Best Time To Visit Amsterdam

The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe. Renowned for its picturesque canals, rich history, charming architecture, and iconic cultural scene, Amsterdam beckons tourists from all corners of the globe to immerse themselves in its unique ambience and diverse attractions. From the iconic Anne Franks House and awe-inspiring Van Gogh Museum to the bustling Dam Square, there are a plethora of places to visit in Amsterdam.

But to experience this charming city in its full glory, you have to look for the best time to visit Amsterdam. Amsterdam is different in different seasons, with each season offering a unique experience, and that’s why we have curated this detailed guide to help you decide the best time to experience the alluring beauty of this capital city.

When is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam is April and May or September and November, right before and after the peak summer season. During these months, you will experience fewer crowds and pleasant weather suitable for indoor and outdoor activities. Whether you're savouring Dutch cuisine at cosy cafes, browsing eclectic boutiques, or taking leisurely bike rides along the city's bike-friendly paths, you'll find that Amsterdam has much to offer during these quieter months.

Amsterdam Throughout The Year

Peak season in Amsterdam

The summer months, from April to August, is the peak season in Amsterdam. During these months, the renowned tulip festival begins, attracting many tourists worldwide to experience the view of the colourful tulips. The weather during these months is also delightful and comfortable, making it the best time to travel to Amsterdam to enjoy outdoor activities. The city comes to life, with people flocking to the beaches, cafes, and popular tourist destinations.

Along with April to August, Christmas and New Year’s are also considered a peak season, as many tourists travel to Amsterdam to celebrate during the holiday season.

Since these months are the peak seasons and are considered the best time of year to visit Amsterdam, the flight charges, as well as the accommodation charges tend to touch the roof. You will also experience a huge crowd and long queues at popular tourist attractions.

Shoulder season in Amsterdam

The months of March and September to November are considered the shoulder season in Amsterdam. During these months, the weather is unpredictable but still not too cold. The shoulder season is the best time to travel to Amsterdam if you want good bargains and discounts on your flight and accommodation. You will also experience less crowd during these months, giving you more time to soak up the vibrant beauty of Amsterdam.

Low season in Amsterdam

The winter season, except the Christmas and New Year, is considered a low season in Amsterdam. The low season starts from November to mid-December, and mid-January to February end. During this period, Amsterdam experiences grey-gloomy skies, cold snowy weather, and occasional rain. Although this season is not the best time to travel to Amsterdam, people who love layering themselves in warm clothes and sipping on a mug of hot chocolate can still appreciate the cosy atmosphere of Amsterdam during this time.

The low season can also be a good time to visit Amsterdam if you want to experience the beauty of this vibrant city on a low budget and immerse yourself in its charm without any overwhelmingly large crowds.

Best Season to Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam in Spring (March to early May)

If there is one season that brings out the best of Amsterdam, then it must be the spring season. Spring is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam, offering a reprieve from the chilling winter season with its blue and clear skies and beautiful rays of sunshine. This pleasant yet not-too-hot weather in spring makes it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities.

The spring season rears its head at the beginning of March, and the temperatures begin to rise to a maximum temperature of 9 degrees. The weather is pleasant and a little chilly, making it the best time to see Amsterdam’s beauty by walking through its streets without struggling with humidity.

Spring fully arrives in Amsterdam in April, with the weather becoming extremely pleasant and warm. You can find crowds flocking on the streets, cafes, parks, and terraces, enjoying the clear sky and first rays of sunshine. The Tulip blooms begin in April, making it the best month to visit Amsterdam to enjoy the beautiful tulips at their best bloom.

In May, the weather starts to get warmer, with a maximum temperature of 17 degrees. May also mark the high tourist season, with tourists all over the city.

Some of the popular events that make spring the best time of year to visit Amsterdam are:

• Tulip Festival (April)
• Keukenhof Flower Garden (March-May)
• Cherry Blossom Festival in early April
• King’s Day (April)
• Liberation Day (May)
• Music festivals such as Liberation Pop, London Calling, Moulin Blues International Blues and Roots Festival in May

Amsterdam in the Summer (May to mid-August)

Summers in Amsterdam is something many locals look forward to, offering warm weather and pleasant sunlight. During this period, you can find people lounging around on beaches and terraces and taking a boat cruise along the canals. This period is also the best time to see Amsterdam’s nightlife.

June marks the real beginning of summer in Amsterdam, with maximum temperatures reaching 19 degrees. The city comes alive in June with tourists visiting from around the world to experience the heavenly beauty of Amsterdam in clear blue skies. June is the best time to go to Amsterdam if you want to indulge in various festivals and events, including music concerts, food festivals, and much more.

July and August are the hottest months in Amsterdam, with average maximum temperatures being 21 degrees, making it ideal for enjoying watersports. These months are also the peak summer months, which means you could experience long queues and waiting times at famous attractions. This is the best time to see Amsterdam by riding on a bike and visiting beaches and swimming spots.

Some of the popular events that make summer the best time to visit Amsterdam are:

• Holland Festival (June-July)
• Taste of Amsterdam (June)
• Amsterdam Gay Pride (August)
• An open-air electronic music festival called Awakening Festival (July)

Amsterdam in Autumn (Mid-August to October)

Autumn in Amsterdam brings with it a magical time, offering beautiful scenery with red and orange-leafed nature surrounding the city. This period is the best time to visit Amsterdam, if you want to explore the city completely without much crowd, as most of the tourists from summer have receded.

September experiences a fair share of rainfall, with shorter days and cloudy skies. The maximum temperature during this period is 18 degrees Celsius. Although a shoulder month, September is still a good time to visit Amsterdam as you will experience less crowd and cheaper travel costs.

Amsterdam in October is mild and cold, with temperatures ranging between 7 to 15 degrees Celsius. The weather is cooler than in summer but not as cold as in winter.

Some events that make Autumn in Amsterdam the best time to visit are:

• UNESCO World Heritage Weekend (September)
• Amsterdam Fringe Festival (September), an event that provides an artistic blend of dance, theater, and performance
• TCS Amsterdam Marathon (Mid-October)
• Amsterdam Haloween Festival (October)

Amsterdam in Winter (November to early March)

Winter in Amsterdam is extremely cold, with average low temperatures being 0 degrees Celsius. Winters are the best time to go to Amsterdam, as the city becomes truly magical during this period, twinkling with a white blanket of snow.

Amsterdam in November is quiet and peaceful, with fewer crowds and shorter days. December is the coolest and rainiest month of the year, however, it is also a good time to go to Amsterdam if you want to experience the beautiful Christmas festivities.

January is one of the coldest months in Amsterdam, but also a calm one as the tourists have receded after Christmas festivities. You can still go do outdoor activities during this period, as Amsterdam does not get much snow.

February sees an increase in daily temperatures, with average temperatures ranging between -0.5 to 0.6 degrees. This month is a good time to visit Amsterdam for couples, as there is no better place to celebrate Valentine's Day than the Netherlands gem.

Some of the events that make winter in Amsterdam a must-visit are:

• Amsterdam Light Festival (November-January)
• New Year’s Eve (December 31)
• Valhalla Festival (December)
• National Tulip Day (January)
• Amsterdam International Fashion Week (January)

Ultimately, choosing the best time to go to Amsterdam depends entirely on your preference, as each season offers a unique experience in this captivating city of the Netherlands. Whether you prefer the vibrant energy of spring, the bustling atmosphere of summer, the peaceful beauty of autumn, or the magical beauty of winter, Amsterdam offers something special year-round.

When booking an Amsterdam tour package with Veena World, consider factors such as preferences, budget, and tolerance for weather conditions to get the most out of your Amsterdam experience.