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Best time to visit Amsterdam
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash
Best time to visit Amsterdam, Netherlands
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1-5°C, often cloudy with occasional snow or rain | low | low |
⚠ Short daylight hours, many attractions may have reduced hours. | |
| February | 0-6°C, cold and damp with a chance of rain or sleet | low | low |
⚠ Still quite cold and dark, outdoor activities are limited. | |
| March | 3-10°C, increasingly sunny but still chilly and wet | low | low |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, transitioning from winter. | |
| April | 7-14°C, mild with a mix of sunshine and showers | moderate | moderate |
⚠ King's Day (April 27th) means widespread festivities and potential transport disruptions. | |
| May | 10-18°C, pleasant with good amounts of sunshine and occasional rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Ideal weather for exploring canals and parks. | |
| June | 13-20°C, warm and sunny with occasional light showers | high | high |
⚠ Peak season begins, book accommodations and popular attractions in advance. | |
| July | 15-22°C, warm and often sunny, but with a higher chance of rain | peak | peak |
⚠ Hottest month, but still prone to summer rain showers. | |
| August | 15-22°C, similar to July, warm with potential for rain | peak | peak |
⚠ Still very busy with tourists; book well ahead. | |
| September | 12-19°C, crisp autumn air, often sunny with cooler evenings | moderate | moderate |
⚠ A sweet spot with fewer crowds than summer but still pleasant weather. | |
| October | 8-15°C, cooler with increasing chances of rain and wind | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Days are getting shorter, and the weather can be quite changeable. | |
| November | 4-10°C, cold, damp, and often overcast with rain | low | low |
⚠ Very short daylight hours and a high chance of rain make outdoor exploration less appealing. | |
| December | 2-7°C, cold, wet, and windy, with occasional frost or snow | high | high |
⚠ Despite the cold and short days, the Christmas season brings crowds and higher prices, especially around holidays. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
April
King's Day
National celebration of the King's birthday with street parties, markets, and orange everywhere.
April
Tulip Festival
While Keukenhof is the main draw, tulips bloom across the city and surrounding areas.
June
Amsterdam Roots Festival
A vibrant festival celebrating world music and culture with free outdoor concerts.
July
Open-Air Theatre
Various performances and shows held in parks and outdoor venues throughout the summer.
August
Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival)
Classical music performances held on boats and stages along the city's canals.
October
World Press Photo Exhibition
Internationally renowned exhibition showcasing the best photojournalism of the year.
December
Amsterdam Light Festival
Illuminated artworks and installations displayed along the canals and city streets.
Insider timing tips
- •While summer (July-August) is warmest, it's also the busiest and most expensive, with crowds peaking and prices at their highest.
- •Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and moderate prices.
- •The period between November and March is generally cold, wet, and dark, leading to lower prices and crowds but limiting outdoor activities.
- •King's Day (April 27th) is a massive city-wide party that can be exhilarating but also disruptive; plan accordingly if you're not there for the festivities.
- •The 'shoulder seasons' (April, October) can offer good value and fewer tourists than summer, but come with a higher risk of unpredictable weather.
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