Amsterdam Weather by Month: When to Visit and What to Pack

Amsterdam weather has a reputation for being grey and wet, and some of that reputation is earned. But the city is enjoyable in every season once you know what to expect and pack for it. This guide runs through Amsterdam’s weather month by month — temperatures, rain and daylight — then helps you choose the best time to visit and what to bring.

Amsterdam’s climate in a nutshell

Amsterdam has a mild maritime climate. Summers are warm rather than hot and winters are cool rather than freezing — average temperatures run from around 3°C in January to about 17–18°C in July and August, according to long-term climate data from the Dutch meteorological institute (KNMI). The catch is the rain and wind: showers are spread fairly evenly across the year, and it is the wind off the North Sea, more than the cold, that you feel. Pack for changeable days and you will be fine in any month.

Amsterdam weather by month

Average high and low temperatures and typical wet days for each month (rounded climate normals):

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Wet days
January	6°C	1°C	~12
February	7°C	1°C	~10
March	10°C	3°C	~11
April	14°C	5°C	~9
May	18°C	9°C	~9
June	20°C	11°C	~9
July	22°C	13°C	~9
August	22°C	13°C	~10
September	19°C	11°C	~11
October	14°C	8°C	~12
November	9°C	4°C	~13
December	6°C	2°C	~13

Season by season

Spring (March–May)

The city wakes up. March is still chilly, but by late April and May the terraces fill and the parks turn green. This is tulip season — the fields outside the city and the Keukenhof tulip gardens peak from mid-April to early May. April is also one of the drier months, which helps.

Summer (June–August)

The warmest and busiest time, with long days — daylight stretches to around 16 hours in June. Expect highs near 22°C, the occasional hot spell, and the occasional summer downpour. The canals, parks and outdoor cafes are at their best, but so are the crowds and the prices.

Autumn (September–November)

September often holds onto summer warmth with fewer crowds, making it one of the nicest months to visit. From October the leaves turn, the rain picks up and the days shorten quickly. Bring layers and a waterproof.

Winter (December–February)

Cold, grey and short on daylight — but atmospheric. December brings festive lights, the Amsterdam Light Festival along the canals and seasonal Christmas markets in the region. Snow is rare and the canals seldom freeze hard enough to skate, despite the postcards. It is the quietest and often cheapest season to come.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

• For tulips and fewer crowds: mid-April to mid-May.
• For the warmest weather: June to August — but book ahead and expect crowds.
• For mild weather and value: September to early October.
• For festive atmosphere: December, with lights and markets.

In short, late spring and early autumn give you the best balance of decent weather, lighter crowds and lower prices.

What to pack for Amsterdam

Whatever the month, pack in layers and plan for rain. A few essentials:

• A waterproof jacket with a hood — far better than an umbrella, which the wind tends to destroy.
• Comfortable, water-resistant shoes for the cobbles.
• Layers you can add or remove as showers come and go.
• In winter, a warm coat, scarf and gloves; in summer, sunglasses and a light jumper for the evenings.

Before you head out each day, it is worth a quick forecast check — we round up the handiest Amsterdam weather forecast apps to help.

Rainy day? No problem

Amsterdam is built for grey weather — it has more world-class museums per square kilometre than almost anywhere. If the rain sets in, duck into the Rijksmuseum or take a covered canal cruise. For more ideas in any weather, see our things to do in Amsterdam, and if the forecast is good, line up a day trip from the city.

Frequently asked questions