Keukenhof in March: What to Expect Before Peak Tulip Season

When people imagine Keukenhof, they usually picture endless rows of tulips in every color, stretching as far as the eye can see. That vision is real, but it typically happens from mid to late April. So what does Keukenhof look like in March?

On March 26 last season, I photographed a session in the gardens. It was early spring, and beautiful in a completely different way. I love to show you how Keukenhof looks at every stage of the tulip season, and here's the proof that March is a beautiful month to visit the gardens.

Read my complete guide to tulip season in the Netherlands here.

What Blooms in March at Keukenhof?

Late March is the beginning of the Dutch spring flower season. Instead of peak tulip density, you’ll find:

- Daffodils in full bloom

- Hyacinths with deep, vibrant color

- Early tulip varieties starting to open

- Fresh green lawns and budding trees

- Fewer visitors and more breathing space

The gardens feel layered and refined. There is color, but also softness. You can see the structure of the park more clearly. It’s a quieter chapter of spring.

Are There Tulips in March?

Yes, but not in peak abundance yet. Tulips bloom in waves. Some early varieties appear in late March, while the large, dense tulip displays are usually strongest from mid-April onward. If your priority is maximum tulip carpets, April is the ideal window. If your priority is a balanced spring atmosphere with space and light, March can be a beautiful choice.

Why March Can Be Ideal for Photography

From a photography perspective, March offers:

- More freedom of movement

- Less visual congestion in the background

- Softer natural light

- More availability for early morning sessions

For couples and families who prefer a relaxed experience rather than peak-season crowds, this timing can be very comfortable. Spring does not arrive all at once here; it unfolds gradually.

Who Should Choose March?

March is perfect if:

- You are visiting early in the season

- You appreciate daffodils and hyacinths as much as tulips

- You want a calm, elegant atmosphere

- You prefer lighter visitor flow

If your dream is dense tulip fields everywhere, then waiting until mid-April may align better with your expectations.

Read more about the difference between tulip fields and tulip gardens.

Both are beautiful. They simply offer different expressions of spring

This session from March 26 captures early spring at Keukenhof as it truly is: layered, colorful, and quietly beautiful before peak tulip season arrives.

Are you coming in Spring? Explore my tulip region photography options.

See you in Amsterdam or maybe surrounded by tulips.

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam