BBQ season calendar Netherlands — what to grill each month?
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When do you actually start barbecuing in the Netherlands? Officially, the season starts around April, but more and more Dutch people are grilling all year round. This monthly calendar shows what you can grill each month, what flavors pair well, and when it's really worth firing up the coals.
January & February — the winter griller
Temperatures below zero outside? No problem at all for kamado owners. The ceramic retains heat excellently, and fuel consumption is barely higher than in summer.
- What to grill? Pulled pork, brisket, lamb shoulder — long low & slow sessions where you can still sit comfortably indoors
- Rub tip: Shawarma or Toscana Fire — warm, spicy flavors for cold evenings
- Note: Kettle and pellet BBQs consume significantly more fuel in freezing temperatures
March — warming up
The first sun appears, and so does the craving for BBQ. March is ideal for your first session of the year: checking the temperature, cleaning the grates, and getting things going again.
- What to grill? Chicken, sausages, spareribs — accessible and quick
- Rub tip: Korean BBQ rub for a fresh, spicy start
Read how to clean your BBQ after winter: BBQ cleaning step by step.
April & May — the season begins
King's Day (April 27) marks the start of the BBQ season in the Netherlands. Garden centers and hardware stores are fully booked, and charcoal is available everywhere again.
- What to grill? Chicken, spareribs, pulled pork for the first big sessions
- Rub tip: Memphis or Tex-Mex — classic Americana flavors for the new season
- Event: King's Day BBQ — read our King's Day BBQ guide
June — the social season
Long evenings, warm weather, and many parties. June is the month for large groups and quick dishes.
- What to grill? Chicken, hamburgers, vegetables, fish — quick dishes for large groups
- Rub tip: Jamaican Jerk for a summery, Caribbean vibe
- Tip: Plan how much meat you need — read BBQ for large groups
July & August — the peak
The absolute peak season. Heatwaves, holidays, and the most intensive BBQ months of the year. Ideal for ambitious projects.
- What to grill? Brisket, whole chicken, salmon, vegetables, dessert dishes on the BBQ
- Rub tip: Carolina Gold for summery, sweet-sour flavors
- Side dishes: Check out our complete side dish list
September & October — the autumn season
Cooler weather but still perfect for BBQ. Autumn flavors make their entrance: game, pumpkin, root vegetables from the grill.
- What to grill? Lamb shoulder, pork belly, grilled pumpkin, mushrooms
- Rub tip: Toscana Fire — spicy, aromatic, perfect with autumn produce
- Read more: Autumn BBQ recipes & tips
November & December — holiday grilling
Christmas from the BBQ is a growing trend in the Netherlands. A whole chicken, turkey, or côte de boeuf from the kamado makes an impression at any holiday dinner.
- What to grill? Turkey, côte de boeuf, rack of lamb, grilled vegetables as a side dish
- Rub tip: Shawarma or Toscana Fire — festive, warm spice profiles
- Read more: Christmas BBQ guide