Leeuwarden Weather Today

Climate and Weather in Leeuwarden, NL

Leeuwarden, located in the northern part of the Netherlands, experiences a temperate maritime climate. As with most of the country, Leeuwarden's weather is heavily influenced by the North Sea and the prevailing westerly winds. The climate is characterized by mild summers and cool winters, with moderate rainfall throughout the year.

Temperature

The average annual temperature in Leeuwarden is around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). The warmest month is usually July, with average highs of 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters, on the other hand, can be quite chilly, with average temperatures ranging from 0 to 6 degrees Celsius (32 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit). The coldest month is typically January, with average lows of -1 degrees Celsius (30 degrees Fahrenheit).

It is worth noting that temperatures in Leeuwarden can occasionally drop below freezing during the winter months, leading to the formation of frost and occasional snowfall. However, snowfall is generally limited, with an average of 8 days of snow per year.

Precipitation

Leeuwarden experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of around 800 millimeters (31.5 inches). The wettest months are typically August and October, with average rainfall of 80 millimeters (3.1 inches) per month. The driest months are usually February and April, with average rainfall of around 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) per month.

Due to its proximity to the North Sea, Leeuwarden is also prone to strong winds, especially during the autumn and winter months. Wind speeds can reach an average of 17 kilometers per hour (10.5 miles per hour), with occasional gusts exceeding 30 kilometers per hour (18.6 miles per hour).

Sunshine

Leeuwarden enjoys an average of 1,600 hours of sunshine per year, spread across approximately 200 days. The sunniest months are usually May and June, with an average of 220 hours of sunshine per month. The least sunny months are typically December and January, with an average of 40 hours of sunshine per month.

Weather Highlights

Leeuwarden is known for its mild and changeable weather patterns. The city experiences a fair amount of cloud cover throughout the year, with an average of 60% cloud cover. This can result in frequent changes in weather conditions, with periods of sunshine followed by showers.

The city also experiences a phenomenon known as the "Leeuwarden effect," where local temperatures can be slightly lower than surrounding areas due to its geographical location. This effect is most noticeable during cold winter nights when the absence of cloud cover allows for greater radiative cooling.

Conclusion

Leeuwarden, NL, has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. The average annual temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). The city experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with an average of 800 millimeters (31.5 inches) of precipitation. Leeuwarden enjoys an average of 1,600 hours of sunshine per year, with May and June being the sunniest months. The city's weather is characterized by frequent changes, with periods of sunshine followed by showers. Overall, Leeuwarden's climate is suitable for those who prefer mild temperatures and enjoy the occasional change in weather.