#516 European Rank
West aan Zee
Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands•North Sea• Best Season: June, July, August
Photo: Erwin Kreijne (CC BY 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.34/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
18.5°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€56/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Terschelling, Friesland · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
5.8°C
Air 14°C
Feb
5.0°C
Air 15°C
Mar
5.7°C
Air 17°C
Apr
8.2°C
Air 20°C
May
11.3°C
Air 23°C
Jun
14.6°C
Air 26°C
Jul
17.1°C
Air 28°C
Peak
Aug
18.5°C
Air 28°C
Sep
16.9°C
Air 26°C
Oct
14.0°C
Air 23°C
Nov
10.8°C
Air 19°C
Dec
7.8°C
Air 16°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 18.5°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Netherlands Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.6 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5
About West aan Zee
Bike through Terschelling's dunes to a vast, wind-scoured North Sea beach with a single pavilion.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Reached via Badweg from West-Terschelling with bike paths, bus connection, and car parking near beach marker Paal 8.
•Protected Status / Environment: Located within the North Sea dune system of Terschelling, bordering the UNESCO Wadden Sea conservation area.
•Notable Feature: Wide North Sea sandy beach with lifeguard supervision (KNRM) during summer, beach pavilion dining, and popular blokarting (land sailing) grounds.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Terschelling, Friesland. Accessible via regional coastal roads (53.401°N, 5.253°E).
•Guarded near the pavilion in season; rip channels form between the bars.
•Reached by cycle path through Terschelling's dunes from West-Terschelling, one pavilion at the road's end and the Noordsvaarder sands to the west.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at West aan Zee?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about West aan Zee
What is the water temperature at West aan Zee?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at West aan Zee averages 18.5°C (65°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is West aan Zee?
West aan Zee is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands.
Is West aan Zee good for families with kids?
West aan Zee has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at West aan Zee?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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