Each year, with the advent of the spring season, Amsterdam is bathed in millions of bright, blooming flowers. The tulip season in Amsterdam marks the beginning of spring and it is celebrated with much gusto through the world-renowned Amsterdam Tulip Festival.

Amsterdam's tulip season is short-lived every year and before you plan your visit to witness the floral festival at Keukenhof, read on to learn more about the best time to see tulips in Amsterdam.

Best time to see tulips in Amsterdam

In Holland, you can find tulips in flower shops from December until around May. However, these are greenhouse-grown, not grown on fields. Don't expect to see any tulip fields in December, January, or February. While it's very rare, you might get lucky and see a blooming tulip field in March.

The blooming of Holland's flower fields is weather-dependent. Cold winters and springs can delay blooming, while warm conditions can lead to an earlier bloom.

The best time to see tulips in Amsterdam is from mid-April to mid-May, when they are at their blooming best. The season begins in mid-March, but tulips usually are in full bloom only halfway through April. This is easily the peak of the spring season, and the days are bright and sunny, perfect for enjoying the blooming tulips.

Keukenhof opening times

Amsterdam Tulip Festival 2025

The Amsterdam Tulip Festival 2025 will take place from March 20 to May 11.

The Tulip Festival marks the start of the spring season in Holland. It’s a sight to behold as millions of flowers begin to bloom in the most beautiful colors across the province. Over 7 million bulbs are planted by hand in autumn so they can flower just in time for spring.

Keukenhof also hosts the Dutch Flower Parade annually. In 2025, it will take place on April 12, and tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other flowers will be used to design the parade floats. Over a million people visit Holland every year to see the Flower Parade and visit Keukenhof and the tulip fields.

Amsterdam Tulip Festival

Tulip fields in Holland

The tulip fields, spread across acres of land, are one of the highlights of spring in Holland. The most beautiful flower fields can be found in a Dutch flower region called Bollenstreek (Dutch flower region), conveniently near Amsterdam and other Dutch cities like Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam. You can rent a bike, book a sightseeing tour, or go for a helicopter tour to roam around the fields.

Apart from tulips, the farms showcase other beautiful flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils, and crocuses as well. The blooming of the flowers depends on the weather in the last winter and early spring. Hence, to enjoy the best of the blooms, it is essential to plan the trip keeping all these in mind.

Snowwhites – February to March
Crocuses – February to March
Daffodils – March and April
Hyacinths – End of March to April
Tulips – Mid-April to early May
Dahlias – Mid-August to Mid-October

Plan your visit

Where are the best tulip fields in Amsterdam?

For the most spectacular tulip displays, visit during the Tulip Festival Amsterdam, running from March 20 to May 11, 2025. Several gardens, including Keukenhof, the Tulip Experience, and the Tulip Barn, will be open to the public. You can also tour a tulip farm or take sightseeing tours through the vibrant fields, which are mainly used for tulip bulb production.

Getting to Keukenhof

How long does a tulip field stay in bloom?

Tulips are mostly cultivated for their flower bulbs rather than the fully bloomed flowers. Hence, most gardeners head the flowers within 2-3 weeks of blooming. This redirects energy to bulb development. However, Keukenhof and other tulip show gardens in Amsterdam keep the tulip flowers as they are, and so they bloom until the end of May. The tulips at Keukenhof are planted in layers so that they bloom for a longer period.

The blooming of the flowers is also heavily dependent on the weather. Please make sure to update yourself with relevant weather information before you plan your visit.

Events during the tulip season

Tulip season in and around Amsterdam offers a variety of events. Keukenhof, showcasing spectacular floral displays, is a highlight, open from March 20 to May 11, 2025. Don't miss the world-famous Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) on April 12, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Amsterdam tulip season

When does the Amsterdam tulip season begin?

The Amsterdam tulip season starts in late March and lasts till the mid of May. In 2025, the Amsterdam Tulip Festival starts on March 20 and lasts till May 11. Look out for their various tulip flower shows and events.

What is the Amsterdam Tulip Festival?

The Amsterdam Tulip Festival marks the beginning of spring in the city. During the festival, several flower events take place as a way to welcome spring.

Where are the tulip fields in Amsterdam?

You can find the tulip fields in several locations in Amsterdam. However, the best tulip fields in Holland can be found in Bollenstreek near Keukenhof.

What is the best place to see tulips during the Amsterdam tulip season?

The best place to see tulips during the spring season is Keukenhof. The garden plants around 7 million tulip bulbs in the autumn so that they bloom in the spring, and during the season, it showcases around 800 varieties of tulips.

Where can I book my Keukenhof tickets for the Amsterdam tulip season?

The best way to book Keukenhof tickets is to get them online. It is easy on the pocket and more convenient. There are many tickets and guided tours with transfers from Amsterdam available for the Amsterdam Tulip Festival 2025 at Keukenhof.

How do I get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam?

Keukenhof is about 40 minutes from Amsterdam. The easiest way to get there is by Keukenhof Express Bus, which departs from Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam RAI, or Leiden. You can also rent a bike or take a guided tour with coach transfers for a hassle-free experience.

Can I buy tulip bulbs to take home?

Absolutely! You can buy bulbs at Keukenhof, Bloemenmarkt, or local garden centers. If traveling outside the EU, ensure they are certified for export.

What are the best photography spots for tulips?

Top spots include Keukenhof, Bollenstreek, Lisse’s tulip fields, and Dam Square during the Tulp Festival. For fewer crowds, visit the countryside fields at sunrise.

Can I see tulips in Amsterdam if I visit outside the main season?

Yes! Amsterdam has flower markets, botanical gardens, and the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, where you can see tulips year-round. However, we recommend visiting during the Amsterdam Tulip Festival for the best experience.