The cheese market runs on Thursday mornings from April to August — this is the main reason most people visit Gouda, and timing your trip around it is worth doing. The market runs from roughly 10am to 12.30pm; arrive early to see the full ceremony.
June and July offer the best weather and the liveliest markets. Summer weekends can be busy, particularly around the cheese market, but Gouda remains manageable compared to Amsterdam or Bruges.
December's Gouda by Candlelight festival transforms the Markt: 15,000 candles light the square and the town hall facade, the Sint Janskerk is open in the evenings, and the local shops stay open late. It usually falls in the second week of December and draws crowds from across the region — arrive early in the afternoon if you want a good position.
Outside these events, Gouda makes an easy day trip any time of year. The Sint Janskerk and the Gouda Museum are open year-round.