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Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Leeuwarden offers a refreshingly authentic Dutch experience outside the typical expat hotspots, blending historic charm with modern livability. As the capital of Friesland, it provides a more relaxed, community-oriented alternative to Amsterdam, with reasonable living costs and a high quality of life. The city's compact size means excellent walkability and cycling infrastructure, making daily life convenient and environmentally friendly.
While Leeuwarden's job market is smaller and more regionally focused compared to major Dutch cities, it compensates with lower housing expenses, strong social cohesion, and proximity to nature. Professionals in education, healthcare, and regional government will find particularly good opportunities. English proficiency is high, but learning some Dutch will significantly enhance your integration and local connections.
Leeuwarden has an **oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb)** with cool summers, mild-to-cold winters, and weather that is frequently cloudy, windy, and humid. Conditions are strongly maritime, with moderate rainfall spread through the year and relatively limited sunshine compared with drier continental climates. The current overcast conditions and mild temperature are consistent with the city's typical cool-season variability.
Summer Average
17°C
Winter Average
3°C
Climate Type
Oceanic
Rainy Days
190
Sunny Days
160
Humidity
82%
Spring
March - May
6-14°C
Spring is cool, changeable, and often breezy, with frequent cloud cover and intermittent rain. Temperatures rise gradually, but warm spells are usually brief.
Moderate rainfall
Summer
June - August
15-21°C
Summer is generally mild rather than hot, with comfortable daytime temperatures and occasional sunny intervals. Showers can still occur, and the weather often shifts quickly due to maritime influences.
Moderate rainfall
Autumn
September - November
8-15°C
Autumn becomes cooler, wetter, and windier, with more overcast days and increasing rainfall. Fog and damp conditions are common as temperatures fall.
High rainfall
Winter
December - February
0-5°C
Winter is cold, damp, and often cloudy, with occasional frost and some snowfall. Persistent wind and limited sunshine make it feel colder than the average temperature suggests.
Moderate rainfall
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Air Quality
Leeuwarden
Advantages
Leeuwarden
Historic Frisian cultural center
Beautiful canal-lined streets
Excellent cycling infrastructure
Rich water management heritage
Friendly, close-knit community
Disadvantages
Leeuwarden
Limited job market
Small city constraints
Fewer entertainment options
Relatively isolated location
Modest cultural diversity
Safety & Security in Leeuwarden
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Good
71
/100
Netherlands Avg
63
Europe Avg
58
Worldwide Avg
57
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Leeuwarden to Netherlands averages using different marker styles.Compare:
