Another year, another weather record. Between the beginning of January and the end of June of 2022, the Netherlands recorded the most hours of sunshine ever recorded in the first six months of a year. 

2022 is the Netherlands' sunniest year ever (so far)

You might not have thought the weather so far in 2022 has been particularly notable but meteorologists have reported that, in the first six months of this year, the Dutch Weather Institute (KNMI) recorded a whopping 1.162 hours of sunshine in De Bilt (a town near Utrecht) - significantly more than the Dutch average of just 909 hours of sunshine. 

This is in large part due to the sunny and dry month of March that the country experienced earlier this year, as well as a beautifully sunny June. With an average of 282 hours of sunshine recorded last month, the Netherlands has now enjoyed five sunny months in a row, the KNMI reports.

Meteorologists expect that many will be surprised to hear that 2022 is already breaking weather records, as over the past decade the Netherlands enjoyed increasingly sunny spring seasons. Five of the six sunniest first half-years ever recorded in the Netherlands have taken place since 2010. 

Forecasts show July should see sunny and warm weather

So, the first half of this year has been quite nice, weather-wise, but what can we expect for the rest of the year? Meteorologists note that the sunshine trends for the January to June period observed over the past few years don’t necessarily translate into sunny second halves of the year. 

With the summer holidays right around the corner, you’ll likely be pleased to hear that, for now, July is looking reasonably warm and sunny. Forecasts say parts of the country could see temperatures of up to 30 degrees next week, and that on the whole, July will bring temperatures of between 20 and 25 degrees. The good news is that experts don't expect this month to see that much rain. 

In summary, get ready for a month with plenty of opportunities for days at one of the Netherlands’ many beaches or to enjoy a cold beer on a sunny terrace with some friends.