Zomers

Zomers is the Dutch plural noun for summers, referring to the summer seasons encountered in one or more years. The singular form is zomer. The term derives from the Proto-Germanic word *sumrą, and has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as English summer and German Sommer.

In Dutch usage, zomers can denote a single summer (for example, the summer of 1990) or the sequence of summers over a period of years. Meteorological summer in the Netherlands typically comprises June, July, and August, while astronomical summer extends from the summer solstice in late June to the autumnal equinox in late September. Dutch summers are influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic weather systems, often bringing a mix of warm, sunny days and rain, with regional variation.

Climate context and trends have affected perceived summers in recent decades. European summers show greater variability and a tendency toward more frequent heatwaves, which can impact agriculture, health, and tourism in Dutch regions. Cultural life in summer often centers on outdoor activities, holidays, and events such as zomervakantie (summer vacation) and various outdoor festivals. Overall, zomers reflect both the regular seasonal cycle and the variability introduced by local climate and broader climate patterns.