Best Time To Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam experiences a peak in its tourism during the summer months from April through August and then again during Christmas and New Year’s. April and May are relatively less crowded when compared to June, July and August. These months are a popular time to experience the colourful, blooming tulips. June onwards, expect huge crowds at all tourist attractions. The flight prices, as well as accommodation, reach their peak during these months. The same pattern is also observed towards the end of the year, during Christmas and New Year’s.

March, September and October constitute the shoulder season for tourism in Amsterdam. Due to occasional erratic weather conditions in these months, there are much lesser crowds. Travellers can expect to find good deals on their flights and accommodation during the shoulder season.

The winter season, except for Christmas and New Year’s, is the low season for tourism in Amsterdam. The period starts in November - mid-December and then again from mid-January until the end of February. The weather conditions are cold and grey, with some days having chances of snowfall. The flight prices, as well as accommodation, is at the lowest during these winter months. Despite the dismal weather conditions, travellers can expect to find lots of indoor activities.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Amsterdam. The famous tulips of the Netherlands are all budding, the weather is ideal, and tourist traffic during this time is not very high since it is just the beginning of the tourist season. You can also expect to get affordable rates on accommodation when compared to the summers. March marks the transition from winter to spring in Amsterdam. The weather conditions tend to get warmer over the course of this month.

The average maximum temperature of March is 9 degrees Celsius and the average daily temperatures come up to 6 degrees Celsius. Spring fully arrives in April when the days are warm and pleasant. The weather conditions get warmer in May. Amsterdam sees an average maximum temperature of 17 degrees Celsius this month. May is also one of the sunniest months of the year. The weather conditions are warm and pleasant while in the evenings it tends to get slightly cooler.

Key Events in Spring

• Pink Film Days takes place over a period of 11 days in mid-March. It is the largest LGBTQ film festival in the Netherlands.
• The 5 Days Off festival is an annual event that takes place in early March. It is considered to be Amsterdam’s best electronic music festival.
• 24H West is an event that takes place during the second weekend of March. The clubs, theatres, museums and shops host a variety of unusual and unique events.
• The St. Patrick's Festival is celebrated around 17th March every year. Irish culture is celebrated in this one-day festival, with the spotlight on Irish traditional music.
• The HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show is a popular event that showcases hundreds of boats and boating accessories.
• The Tulip Festival is celebrated throughout the month of April. The gardens of museums and other city institutions showcase colourful, and sometimes rare tulips.
• The Cherry Blossoms Festival is celebrated in early April. A variety of locals, as well as foreign visitors, come to experience the blossoms and the traditional Japanese food and drinks.
• The International Pop Arts Festival is held over a period of ten days in mid-April. There are a variety of venues, both indoor and outdoor, those host performances from various artists from across the world.
• King’s Day is an important national holiday that takes place on April 27 every year. Celebrations ensue all over the country in honour of the King’s official birthday. 
• The Rolling Kitchens is an annual celebration of street food in Amsterdam. Food trucks and mobile kitchens take part in this culinary festival to present a variety of cuisines to the public.
• The Remembrance and Liberation Day is celebrated on May 4 each year. This day honours all those soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives in World War 2.
• The National WIndmill Day takes place over the second weekend of May. Working windmills across the country are open to the public. Guided tours are offered through the beautifully decorated windmills.
• 909 Festival is a popular music event that showcases the world’s best techno sounds. This event often sees big names such as Radio Slave and Speedy J.

The weather conditions in summer are bright and sunny. The nightlife is at its peak during this season. June marks the beginning of Summer in Amsterdam. The average maximum temperature reaches 19 degrees Celsius. There is also an increased chance of precipitation, albeit with plenty of sunshine in between. July and August are the hottest months in Amsterdam. The average maximum temperature climbs up to 21 degrees Celsius while the average minimum temperature is at 13 degrees Celsius. However, the increased humidity may make it seem hotter than it is. Locals tend to head to the beach during these months as the conditions are ideal for water sports. There are chances of rainfall, but the showers are usually light and brief and will not interfere with your plans. 

Autumn is truly the best time to visit Amsterdam. The excessive crowds from summer have receded, and it is a peaceful time to visit the city. September experiences a fair share of rainfall with rare thunderstorms. The skies are usually cloudy with little sunlight and diminished daylight hours. The average maximum temperature in September falls to 18 degrees Celsius.

Winters in Amsterdam are going to be extremely cold, irrespective of the time of the day. The days are usually short and dark with diminished daylight hours. November is the wettest month of the year in Amsterdam. The temperatures also begin to drop as the month progresses. The average maximum temperature during November and December is 9 degrees Celsius while the average minimum temperature is around 4 degrees Celsius.

Amsterdam experiences its coldest weather in January. The average daily temperatures are about 3 degrees Celsius. However, the winds blowing through the several canals may make it seem colder than it is. The days are usually grey and gloomy with a possibility of snow.

Most public attractions and restaurants will be cosy and warm. February sees an increase in daily temperatures. The average maximum temperature is at 8 degrees Celsius while the average minimum temperature is around -1 degrees Celsius. Some days may experience fog and winds, making it seem colder. February is a relatively dry month. Despite being a wet and cold month, you can explore the city comfortably if you pack accordingly. Sometimes the canals freeze, and you can get to see the locals glide all over them.

Key Events in Winter

• The Amsterdam Light Festival is a popular event that takes place on the last Saturday of November. The main highlight of this festival is the boat parade in the beautifully illuminated city canals.
• The Arrival of Sinterklaas usually takes place around mid-November. The concept is similar to that of Santa Claus, who brings treats and gifts for children.
• The International Documentary Film Festival of Amsterdam takes place over two weeks in the second half of November. It is a world-renowned international film festival that showcases excellent films and filmmakers. 
• Christmas is an occasion for exchanging gifts and celebrating with family. Several Victorian-style Christmas markets set up shop throughout Amsterdam. Restaurants and other public instalments usually remain open and cater to the needs of the tourists.
• New Year’s Eve is celebrated throughout Amsterdam with parties and elaborate displays of fireworks. New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Amsterdam. However, most of the tourist attractions and museums remain open.
• Whisky Weekend Amsterdam is celebrated over three days in mid-January. Whiskey enthusiasts come together for tastings and other festivities.
• The National Tulip Day is held on the third Saturday of January each year. An enormous temporary garden is created that is open to the public for free flower picking.
• The Food Soul Festival takes place on the last weekend of January every year. It is an excellent opportunity to indulge in various dishes from the best food trucks in the city.
• The Amsterdam Salsa Festival is an annual event that takes place over a weekend in mid-February. Salsa lovers come together to take part in a variety of workshops and to witness spectacular performances by some of the best salsa dancers in the world.
• The Chinese New Year is celebrated over the weekend that is closest to the actual date of the New Year according to the Chinese calendar. The festivities include an elaborate display of fireworks, tea ceremonies and dragon races.