Leiden, Netherlands: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Leiden, Netherlands? If you're planning to go to Leiden, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Leiden
- Important essentials for Leiden
- Activities for Leiden
- Leiden in January: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in February: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in March: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in April: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in May: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in June: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in July: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in August: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in September: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in October: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in November: weather and what to pack
- Leiden in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Leiden, Netherlands
Based on the climate and weather in Leiden, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Leiden, Netherlands
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Leiden, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Leiden. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one is sufficent for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Leiden, Netherlands by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Leiden can be brisk and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain most days. It also snows once in a while. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Leiden, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Leiden has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
February
In February, Leiden is brisk, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Leiden, with several of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Leiden, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Leiden has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
March
If you go to Leiden in March, you will notice that it can be very chilly, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain most days and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
April
If you go to Leiden in April, you will notice that it can be very chilly, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
May
May here is cool, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
June
June in Leiden is crisp, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
July
If you visit Leiden during July, you are likely to see that it is mild, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
August
August for Leiden is balmy, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
September
In September, Leiden is cool, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and once in a while jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Leiden, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
October
If you go to Leiden in October, you will notice that it is cool, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
November
In November, Leiden is pretty cool, extremely rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Leiden, with most of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 90%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
December
If you visit Leiden during December, you will probably notice that it is pretty cool and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 80 and 90% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days and snow sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to Hortus Botanicus, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Activities for Leiden, Netherlands
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Leiden.
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