Best time to go to Amsterdam Average weather of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Amsterdam?
The best time to visit Amsterdam is between late spring and early autumn, from May to September.
However, it is possible to travel to the Netherlands and Amsterdam in any season. Even when the weather conditions are not ideal, the city has an undeniable charm that you will appreciate.
It is worth noting that summer is the period when tourist traffic is at its peak. Indeed, the good weather is guaranteed. Temperatures range from 17 to 22°C (72°F) on average in July-August, and sunny days are plentiful.
Therefore, if you are traveling to Amsterdam in summer, it is advisable to book your flight and accommodation in advance to ensure availability and take advantage of favorable rates. Visitors who choose to travel to Amsterdam during the summer holidays often need to adjust their budget upwards compared to other periods.
On the other hand, if you are wondering when to visit Amsterdam, the rest of the year may appeal to you for its calmness and more affordable prices. In winter, the cold is not too intense, and it rains almost as much in August as in December. In short, by opting for the low season, you may encounter showers, cool temperatures, but nothing that could really spoil your stay.
Finally, the period from April to June and from September to October is a good compromise between mild weather and lower crowds. Exploring Amsterdam on foot and by bike during this period is often a great idea. Moreover, late April is tulip season, attracting many travelers to Amsterdam, particularly to Keukenhof.
So, when is the best time to go to Amsterdam? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Amsterdam are May, June, July, August and September
- On average, the warmest months are June, July and August
- February is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are January, July, August, October and December
- The best months for swimming are August and September
Annual weather in Amsterdam
Weather details in Amsterdam month by month
Weather and climate in Amsterdam
Amsterdam experiences a sub-oceanic climate characterized by humidity throughout the year. The climate in Amsterdam is particularly influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. There is not a significant temperature difference between winter and summer, (unlike in Montreal for example). Winters are cool but not freezing. Summers, on the other hand, never see very high temperatures. The weather in Amsterdam is therefore mostly rainy, although you can find plenty of sunshine in spring and summer.
Winter Climate in Amsterdam
Winter in Amsterdam is the coldest season. However, it is rare for temperatures to drop significantly, unlike in Finland for example. Thus, between December and February, temperatures remain between 0 to 5°C (41°F) during the day, and around 0°C (32°F) at night. Snowfall can also occur, although generally not significant.
Furthermore, the sun is scarce during winter, giving way to clouds and a gray sky. Precipitation is frequent, although winter is far from being the rainiest period of the year.
Moreover, Amsterdam experiences very windy winters, contributing to an even cooler feel. Therefore, you should dress warmly if you decide to visit the Netherlands between December and February.
Summer Climate in Amsterdam
The summer climate in Amsterdam is similar to that of The Hague or Rotterdam. Temperatures are pleasant but rarely exceed 25°C (77°F) . You can expect between 17 and 22°C (72°F) on average in the heart of July and August.
However, you will be surprised to find that the climate remains very rainy in summer in Amsterdam. Indeed, like in winter, clouds and rain are frequent. Thus, sudden temperature drops are not uncommon, even in midsummer. However, rest assured, there are still many sunny days during this period.
Spring Climate in Amsterdam
Spring in Amsterdam is similar to that of Belgium or Germany, with generally unfavorable weather. Between March and May, there may be a few sunny days, but temperatures remain cool. For example, in March, temperatures range between 5 and 10°C (50°F) , and by May, they gradually exceed 15°C (59°F) .
Moreover, although rainy episodes are not rare in Amsterdam during this season, it is worth noting that the month of April is the least rainy of the year. There are fewer than 5 rainy days in the month. Thus, although the climate remains quite cool, spring is one of the driest periods in the Netherlands.
Autumn Climate in Amsterdam
In autumn, the weather in Amsterdam is very changeable, which can be both concerning and reassuring if you are planning a stay. Indeed, the weather can be both gray and sunny in the same day, and a shower may occur but give way to blue skies a few minutes later.
While temperatures cool as the season progresses, it is noticeable that in September and early October, the weather remains very pleasant, with a mild ambiance. For instance, temperatures range between 14 and 19°C (67°F) on average in September.
Finally, rain is frequent during this period, but it is worth mentioning that in Amsterdam, rainy days are relatively common throughout the year.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Amsterdam
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Amsterdam: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Amsterdam
Find out when Amsterdam has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Amsterdam
- Very low season in Amsterdam
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February and March. - High season in Amsterdam
The number of visitors to Amsterdam is high in: April, May, June, July, September, October, November and December. - Peak season in Amsterdam
The largest number of tourists visiting Amsterdam is during: August.
Figure: Visitor index for Amsterdam month by month
Best time for low prices in Amsterdam
Average prices of hotels in Amsterdam month by month
Generally, January is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Amsterdam. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, May is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Amsterdam
A return flight between London and Amsterdam is generally cheaper if you go in november ($ 89 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 45 more for your airline ticket to Amsterdam if you go in july.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Amsterdam
Average price of hiring a car in Amsterdam
On average, it costs $ 44 per day to hire a car in Amsterdam. This price varies by $ 7.5 depending on the month. In february, hiring a car costs an average of $ 41 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 49.
Other cities and places near Amsterdam
Best time to go to the Netherlands
Amsterdam
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