The tulip fields of the Netherlands are global phenomenon, and millions of tourists flock to see the gorgeous flowers every year.
It's actually easier than I could have expected to see the tulip fields of this beautiful country.
If you're visiting for a short time like I was, you'll likely stay based in Amsterdam and go on a day trip from there to see the tulips. (For ideas where to stay, check out this article). And from Amsterdam, the easiest way to see the tulips is to go to the fields in Lisse.
And though the fields in Keukenhof are gorgeous, there's also another free option to see the flowers!
My friend Karen from WanderlustingK has an awesome guide for seeing the tulips fields for free in Lisse.
However, everyone you ask will tell you that the tulips are in their peak bloom in the middle of March.
So, can you still see the tulips in May?
The answer is yes—if you're lucky.
However, they won't be perfect. As you can see in the photos directly above and below, by May the flowers are already being harvested and while some of the fields are still stunning and great for photos, some are on their down-slope.
[bctt tweet=”Heading to the #Netherlands in the Spring? #Amsterdam #Holland #tulips” username=”packslight”]
And of course, the blooming times vary every year. The fields may still be pristine in may one year, and the next they may all be gone!
Also, it will depend on what region of the Netherlands you are in, if the tulips are still picture-perfect or not.
Credit to Karen from Wanderlusting K
 |
 |
And of course, you're rolling the dice every day with the weather in the Netherlands!
When we got on the bus in Amsterdam to head to Lisse the skies were overcast and it was sprinkling. In the 20 minutes it took for us to arrive in the fields, the sun came out and stayed out all day for us!
Even if you check the weather it may change unexpectedly, but try your best to plan for a sunny day!
Credit to Karen from WanderlustingK
Credit to Karen from Wanderlusting K
So there you go! I think we still got some pretty stunning photos for visiting the tulips later in the season.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
Be sure to SHARE and PIN this article to save for when you visit Holland in the spring!
 |
 |
9 comments
Beautifully described. What kind of response did you get when you went into the tulip field and took photos? I have the impression that they are trying to discourage people from doing that. I have to agree; the Keukenhof is a great place to visit on day trip.
Hi Stuart! In May when I went I did not run into any upset locals or tulip farmers, I believe because it was so late in the season that they weren’t worried about masses of people destroying a bulk of the crop!
I am also looking for private farms and fields. Please share
If you walk around the area of Lisse its very easy to find “regular” farms and fields of tulips. Get off at the bus station for the main field, and just start walking/biking!
On 12th May 2019, there would be flowers in the fields ?
I don’t live there so I don’t know. Maybe check Instagram photos of the fields to see the most recent status of them.
yes – the Keukenhof is open through May 19th. https://keukenhof.nl/en/
I am going to The Netherlands towards end of May, specifically May 22. I just checked online and Keukenhoff Gardens will be closed already. How far is Lisse from Amsterdam and how do i get there?
Thank you.
Maria Carmela
Did you go to Lisse in the end give ended up in Amsterdam in an impromptu trip. Planning to go to lisse on the 26.