Hague is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.6 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 13.5 °C (56.4 °F) and a maximum of 21.7 °C (71 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 9 °C (48 °F). However, it dropped to 6.9 °C (44.4 °F) in July 2000.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (85.5 °F). However, it reached 35.5 °C (95.9 °F) in July 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 16 hours and 5 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16.5 °C (61.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

---

In August, the warmest month of the year, the weather in The Hague is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.6 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 13.4 °C (56.2 °F) and a maximum of 21.8 °C (71.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 9 °C (48 °F). However, it dropped to 6.1 °C (43 °F) in August 2014.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85 °F). However, it reached 33.4 °C (92.1 °F) in August 1994.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 30 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (64.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

---

In September, the weather in The Hague is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 14.9 °C (59 °F), with a minimum of 10.9 °C (51.7 °F) and a maximum of 18.9 °C (66 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6 °C (42.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.9 °C (35.4 °F) in September 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (76.5 °F). However, it reached 30.8 °C (87.4 °F) in September 2013.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 42% of the time.
The average humidity is 82%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17.5 °C (63.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

---

In October, the weather in The Hague is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.3 °C (52 °F), with a minimum of 7.9 °C (46.2 °F) and a maximum of 14.7 °C (58.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 2 °C (35.5 °F). However, it dropped to -4.4 °C (24.1 °F) in October 1997.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20.5 °C (68.5 °F). However, it reached 26.4 °C (79.5 °F) in October 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 36% of the time.
The average humidity is 84%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15 °C (59.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

---

In November, the weather in The Hague is usually quite mild. The average temperature is of 7.4 °C (45 °F), with a minimum of 4.7 °C (40.4 °F) and a maximum of 10.2 °C (50.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28.5 °F). However, it dropped to -7.1 °C (19.2 °F) in November 1998.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 15.5 °C (60 °F). However, it reached 18.6 °C (65.5 °F) in November 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 8 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 2 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 25% of the time.
The average humidity is 87%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12 °C (54 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In December, the weather in The Hague is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 4.6 °C (40 °F), with a minimum of 2.2 °C (35.9 °F) and a maximum of 7.1 °C (44.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -5 °C (22.5 °F). However, it dropped to -13.2 °C (8.2 °F) in December 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). However, it reached 15.3 °C (59.5 °F) in December 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 7 hours and 50 minutes. So the days are short. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 2 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 23% of the time.
The average humidity is 87%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 9 °C (48.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.