Sea temperature in Netherlands
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 48 beaches on the Netherlands coast.
Best time to swim in Netherlands
The sea in Netherlands peaks in August, when the water averages around 19°C.
On average, 0 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 8°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 5°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Netherlands sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Netherlands shows an annual mean sea temperature of 11°C, ranging from 5°C in winter to 19°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 14°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Netherlands, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Netherlands sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Netherlands?
August is the warmest month in Netherlands, when the sea averages about 19°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Netherlands?
The coldest month in Netherlands is typically February, when the water averages around 5°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Netherlands without a wetsuit?
The sea in Netherlands rarely climbs above 20°C, so a wetsuit is recommended year-round for anything longer than a quick dip.
Do I need a wetsuit in Netherlands?
Outside peak summer the water in Netherlands drops toward 8°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Netherlands?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Netherlands is about 11°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Netherlands?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Netherlands, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Warmest beaches in Netherlands right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheveningen | North Holland | — | — |
| Zandvoort Beach | North Holland | — | — |
| Bloemendaal aan Zee | North Holland | — | — |
| Wijk aan Zee | North Holland | — | — |
| Texel Beach | North Holland | — | — |
| Kijkduin | South Holland & Zeeland | — | — |
| Hoek van Holland | South Holland & Zeeland | — | — |
| Domburg | South Holland & Zeeland | — | — |
| Renesse | South Holland & Zeeland | — | — |
| Cadzand | South Holland & Zeeland | — | — |
| Scheveningen Beach | South Holland | — | — |
| Kijkduin Beach | South Holland | — | — |
| Katwijk Beach | South Holland | — | — |
| Noordwijk Beach | South Holland | — | — |
| Zandvoort Beach | North Holland | — | — |
| Bloemendaal aan Zee | North Holland | — | — |
| IJmuiden Beach | North Holland | — | — |
| Wijk aan Zee | North Holland | — | — |
| Egmond aan Zee | North Holland | — | — |
| Bergen aan Zee | North Holland | — | — |
| Camperduin Beach | North Holland | — | — |
| Petten Beach | North Holland | — | — |
| Callantsoog Beach | North Holland | — | — |
| Julianadorp Beach | North Holland | — | — |
| De Koog Beach | Wadden Islands | — | — |
| De Cocksdorp Beach | Wadden Islands | — | — |
| Nes Beach Ameland | Wadden Islands | — | — |
| Hollum Beach | Wadden Islands | — | — |
| West-Terschelling Beach | Wadden Islands | — | — |
| Formerum Beach | Wadden Islands | — | — |
| Vlieland Beach | Wadden Islands | — | — |
| Schiermonnikoog Beach | Wadden Islands | — | — |
| Domburg Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Oostkapelle Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Vrouwenpolder Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Westkapelle Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Zoutelande Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Dishoek Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Vlissingen Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Breskens Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Cadzand Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Nieuwvliet Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Renesse Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Burgh-Haamstede Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Ouddorp Beach | Zeeland | — | — |
| Rockanje Beach | South Holland | — | — |
| Hoek van Holland | South Holland | — | — |
| Ter Heijde Beach | South Holland | — | — |