Proximity to the sea, low elevation, and the presence of numerous rivers and canals create a temperate climate with very little variation throughout the Netherlands. Temperatures are generally cool in the summer and cold and wet in the winter. Extreme weather of any type is uncommon.

As in most countries in northwest Europe, the weather can be very changeable from day to day at all times of the year, and the character of each season may vary from o­ne year to another.

The coastal regions have the mildest climate throughout the year and the lowest rainfall, although there are thunderstorms in the summer accompanied by heavy showers.

From December to February the weather is quite cold and wet. Rivers and canals may freeze during spells of cold weather. In mild winters this may not occur at all. In the summer, fine, hot weather may last for some weeks o­n occasions but the weather may also be cool.

It rains throughout the year. Although there are fewer rainy days in the summer, the rainfall is heavier then. Average daily sunshine amounts range from about two hours in January to between seven and eight hours in June.

The flat countryside makes the Netherlands a rather windy place at all times of the year.

Average temperatures in January range from -0.5°C to 6°C and in July from 12°C to 22°C, although in areas such as Haarlem temperatures can be as high as 27°C in the summer.