Amsterdam Attractions
In 2025, Keukenhof Gardens will be open only during the eight-week tulip season – from mid-March to mid-May.
Since it is a show of the beauty of nature, and so much of the flower bloom depends on the weather, many tourists wonder when they must visit Keukenhof for the best experience.
With over 7 million bulbs blooming across 32 hectares, timing your visit is key to experiencing the gardens at their most breathtaking.
Here’s a complete guide to help you decide when to visit Keukenhof in 2025.
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Keukenhof dates & times
Keukenhof will be open from 20 March to 11 May 2025, giving visitors an eight-week window to experience its floral beauty.
The gardens are open daily, including weekends and holidays, from 8 am to 7:30 pm.
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Best time to avoid the crowds
If you want to enjoy Keukenhof without the hustle and bustle, plan your visit on weekdays – Mondays to Thursdays. The first two days of the week are especially less crowded.
Public holidays like Easter and King’s Day (27 April) and weekends are particularly busy, so plan accordingly.
The best times to explore the Keukenhof Gardens are early morning (8 am to 10 am) or late afternoon (4 pm to 7.30 pm).
Visiting in the morning allows you to enjoy the gardens bathed in soft, golden light while they’re most serene. Fewer visitors now mean you can wander through the pathways undisturbed and capture stunning photographs without crowds in the background.
Late afternoons are equally magical, offering a tranquil atmosphere and the chance to see the gardens under the warm hues of the setting sun.
For Best Photos: For photographers, the best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to capture soft, natural lighting and avoid crowds. Iconic spots include the windmill area, pond reflections, and flower pavilions.
Get your Tulip Festival Card to experience the best of Keukenhof, Lisse, and Amsterdam.
Best time to visit for flower blooms
Since the Tulip blooms depend on the weather, it is almost impossible to recommend the best time to visit Keukenhof.
However, based on the weather in the last few years, your best chance of seeing the blooming at the Keukenhof is during the last two weeks of April and the first week of May.
The viewing season consists of two halves – early springtime and peak springtime.
The flowers are better during peak springtime, but this is also when Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Tulip Gardens are the most crowded.
- Early Season (March): Daffodils and crocuses dominate the gardens.
- Mid-Season (April): Tulips take center stage alongside hyacinths and narcissi.
- Late Season (May): Late-blooming tulips and other flowers, such as lilies, create a stunning display.
If you are planning to explore the stunning tulip fields surrounding Keukenhof Gardens, there are two important factors to consider:
- Rent a Bike: The best way to navigate the vast flower fields is by renting a bike at Keukenhof Gardens, allowing you to explore at your own pace. If you don’t want the hassle of waiting in line to rent a bike, book a guided Keukenhof Bike Tour.
- Timing is Key: Plan your visit before the last two weeks of April, as the flowers are typically harvested around April 30 or shortly thereafter, marking the end of their bloom.
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Weather at Keukenhof: Spring weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). While sunny days are common, occasional rain showers may occur, so dress in layers and bring a raincoat or umbrella.
Visual Story: 15 must-know tips before visiting Keukenhof Gardens
Status of Keukenhof flowers every month
Each visit to Keukenhof offers a unique experience, as different flowers bloom at various times throughout the season, ensuring the gardens are ever-changing and full of surprises.
Keukenhof in March 2025
Keukenhof Tulip Gardens open on 20 March 2025, offering a serene experience with fewer crowds and vibrant early spring blooms.
While many tulip buds are still preparing to bloom, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths will carpet the gardens in bright hues.
The indoor greenhouses showcase perfectly open tulips and other flowers with labeled displays for a delightful learning experience.
March is ideal for photographers and visitors seeking tranquility, as the gardens are quieter compared to April and May.
Beyond flowers, Keukenhof offers attractions like flower art, the iconic windmill, bike tours, playgrounds, a petting zoo, and food carts serving local treats.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant early blooms or enjoying family-friendly activities, Keukenhof in March is a perfect blend of beauty and serenity.
Book a helicopter tour over the breathtaking Dutch tulip fields
Keukenhof in April 2025
April is the prime time to visit Keukenhof Gardens, with tulips in full bloom by mid to late April.
Thanks to strategic planting in layers, the gardens always offer a stunning display, with some tulips blooming early in the month and others reaching their peak later. This thoughtful design ensures a unique experience every time you visit.
April is also the busiest month at Keukenhof, as international tourists flock to the gardens.
Crowd levels are especially high during Easter and weekends, so booking tickets and tours well in advance is essential.
A highlight of the month is the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek flower parade, held in the second half of April, featuring spectacular floral floats.
With tulips, hyacinths, narcissi, and more in bloom, and the gardens at their most colorful, there’s truly no wrong time to visit Keukenhof in April.
Keukenhof in May 2025
Keukenhof Gardens remains a stunning spectacle during the first two weeks of May, with late-blooming tulips, lilies, and perennials creating a vibrant display.
However, by this time, the adjacent tulip fields are typically “topped,” meaning the flower heads are cut off to allow the bulbs to grow.
While the gardens remain as beautiful as ever, bicycle tours through the fields are less exciting in May.
May is the final month of Keukenhof’s eight-week season, with the gardens closing on 11 May 2025.
Crowd levels are more moderate compared to April, making it a quieter and more relaxed time to visit.
Plan your visit early in the month to enjoy the gardens at their best.
When are the Tulips blooms the best?
Tulips typically bloom from early to late April, but the timing can vary due to weather. For the best tulip displays, visit between 10 April and 30 April.
FAQs about visiting Keukenhof
While everyone wants to enjoy the beauty of the Tulip Gardens, some wonder if the trip to Keukenhof Gardens is worth it.
If you have already decided to go, here are some questions you may have about your visit to Europe’s best flower garden.
When will Keukenhof Garden open in 2025?
Keukenhof is only open for two months in the spring. In 2025, the flower garden will open on 20 March and close on 11 May.
What are Keukenhof Gardens’ timings in 2025?
In 2025, Keukenhof in Amsterdam will open its doors from 20 March to 11 May. During this period, it will open daily at 8 am and close at 7 pm.
Is Keukenhof Gardens open on weekends?
Yes, the Keukenhof Tulip Garden remains open every Saturday and Sunday.
When is the Keukenhof Flower Parade in 2025?
Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, the most popular flower parade in Holland, will take place on 12 April. Since it passes through Keukenhof Gardens, many refer to it as the Keukenhof Flower Parade.
Is Keukenhof worth visiting in rainy weather?
Yes, Keukenhof is still worth visiting in rainy weather. While rain may impact your outdoor experience, the park has indoor pavilions showcasing stunning flower arrangements, including tulips, orchids, and lilies.
What happens if I visit too early in the season?
Visiting too early (mid-March) may mean that the outdoor tulip fields are not yet in full bloom, but Keukenhof still offers indoor displays that feature tulips, hyacinths, and other early-blooming flowers.
Is visiting Keukenhof in late April better than early May?
Late April is generally the best time to visit Keukenhof because it coincides with the peak blooming period for tulips. Some outdoor tulips fade by early May, although the indoor displays remain vibrant.
When do the tulips peak at Keukenhof?
Tulips usually peak in mid to late April, depending on the weather. Warm springs can cause them to bloom earlier, while cooler weather can delay the peak.
Which areas of Keukenhof offer the best views?
Here are some of the areas which offer the best views of the Tulips:
Windmill and Canal Area: Overlooks nearby tulip fields.
Inspiration Gardens: Themed gardens offering unique designs.
Oranje Nassau Pavilion: Features creative flower arrangements.
Treetop Walkways: Provide panoramic views of the gardens.
Central Flower Beds: Offer iconic, colorful tulip displays perfect for photos.
Is it worth visiting Keukenhof at the beginning or end of the season?
Yes, both early and late visits have their charm. During the early season, indoor displays and early bloomers like daffodils and hyacinths dominate.
During the end of the season, late-blooming tulips and warm weather make for a relaxed visit.
Is there a flower forecast for Keukenhof?
Yes, Keukenhof provides regular bloom updates on its website and social media during the season. These forecasts help visitors plan their trips to coincide with peak bloom periods.
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Keukenhof?
Cherry blossoms in Keukenhof typically bloom in early to mid-April, depending on the weather. They are a highlight in the Japanese Garden, which offers a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
Is it better to visit Keukenhof on a sunny day?
Sunny days enhance the beauty of Keukenhof, making colors more vibrant and perfect for photos. However, overcast days can offer softer lighting and fewer shadows, which are also great for photography. Crowds may also be lighter on less sunny days.
Does the bloom schedule vary from year to year?
Yes, the bloom schedule depends on the weather. Warm springs cause earlier blooms, while cooler weather delays them.
How long should I spend at Keukenhof?
Plan to spend at least three to four hours to explore the gardens and enjoy the pavilions. Flower enthusiasts and photographers may want to allocate five to six hours or more for a deeper experience.
Is it better to visit the tulip fields or Keukenhof?
Both the Tulip fields and the Keukenhof Gardens offer unique experiences. Keukenhof offers manicured gardens, themed displays, and pavilions showcasing various flowers. At the same time, Tulip fields showcase natural, expansive rows of colorful tulips in the countryside.
