Best time to visit Amsterdam (Monthwise Guide for Activities)

Let’s begin with a common question: when is the ideal season to travel to Amsterdam? Without a surprise, you’re hoping for a simple response, such as any time or month when the city is less busy and the temperature is less harsh.

To be honest, those were my initial ideas, but when I sat down to consider my favorite season, I couldn’t choose a single day to visit. There is no “ideal” time to visit Amsterdam.

Each season brings something new to visitors to Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital. And, frankly, the ideal time to visit Amsterdam is at any time of year. 

In this tourist guide, I’ll provide thorough information on the ideal time to visit Amsterdam in each season, as well as information for each month.

Additionally, I’ll write about the weather, the finest events to see in Amsterdam, and the tourist density in each season so you know what to expect before visiting this incredible city.

At the end of the page, you’ll discover a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Netherlands’ capital.

Find out pretty quickly!!!!!!

The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, is recognized for its cultural legacy, intricate grand canal, and small buildings with gable roof facades, all of which date from the city’s  Golden Era.

The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum with works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and the Stedelijk with modern art are all located in the Museum District.

In Amsterdam’s Identity, cycling plays an integral part and there are several bike trails in the city.

Here’s a brief info about the city. 

It’s difficult to pick when to go because of the gorgeous scenery and moderate weather. The Dutch capital is fascinating and energetic throughout the year.

Spring and early autumn are the best seasons to visit Amsterdam if you want to do as much as imaginable. The weather is pleasant, with more chances of sunshine than rain, and crowds are moderate.

Outside of winter, this is the ideal season to get deals, and even if you have to stand in a queue to access or board your favorite attraction, the weather is sure to be pleasant.

Though…

Every peak season in Amsterdam has its advantages and disadvantages, whether it’s breathing fresh tulip fields or waiting in lines to see a Rembrandt.

Here is our guide to determining the best time to visit Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital, is one of Europe’s most famous tourist destinations.

Amsterdam is the country’s primary cultural center and a top European metropolitan attraction, with ancient buildings, canals, institutions, embassies, and research institutes, as well as many museums, several theaters, and entertainment venues.

The Dutch capital is not just recognized for its leisure tourism, but it is also a popular business travel destination, drawing thousands of international business visitors each year.

Health advice is always changing as we learn more about COVID-19 and discover new variants. The regulations and constraints in place to prevent outbreaks might change quickly.

It’s crucial to double-check the restrictions of the places you’re visiting and traveling through, as well as the country’s requirements, on a regular basis. Various restrictions may apply in different states and territories.

April and May, or September and November, just before or after the summer tourist season, are the finest months to visit Amsterdam.

You’ll see Amsterdam as locals do, with fewer tourists and warmer temperatures because the city’s weather is notoriously changeable at this time of year.

A winter vacation is a way to go if you’re looking for a deal and don’t mind temperatures in the 30s and 40s. The city’s top attractions will have lower hotel rates and fewer visitors.

Because it hosts over 300 events each year, the city has a packed social calendar no matter what time of year you visit.

Here’s a monthly look at what to anticipate in Amsterdam throughout the year. Keep in mind that some events span months and that all events are subject to change.

January

Although it is chilly and dark in January, museum lines are short and downtown areas have plenty of elbow room. The Dutch celebrate Tulpendag, a launch celebration preceding tulip season, on the third Saturday in January, with dozens of tulip exhibits along with the Dams.

Key Events: 

•  Amsterdam Light Festival
• National Tulip Day

February

Despite the lack of sunshine and festivities in February, Amsterdam boasts a plethora of delightful bruin cafés (brown cafés; traditional Dutch pubs) where you can warm up and enjoy the traditional Dutch gezellig (cozy) lifestyle.

The Chinese New Year in Amsterdam begins with a parade from the Kuan Yin Shrine Buddhist temple in Chinatown to Dam Square.

Key Events:

•  Chinese New Year

March

Tulips bloom in March, bringing joy and happiness. Despite this, the weather can be unpredictable, so bring waterproof clothing. Over Easter, the three-day DGTL techno and dance festival ushers in the season of open-air partying.

Key Events: 

• Keukenhof Flower Gardens
• DGTL, 
• Open Tower Day

April

April is an Amsterdammer’s favorite month for a reason: longer days, warmer weather, fewer crowds, and full blossoms. The most important street party of the year, King’s Day, is an extravaganza of orange clothes, flea market shopping, and beer.

Key Events: 

• Tulip Festival
• King’s Day,
• World Press Photo 
• National Restaurant Day

May

In May, shopping malls and cobblestone streets get busier. You can enjoy the pleasant weather and see the last tulips blossom this month. You can see windmills and watermills during National Mill Day in the second week of May. This month can be enjoyed with the mild weather and also with fully bloomed tulips.

Key Events:

•  Remembrance and Liberation Day
•  National Mill Day

June

Summer is in full swing! The weather is perfect, and there are plenty of waterside patios and open-air activities to enjoy. This month, the Netherlands’ largest garden tours and performing arts festivals take place.

Key Events: 

• Holland Festival
• Awakenings Festival
• Taste of Amsterdam
• Open Garden Days

July

The days in Amsterdam are at their longest in July. Outside of historic buildings and museums, crowds swell, but it’s the ideal time to enjoy outdoor music, bicycle rides, and sunset cocktails on canal-side terraces.

Key Events: 

• Over het IJ Festival
•  Vondelpark Festival
• Amsterdam Roots Festival

August

August is jam-packed with outdoor events, kicking off the peak season. In comparison to other European capitals, Amsterdam’s temperatures are warmer at this time of year, and the city has fewer summer closures.

Key Events: 

• Amsterdam International Art Fair
• Sail Amsterdam
• Uitmark
• Pride Amsterdam
•  Grachtenfestival

September

One of the greatest months to visit Amsterdam in September. Summer is almost done, although the pleasant weather tends to linger for a few more weeks. Many excellent festivals with fewer attendees.

Key Events: 

• National Restaurant Week
•  Open Monument Days
•  Jordaan Festival
• Amsterdam City Swim
• Amsterdam International Fashion Week

October

Autumn in Amsterdam is a warm and inviting atmosphere. The city’s parks and gardens are ablaze with warm, toasty colors. Low-season prices begin to take effect, and lines begin to thin.

Key Events:

•  Amsterdam Dance Event

November

The absence of events and sunlight in November is compensated for by shorter waits for restaurant tables and more empty museums. The holiday season begins with St. Nicholas’ arrival by boat in the second half of the month.

Key Events: 

• Sinterklaas Intocht
• PAN Amsterdam

December

Winter in Amsterdam is lovely, even if there is rarely any snow. Ice rinks are popular gathering places, and the city twinkles with fairy lights.

Key Events: 

• Christmas
• New Year’s Eve

When it comes to visiting Amsterdam, the high season isn’t always the best time to travel because you’ll have to cope with big crowds and humid weather in addition to increased expenses.

Spring and autumn are more enjoyable, less expensive, and easier to navigate. You can also go in the winter for the best bargains and to see some beautiful holiday lights.

Fall

When it refers to touring Amsterdam, the high season isn’t always the best time to travel because you’ll have to cope with big crowds and humid weather in addition to increased expenses.

Spring and autumn are more enjoyable, less expensive, and easier to navigate. You can also go in the winter for the best bargains and to see some beautiful holiday lights.

Winter

Although the winters in Amsterdam are windy and cold, temperatures rarely fall below freezing. With normal winter temperatures of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, the city will feel considerably warmer than other Northern European destinations, and spending time outside will not be too difficult as long as you have the appropriate jacket, waterproof boots, and possibly a scarf to keep you warm.

Winter travel has certain advantages, especially if you visit during the Christmas Market season. Many seasonal markets may be found in Amsterdam, ranging from fashionable, sophisticated places offering design goods to Victorian-style shops selling traditional crafts and treats like spiced pepernoten biscuits.

Spring

Spring is often sunnier and dryer, with daytime temperatures around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. It’s a beautiful day for walks and day trips outside of Amsterdam, such as a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, which bloom with over seven million flowers in the spring.

If you’re visiting in March or April, bring a scarf and layers to keep you warm. If you travel in April, expect enormous crowds, pricey accommodations, and a lot of noise.

Summer

If you want to attempt bicycling, the summer months are ideal; especially if you’re planning a trip to the countryside and fantasizing about picturesque rides with windmills in the background. If you want to save money, book your hotel early in a big location.

In Amsterdam, the summers are hot and humid. It’s difficult to forecast how hot each month will be, but temperatures in June will be around 20 degrees Celsius and as high as 30 degrees Celsius in July, the hottest month. August is hot as well, but it can also be rainy and dreary.

Throughout the year, the weather in Amsterdam is cool, overcast, and humid. The climate is consistent throughout the country, however the interior is more continental. The coasts are breezy and cool. Temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F) on a yearly basis.

Here you can get the range of temperature, precipitation, humidity, snowfall days, and wind speed ratio month by month in detail.

Data source (Met Office UK)

The city of Amsterdam is open all year. The greatest time to visit is between May and August when the weather is at its most pleasant.

Here are the weather forecasts for Amsterdam so you can plan your trip:

May to August: 

From May to August, Amsterdam has beautiful weather. Carry light sweaters, though, as it may turn cold in the evenings. In May, the spring Tulip Festival attracts a large number of visitors who come to admire the gorgeous tulips in full bloom.

This is also an excellent time to cycle around the city, which is an unforgettable experience. Open Garden Days and Roots Festival, both held in June, are two of Amsterdam’s most popular summer festivals.

If you plan on visiting Amsterdam at this period, make all of your reservations months in advance, as hotel costs and airfares are at their highest between May and August.

Except for the weeks before the Christmas holidays, the best time to visit Amsterdam is in the winter. Prices begin to fall in November and continue to fall until late February.

Things start to get a little more expensive in March, but there are still a few weeks of reasonable options before shoulder season begins.

This is the greatest time to book hotels and flights, as well as to enjoy indoor activities like a visit to Anne Frank’s House or the Van Gogh Museum, as lines will be shorter and the attractions will be less crowded.

Although it does not happen every year, the canals can (and do) freeze in the winter, providing a massive ice skating rink.

Tulips are an important aspect of life in Amsterdam, Netherlands; they are everywhere during the blooming season, and the country is always ready for them to return.

Tulips are at their height in April, but they can be found in plenty from late March and late May.

The greatest site to see tulips in Amsterdam is the Keukenhof Gardens, which are only open from March to May during the tulip blooming season.

Keukenhof, the world’s largest floral garden, is only 30 minutes away from Amsterdam and easily accessible by public transportation.

If you visit at other times of the year, you may still enjoy the beauty of tulips by attending one of the many festivals.

National Tulip Day is observed on the third Saturday in January at Amsterdam’s Dam Square, with a pop-up garden featuring over 200,000 tulips of all colors.

Even better, this is a “choose your own” garden, so get there early and pick your own free tulips to take home.

The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum for art and antiquities, and the Rembrandt House are slightly easier to get into, but you’ll still have to fight throngs once inside during peak season.

Museums are wonderful places to visit in the fall and winter. Tickets are inexpensive, you’ll be able to avoid the cold by going inside, and you’ll have more room to explore at your leisure once you arrive.

The Red Light District is open all the time. The district is open to visitors at all times. Between 6 and 8 a.m., the window brothels are only closed for two hours. On weekends, most bars and clubs close at 3 or 4 a.m.

Choose a self-guided or guided tour between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., especially from Sunday through Thursday, to escape the crowds. 

Things pick up around 10 p.m. — especially on Friday and Saturday evenings — and then calm down between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. when the neighborhood shops close.

Is There Anything I Should Avoid in Amsterdam?

There are certain things tourists should avoid there: such as avoiding traveling on public transport without an OV-Chip card, avoiding walking on cycle paths, etc.

Is a Week in Amsterdam Enough?

The magnificence of the “city of canals” may usually be enjoyed in 3 to 4 days. You’ll even have time to enjoy a half-day tour of the Keukenhof Gardens to see the stunning tulips.

Is Amsterdam a Safe City to Walk at Night?

With a few exceptions, most Amsterdam areas are safe to walk around alone. The Red Light District is one area to avoid after dark.

What is the Language of the People in Amsterdam?

Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands. The majority of Amsterdam citizens are fluent in English as well as one or two additional languages. In Amsterdam, you can typically get by without speaking a word of Dutch.

Can Female Tourists Travel Safely in Amsterdam?

Women of all ages traveling alone or in groups will find Amsterdam to be a safe city. In the streets and elsewhere, female visitors face little to no harassment. However, accidents do happen. It is advisable to follow standard safety precautions as you would anywhere else.