Best time to visit Amsterdam

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Amsterdam

Best time of year to visit Amsterdam

Dutch capital is great all year round, but April to May and September to November are the best time to visit Amsterdam. Just imagine balmy weather during canal cruising or a trip to the tulip fields of Keukenhof in spring! The city sees a surge of visitors from June to August so book your dwelling in advance to enjoy your Hollandse Nieuwe Herring without remorse. Autumn in Amsterdam demands more layers as the weather is often unpredictable from September through November, but worth walking through unforgettable windmills in the Dutch countryside. Winters in Amsterdam are cruel but try to look on the bright side: unbelievable airfare deals, cheap accommodation, and tasty snert to try.

15 THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM (MAY 09 - MAY 18)

Tulp Festival (Amsterdam Tulip Festival)

Tulp Festival (Amsterdam Tulip Festival)

March 21-May 12, 2024 • event

Discover the most beautiful tulips during an amazingly bright event

Strawberry Season

Strawberry Season

March–December • food

The Netherlands have probably the best strawberries in the world!

Dutch Countryside & Windmills

Dutch Countryside & Windmills

mid-April–late October • activity

Explore the scenic rural surroundings around Amsterdam: its windmill villages, fishing harbours, and local family farms

Smoked Eel

Smoked Eel

March–May, September–November • food

Once a staple food, gerookte paling now became a delicacy and a must try

Hollandse Nieuwe Herring

Hollandse Nieuwe Herring

May–July • food

Not every herring can be called Hollandse Nieuwe. Check the reason why this one gets the special name!

Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum

all year round • activity

Discover hundreds of paintings, drawings, and personal letters of world-famous Dutch artist

Red Light District

Red Light District

April–June | September–November (all year round) • activity

Marijuana, prostitutes, erotic shops, and even theatres—the place is able to satisfy any unspoken desires or mere curiosity. And though most think so, the district is not only about sex and stuff

Canal Cruising

Canal Cruising

all year round • activity

The city of Amsterdam looks particularly beautiful when viewed from a boat

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum

all year round • activity

Explore the best classic art by the masters of Dutch Golden Age

Football Orange Fever

Football Orange Fever

March–November (on selected dates) • event

The Dutch are crazy about two things: football and orange colour

Whirling Elm Seeds

Whirling Elm Seeds

late April–late May • nature

Natural confetti all around Amsterdam!

Rollende Keukens (Rolling Kitchens)

Rollende Keukens (Rolling Kitchens)

May 8-12, 2024 • event

Enjoy the best meals from trucks in the middle of the city

Amsterdam Dungeon

Amsterdam Dungeon

all year round • activity

Witness the most sinister episodes of the Dutch history, with witches, torturers, inquisitors, and other characters that once reigned over the city

Biking

Biking

May–October (all year round) • activity

There can't be any better way to discover the city labelled the cycling capital of Europe

Amsterdam Nightlife

Amsterdam Nightlife

all year round (except New Year's Eve) • activity

Feel the vibes of Dutch nightlife in dozens of nightclubs with a single ticket

28 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Keukenhof (Garden of Europe)

Keukenhof (Garden of Europe)

out of rangeMarch 23–May 14, 2023 • nature

Witness seven million flowers blooming around you!

Alkmaar Cheese Market

Alkmaar Cheese Market

out of rangeMarch 31–September 29, 2023 • activity

No country is as famous with its cheese as the Netherlands is! Don't miss your chance to try out all the different cheeses available regionally in one place now

Amsterdam Light Festival

Amsterdam Light Festival

out of rangeNovember 28, 2024-January 19, 2025 • event

Everything is illuminated around you. This is a period of Amsterdam beautifully transforming​ into a city from a fairy tale

Sail Amsterdam

Sail Amsterdam

out of rangemid-August 2025 • event

One of the rarest and most remarkable events in Amsterdam!

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

out of rangeNovember–February • event

Dive into the Christmasy atmosphere with hot chocolate and ice skating in the city center

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

out of rangeApril 27 • event

Carnival, dancing, singing and as much fun as you can ever imagine take place on the King's day (Dutch: Koningsdag), known before 2013 as Queensday, throughout the Netherlands

National Tulip Day

National Tulip Day

out of rangeJanuary 18, 2025 • event

There can be no excuse to miss the National Day of one of the Dutch symbols—the tulip

Open Garden Days of Amsterdam

Open Garden Days of Amsterdam

out of rangeJune 14-16, 2024 • event

A unique yearly event opens the hidden gardens of Amsterdam

Awakenings Festival

Awakenings Festival

out of rangeJuly 5-7, 2024 • event

Searching for a power-packed European techno event? Here you go!

Amsterdam Dance Event

Amsterdam Dance Event

out of rangeOctober 16-20, 2024 • event

One of the biggest dancing events in Europe attracts 350,000 visitors from around the world yearly

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

out of rangemid-March—mid-April • nature

Amsterdam is just as good at cherry blossoms as it is at tulip festivals

Mysteryland

Mysteryland

out of rangeAugust 25–27, 2023 • event

The leading electronic music festival in the Netherlands

Gay Pride Canal Parade

Gay Pride Canal Parade

out of rangeAugust 3, 2024 • event

One of the most colourful and fun festivals on the canals of Amsterdam

TCS Amsterdam Marathon

TCS Amsterdam Marathon

out of rangeOctober 20, 2024 • event

A running event as a great occasion to visit the capital of Netherlands

Balloon Fiesta Barneveld

Balloon Fiesta Barneveld

out of rangeAugust 16–19, 2023 • event

A popular summer ballooning event in the Dutch province of Gelderland

Oliebollen

Oliebollen

out of rangeDecember 30–31 • food

A New Year culinary habit, attractive to most foreigners

Sinterklaas Arrival Parade in Amsterdam

Sinterklaas Arrival Parade in Amsterdam

out of rangeNovember 19, 2023 • event

Meet Dutch Santa Claus and his vigorous helpers

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 4, 10, 17, 2024 • event

A vibrant celebration with lots of delicious food

Amsterdam New Year's Eve  (Oud en Nieuw)

Amsterdam New Year's Eve (Oud en Nieuw)

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

The party capital of the Netherlands is a perfect place for a New Year bash

Sinterklaаs

Sinterklaаs

out of rangeNovember 13–December 5, 2022 • event

One of the most beloved traditional characters of the Christmas season in the Netherlands

Chocoladeletters

Chocoladeletters

out of rangeDecember 4 • food

We already know that Sinterklaas is the biggest holiday, but we haven't yet told you anything about these special treats!

Amsterdam Coffee Festival

Amsterdam Coffee Festival

out of rangeApril 4-6, 2024 • event

Find out about coffee lifestyle at this event

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day

out of rangeMarch 14–17, 2024 • event

The Dutch way of celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Lomanstraat Street

Lomanstraat Street

out of rangelate September - early November • nature

Don't hesitate to visit one of the most scenic streets in the world

Snert

Snert

out of rangeDecember–February • food

A thick Dutch version of split pea soup is particularly good during winter

Speculaas

Speculaas

out of rangeearly December • food

A popular Dutch Christmas treat

Venison

Venison

out of rangemid-October • food

With the grand​ opening of hunting season, all meat lovers prepare their forks and knives!

Surfana Festival

Surfana Festival

out of rangeSeptember 6-8, 2024 • event

The best weekend for all surf-minded people spiced up with music, food, and arts

Last updated:
Jan
6.9
Feb
7
Mar
7.3
Apr
7.7
May
8.3
Jun
8.9
Jul
9.1
Aug
8.7
Sep
8.1
Oct
8.2
Nov
7.5
Dec
6.7

Amsterdam weather in January

6.9/10 score
Good
5° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
8h 16m
daylight duration
January is typically considered to be one of the coldest months of the year in Amsterdam. It’s quite chilly, and while it might rain often, it’s possible to see snowflakes flying after the dawn as the temperature drops. The sun doesn’t show much, and it’s quite cloudy in general. One would still get lucky to see the clear sky and a bit of sunshine. Bring warm clothes and something to protect you from the rain to stay comfy and warm.

Amsterdam weather in February

7/10 score
Very good
4° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
9h 52m
daylight duration
The weather in February is rather chilly with quite a few cloudy, rainy days and a possibility of snow at night when the temperature drops. One of the best ways to enjoy a February visit to the city is spending time indoors. It’s a great time to enjoy the Amsterdam art scene and nightlife and to try delicacies and warm drinks the city has to offer. Plan on bringing comfortable, warm, and waterproof clothes. It’s a must-have in Amsterdam in wintertime.

Amsterdam weather in March

7.3/10 score
Very good
8° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
11h 54m
daylight duration
As spring is approaching, the weather in Amsterdam gets drier, and the air temperature rises slowly. There is a high chance of rain, but it’s not as frequent as during a previous couple of months. It’s still pretty chilly in the city due to high humidity even though the thermometer shows higher figures. There are not as many clouds, and the sun shows up more often. Double-check the weather forecast for the day in advance as atmospheric conditions are quite changeable in the city. The warm and waterproof clothes are a must-have to stay comfortable.

Amsterdam weather in April

7.7/10 score
Very good
11° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
13h 57m
daylight duration
The weather in April gets warmer and more enjoyable. It’s quite dry with a lot of sunny days, and one could feel the presence of spring. While mornings are still fresh, it’s pretty comfortable during the day, so it's quite probable to enjoy spending time outdoors. Check the weather forecast for the day in advance as atmospheric conditions are quite changeable in the city. To appreciate the fresh April climate, bring comfy warm clothes with you.

Amsterdam weather in May

8.3/10 score
Excellent
15° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
15h 45m
daylight duration
The spring is in the city, and the weather is getting more pleasant. Even though the temperature is rising, there are still quite a lot of rainy days, so check the local forecast for the day before heading out. It’s quite enjoyable to visit Amsterdam in May as there is lots of sunshine and flowers are blooming. Feel the excitement that locals feel when winter grayness has finally disappeared. In order to have a comfortable visit, make sure to have a few layers of clothes as the atmospheric conditions are quite changeable.

Amsterdam weather in June

8.9/10 score
Excellent
18° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
16h 43m
daylight duration
The June weather in Amsterdam is typically enjoyable. Despite quite a few rainy days, generally, the air temperature is around 18 °C (64 °F). It’s nearly ideal for those who enjoy fresh and warm days. There is plenty of sunshine, and the sky is generally clear. It’s a great time to explore the city and its surroundings by bike. In order to stay comfortable, bring a few layers of clothes as the temperature might vary throughout the day.

Amsterdam weather in July

9.1/10 score
Ideal
19° average
average temperatures
7 mm
precipitation
16h 13m
daylight duration
July is known as one of the hottest months in Amsterdam. Despite this fact, the heat is pleasant and comfortable reaching up to 22 °C (72 °F). It's a perfect time to enjoy riding a bike, hanging out in the park, and to explore the surroundings of the city. Be prepared to have occasional rains mixed with a lot of sunshine. As the weather might be fresh in the morning and warmer during the day. Thus, keep a few layers of clothes to stay comfortable despite the changes in atmospheric conditions.

Amsterdam weather in August

8.7/10 score
Excellent
19° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
14h 37m
daylight duration
The weather in August is moderately warm reaching a maximum of 23 °C (73 °F) at the sun’s peak. Usually, there is plenty of sunshine, and the sky is mostly clear. There are a couple of days when it’s raining, and it’s mostly dry and warm the rest of the time. This month is considered to be one of the hottest in Amsterdam, and it’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like spending time in parks and exploring the countryside. In order to feel comfortable throughout the day, keep a few layers of clothes as fresh mornings are replaced by warmer afternoons. Make sure to check the local weather reports before planning any long-distance trips around the area.

Amsterdam weather in September

8.1/10 score
Excellent
15° average
average temperatures
12 mm
precipitation
12h 38m
daylight duration
The weather in September is pleasant and great for any kind of activity. It’s a bit cooler compared to August temperatures, but one could still enjoy comfortable warmth, a lot of sunshine, and moderate fresh mornings. There is a chance it would rain a couple of days during the month, and the sky might be a bit cloudy. As atmospheric conditions are changeable in Amsterdam, double-check the local weather report before heading out and keep a few layers of clothes on to stay comfy.

Amsterdam weather in October

8.2/10 score
Excellent
14° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
10h 36m
daylight duration
The weather in October is getting colder and wetter. While the temperature is still pretty comfortable, expect to have quite a few days of rain. Even though mornings in Amsterdam could be rather fresh, it’s usually warm in the middle of the day. The outdoor activities are an excellent choice for sunny days. Otherwise, enjoy spending time in numerous cozy places around Amsterdam when it rains. Keep a sweater and a waterproof jacket for the trip to the city to stay protected and warm. It’s recommended to double-check the weather forecast for the day before heading out as atmospheric conditions are quite changeable.

Amsterdam weather in November

7.5/10 score
Very good
9° average
average temperatures
8 mm
precipitation
8h 46m
daylight duration
The weather in November is considerably wet in Amsterdam. It’s pretty chilly throughout the month, and there is a high chance of rain. Sunny days are rare, so one would be lucky to catch a few sunrays. It’s a great month for spending your time indoors enjoying what Amsterdam cozy places have to offer. Plan on bringing a waterproof jacket and warm clothes to stay protected and comfortable.

Amsterdam weather in December

6.7/10 score
Good
7° average
average temperatures
9 mm
precipitation
7h 46m
daylight duration
The weather in December is quite chilly. When traveling to Amsterdam, you might get a chance to see the snow as the temperature decreases, and the rain could transform into white snowflakes. There are mostly cloudy and grayish days with a high probability of precipitation. So, December is a great time to stay indoors sipping a warm drink or enjoying the Amsterdam art scene. To stay comfortable, bring waterproof and warm clothes.