WHAT MONTH IS BEST TO SEE TULIPS IN THE NETHERLANDS?

If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands for tulips, you’re probably hoping for that moment: endless colour, perfect rows of flowers, windmills in the distance, and the feeling that spring is turned up to maximum.

So what’s the best month to see tulips in the Netherlands?

For most visitors, the best answer is April, especially mid-April. That’s when tulips in the famous flower regions are most likely to be in full bloom, and it’s also when the Netherlands runs many of its most iconic tulip events. (

But tulips are nature  and nature doesn’t follow your calendar perfectly. Below is the realistic, helpful version of the answer, with the best month and how to plan around bloom timing, crowds, and what you want to experience.

The short answer: April is best (mid-April is the sweet spot)

Tulip season in the Netherlands generally runs from late March into early May, with the strongest tulip bloom most commonly from mid-April to early May. 

That’s why April is the month most travellers should choose if they can only pick one.

In April you’ll typically get:

• the highest chance of seeing tulip fields in full colour

• the most variety (early and mid-season tulips overlapping)

• major tulip events happening across the country

• Keukenhof in full swing

Why April wins: the “Tulip Triangle” is at full power

When people dream of Dutch tulips, they usually mean one (or more) of these three experiences:

1) Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse)

Keukenhof is the easiest, most reliable place to see a huge range of spring flowers, because it’s curated and maintained as a visitor experience.

In 2026, Keukenhof is open from 19 March to 10 May.
So yes: you can visit outside April. But April is when the park is most likely to feel like the famous “tulip explosion” people travel for.

2) The flower fields in the Bollenstreek (the famous countryside fields)

The Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) is one of the classic field areas near Keukenhof. Local sources and bloom guides commonly point to mid-April to early May as the strongest period for tulip fields. 

3) Tulips in the city: Tulp Festival Amsterdam (April only)

If you’re staying in Amsterdam, April is extra special because the city runs Tulp Festival Amsterdam for the full month of April.

In 2026, the event runs from 1–30 April.
That means you can combine a Keukenhof day trip with tulip displays right in the city, without needing extra travel days.

The “best month” depends on what you want (choose your style)

If your goal is: “I want the best chance of seeing tulip fields”

Choose April, ideally mid-April. 

If your goal is: “I want Keukenhof, but with fewer crowds”

Consider late March or early April. Keukenhof is already open (in 2026 from 19 March), and you still get gorgeous spring displays — but often with a calmer feeling than peak weeks. 

If your goal is: “I want peak tulips AND I don’t mind crowds”

Go for mid-April, and lean into the energy.

Bonus: one of the biggest spring events in the region happens in April too…

The most “festival” weekend: Flower Parade time (April 2026)

If you want tulip season with a real celebration vibe, April is the month for the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek (Flower Parade).

In 2026, the parade takes place on Saturday 18 April, travelling from Noordwijk to Haarlem. 

This week is peak spring atmosphere — but also peak crowds and road closures in the region. If you want a relaxed Keukenhof day, avoid the parade day. If you want the most iconic spring experience, plan around it and arrive early.

What about March and May?

April is best, but March and May can still be great depending on expectations.

March (early season)

Keukenhof opens in March (19 March in 2026).
In March you’ll often see:

• early spring colour

• lots of daffodils and hyacinths

• some early tulips depending on the year

It can be beautiful, but it may not match the “endless tulip fields” fantasy yet.

May (late season)

Keukenhof stays open into May (until 10 May in 2026).
Early May can still deliver fantastic tulips, especially later varieties, but the season is moving toward its end. The big advantage is that it can feel slightly calmer than peak weeks, and the light can be gorgeous.

The real truth: bloom timing changes every year

Even though April is the best month in general, exact peak bloom depends on the weather. Warm weeks can push things forward, cold weeks can slow them down. That’s why the smartest planning approach is:

1. Choose April if you can

2. Then keep your schedule flexible where possible

3. Check bloom updates close to your trip (especially if you’re coming for the fields)

Local bloom guides still point to mid-April to early May as the best typical period for fields but “typical” is not a guarantee. 

DTN’s planning tip: pick your April week like this

If you want a practical rule of thumb:

• Early April: calmer, still beautiful, good for Keukenhof + city tulips

• Mid-April: highest chance of peak tulip impact (best “one week only” choice) ()

• Late April: still strong, but often busier due to holidays/events

• Early May: still lovely, slightly more end-of-season feeling

Final answer

If you’re choosing one month, April is the best month to see tulips in the Netherlands especially mid-April, when fields are most likely to be at their strongest and spring events are in full swing.