Less heavy showers
Thunderstorms usually develop over the hot inland areas and do not always pass over the Wadden Sea. This means that on Ameland you experience heavy downpours less often and enjoy longer dry periods between showers.
Summer heat on Ameland
When summer arrives on Ameland, you immediately feel the fresh sea breeze that surrounds the island. Instead of the oppressive heat on the mainland, you are welcomed here by wide beaches, open skies, and a constant cooling from wind and water.
It seems as if the sun shines here just a little longer and time ticks a little slower. You walk along the vast beach, cycle past waving marram grass, and end the day with a colorful sunset that wraps the horizon in soft shades of orange and gold.
The weather on Ameland in the summer
Somewhat cooler summers
On Ameland, the temperature in July and August is on average a few degrees lower than on the mainland. While elsewhere it can easily reach 30 °C or more, the temperature here often fluctuates around 22–25 °C. The Wadden Sea and the North Sea warm up more slowly than the land, making heatwaves feel less intense. When it is 30 °C in Leeuwarden, you can expect about 23–25 °C on Ameland – ideal for being active without becoming exhausted.
Cooling sea breeze
The constant sea breeze works as your personal fan. Thanks to the location in the Wadden Sea and North Sea, the wind here often blows a bit stronger than inland, making warm days more pleasant. Bring a light windbreaker for cooler moments, and for kite surfers or windsurfers, Ameland is a true paradise thanks to the reliable sea breeze.
More sun
By the sea, there is generally less low cloud cover and showers blow away more quickly. As a result, the sun shines here in the summer slightly more often than in Central or Southern Netherlands. Plan your beach day generously and take advantage of those clear hours for a relaxing picnic or a refreshing dip.
Sea water temperature: delightfully fresh
In August, the seawater temperatures are around 18–20 °C. Cooler than in lakes or swimming ponds, but that coolness feels wonderfully refreshing after a day in the warm sun.
Summer weather on Ameland vs the rest of the Netherlands
Ameland has a slightly different climate in the summer than the rest of the Netherlands. Below you will find an overview per month (July, August, September) with the main differences in temperature, precipitation, sunshine, and more.
Weather overview per month:
| Weather feature | July (Ameland) |
August (Ameland) |
September (Ameland) |
Rest of the Netherlands |
| Avg. Temp. | 17 - 20°C | 17–21°C | 15–18°C | Often 2–3°C warmer in the inland |
| Warm days (>25°C) | Rarely, usually max 22–24°C |
Occasionally, 23–25°C occurs |
Rarely, max 20°C |
Inland more often 25–30°C |
| Wind | Moderate to strong (SW/NE) |
Moderate, sometimes cool sea breeze |
Moderate, more often NE wind |
Less wind |
| Precipitation | 50–70 mm (avg.) | 60–80 mm | 60–90 mm | Showers more often in the inland |
| Sunshine | 200–220 hours | 190-210 hours | 150-170 hours | Slightly less sun on average |
| Sea water temp. | 17–18°C | 18–20°C | 17–18°C | N/A – inland has lakes |
| Chance of thunderstorms | Small | Small to moderate | Small | Often severe thunderstorms |
Weather per month
July
- Often the sunniest month on the islands.
- Temperatures are mildly summery: 18–22°C during the day.
- Fresh wind makes it pleasant, but sometimes cool on the beach.
- Rarely hot, little chance of 30°C.
- Well suited for walking, cycling, and beach without overheating.
Augustus
- Usually a bit warmer than July.
- Best month for swimming (sea water up to 20°C).
- Chance of summer evenings with 22–24°C.
- A bit more chance of showers than in July, especially in the second half of the month.
September
- Often still very pleasant at the beginning of September.
- Temperatures: during the day still 18–20°C in the first half.
- Calmer and drier weather than August, sunshine hours decrease slightly.
- Fewer tourists, still good weather for outdoor activities.
- Sometimes the first autumn-like days in the second half.
Why Ameland specifically?
Because here in the summer you get air. Literally. The temperature remains pleasant, the sun often shows itself, and that constant sea breeze keeps you fresh. While the heat lingers elsewhere, you cycle through dunes full of life or walk along a beach where space is still taken for granted.
On Ameland, summer feels lighter, freer – exactly how you prefer to experience it.
Summer on Ameland leaves you wanting more
Once you are on the island, you will want to stay. Fortunately, that is possible. Whether you want to wake up with a view of the dunes, take a dive into the refreshing sea, or are looking for a nice spot for a good glass of wine at the end of the day, on Ameland you will find it all.
Discover where you can stay overnight, where you can swim safely & relaxed, and where you can enjoy the best food and drinks.
