Spring is here, daylight-saving time has begun, and flower bulb season is underway. It’s that special time of year when the Dutch shake off their winter fortitude and embrace springtime lightness. The clocks moved forward this weekend, giving us an extra hour of light to enjoy in the evenings. And even though the weather is still on the cooler side, you can feel the shift. Gardens are being planted, parks are filling up, and people are heading outdoors. It’s not just the daylight that’s increasing- it’s the energy!
The Netherlands is brightening up, literally, with more light each day, and figuratively too, as blossoms and buds return to parks and streets and flowerbeds start to bloom.
Longer Days, Lighter Moods
With the sun lingering later, that post-work stroll, bike ride, or meet-up in the park is suddenly back on the table. There’s something very Dutch about making the most of every moment of sunshine. Whether it’s catching the last bit of daylight on your balcony or enjoying the golden hour on your commute, you’ll notice people everywhere are leaning into the light.
Terrace Season & Outdoor Culture
One of the most beloved spring rituals in the Netherlands is the return of café terraces. The moment the sun comes out, people flock to outdoor tables (wearing sunglasses and coats if needed) just to enjoy the sunshine on their faces. From city squares to parks and neighbourhood cafés, terrace season is ramping back up.
In the coming months, the wonderful European city lifestyle shines as parks become social hubs, filled with picnics and play. And there’s more to come: Dutch beach pavilions typically reopen in May, bringing with them the perfect excuse to take a day off and embrace a beach day. Think sunshine, fresh seafood, and seaside terraces in Scheveningen, Zandvoort, and Bloemendaal.
Whether you’re planning a sunny day trip or just a stroll with your feet in the sand, beach season is nearly here. But in anticipation, many will head out on a cool sunny day to enjoy a walk in the dunes.
The Country is Blooming
The extra brightness isn’t just in the sky, it’s in the colours returning all around us. Spring flower season in the Netherlands is more than just a countryside event.
🌸 Crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths are already popping up in March and April, followed by the iconic tulips in April (with peak bloom around mid-month).
🌷 Keukenhof Gardens and the tulip fields of Lisse and the surrounding areas are world-famous with good reason.
You don’t have to go see the traces of spring, flowers are blooming across cities too. Local councils plant bulbs in parks and streets, and you’ll see residents proudly filling window boxes and front gardens with colour.
From the countryside to your local square, people pour energy into bringing the brightness back and drive the cold weather out. If you are going to live in a country where you can count on a bit of rain, you might as well plant a garden!
Conclusion
Spring in the Netherlands isn’t just a season, it’s a mental shift. It’s the moment when people open their windows, buy a bunch of tulips for their house just because, and head outside. It’s about bringing brightness into your day, whether that means having lunch on a sunny terrace, taking a walk to enjoy the colors in your neighborhood, or planting a few flowers of your own.