When can I barbecue? Weather, season & timing in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, BBQ season is officially all year round — if you know what to look for. The weather doesn't determine if you can barbecue, but it does determine how you prepare. This is the practical guide to BBQ timing in the Netherlands: from the best weekend to barbecuing in rain, wind, and cold.
Best BBQ month in the Netherlands
The peak months for BBQ weather in the Netherlands are June, July, and August — dry, warm, and low wind. But May and September also offer excellent BBQ days, often with fewer crowds and more space in public places.
- May — changeable but with increasingly warm days. Ideal for the first sessions of the year.
- June–August — the classic BBQ season. Longest days, warmest evenings.
- September — underrated. Often stable weather, cooler evenings — perfect for low & slow without flies buzzing around.
- October–April — possible but requires adjustment. Colder air increases the heat-up time of the kamado. Wind protection is important.
Can I BBQ this weekend?
For current BBQ weather in the Netherlands: check the KNMI weather forecast on buienradar.nl or knmi.nl. Pay specific attention to:
- Precipitation — light rain is not a problem (see below), but thunderstorms are
- Wind — strong wind heavily affects the temperature control of your BBQ
- Drought — in cases of extreme drought, municipalities may issue a burn ban → BBQ rules during drought
Can I BBQ in the rain?
Yes — with a few adjustments. Rain barely affects the BBQ itself if you work quickly and have a lid:
- Closed BBQ (kamado, kettle grill with lid): rain has almost no influence on the temperature. The lid keeps the heat inside.
- Open grill: rain cools the grate and meat faster. Use higher heat and shorter cooking times.
- Lighting in rain: protect the lighting process with an umbrella or canopy. Once lit, rain has little effect.
- Thunderstorms: barbecuing during lightning is dangerous. Postpone the session.
BBQ in the winter — is that possible?
Absolutely. Winter BBQ is popular throughout Northern Europe and is also growing in the Netherlands. Things to consider:
- Kamados are excellently suited for winter BBQ — the ceramic retains heat exceptionally well even in freezing temperatures
- Expect 20–30% longer heat-up time in winter
- Use more charcoal than in the summer
- Measuring internal temperature is extra important — the cold air can give a misleading impression of doneness
- Christmas dinner from the BBQ? → BBQ Christmas recipes
BBQ in the wind — tips
- Position the BBQ with the air intake away from the wind — too much wind raises the temperature uncontrollably
- Use a windbreak or place the BBQ in a sheltered spot
- For kamado: close the bottom vent further to compensate for wind influence
Barbecuing all year round
Do you want to grill all year round? Our BBQ calendar provides tips, recipes, and seasonal ideas for every month of the year. For dishes by month, also read the BBQ seasonal calendar for the Netherlands.