June 2025 becomes second-hottest on record in the Netherlands after June 2023
June 2025 will be recorded as the second-warmest June since measurements began in 1901, according to new data showing remarkable temperatures, extensive sunshine, and slightly below-average rainfall across the Netherlands.
Meteorological records from De Bilt indicate an expected average temperature of 18.3 degrees for the month, substantially above the normal June average of 16.5 degrees, according to weeronline. Only June 2023 was hotter, reaching a record average of 19.4 degrees.
In De Bilt, temperatures surpassed 20 degrees on 21 days, exceeding the typical 18 warm days in June. The number of summer days — defined as days when the temperature rises above 25 degrees — is expected to total 12, compared to the usual five. On June 13, De Bilt registered 31.8 degrees, setting a new heat record for that date. June 21 also turned tropically warm, and forecasts indicated that June 30 would likely reach tropical thresholds as well, resulting in three tropical days this month instead of the single day usually recorded.
Conditions were particularly hot inland. In Maastricht, forecasters estimate 14 summer days, with the temperature exceeding 30 degrees on seven occasions. While this fell short of the record eight tropical days measured there in June 1976, it remains one of the highest counts on record.
Sunshine was also exceptional. Across the country, the month is projected to end with an average of 275 hours of sunshine, well above the long-term norm of 225 hours. This tally positions June 2025 among the top 10 sunniest Junes ever recorded, likely in sixth or seventh place. June 2023 retains the record for most sunshine, with 328 hours.
Regional differences were notable. The southern and western provinces enjoyed the most sunshine, with totals between 280 and 290 hours. In contrast, the northeast experienced fewer sunny intervals, recording approximately 240 hours. In De Bilt, the period between June 11 and June 21 was particularly bright, with nearly every day delivering more than 10 hours of sunlight.
Rainfall varied widely across regions. The northwest was frequently affected by rain bands and showers, accumulating between 70 and 110 millimeters of precipitation. In the southeast, intense thunderstorms brought local totals of 70 to 100 millimeters. Meanwhile, the southwest remained considerably drier, recording only 30 to 40 millimeters of rain.
Overall, June is ending drier than average. The national mean precipitation is estimated at 61 millimeters, slightly below the usual 66 millimeters for the month.
Alongside the warm, sunny weather, observers also documented a striking natural phenomenon. On June 24, light-reflecting noctilucent clouds were visible as silver-blue, wave-like patterns low on the northern horizon shortly after sunset. These clouds, which form about 85 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, appear when sunlight bounces off ice crystals high in the atmosphere.
