What is the best time to visit Amsterdam? There is never a bad time to visit Amsterdam, but the most popular tourist season is from April to September, when the weather is warmer.
Weather in Amsterdam is unpredictable at any time of year, so you should be prepared for rain no matter what time of year you visit.
Before travelling to Amsterdam, check out official travel rules and regulations that may affect your trip.
The cheapest time to visit Amsterdam is during the off-season, from late October to early March (except during the festive season: Amsterdam in December is fun and very popular).
The Summer during the European school holidays in July and August is the most popular time to visit Amsterdam. Prices will be higher and queues at Amsterdam tourist attractions and restaurants will be longer.
Tulip season from mid-March to early May is another popular time to visit Amsterdam when prices will be higher.
- Spring in Amsterdam is March to May
- Summer in Amsterdam is June to August
- Autumn in Amsterdam is September to November
- Winter in Amsterdam is December to February
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Spring in Amsterdam (March – May)
Spring in Amsterdam sees the beginning of the tourist season when the weather turns warmer and the days grow longer. With tulip season starting in mid-March and continuing through to early May, this is a beautiful time of year to visit Amsterdam.
April is statistically the driest month, but Amsterdam’s weather is notoriously fickle, so be sure to carry your umbrella or rain mac with you at all times.
27th April is Amsterdam’s most famous national holiday – King’s Day. This festival celebrates the King’s birthday and sees the whole of Amsterdam turn out to celebrate in a citywide street party.
Summer in Amsterdam (June – August)
July and August is peak tourist season in Amsterdam, meaning bigger crowds, longer queues and more expensive Amsterdam hotel rooms.
But there is a reason everyone flocks to Amsterdam at this time of year: the long summer days, al-fresco dining, open-air concerts and cultural festivals all combine to make what many believe to be the best time of year to visit Amsterdam.
While the weather is warmer at this time of year, temperatures rarely go above 24°C making it a pleasant climate for sightseeing.
Autumn in Amsterdam (September – November)
If you are looking to avoid the crowds in Amsterdam, then Autumn is a great choice.
Lines will be shorter at the attractions, restaurant bookings easier to secure and hotel rooms cheaper. As a leafy city, Amsterdam is full of colour in the autumn, with the fiery coloured trees lining the canals and filling the city’s parks.
If you are in Amsterdam in mid-November, make sure you don’t miss the Sinterklaas Parade, where St Nicholas, the patron saint of children and Holland’s answer to Santa Claus arrives in the city to mark the beginning of the festive season.
Winter in Amsterdam (December – February)
Visiting Amsterdam in winter is another good time to escape the crowds and benefit from cheaper hotel rooms.
The exception to this is during the festive period in December and New Year.
While the weather is colder at this time of year, temperatures rarely dip below freezing – although frequent fog and mist patches and rain can make it feel colder than it actually is, so be prepared to wrap up warm.
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