March 2026 breaks sunshine records across the Netherlands
This March was one of the sunniest and mildest on record, with just one sunless day nationwide. Residents enjoyed warmer temperatures early in the month, while later weeks brought stormy conditions and even wintery showers in some areas.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 8.1°C (vs. usual 6.5°C in De Bilt) |
| Highest temperature | 19.4°C (Twenthe Airport, March 6) |
| Lowest temperature | -4.1°C (Deelen, March 17) |
| Sunshine hours | 212 hours (vs. average 146 hours) |
| Sunless days | 1 (nationwide average) |
| Precipitation | 47 mm (vs. average 53 mm) |
| Stormy conditions | Wind gusts up to 90 km/h (coastal areas, March 24-25) |
| Sunniest region | Southern Netherlands |
| Rank in De Bilt | 3rd sunniest March on record |
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) monitors and reports on weather patterns and climate trends in the Netherlands. Their data helps inform public safety measures, agricultural planning, and climate policy decisions.
Read the full translated article below
Very sunny March
March was a very sunny month. The south in particular experienced exceptionally sunny weather. In the west, the sun shone every day. On average, the country saw just one sunless day this month. It was also very mild.
With an average temperature of 8.1°C in De Bilt—compared to the usual 6.5°C—this month was also very mild. This was especially true during the first ten days, as temperatures gradually became less mild as the month progressed.
Highest and lowest temperatures
The meteorological spring began with sunny, dry, and exceptionally mild conditions for the time of year, with maximum temperatures between 15 and 19°C. On March 6, the highest temperature of the month was recorded at Twenthe Airport, reaching 19.4°C. Afterward, the weather became more changeable, with mild daytime temperatures but colder nights. Rainfall occurred almost daily, and winds were often strong. On March 17, the lowest temperature of the month was recorded in Deelen at -4.1°C.
Top 3 sunniest March months in De Bilt
Nationwide, the sun shone for an average of 212 hours—significantly more than the long-term average of 146 hours. The south was exceptionally sunny, while the northern coastal areas saw the least sunshine but still recorded about forty hours more than usual. In De Bilt, this March ranks third on the list of sunniest March months.
Average precipitation
On March 24 and 25, wintery showers brought hail and thunderstorms in places, with wet snow causing temporary white landscapes, particularly in the Limburg hills. Coastal areas experienced stormy conditions with heavy wind gusts (80-90 km/h). On average, the country received a typical amount of precipitation (47 mm compared to the average of 53 mm). When rain did fall, it was often heavy. There were no significant regional differences; precipitation was fairly evenly distributed across the country.
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