The best time to visit Amsterdam: how to pick the best season for a perfect trip

A practical travel guide to help you pick the best time to visit Amsterdam: an overview of what to expect and th best things to don in Amsterdam in each season.

Amsterdam has so much to offer to its visitors, you can have a fantastic stay no matter the time of the year. 

However, there is no doubt that some months, in Amsterdam, are better than others! 

I got to Amsterdam often: one of my closest friends lives there (this is why I also have an article on girlfriend getaways in Amsterdam!) and I have been visiting her in all possible weather conditions: scorching summer, cold summer because these also happen there, freezing winter, spring, autumn… you name it, I’ve been

In this quick guide, I am sharing my favorite time of the year to visit Amsterdam, what to expect on each season and what time may suit you best, depending on the type of trip you like and your budget,

At a glance, when deciding when you go to Amsterdam, you should consider the following. 

The best time to visit Amsterdam is in the late spring (April to June). At this time, the temperature is usually mild, the city buzzes with events and things to do, and you can see the famous Dutch Tulips.

The summer is the second-best time to visit Amsterdam. Summer is a time of (usually) good weather and a great time to enjoy life on the canals and Amsterdam’s pretty outdoor terraces as well as all traditional sightseeing.

The fall, especially September and early October, is an excellent time to visit Amsterdam for sightseeing and museums. 

The weather is hit and miss but events such as Amsterdam’s Museum Night and the Amsterdam Film Festival happen at this time and are a good excuse to visit the city. 

For budget travelers, the best time to go to Amsterdam is in the winter. November, January and February are cold and wet in Amsterdam and this tends to drive the tourist demand and therefore prices down.

Christmas, on the other hand, is a fantastic time to visit Amsterdam for festive cheer and events but is popular and sought after: come here is budget allows and if you want to see this beautiful city dresses in lights. 

The best time to visit Amsterdam with kids

The best time to visit Amsterdam with kids is the late spring / summer. At this time, you have the highest chance of good weather for time outside and playgrounds and you’ll have long hours of daylight, so you can sightsee without rushing.

The lovely terraces and outside restaurants in Amsterdam are great with kids as they add an even more informal and child friendly option for family dinners.

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The best time to go to Amsterdam: spring – top pick!

Spring is the best time to visit Amsterdam, from all points of view.

Spring officially starts in Amsterdam on the 21st of March and ends on the 22nd of June, when summer officially starts.

Between March and June in Amsterdam, temperatures grow steadily and go from wintery and gray to increasingly pleasant and dry.

In spring, you still need a jacket and layers, and you may encounter rain (that’s pretty much a given in Amsterdam!). However, you have a high chance of blue sky and expect a reasonable share of sunny days.

The main reason why spring is si lovely in Amsterdam is the tulips!

During April, blossoms permitting, the city celebrates the tulip festival, and the city turns into an extravaganza of colors and flowers swaying in the breeze.

This is a fantastic time to see the city and experience the tulipomania that takes the country by storm at this time!

You can read here >>> the best ways to see tulips in Amsterdam and nearby

Spring is also the time when Amsterdam celebrated Kings Day/ Queens Day.

This celebration is a fantastic event in Amsterdam, with people celebrating on the streets and the canals day and night.

Whether you should visit at this time or avoid Amsterdam depends on what you like. 

If you want a party atmosphere, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the city. On the other hand, if you are traveling to Amsterdam with kids or prefer less crowded atmospheres, I highly recommend you avoid it!

If you are visiting Amsterdam in spring, remember to:

Dress in layers: it is not unusual to find yourself in short sleeves at lunchtime and reach for a coat in the evening.
Always have a sweater, a mid-season jacket and a scarf. Do bring an umbrella in case of rain.

Book museums in advance, especially:

Rijksmuseum – a world-class museum with the famous Dutch Masters Wing and the Night Watch

Van Gogh Museum – a world-class museum devoted to Dutch painter Van Gogh

Plan a day trip to Keukenhof and Giethoorn to see the beautiful tulips and blossoms in all their splendor 

Best time to visit Amsterdam for chances of good weather: summer

I would have liked to title this paragraph ‘the best time to visit Amsterdam for good weather’ but let’s be honest: there is no such a thing as guaranteed good weather in Amsterdam!

Like in the rest of Northern Europe, the weather here is changeable, and gray days are possible even at the height of the summer season.

However, there is no doubt that in summer you have a higher chance than any other time to get a clear sky, and when that happens, the city flaunts a truly summery appearance.

On a good day in summer, you can expect to be wearing short sleeves and sandals and even spend the day on the canals in your bathing suit (a favorite among locals!)

If you have kids, summer is the best time to have them play in Amsterdam’s fantastic parks and splash parks. This is also a fantastic season to explore Amsterdam Noord, which has lovely beer gardens and terraces that are delightful in the sun. 

If visiting Amsterdam in summer:

Dress for good weather but do bring layers in case of a drop in temperature

Join a small group bike tour in the city center, lovely in the sun! 

Book a canal cruise to see the best of the city from the water 

Book museums in advance, especially the Rijksmuseum (world-class museum with the famous Dutch Masters Wing and the Night Watch) and the Van Gogh Museum, both exceptionally popular.

Prepare for crowds: whenever you can, book attractions and restaurants in advance in the city center or venture a little off the beaten track to lose the tourists and savor a slightly quieter feel. 

The best time to go to Amsterdam for a local feel: autumn

September and early October tend to be pleasant in Amsterdam.

At this time, the erratic Dutch weather has already turned to be chillier and wetter than during the summer. 

However, the city dons are beautiful foliage, and lots of events, sumptuous interiors and a great local vibe compensate for the less than stellar meteorological conditions.

At this time of the year, the city belongs mainly to the locals, you have thinner crowds, and you can still be lucky and get some sunny days.

This is an excellent time of the year to take a canal cruise (choose a closed roof one!), visit museums and take a bike ride in Amsterdam’s parks.

The fall is also when Amsterdam has its Museum night and film festival, which is a lovely time to go and mingle with locals.

If visiting Amsterdam in the fall:

Dress for changeable weather, choose waterproof shoes and embrace layers.

Book museums in advance, especially Book museums in advance, especially the Rijksmuseum (world-class museum with the famous Dutch Masters Wing and the Night Watch) and the Van Gogh Museum, both exceptionally popular.

Take a canal cruise (closed top) 

The best time to travel to Amsterdam for budget travelers: the winter

Winter is cold and wet in Amsterdam, and the best time to visit the city is if you are on a budget.
Despite the less than ideal weather, I like Amsterdam in winter.

The city has beautiful interiors, and at this time, it is easy to indulge in Amsterdam’s rich and diverse food scene.
Winter is also the time when Amsterdam dresses up for Christmas.

The city looks magical during the festive season, and the canals make its many lights and historical buildings sparkle even more thanks to their watery reflections!

However, Christmas is also one of the times of the years when most visitors flock to the city, and this means the low prices I mentioned above do not apply to the holiday weeks and especially to New Year’s eve.

If visiting Amsterdam in winter:

Be prepared for cold and wet days: snow is possible, so warm boots that can take a dusting of snow are a must

Book a canal cruise to enjoy the city’s famous festival of lights, which runs in winter between November and January (exact dates change each year)

Enjoy Amsterdam’s Christmas markets and ice skating rinks, perfect to immerse yourself in the festive season. 

Book skip-the-line tickets for the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum to secure a place over Christmas, one of the busiest time of the year for tourism numbers. 

I hope you enjoyed this quick overview of the best time to visit Amsterdam. Safe travel planning!