The Netherlands' National Heat Plan: what it is and where to cool down
Hot-weather advice, cool spots and free public water taps nearby.
What is the National Heat Plan?
The National Heat Plan is an alert system run by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). During several days of sustained heat, it reminds care providers, local authorities and residents to pay extra attention to older people, young children and people in vulnerable health.
During hot weather, many municipalities provide publicly accessible cool spots where anyone can cool down. Find a cool spot.
What can you do during hot weather?
- Drink enough water, even when you are not thirsty. You can refill your bottle for free at a public water tap. Find free water nearby.
- Stay out of direct sun between 12:00 and 16:00 where possible, or find shade.
- Find a cool spot when it gets too warm indoors, such as a tree-filled park, a waterside location or a cool library. Find a cool spot.
- Keep your home cool: close blinds during the day and ventilate at night.
- Look out for others: calling or visiting an older neighbour can make a real difference during hot weather.
Cool spots by city
Find shaded parks and cool indoor locations near you.
Cooling down in Amsterdam
Cooling down in Rotterdam
Cooling down in Den Haag
Cooling down in Utrecht
Cooling down in Eindhoven
Cooling down in Groningen
Cooling down in Tilburg
Cooling down in Almere
Cooling down in Breda
Cooling down in Nijmegen
Cooling down in Arnhem
Cooling down in Haarlem
Cooling down in Enschede
Cooling down in Amersfoort
Cooling down in Zaanstad
Cooling down in Zwolle
Cooling down in Leiden
Cooling down in Leeuwarden
Cooling down in Maastricht
Cooling down in Dordrecht
Cooling down in Zoetermeer
Cooling down in Delft
Cooling down in Alkmaar
Cooling down in Deventer
Frequently asked questions
When is the National Heat Plan activated?
The RIVM activates the plan when high temperatures are expected for several consecutive days. It may apply by province and warns people to pay extra attention to vulnerable groups.
What should I do while the Heat Plan is active?
Drink water regularly, avoid the midday sun, keep your home cool, visit a cool spot when needed and pay extra attention to vulnerable people.
Where can I cool down nearby?
Our cool-spots pages list shaded parks, waterside locations and cool public indoor spaces by city.
Where can I refill water for free?
The Netherlands has thousands of public water taps where you can refill a bottle for free. Browse the water-tap pages to find one nearby.