Best Season to Visit the Van Gogh Museum – Pros and Cons

The Van Gogh Museum is an indoor experience, but the season you visit still shapes everything: crowds, light, what else you pair it with. Here’s a season‑by‑season breakdown.

Spring (March–May)

Mood: fresh, energetic, busy.

Pros:

• Combine your visit with tulip fields or blooming parks.
• Longer daylight hours for exploring Museumplein and canals.
• Colours in Van Gogh’s orchards and blossoms feel extra resonant.

Cons:

• Crowds increase sharply, especially around Easter and Keukenhof season.
• Weekends can sell out well in advance.

Best strategy: book morning slots on weekdays and pair with an easy outdoor activity like a canal cruise or Vondelpark walk.

Summer (June–August)

Mood: bright, lively, sometimes intense.

Pros:

• Very long days; you can sightsee before and after your time slot.
• Museum is a cool refuge from heat or sudden showers.

Cons:

• Peak tourism season; expect higher crowd levels.
• Prices for accommodation and flights are often at their highest.

🕶️ Tip:
Choose early morning or late evening museum slots, then enjoy long summer light for outdoor exploring.

Autumn (September–November)

Mood: golden, reflective, often ideal.

Pros:

• Fewer crowds than peak summer, especially from mid‑October.
• Soft light in Museumplein and canals matches Van Gogh’s autumn tones.
• Great time for city walks after the museum.

Cons:

• More frequent rain and quick weather changes.
• Shortening days, especially in November.

Overall, this is many locals’ favourite season for museums.

Winter (December–February)

Mood: quiet, introspective, atmospheric.

Pros:

• Often lower crowds outside holiday peaks.
• The museum’s warm light feels particularly welcoming.
• Perfect for combining with cafés and cosy indoor stops.

Cons:

• Short daylight; evenings come early.
• Cold, damp weather makes planning buffers important.

Strategy:

• Visit the museum in midday slots (your warmest hours).
• Wrap with hot chocolate or soup nearby.

Summary table

There’s no “wrong” season — just different atmospheres. Choose the one that best matches how you want to feel inside and outside the museum.