planvoya

Netherlands · Updated 2026

Best time to visit Amsterdam

Mid-April to May for tulips, or September for mild weather and calmer streets

Amsterdam is at its loveliest in spring, when the bulb fields bloom and terraces fill, though tulip season brings some of the year's highest hotel prices. Summer is mild and lively but crowded and expensive, while September offers similar weather with fewer tourists. Winter is grey, damp and dark by late afternoon, yet cosy cafes, quiet museums and low hotel rates make it a smart choice for city-break bargain hunters.

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Assorted-color buildings beside body of water (Amsterdam)

Photo: Javier M. / Unsplash

Quick answers

Best overall
Mid-April to May and September
Best weather
May and September
Cheapest
January to early March and November
Avoid
Late July and August if you dislike crowds; rainy November if you need sunshine.

Amsterdam month by month

Average temperatures, rain, crowds and hotel prices. Hotel links open with dates in that month.

  1. January

    Mixed

    6° / 1°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Cold, grey and short-dayed, but museums are quiet and hotels cheap. Suits budget travellers and art lovers happy to hop between cafes.

    Events: Amsterdam Light Festival

    Hotels in January

  2. February

    Mixed

    7° / 1°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Still chilly and damp with the year's lowest prices. Good for museum marathons, brown cafes and spontaneous weekend breaks.

    Hotels in February

  3. March

    Good

    10° / 3°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Days lengthen and crocuses appear, though weather is fickle. Late March brings the Keukenhof opening and a first wave of visitors.

    Events: Keukenhof opens · Stille Omgang

    Hotels in March

  4. April

    Great

    14° / 5°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Peak tulip season and often the driest month, with fresh, bright days. Book early; King's Day turns the city into a giant orange street party.

    Events: King's Day (27 April) · Keukenhof tulip season

    Hotels in April

  5. May

    Ideal

    18° / 9°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Arguably the best month: mild, green, long evenings and canal-side terraces. Popular with couples and families; bulb season wraps up mid-month.

    Events: Liberation Day (5 May) · National Mill Day

    Hotels in May

  6. June

    Great

    20° / 12°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Pleasant warmth, near-endless daylight and a packed cultural calendar. Busy and pricey, but ideal for cycling, picnics and canal cruises.

    Events: Holland Festival · Open Garden Days

    Hotels in June

  7. July

    Good

    22° / 14°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Warm rather than hot, with occasional heavy showers. Peak crowds in the centre and at major museums; best for festival-goers and families.

    Events: Keti Koti (1 July) · Julidans

    Hotels in July

  8. August

    Good

    22° / 14°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Summer at full swing with tourists everywhere while locals head away. Pride week is a highlight; thunderstorms are common.

    Events: Amsterdam Pride · Grachtenfestival

    Hotels in August

  9. September

    Ideal

    19° / 11°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Mild, often settled weather after the summer rush. Great for sightseeing, cycling and terraces at slightly gentler prices.

    Events: Open Monumentendag · Jordaan Festival

    Hotels in September

  10. October

    Good

    15° / 8°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Autumn colour on the canals but rain and wind increase. Hotels spike during Amsterdam Dance Event; suits clubbers and runners.

    Events: Amsterdam Dance Event · TCS Amsterdam Marathon

    Hotels in October

  11. November

    Mixed

    10° / 4°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Wet, windy and dark by five, yet cosy and uncrowded. A good-value month for museums, food halls and Museumnacht.

    Events: Museumnacht · Sinterklaas arrival

    Hotels in November

  12. December

    Good

    7° / 2°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Damp and chilly but festive, with illuminated canals and winter markets. Prices jump around Christmas and New Year's fireworks.

    Events: Amsterdam Light Festival · Sinterklaas (5 December)

    Hotels in December

Timing tips for Amsterdam

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Climate figures are long-term averages; always check the forecast before you go. Hotel links are affiliate links: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.