The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate being influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. As it is a small country there is very little variation in climate between the regions, although the influence of the sea is rather less the further inland (eastwards) you go. This sometimes results in the dramatic, cloudy skies, which can often be seen perfectly expressed in the paintings of the Dutch masters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with the dryer period coming between April and September. This is also the best period for cycling, temperature-wise. Late Spring, i.e. beginning of April to the beginning of May is a good time for cycling along the bulb fields which are in full bloom at that time.