Lemmer is a summer town. From June to early September the harbour is busy, the cafe terraces are full, and the IJsselmeer is warm enough to swim in. May and September are quieter and still pleasant. Out of season, expect grey skies, fierce winds off the lake, and most cafes shuttered — atmospheric in its own way, but the main attractions (and the smoke houses) wind right down.
Hardzeildagen (sailing race week) in late July is the biggest event of the year, when the traditional flat-bottomed skûtsje boats race off Lemster Baai. Rooms book out months in advance.
Woudagemaal in operation — the pumping station is fired up only on a handful of days each year, usually after heavy autumn rainfall. Check the operating schedule at wouda.nl before you visit if seeing the steam pumps run is the reason you came.