Weather

While my crystal ball can't tell you what the future will hold, it can show you the past.
Thinking of planning a holiday to the Efteling? Wondering what the weather might be like in Kaatsheuvel for the month you are free?
Click on my crystal ball and it will take you to the AccuWeather page for Kaatsheuvel where you can choose a month and year from the drop down to see what the weather was like in previous years.

Bad Weather
They used to schedule De Vliegende Hollander and Pirana for maintenance over winter because they were thought to be less popular in the colder season but they don't always do that anymore.
Mostly rides only go down for planned maintenance
or temporarily due to extreme weather like high winds or storm weather or extreme cold.
Rides sensitive to this are marked in the app.
(Baron, Joris en de draak, De Vliegende Hollander, Python, Laaf monorail)
They can open up again on the same day if weather conditions improve.
Max & Moritz tends to go down in extreme heat and De Oude Tuffer struggles in autumn due to leaves on the track.

Tips for a rainy day :
Wear or bring a waterproof coat, sensible shoes and bring a dry spare pair of socks.
They sell poncho's and umbrellas in the Efteling if you get caught out.
There are plenty of rides where the queue and ride are indoors.
The queues are usually shorter if it's raining.
It could also be an opportunity to check out the Efteling museum
There are also some areas you can take shelter

There aren't really any things that shut due to rain. It's only when it properly storms that the rollercoasters will shut for safety. (see above)
If you can keep your camera dry, reflective puddles and shiny cobbles can enhance your pictures.
Wait out the worst of it in one of the nice restaurants with a cup of tea or a hot chocolate.
There's also the indoor playground at the end of the Fabula queue by the Fabula world kitchen restaurant.
If you do end up completely soaked and miserable somehow, I believe the first aid post has a dryer you can use if you really need to, though this is usually reserved for people who fall into ponds and such.
Though I would recommend booking your accommodation nearby like Bosrijk, Loonsche Land, Efteling Grand Hotel or Efteling Wonder Hotel. That way if you get too soggy you can always nip back for a hot shower and a dry change of clothes.
It's also a good idea to use souvenir express so that your purchases don't get soaked.

Tips for a hot day  :
Top up on your sunscreen regularly
Some shops like Efteldingen sell some from behind the counter or you can pick some up from the Bosrijk shop or the local supermarkets.
Wear sunglasses, eyes  burn too
Some shops may sell UV protective clothing.
Drink plenty of water, places where you can top up your water bottles are listed here.
If you do drink lots of water  remember to increase your salt intake too.
Try not to drink much alcohol
Find a nice pic nic spot in the shade
Places near trees or water are usually cooler. So the fairy tale forest and Laaf village are a good bet.
Don't put a blanket over a pushchair, use a parasol or something UV proof and purpose made.
Parasols are good for grown ups too (portable shade).
Wear comfortable shoes and/or bring blister plasters.
Take plenty of breaks.
Of course getting drenched in water cools you down so get splashed in Pirana and paddle your feet in Archipel.
There are also several evil fountains that will try and spray you with water when you least expect. Look for the puddles on the ground to see where not to go, or do go if you want to get wet.
The trees on the the lane between Reizenrijk and Marerijk have misters  in them which are also a welcome feeling on a hot day.
For your own personal portable mist you could also bring a small spray bottle filled with water to mist yourself with.
Cooling wet wipes can be quite pleasant too.

A couple rides to highlight in hot weather.
Vogel Rok is fully airconditioned and the ride is nice and breezy
Fata Morgana has lots of mist in it so also nice and cool.
Vliegende Hollander also has mist and there's a small chance of being splashed when you land.
And of course
Ice cream
Lots and lots of ice cream.

Bosrijk and the Efteling Grand Hotel both have a pool and if you stay at the Efteling Wonder Hotel you are allowed access to Bosrijk's pool.

Winter tips :
There's usually special events, special foods like fresh stroopwafel, bonfires  during the winter season
Some fairy tales in the forest are also dressed differently  and there is theming all over the park.
They don't usually do anything special for Xmas  beyond maybe putting on a buffet you can book but they do have fireworks and extra events on for new years.
During the winter season the park is open longer than in the off season and because it gets dark earlier it's a great opportunity to enjoy Aquanura in the dark and appreciate the special lighting all over the park.
Pirana and De Vliegende Hollander may shut for maintenance during part of the winter season so enjoy them while you can.
De Vliegende Hollander in the dark has especially beautiful views.
The Baron and Steamtrain are also quite cool as the cold makes the steam extra steamy.
Also if temperatures drop below 0 many rides may close for safety reasons.
If you want to go on Gondoletta keep in mind that once boarded you are locked into the ride in the open air  for 20 minutes and you lose heat quickly when you're not moving so you may want to bring a blanket.
Just like in the UK it can get pretty cold so the more prepared you are the happier you will be.
Sensible shoes. Waterproof, windproof, breathable winter coats are amazing. Layers are your friend. Gloves hats and scarves are also important.
Lip balm is also very useful. If you forget or lose them, the souvenir shops usually sell some kind of hat, scarf, gloves  and even lip balm.
For the very cold days you might even want to consider packing some thermal underwear.
Of course the Efteling has lots of indoor rides and queues and restaurants so you can hop between the warm places and stop in to warm up with a hot drink or some soup. (which is where the layers come in)
I highly recommend trying a fresh stroopwafel by the fire.
Poffertjes are also always yummy and there's usually a winter special version with spiced warm pears.
Polle's Keuken pancakes with warm cherries are also lovely.
There's also fresh mint tea with honey at some places or glühwein.
They also sell a local alcoholicspecialty in certain places, a kind of herbal liquor called Schrobbler.
The Suykerbuyk ice cream parlor may not be the first place that comes to mind but they do nice warm fresh waffles and they have some indoor seating. But if that's full there's lots of seating at the Olijke Tweeling a few doors down.
The Carousel Palace can also be a good place to warm up with a hot chocolate in the bar and next door the Diorama has some indoor seats you can use to eat a pack up or a takeaway.
I reccomend the nearby Rondje Van De Molen who do lovely fresh warm mini donuts.
There's also the indoor playground at the end of the Fabula queue by the Fabula world kitchen restaurant.
The atmosphere is great and even though it's cold it's really quite lovely.