Guide to Amsterdam Weather

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Guide to Amsterdam Weather - what temperatures to expect & things to do in every season

Are you planning a visit to Amsterdam and wondering what the temperature will be like? Amsterdam is lovely all year round but some months are warmer and some are a little wetter.

GUIDE TO AMSTERDAM WEATHER • WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER & AUTUMN

Here is our guide to Amsterdam weather throughout the year to help you plan your visit and what to wear or bring with you.

Find more about Weather in Amsterdam, NL

Want to know what the weather is like right NOW in Amsterdam? Check this weather forecast.

 

Many people in Amsterdam rely on smartphone apps like Buienradar to know when it might suddenly start or stop raining. It’s a very helpful app – available for free for Apple and Android. You can also visit their website to see the weather anytime.

The Amsterdam climate is oceanic due to the proximity to the North Sea, which means the temperature does not fluctuate too much. Summers are usually warm but not too hot and winters are often mild with not very much snow. One thing you can definitely count on however is clouds and rain! We recommend having some kind of rain gear with you all year round, but don’t worry you can always buy an umbrella on the streets of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Weather in Winter

Guide to Amsterdam Weather - what temperatures to expect & things to do in every seasonTypically Amsterdam is chilly in wintertime, with temperatures hovering around freezing. It may rain a lot or even snow, but you can also hope for crisp sunny days.

Every few years Amsterdam might get very cold in the winter, with snow and ice and temperatures below freezing. The year 2012 was a cold winter and the canals froze over. People came out in droves to ice skate and walk on the canals. It was a fun time in the city. Amsterdam is also stunningly beautiful under a blanket of snow!

Daylight hours are very short during the winter in Amsterdam, with an average around 8 hours of daylight from December to January with the shortest day of the year at 7 hours and 40 minutes. That means the sun rises just before 9:00 and sets around 17:30. Did you know that in Amsterdam the longest day of the year (in June) is 9+ hours longer than the shortest day of the year (in December)?

December through February you can expect an average temperature around 3.5C/38F and an average of 11 days of precipitation each month including rain, hail and snow. But keep in mind it typically won’t rain or snow all day long, the storm clouds usually come and go. The winds can be cold in winter, so bundle up!

WHAT TO DO IN AMSTERDAM IN WINTER

Wintertime is a terrific season to be in Amsterdam. Be sure to check out the holiday lights and the Amsterdam Light Festival. Go ice skating on the local squares. Take a break at a cafe with a friendly fireplace and our favorite cozy bars. Get more ideas for things to do in winter here!

Amsterdam Weather in Spring

Guide to Amsterdam Weather - what temperatures to expect & things to do in every seasonAs the weather warms up in spring, Amsterdam comes to life. When the sun peeks out behind the clouds, all Amsterdammers run to sit in the nearest patch of sunshine to soak up the rays after the dark winter. Trees sprout fresh green leaves and flowers bloom in every garden. It’s a beautiful time of year to visit the parks and wander the neighborhoods. Many tourists come to Amsterdam in spring to see the tulips and other flowers at the famous Keukenhof gardens.

March through May you can expect an average temperature around 8.8C/48F and an average of 10 days of precipitation each month including rain, hail and maybe even light snow in early spring. But keep in mind it typically won’t rain all day long, the storm clouds usually come and go. May is definitely the warmest month, with temperatures increasing to an average of 12.5C/54F from a cooler average of 5.7C/42F in March.

There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam in spring. It’s a wonderful time to visit but be sure to wear layers! The weather can vary quite a bit.

WHAT TO DO IN AMSTERDAM IN SPRING

Spring in Amsterdam is all about the flowers. Head to Keukenhof or hop on a bike or the train and explore the countryside. You can find some wonderful ideas for Spring day trips here.

Amsterdam Weather in Summer

Guide to Amsterdam Weather - what temperatures to expect & things to do in every seasonSummer in Amsterdam is glorious on a warm sunny day! Hop on a boat and cruise the canals, have a picnic in the park, go swimming, or sit by the water on a terrace with a beverage in hand. Everyone is happy on a sunny summer day!

One of the best things about summer in Amsterdam is the super long days that seem to last forever. On average the days are about 15 hours long, with sunrise at 5:30AM and sunset around 10PM! Did you know that in Amsterdam the longest day of the year (in June) is 9+ hours longer than the shortest day of the year (in December)?

If you hate hot weather you will love summer in Amsterdam. It isn’t usually too hot, and even if there is a heat wave it will soon pass with sea breezes or a big rainstorm. Summer thunderstorms are fun to experience, with thunder and lightning and torrential downpours. Forget your umbrella, just get soaked and enjoy it!

June through August you can expect an average temperature around 16.4C/62F and an average of 9.6 days of rain each month. But keep in mind it typically won’t rain all day long, the storm clouds usually come and go.

Amsterdam Weather in Autumn

Guide to Amsterdam Weather - what temperatures to expect & things to do in every seasonAs the summer comes to a close in September you can feel that fall is coming by the change in the air. The days get shorter and the breeze is cooler. The leaves start to turn orange and then gold, and by mid November they have mostly fallen from the trees. But autumn is such a beautiful time in Amsterdam with the soft light and colorful leaves.

September to November you can expect an average temperature around 10.5C/51F and an average of 10.5 days of rain each month. But keep in mind it typically won’t rain all day long, the storm clouds usually come and go. September and October might have some very warm summery days, but it can also be cool and rainy. Wear layers and bring that umbrella just in case.

WHAT TO DO IN AMSTERDAM IN AUTUMN

Autumn is a time for festivals in Amsterdam. Start off the cultural season with Uitmarkt, then get ready for long winter nights with fun Museumnacht. Check out a wine festival or beer festival.  Get more ideas for things to do in fall here!

Amsterdam is gorgeous all year long, rain or sun or snow. The wettest months are winter but summer is pretty wet too. Bring both your umbrella and sunglasses and wear layers and you’ll be prepared for anything!

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