The Netherlands has a maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The average temperature is 2° C (36° F ) in January and 19° C (66° F ) in July, with an annual average of about 10° C (50° F ). But those are only the averages. We get snow and ice in the winter and i have been out in blisteringly hot days in the summer.
I am starting my sixth year of living in The Netherlands split between two assignments. The weather is something you have to deal with on its terms. If you only go out on nice days you will end up spending most of your time indoors. This summer was much like the summer of 2000, cool (rarely above 65 degrees), rainy, and windy. Last summer was much like the summer of 2001, hot and dry. You just never know.
Clouds generally appear every day and in the cooler months fog often abounds. It is generally a wet country though total annual precipitation is only about thirty inches (76.5mm). It just seems to rain all the time. In 2000 we were marking our calendars and it rained every day for 42 days, we had one or two nice days, and then it rained every day for another 30 days. That was our summer. So rain clothing is a must. Even on rainy days you will see the locals out for walks, riding their bikes, and jogging. Life doesn't stop because of a little rain.
I do a lot of hiking and I have a medium-sized rucksack that I stock with everything I need to stay warm and dry in the four seasons of the year, changing out my gear based on the season (warm or cold). If you plan on being outdoors and touring the country you need to make sure you have lightweight wet weather gear for everyone. It is cheaper and easier to find in the states than here generally. Forget rain ponchos; it is usually windy here and ponchos just don't work well. (I do keep two emergency ponchos in my car in case I have a roadside emergency.) The Netherlands does have quite a few really good outdoors stores though and I have picked up some excellent kit and clothes on sales. Generally the prices are higher based on the Euro/Dollar exchange rate and the Value Added Tax (VAT). Below are some places that I have been to:
Hans Stassar Camping & Recreatie B.V. (http://www.stassar.com/)
Decathlon in Kerkrade (http://www.decathlon.nl/NL/)
Most of the time if I get caught out in the rain on a hike I just squat under a tree with a thick canopy and wait it out. The weather changes quickly. If the rain persists longer I can pull out my rain proof shelter half and set up a quick overhead shelter. In the cooler parts of the year I carry a rain proof top and pants and just continue hiking . It is generally too cold to just sit it out.
Man-made fabrics are usually at least water resistant while natural fabrics like cotton (T-shirts and jeans) will soak up water and be uncomfortable when wet. Man-made fabrics will also dry out quicker when you get back on the trail or walking through a town. I always carry extra socks in a waterproof bag; I really hate walking in wet socks.
It is fairly rare to have enough snow or enough of a hill that you can go sledding here. I have seen in happen so you'll have to decide if you have the space to store sleds that might be used once or twice.
Most of the trails I hike on are dirt or gravel; I do not like walking long distances on hard surfaces. So I often have to deal with wet, muddy, and somewhat slippery paths. If you don't mind the hard surface there are thousands of miles of surfaces bike trails and paths to hike or bike on. If you plan on being outdoors you want to bring good hiking shoes. The terrain is not difficult so your footwear does not have to be super sturdy but I would suggest above ankle height shoes that are at least water-resistant and with good traction. Trekking and trail runner shoes are fine for dry days but don't plan on just wearing sneakers or tennis shoes too often.
I live by myself so I have the luxery of room in my car. I carry a lightweight, wind and rain resistant jacket, a hat, and light gloves with me all the time. There have been many times that I have left my house with sunny skies and arrived at my sight-seeing destination to less pleasant weather. Being able to add appropriate clothing when I get there has saved many a day-trip.
I completely enjoy getting out and seeing the country, villages, and cities in my area. I am well prepared for almost any weather conditions and have extra clothing and kit in my car. You cannot let the changing and somewhat gloomy weather get you down. There is too much to see and do to sit at home because of a little rain or cool weather.
