Introduction
March is a transitional month in the Netherlands—a time when winter’s chill begins to fade and spring’s first signs emerge. While temperatures remain cool, the country comes alive with the start of tulip season, cultural festivals, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. This guide covers everything you need to plan a trip in March 2025, from weather statistics and top activities to practical transport details and packing advice. All prices are in EUR and verified as of January 2025.
Weather in March: What to Expect
March in the Netherlands is unpredictable—expect a mix of cold, rain, and occasional sunny spells. Here are the key stats:
- Average high temperature: 9°C (48°F)
- Average low temperature: 3°C (37°F)
- Rainfall: 60–70 mm over 13–15 rainy days
- Sunshine: 4–5 hours per day (increasing toward month’s end)
- Wind: Moderate, with occasional strong gusts from the North Sea
Pro tip: The first half of March is still winter-like; the second half often sees warmer spells as spring officially begins on March 20. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Best Activities in March
1. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens (Tulip Season)
Dates: March 20 – May 11, 2025 (opens annually around March 20)
Location: Lisse, 40 minutes from Amsterdam by bus
Price: €19.50 for adults (online advance purchase); €10 for children (ages 4–17); free for ages 0–3. Parking €7 per car.
Transport: From Amsterdam, take bus 852 (Keukenhof Express) from Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Central. Round-trip bus + entry combo: €38.50. Alternatively, train to Leiden Central, then bus 854.
Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden, with 7 million bulbs planted across 32 hectares. In March, early blooms include crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and early tulips. Peak tulip bloom is usually mid-April, but March offers lower crowds and a preview of the season.
Tip: Visit on weekday mornings (before 11:00 AM) to avoid peak crowds. Bring an umbrella—rain is common.
2. Explore Amsterdam’s Museums (Indoor Culture)
March’s cool, rainy days are perfect for world-class museums. Book tickets online at least 2 weeks ahead to avoid sold-out slots.
- Rijksmuseum: €22.50 (adults); free for under-18s. Open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Highlights: Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Vermeer’s Milkmaid.
- Van Gogh Museum: €20 (adults); free for under-18s. Open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (until 6:00 PM on weekends). Must-see: Sunflowers, The Bedroom.
- Anne Frank House: €16 (adults); €7 (ages 10–17). Tickets release exactly 6 weeks in advance at 10:00 AM CET. March slots sell out within hours.
- Rembrandt House Museum: €17.50 (adults). Open daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Includes etching demonstrations.
3. Cycle the Countryside (Spring Bike Routes)
March is a great month for cycling if you dress warmly. Bike rental costs €10–€15 per day from shops like MacBike (multiple locations in Amsterdam, €14.95/day) or A-Bike (€10/day). Popular routes:
- Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans (20 km one way): Windmills, wooden houses, cheese farms. Follow signs along the IJ river. Free entry to Zaanse Schans, but museum entry €16.
- Leiden to Keukenhof (15 km): Paved paths through bulb fields. Rent from Leiden station (€12/day).
- Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park: Forested hills east of Utrecht. Rent from Utrecht Central (€13/day).
Safety: Dutch cyclists rarely wear helmets; follow bike lane rules. Use a bike lock (included with rental).
4. Celebrate King’s Day Eve (Koningsnacht) – April 26
While King’s Day itself is April 27, celebrations begin on the evening of April 26 (a Saturday in 2025). March is the best time to plan ahead:
- Amsterdam: Free street parties in Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and Jordaan. Expect crowds of 500,000+.
- The Hague: Kinderfeest (children’s market) at Noordeinde Palace.
- Rotterdam: Largest free outdoor concert in the country at Binnenrotte.
Tip: Book accommodation by early March—prices triple near April 27. Consider staying in Utrecht or Haarlem (20–30 minutes by train) for lower rates.
5. Visit the Efteling Theme Park (Spring Opening)
Location: Kaatsheuvel, 1.5 hours south of Amsterdam
March hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (extended to 8:00 PM on weekends)
Price: €47.50 (online advance); €52 at gate. Children under 4 free.
Transport: Train from Amsterdam to Tilburg (€22.80 one way, 1h15m), then bus 301 or 136 (€4.50, 30 minutes).
Europe’s oldest theme park (opened 1952) features fairy-tale-themed rides, including the wooden roller coaster Baron 1898 and the dark ride Fata Morgana. March crowds are light—average wait times under 20 minutes.
6. Sample Dutch Street Food (Markets)
March’s cool weather makes hot street food irresistible. Visit these markets:
- Albert Cuypmarkt (Amsterdam): Mon–Sat, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM. Try fresh stroopwafels (€2.50), herring with onions (€3.50), and poffertjes (mini pancakes, €4).
- Markthal (Rotterdam): Daily 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. Indoor food hall with 96 stalls. Try kibbeling (fried cod, €5–€7) and bitterballen (€4 per 6 pieces).
- Haarlem Grote Markt: Wednesdays and Saturdays. Fresh cheese samples (€2–€5 per wheel).
Events in March
National Museum Week (Museumweek)
Dates: March 22–30, 2025 (tentative) What: Over 400 museums offer special programs, workshops, and discounted entry. Many museums offer free entry with a Museumkaart (€64.90, valid for 1 year). Without a card, look for €5–€10 specials.Easter Weekend (Pasen)
Dates: April 20–21, 2025 (Easter Sunday/Monday) Events: Easter markets in Maastricht (Vrijthof Square), egg hunts at Keukenhof, and special brunches at Amsterdam’s De Kas restaurant (€55 per person, reservation required by March 15).Dutch Design Week Preview
Dates: Late March (exact dates TBD) Location: Eindhoven What: A preview of October’s main event, with pop-up exhibitions in Strijp-S district. Free entry to most shows.Transport Details
Trains (NS – Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
- Single ticket (Amsterdam to Rotterdam): €16.70 (2nd class, 40 minutes) - Day pass (all Netherlands): €55.20 (unlimited 1-day travel after 9:00 AM) - OV-chipkaart: Required for all public transport. Buy at ticket machines (€7.50 card fee + credit). Reload at stations or Albert Heijn supermarkets. - Discount: Buy e-tickets via NS app (15% off walk-up fares).Buses and Trams
- GVB (Amsterdam): 1-hour ticket €3.40; day pass €9.00. Available at ticket machines or via GVB app. - RET (Rotterdam): Day pass €8.50. Use same OV-chipkaart.Bikes
- Rental: €10–€15/day from MacBike, A-Bike, or OV-fiets (€4.45/day for NS season ticket holders). - Parking: Free at most train stations (look for guarded bike sheds, €1.25/day).Flights
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Direct flights from most major cities. March is low season—round-trip from New York from €450, from London from €60 (easyJet, Ryanair). - Eindhoven Airport (EIN): Budget hub for Ryanair and Transavia. From London from €35.Packing Checklist for March
- Waterproof jacket (windproof preferred) – essential for rain and wind
- Layers: Thermal top, sweater, fleece – temps range 3–9°C
- Comfortable walking shoes – waterproof recommended
- Scarf, gloves, hat – mornings and evenings are cold
- Umbrella – compact, wind-resistant
- Reusable water bottle – tap water is safe everywhere
- Power bank – limited outlets on trains
- Daypack – for museum and market visits
- Sunscreen – UV can be strong on sunny days
- Electrical adapter – Type C/F (two round pins), 230V
Budget Breakdown (Per Day, Mid-Range)
| Item | Cost (EUR) |
|------|------------|
| Hostel dorm bed | €30–€45 |
| Budget hotel (double) | €80–€120 |
| Train day pass | €55.20 |
| Museum entry (2) | €40 |
| Street food meals (3) | €25–€35 |
| Bike rental | €12 |
| Total (per person) | €162–€207 |
FAQ
1. Is March a good time to see tulips in the Netherlands?
Yes, but only early blooms. Keukenhof opens around March 20, with crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and early tulips. Peak tulip season is mid-April. For guaranteed fields of blooming tulips, visit after April 10.
2. What is the weather like in the Netherlands in March?
Cool and variable, with average highs of 9°C (48°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). Expect rain on 13–15 days and 4–5 hours of sunshine daily. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
3. Do I need to book museum tickets in advance for March?
Yes, especially for the Anne Frank House (tickets release 6 weeks ahead and sell out within hours) and Van Gogh Museum. For the Rijksmuseum, booking 1–2 weeks ahead is recommended. March is less crowded than summer, but weekends still sell out.
4. How do I get from Amsterdam to Keukenhof in March?
Take bus 852 (Keukenhof Express) from Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Central. Round-trip bus + entry combo costs €38.50. The bus runs from March 20. Alternatively, take a train to Leiden Central (€12.70), then bus 854 (€4.50).
5. Is King’s Day celebrated in March?
No, King’s Day is April 27. However, planning in March is essential—book accommodation and train tickets early, as prices triple. King’s Night (April 26) features free street parties across major cities.
6. What is the cheapest way to travel between Dutch cities in March?
Use the NS day pass (€55.20 for unlimited travel after 9:00 AM) or buy e-tickets via the NS app (15% discount). For budget options, consider FlixBus (Amsterdam to Rotterdam from €5) or BlaBlaCar (shared rides from €8).