In a nutshell
- The best time to visit Amsterdam is from August to October — that’s when you get the most pleasant weather with noticeably smaller crowds.
- Keep in mind: Amsterdam has a temperate maritime climate, which means it always feels a bit colder than the thermometer suggests — and rain can show up any time of year.
- If getting the lowest hotel prices matters more to you than sunshine, traveling between October and February will save you the most money.
The Best Time to Visit Amsterdam: Our Recommendation
The best time to visit Amsterdam is in late summer and early fall, from late August through early October.
During this period, temperatures are pleasantly mild and there are still plenty of sunny hours each day. In other words, perfect weather for a great sightseeing experience.
Starting in August, hotels in Amsterdam also become more affordable again, and there are fewer people in the city than during the summer vacation rush. Even some great Amsterdam boutique hotels are within reach price-wise.
The Climate in Amsterdam
Due to its proximity to the North Sea, Amsterdam has a temperate maritime climate.
That means summers are only moderately warm, averaging around 68°F (22°C), and winters have very few truly frigid days.
Humidity is also relatively comfortable throughout the year — not too dry, and not too muggy.
That said, the wind in Amsterdam tends to blow fairly briskly, making temperatures feel colder than they actually are and contributing to rather unpredictable weather. Pack an umbrella no matter what time of year you visit — seriously, you’ll need it.
Amsterdam Climate Chart
For a quick overview, here’s an Amsterdam climate chart showing temperatures, sunny hours, and rainy days for each month at a glance:
Amsterdam Weather Month by Month
Amsterdam Weather in January
January is one of the rainiest months in Amsterdam and genuinely gray. The sun shows itself for no more than three hours a day, and it rains on more than ten days during the month.
Temperatures average around 39°F (4°C), and toward the end of the month it gets a bit colder still.
Amsterdam Weather in February
February is the coldest month in Amsterdam and probably the one where you’re most likely to see snow.
The average temperature sits at 37°F (3°C). On the upside, the sun makes more appearances than in January, and it only rains on about nine days during the month.
Amsterdam Weather in March
March marks the beginning of tulip season in Amsterdam — but only gradually. Rainy days still outnumber sunny ones.
On average, the sun shines for six hours a day with temperatures around 43°F (6°C). March sees about ten rainy days.
Amsterdam Weather in April
From April onward, sunny hours finally outnumber rainy days. The weather is still very unpredictable, though — classic April behavior.
At an average of 48°F (9°C), it rains on about seven days per month, and the sun shines for eight hours a day.
The perfect time to take day trips from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof!
Amsterdam Weather in May
May truly lives up to its reputation as a glorious month and brings perfect travel weather to Amsterdam.
With an average temperature of 55°F (13°C) and nine hours of sunshine per day, it’s genuinely beautiful.
By the way: If you still want to catch tulip season in Amsterdam, May is your last chance of the year.
Amsterdam Weather in June
June is the sunniest month in Amsterdam. The sun shines for over ten hours a day, and temperatures climb to an average of 59°F (15°C).
Rain only falls on about nine days throughout the entire month — great conditions for canal boat tours through Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Weather in July
If you choose Amsterdam as your travel destination in July, you’ll get weather very similar to June, just a little warmer.
The average temperature is 64°F (18°C), with about ten hours of sunshine per day and nine rainy days per month.
Amsterdam Weather in August
August also brings genuinely beautiful summer days in Amsterdam. With an average of 63°F (17°C) and nine hours of sunshine per day, it’s a great time to join a guided city tour of Amsterdam and make the most of the weather.
Amsterdam Weather in September
September in Amsterdam often delivers classic late-summer weather.
With an average of 59°F (15°C) and seven hours of sunshine per day, it’s a lovely way to ease out of summer.
That said, with ten rainy days per month, the weather does start to become less reliable.
Amsterdam Weather in October
October is the most humid month in Amsterdam. With an average of 52°F (11°C) and 11 rainy days, that’s no surprise — but it doesn’t get in the way of sightseeing at all.
The sun still makes a solid appearance, often for up to five hours a day.
Amsterdam Weather in November
November in Amsterdam is genuinely dreary. Average temperatures of 45°F (7°C), 13 rainy days, and only four hours of sunshine per day.
Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam in the rain, so your city trip won’t be a washout.
Amsterdam Weather in December
Don’t count on a picturesque Christmas snowfall in Amsterdam. With an average of 39°F (4°C), snow is a rare treat.
Instead, it rains for half the month and the sun only shows up for about three hours a day. But thankfully there are so many great museums in Amsterdam to keep you busy!
When Is Amsterdam the Most Affordable?
Amsterdam is most affordable outside of peak season, from October through February.
That said, this only applies to hotel prices. Admission fees for attractions stay the same year-round.
Find affordable, quality hotels in Amsterdam here:
When Are There the Fewest Tourists in Amsterdam?
The fewest tourists are in Amsterdam in January and February.
However, the weather during those months can also be pretty unpleasant and put a real damper on sightseeing.
If you want a good middle ground, we’d suggest October.
In our experience, early October in Amsterdam still brings pleasantly mild weather, but the streets are already much less crowded than during peak season.
Even famous highlights like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House are no longer packed to the rafters.
The perfect time for a weekend trip to Amsterdam.
Tulip Season in Amsterdam
Tulip season in Amsterdam begins in late March and lasts through late May.
During this time, the annual tulip festival also takes place at the Keukenhof near Amsterdam. In spring, it’s an incredibly popular day trip destination from Amsterdam.
