When to go · Amsterdam, Netherlands
Best time to visit Amsterdam
The sweet spot is July, August and September — averages 20°C, 11 rainy days, peak-season crowds and peak prices.
April – May, September
Oceanic climate with mild summers (22°C) and cold, grey winters (2–6°C). April–May brings tulip season and manageable crowds. July–August is the peak: warmer, busier, more expensive. September offers golden light and falling tourist numbers. Rain is possible in any month — always carry a layer.
The short answer
20°C · 11 rainy days · high season
20°C · 13 rainy days · high season
17°C · 12 rainy days · mid season
Hardest months: December and January. averages a raw 5°C, 14 rainy days, few other visitors.
Month by month
| Month | Avg temp | Rain days | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C | 13d | low | Wet |
| February | 4°C | 11d | low | Cold |
| March | 7°C | 11d | low | Cold |
| April | 11°C | 11d | mid | Chilly |
| May | 15°C | 10d | mid | Mild |
| June | 18°C | 11d | high | Comfortable but damp |
| July | 20°C | 11d | high | Comfortable but damp |
| August | 20°C | 13d | high | Wet |
| September | 17°C | 12d | mid | Wet |
| October | 12°C | 13d | low | Wet |
| November | 8°C | 14d | low | Wet |
| December | 5°C | 14d | low | Wet |
Verdicts are read off the three columns to their left — temperature distance from 21°C first, then rainfall, with crowds breaking ties. Averages, so any given week can differ.
If you'd rather go cheap than perfect
January, February, March, October, November and December are low season in Amsterdam — thinner crowds, and the months where accommodation is easiest to book late. Budget travellers already work to about $45–70 a day here; low season is where the accommodation share of that goes furthest.
Book the month you picked
Fares move with the same seasons as the crowds — the quiet months above are usually the cheap ones to fly.