Climate by Destination

Our site offers climate statistics and additional climate information about all destinations in the world. Based on long-term climate data, we can show what the weather looks like on average at a destination. By correctly interpreting this data and processing historical weather-related events, a good picture can be formed of what can be regarded as ‘normal weather’ somewhere. Climate describes the average environmental conditions (temperature, precipitation, sunshine) for a particular place based on data measured over a longer period (usually 30 years). A snapshot is seen as the weather.

The climate is determined by various factors, whereby the sun, the location on earth, the presence of seas and the altitude are largely decisive. By looking closely at climate figures and data, you can make a reasonable estimate of how great the chance of certain weather conditions for a destination within any given period. What is important to know is that the weather rarely corresponds to the average weather. An average is created by forming an average of previously measured data.

What is the weather like today and what will the weather be like in the coming days? These are frequently asked questions that millions of people search for answers to every day. The weather has such an impact on daily life that this topic is frequently discussed in the daily decisions we make. Do I go by bike or do I go to work by car? Shall I stock up on meat for the barbecue tonight? Is it a good day to go to the beach? What kind of clothes do I wear? Shall I hang the laundry outside to dry? These are just a few of the many weather-related questions that are so common that we are not even aware of how often we ask them. Within many professions and disciplines, the weather is so important that they can be a determining factor. In the Netherlands, for example, consider train timetables that have to be adjusted due to falling leaves or a layer of snow. Or the government scattering teams that have to be on their way again in time during the winter. What about the construction sector? This industry has to deal with the weather on a daily basis.

Weather forecast

It is not for nothing that weather sites and rainfall radars are visited so much. You try to form a judgment based on the available weather information whether and when you should or can take a certain action. Unfortunately, there is one problem when looking for answers to questions about the weather: a weather forecast is never one hundred percent waterproof. Models are calculated based on the available measurement data and historical weather data. Meteorologists are getting better at this. As time goes by, more historical data is available and the technology is becoming more and more advanced. As a result, the weather forecasts are becoming increasingly accurate. Because the weather depends on many different factors, a small change in conditions can have a big impact on the final weather.

Weather or climate?

A weather forecast is a short-term forecast. Long-term expectations based on scientific calculations can hardly be made. You can’t know what the weather will be like in May in January. You can, however, see what is considered normal for a certain period on the basis of climate statistics. This is not a guarantee, but it is a guideline. Climate information is the best tool for long-term planning. This is often used, among other things, when planning a holiday or a trip.

The best time to travel by destination

The climate often plays an important role in deciding where and when to go on holiday. For many, the weather is a decisive factor when choosing a destination and when you travel there. After all, it makes no sense to book a beach holiday at temperatures of ten degrees and the chance that you can actually ski in hot summer weather is of course minimal. Climate figures do not say everything. They only give an indication of the weather over the past 20-30 years. That is why we think it is important to provide some extra information about the best travel periods for countries, cities and regions. This information serves as a useful help to find a suitable holiday destination for a certain travel period or to choose the right time for a holiday to a possible travel destination.

We mainly take the weather and climate into account, but include other things such as travel seasons (high, low or mid season), events and other elements in our travel advice for the best time to travel. For example, do you want to make a city trip when many museums, shops and attractions are closed?

Circumstances

The optimal weather conditions for a certain type of holiday or trip differ per person. It is therefore difficult to determine exactly what the best travel period is. All data on this site is based on a number of average factors and circumstances. Personal preferences, age and physical condition can lead to different advice. Keep this in mind when reviewing the information.

Types of holidays and travel

The best travel time partly depends on your destination. After all, you need different weather for skiing than for a beach holiday. High temperatures are not a must for a city trip or cultural trip, but it is nice if you are not in the middle of a rainy season. We have compiled travel advice for four categories of travel on our ‘best travel period’ pages.

We will explain them:

Sun holidays

We call a holiday in which sun, sea and the pool or beach are central. Good weather is essential for this type of holiday. For most people, this means a daytime temperature of between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius, balmy evenings and a (sea) water temperature of at least 21/22 degrees. Preferably there is little to no rain and the sun shows itself frequently. To make a holiday in the sun ideal, a strong wind is less desirable, as is high humidity, which can make it very stuffy.

Active holidays

You have many types of active holidays. That can be a downright sporty trip, but you can also classify a holiday that involves a fair amount of walking or a fair number of activities. The desired weather type depends a bit on what you are going to do. For example, a windsurfer likes a lot of wind, while a cyclist prefers nothing more than a gentle breeze. Unpleasant conditions for an active holiday are often extreme heat or cold, a lot of precipitation, unstable weather and high relative humidity.

City trips and culture trips

A visit to a city or a cultural trip makes fewer demands on the weather than a holiday in the sun or an active holiday. It is nice when it is 25 degrees and sunny when you visit a city or attraction. If there is a shower or it is a bit cooler, it doesn’t matter that much. The weather has to go a bit towards extremes to make it unpleasant for a city trip or a culture trip. You can also classify traveling as part of this type of holiday. It is often a combination of light to moderate activity, making excursions and visiting cities or villages.

Winter sports holidays

For an ideal winter sports holiday you need good snow. Snow should not be too sticky from melting, but also not too hard from freezing. If you can, you do not want to deal with snow showers, strong winds and/or extreme cold during your winter sports holiday. A nice white layer with a lovely sun and good visibility are the best conditions. Temperatures between minus ten degrees and freezing are the pleasant conditions for skiing or snowboarding.