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The ultimate guide to the tulip season in Amsterdam: 2026 bloom dates & best viewing spots

The tulip season in Amsterdam is the most vibrant time of year to visit the Netherlands. This guide provides everything you need to know about the tulip season, from the exact dates the fields are in bloom to the best ways to experience the tulip season in Amsterdam without missing a single petal.

Best time to see tulips in Amsterdam in 2026

The best time to experience the tulip season in Amsterdam at its peak is between mid-April and late April. While the official tulip season runs from late March through mid-May, the outdoor fields reach their most dramatic ‘rainbow’ state during this two-week window. During this tulip time in Amsterdam, the weather is typically mild, and the majority of flower varieties are in full bloom simultaneously.

Plan ahead

Because the tulip season in Amsterdam is so short, tickets for peak April dates sell out weeks in advance.

Tulips in bloom near a windmill at Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands.
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2026 tulip season

The timing of the tulip season in Amsterdam varies each year slightly based on the winter’s temperature. Use this calendar to plan your visit around your favourite blooms:

Bloom calendar

Flower typeTypical blooming period

Crocuses & snowdrops

Early March–late March

Daffodils

Late March–mid-April

Hyacinths

Late March–late April

Tulip (Peak)

Mid-April–early May

Keukenhof

March 19–May 10, 2026

Dahlias (Summer)

Mid-August–mid-October

Major events during the tulip season in Amsterdam

The tulip season isn't just about the flowers; it’s about the festive atmosphere that takes over the country. Here are the must-attend events during tulip time in Amsterdam:

Keukenhof (March 19–May 10, 2026)

Known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, Keukenhof plants over 7 million bulbs annually. It is the epicentre of the tulip season in Amsterdam.

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Amsterdam Tulip Festival (April 1–April 30, 2026)

Throughout April, the city itself blooms with over 800,000 tulips displayed in public squares, shopping streets, and museum gardens.

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The Flower Parade (Bloemencorso) (April 18, 2026)

This world-famous parade features massive floats made of hyacinths and tulips travelling 42km from Noordwijk to Haarlem.

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Tulip Experience Amsterdam (March 19–May 10, 2026)

A more interactive stop where you can learn about the history of the bulb and take photos in dedicated ‘selfie’ fields.

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Book Keukenhof tickets

From Amsterdam: Keukenhof Entry Tickets + Luxury Bus Transfers with Flexible Return

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From Amsterdam: Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans & Countryside Day Trip with Boat Tour

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From Amsterdam: Keukenhof Guided Tour and Windmill Cruise with Luxury Coach Transport

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Tulip Experience Tickets with Optional Flexible Transfers from Amsterdam

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Exploring the tulip fields in Holland

To see the expansive commercial fields, head to the Bollenstreek (bulb region) near Lisse, located just 30–40 minutes from Amsterdam. During the tulip season, these fields are primarily used for bulb production. 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. So, to enjoy the best of the blooms, it is essential to plan the trip keeping the bloom calendar in mind.

Pro-tip: If you want to see the fields at their best, try a bicycle tour or a helicopter ride. The aerial view of the geometric flower rows is a quintessential tulip season Amsterdam experience.

​Amsterdam tulip gardens

How long does a tulip field stay in bloom?

One of the most common misconceptions about the tulip season in Amsterdam is that the flowers remain on the fields until they naturally wilt. In reality, the duration of the bloom depends entirely on whether you are visiting a commercial production field or a display garden.

Production fields: The 2-3 week window

In the famous Bollenstreek (bulb region), tulips are grown primarily for their bulbs, not for the cut flowers. Once a tulip reaches full bloom, it typically stays vibrant for about 14 days. However, to ensure the bulb grows large and healthy for export, farmers perform a process called ‘heading’ (or koppen in Dutch). This involves cutting the flower head off the stem shortly after it reaches peak bloom, usually by late April or the first week of May. This redirects the plant's energy from the flower back into the bulb. If you want to see these endless ‘carpets of colour’, timing your visit for mid-April is essential.

Display gardens: Blooming until mid-May

If you miss the commercial ‘heading’ window, don't worry! Show gardens and attractions are designed specifically for tulip time in Amsterdam and follow different rules:

  • Keukenhof: By using a ‘lasagna’ planting method (layering early, mid, and late-season bulbs in the same plot), Keukenhof ensures a continuous bloom from March 19 to May 10, 2026.
  • Tulip Experience & The Tulip Barn: These locations do not ‘head’ their tulips. They leave the flowers intact so visitors can enjoy the full tulip season until the very last day of the festival.
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Weather factors

The lifespan of a bloom is also a slave to the Dutch weather.

  • Cool, overcast days: Can extend the bloom, as the flowers don't ‘open’ too fast.
  • Warm, sunny spells: Will cause the tulips to open quickly and drop their petals sooner.
  • Heavy rain/wind: Can unfortunately ‘shred’ the delicate petals, ending the peak viewing period prematurely.

Frequently asked questions about the tulip season in Amsterdam

The 2026 tulip season officially begins on March 19 and ends on May 10, coinciding with the opening of Keukenhof. However, the commercial fields are usually harvested (headed) by early May, so visit in April for the best field views.