The Netherlands hits full-year sunshine record by September 2026

The Netherlands has already recorded more sunshine in 2026 than in a typical full year, according to new meteorological data. The milestone arrives alongside an unseasonably warm late-September spell that could break 92-year temperature records across the country.

2026 already surpasses full-year average for sunshine in the Netherlands

As of late September 2026, the country has already logged 1.824 sunshine hours, surpassing the standard 30-year annual average of 1.774 hours. The milestone follows an extraordinarily bright spring and summer, with March, April, July and August all ranking among the top five sunniest months ever recorded in the country.

Only 2022 and 2025 had recorded more sunshine hours by this point in the year. While matching the all-time record set in 2022 (2.233 hours) remains unlikely, meteorologists expect 2026 to be in the top three. "The chance of [matching 2022] seems small to me, but a top-three position is certainly possible," Buienradar meteorologist Jordi Huirne told RTL.

Huirne noted that annual sunshine totals in the Netherlands now routinely exceed historical norms, pointing to a combination of climate change and improved air quality. "We are above the norm almost every year," Huirne explained. "There is much more sun compared to the past. That is due to climate change, but also because the air is cleaner than before," he added, citing lower industrial emissions and cleaner vehicle engines.

Late-September heatwave to break records

Alongside the record sunshine, the Netherlands is experiencing unseasonably high late-September temperatures that could break national records set in 1934. On Tuesday, September 29, temperatures reached up to 27 degrees celsius in the southeast of the country (such as Maastricht and Eindhoven) and around 25 degrees in central regions.

Peak warmth is forecast for today, Wednesday, September 30, where temperatures could reach up to 29 degrees celsius in eastern areas like Twente.

If official data confirms temperatures exceeded 25,4 degrees in De Bilt on Tuesday, it will mark the warmest September 29 since weather measurements began, according to Buienradar. The unseasonable heat is expected to break as rain moves in from the west later today. 

Temperatures will ease back down towards 21 degrees as October begins, though this remains well above the seasonal autumn average of 17 degrees. Meteorologists forecast calm, largely dry autumn weather for the upcoming weekend, with localised morning fog clearing to reveal plenty of afternoon sunshine.