September 2026 saw record-breaking late-month heat in the Netherlands, while the year has already surpassed its typical annual sunshine total.
Key facts
- •September 2026's average temperature of 16.8 degrees Celsius was higher than the typical 15 degrees Celsius.
- •The month ranks as the sixth-warmest September since 1901, following 2006, 2023, 1999, 2016, and 1949.
- •Twente reached 27.6 degrees Celsius on September 30, breaking a national record for that date set in 1895.
- •The first nine months of 2026 recorded 1,825 hours of sunshine, surpassing the average annual total of 1,824 hours.
- •If the current trend continues, 2026 could become one of the five sunniest years on record.
September 2026 ranked as the sixth-warmest September in the Netherlands since records began in 1901, with an average temperature of 16.8 degrees Celsius at the De Bilt weather station. The month featured exceptional late-season warmth, including record-breaking temperatures on September 29 and 30. Additionally, the first nine months of 2026 have already recorded more sunshine hours than the country typically receives in an entire year.
By the numbers
Record-breaking late September heat
The final days of the month saw temperatures reach historic highs. On September 29, De Bilt recorded 25.9 degrees Celsius, marking the warmest September 29 on record, while Eindhoven reached a national high of 28.6 degrees Celsius. The following day, September 30, set a new national record for that date with temperatures hitting 27.6 degrees Celsius in Twente, surpassing a previous record set in 1895. Throughout the month, De Bilt experienced 20 days with temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the usual 13 days.
Sunshine and precipitation trends
The Netherlands has experienced an exceptionally sunny year, with 1,825 hours of sunshine recorded through the end of September. This figure exceeds the typical annual average of 1,824 hours. Every month except February saw above-average sunshine, with March, April, and July recording up to 40 percent more sun than usual. Meanwhile, September precipitation averaged 66 millimeters, which is 10 millimeters below the norm, contributing to the persistence of existing drought conditions.
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