Amsterdam is a vibrant metropolis with a stunning historic middle, year-round flower markets, delectable delicacies, annual festivals, and many enjoyable. There’s one thing in Amsterdam for everybody, whether or not you’re occurring a romantic getaway, having a bachelorette get together, or eager to find out about artwork, historical past, and tradition.
The town provides a lot to do, whether or not you’re on the lookout for some risque enjoyable within the Pink Gentle District, an exciting culinary expertise, or the sight of a number of the most beautiful tulips you’ve ever seen. No matter your cause for visiting Amsterdam, you’ll have an unbelievable time.
However when is one of the best time to go to Amsterdam? Whether or not you need to plan a budget-friendly journey, keep away from chilly Amsterdam climate, bypass throngs of vacationers, or expertise one of many standard summer time live shows, we’ve acquired all of it laid out for you. Each season has professionals and cons, however hopefully, our information will show you how to resolve one of the best time to go to Amsterdam!
The Greatest Time to Go to Amsterdam – A Month-by-Month & Seasonal Breakdown
January to March: Low Season
January
January, February, and March are the off-season, that means fewer vacationers throughout these winter months. These are the coldest months in Amsterdam, typically snowing, making thermal underwear and snow boots essential. The snowy nights blanket the bottom giving vacationers the choice of snowball fights.
January and February are chilly and darkish, however it’s the most cost-effective time to go to Amsterdam. You may typically rating offers on flights and inns throughout this time. The very best offers are often booked in January for February journey.
If the climate is chilly sufficient and the canals freeze, you’ll see residents ice skating alongside the canals as a substitute of boats. In case you don’t need to take part on the ice skating enjoyable, you may go to one of many many world-class museums, just like the Van Gogh Museum or the MOCO Museum (one phrase: Banksy).
There aren’t many giant occasions in January, giving vacationers further area and shorter traces round city. Nonetheless, there are just a few notable gadgets of curiosity in these winter months.
The Amsterdam Light Festival begins in December and continues via most of January. This standard winter occasion is a free artwork set up involving mild in Amsterdam’s metropolis middle. Each night the lights are turned on at 5 pm without cost viewing. This 1.5-hour bike tour is likely one of the most enjoyable (but chilly) methods to see the lights!
The beginning of Amsterdam’s tulip season begins on the third Saturday in January, which is Nationwide Tulip Day. Amsterdam’s Dam Sq. is overflowing with tulips, specifically designed to make an enormous backyard. This tulip backyard is open to the general public without cost flower choosing!
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in January:
- Benefit from the Amsterdam Gentle Competition
- Nationwide Tulip Day begins the tulip season
- There are cheaper lodging and airfare
- Sights are much less crowded
February
The Chinese language New Yr parade from Chinatown to Dam Sq. occurs someday between late January to early-February (on the second new moon after the winter solstice). The mighty dragons and lions represented within the parade are believed to scare away any evil spirits. It’s a enjoyable expertise with fireworks, meals, and music.
Whereas February is pretty darkish and chilly, it’s a good time to go to Amsterdam with great deals on hotel prices and the flexibility to attend indoor sights just like the Icebar Amsterdam (though it’s chilly in there, too!) or the very-Instagrammable Upside Down Museum. Or, convey out your internal baby with a trip to WONDR, with a pool of marshmallows, big teddy bears, and karaoke.
It’s additionally a good time to calm down in considered one of Amsterdam’s brown cafes and chill. There might be snow like I’ve proven above, however don’t let the images idiot you, the snow right here final perhaps a day or two. The photograph above the snow was mainly gone the identical day.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in February:
- Benefit from the Chinese language New Yr Parade
- Fewer vacationers, that means shorter traces at sights
- Least expensive time to go to Amsterdam
See Associated: 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary
March to Might: Shoulder Season
March
Mid-March begins what is taken into account shoulder season, which suggests the climate is commonly unpredictable. March can convey chilly snaps and lightweight rain, typically requiring a lightweight jacket.
Round mid-March, guests to Amsterdam could have the chance to go to the Cherry Blossom Competition. These blooming bushes signify the start of spring (together with blooming tulips), though the cherry blossoms often solely final till mid-April.
Regardless of the climate, the spring tulip season begins in late March with the opening of the Keukenhof backyard, giving the town a little bit of brightness, though a bit chilly. This guided tour and a skip-the-line ticket at Keukenhof Garden is the way in which to go! This beautiful backyard is open till mid-Might and is only one of over 85 Tulip Competition places in Amsterdam.
Additionally held in March is Open Tower Day, the place guests can go inside buildings (typically historic and trendy towers) often closed to the general public. Earlier towers on show embody De Bijenkorf, UP Workplace Constructing, and Blue Amsterdam.
Among the finest methods to expertise effective eating in Amsterdam is to go to throughout Restaurant Week in March. This particular week occurs twice a 12 months, permitting visitors to dine at a number of the greatest eating places in Amsterdam for a fraction of the same old value (amongst them Restaurant Le Storage and Brasserie La Camelia). Don’t fret, nevertheless, as loads of wonderful strolling excursions offer you a style of Dutch delicacies (like this small group foodie tour in the Jordaan District).
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in March:
- Benefit from the lovely bushes on the Cherry Blossom Competition
- Tulip Competition begins
- Go to many historic websites on Open Tower Day
- Dine at fine-dining eating places throughout Restaurant Week
- Lodging are nonetheless cheaper than excessive season
April
April brings increased temperatures, and the tulips are in full bloom, so it’s a good time to go to Amsterdam! April can be the proper time to go to flower markets like the favored Bloemenmarkt, with colourful blooms in every single place. It’s comparatively rain-free in April, however the common temperature remains to be within the 50s.
Younger folks typically flock to Amsterdam for the three-day music pageant DGTL which takes place at NDSM Docklands in addition to the ever-popular Awakenings at Gashouder.
One among April’s largest celebrations is King’s Day, the place guests and locals have fun the King by carrying the colour orange, consuming unique meals, and ingesting beer. The pageant celebrates King Willem-Alexander’s birthday on April twenty seventh.
If you wish to go to Amsterdam when the tulips are at their peak, you’ll need to go to over the last two weeks of April and the primary two weeks of Might. Simply know that due to the rise in tourism throughout this time, costs for flights and inns are likely to go up.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in April:
- Gentle climate
- Tulips are in full bloom
- Get pleasure from King’s Day celebrations
- Take heed to digital music on the DGTL Music Competition
See Associated: Greatest Day Journeys from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Might
The traces at eating places, museums, and native sights get noticeably longer in Might, with gentle climate, the peak of the attractive tulips in tulip season, Remembrance and Liberation Day, and Nationwide Mill Day.
Might is the final month of the Tulip Competition, with most places throughout Amsterdam closing in mid to late Might. As you may think about, Might brings many vacationers to see the tulips earlier than they’re gone.
Remembrance Day, held on Might 4th yearly, is when Dutch residents pay their respects to the fallen troopers of World Warfare II and different navy conflicts. The next day Might fifth is a grand get together celebrating the nation’s freedom from Nazi occupation. This small group tour to National Memorial Camp Vught is considered one of some ways to replicate and bear in mind the various Jewish lives misplaced throughout WWII.
The second weekend in Might is Nationwide Mill Day, a possibility to climb inside watermills and windmills! Nearly all Dutch windmills are in operation on this vacation, with roughly 1,000 open to the general public! In case you can’t make it on Nationwide Mill Day, there are many different alternatives, like this 3-hour guided tour of the Zaanse Schans Windmills.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in Might:
- Remembrance Day and Liberation Day
- Remaining month of the Tulip Competition
- Discover the windmills on Nationwide Mill Day
- Gentle temperatures
June to August: Excessive Season
June
June begins the excessive season in Amsterdam, with sunny skies, lengthy traces, and enormous crowds. With common highs within the higher 60s and low 70s throughout summer time, it’s a excellent time to go to Amsterdam! Whereas the climate is hotter, it may be chilly within the evenings. So, pack a lightweight rain jacket for any surprising drizzle and somewhat heat.
With the incredible climate in the summertime months, it’s no shock that tourism is at an all-time excessive. It’s necessary to e-book your lodging early, however you’ll seemingly pay a premium.
As a result of it’s the height time to go to, it’s additionally necessary to e-book time slots at standard sights no less than six weeks prior, together with the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum (reserve a timeslot right here to skip the line and enjoy a guided tour), and the Anne Frank House. It’s additionally a good suggestion to reach early at native sights throughout this excessive season. (Notice: reserving a private tour of the Van Gogh is really helpful throughout peak occasions!)
June is the month for outside summer time occasions, together with the Holland Competition, Open Backyard Days, and the Roots Competition. These open-air festivals and occasions draw big crowds to the town. With tourism in full swing, you may anticipate thick crowds wherever you go.
The Open Air Theater on the Vondelpark opens in June with performances starting from pop performers to youngsters’s acts. This outside theater has performances each weekend in the course of the summer time.
The Holland Competition is a June staple as the biggest (and oldest) performing arts pageant within the Netherlands. The pageant roster consists of movie, visible arts, structure, trendy dance, opera, theater, and music. Performances happen throughout city at numerous venues, such because the Westergas manufacturing unit, Concertgebouw, the opera, and the town theater.
In mid-June is Open Backyard Days, an opportunity to go to a number of the personal gardens of Amsterdam’s canal properties. You may go to over 30 canal home gardens throughout this particular weekend!
The Roots Competition takes place on the finish of June (typically into the start of July), which attracts locals and vacationers alike. This multidisciplinary pageant is extra than simply music; it consists of dance, circus, theater, and artwork. Its objective is to boost consciousness via a number of types of storytelling.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in June:
- Excellent climate
- See the personal gardens of canal properties on Open Backyard Days
- Relish within the music and dance on the Roots Competition
See Associated: Non-Touristy Issues to do in Amsterdam: High Hidden Gems
July
July brings sunny skies, heat climate, and loads of outside occasions to Amsterdam. It’s one of the best time to go to Amsterdam when you don’t thoughts crowds. Nonetheless, there are quite a lot of outside occasions, such because the Awakenings Competition, the Over het IJ Competition, and the Pink Gentle Jazz Competition.
The Awakenings Festival, an digital music pageant, attracts locals and vacationers. This July music pageant is outside and really techno-heavy. July additionally brings the Over het IJ Competition, a ten-day artwork pageant unfold throughout numerous places in Amsterdam, together with the NDSM wharf, venues in Amsterdam North, and on the banks of the IJ.
Jazz lovers flock to Amsterdam for the Pink Gentle Jazz Competition, which takes place in numerous venues within the Pink Gentle District. The world has a wealthy jazz historical past, starting within the Thirties with Cafe Casablanca because the “mecca for jazz lovers.” This three-day pageant is held in the summertime months, with 2023 dates to be introduced quickly.
Whereas the climate is beautiful in July, it’s a good time to take a canal tour, benefit from the sights round city, and be outside. The younger and hip might benefit from the Amsterdam Canal Booze Boat tour, however these preferring a extra upscale boat tour would take pleasure in this guided Luxury Boat Tour.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in July:
- Excellent climate
- Get pleasure from music festivals just like the Pink Gentle Jazz Competition and the Awakenings Competition
- Admire artwork on the Over het IJ Competition
August
August is the ultimate month within the excessive season, with extra occasions this month than in the remainder of the 12 months. As a result of Amsterdam climate is commonly milder than different European capitals, vacationers flock to the Dutch capital to keep away from the scorching warmth.
Key occasions embody the Dekmantel pageant, Uitmark, Pleasure Amsterdam, Grachtenfestival, and the Amsterdam Worldwide Artwork Honest. There isn’t a scarcity of enjoyable in August!
The Dekmantel pageant has been part of the Amsterdam music scene for 9 years, showcasing digital and techno music. Whereas the Awakenings Competition brings bigger crowds, the also-popular Dekmantel pageant is commonly the favourite for DJs. There’s additionally a 10-day classical music pageant Grachtenfestival on the town’s canals in August.
Uitmarkt is an opportunity to expertise live shows, theater performances, exhibitions, and musicals. It highlights what’s to return within the subsequent cultural season. Whereas yearly is totally different, you may depend on an important cultural facilities opening their doorways, road performances, and extra.
In case you go to Amsterdam in early August, you may’t miss Amsterdam Pleasure. This city-wide pageant attracts a whole bunch of hundreds of locals and vacationers each August.
Pride Amsterdam celebrates LGBTQIA+, and is a enjoyable time for everybody. When you’ve got time, this guided Gay Bar Pub Crawl is a success! Artwork lovers will respect the Amsterdam Worldwide Artwork Honest, with over 150 exhibitors from all over the world! This August artwork present is for artwork connoisseurs, collectors, or artwork lovers.
Whilst you can spend your days visiting these festivals and occasions, you too can take one of many many excursions round Amsterdam to study concerning the metropolis’s wealthy historical past. This City Canal Cruise helps you to see the town’s sights from a ship!
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in August:
- Remaining month of excellent climate
- Benefit from the music on the Dekmantel pageant or Uitmarkt
- Admire artwork on the Amsterdam Worldwide Artwork Honest
- Attend Pleasure Amsterdam with different LGBTQIA+ folks and allies
See Associated: Greatest Cities within the Netherlands to Go to
September to October: Shoulder Season
September
September is likely one of the hottest months to go to Amsterdam, with fewer crowds and shorter traces at many museums and native sights. Many individuals say that September is one of the best time to go to! Nonetheless, there are typically transient showers, so convey a lightweight rain jacket, like these choices from Patagonia.
One main profit to touring in September – you may typically get extra cheap lodging than within the peak season of the summer time months.
Open Monument Day is in mid-September when guests can freely discover about 4,000 historic buildings throughout the Netherlands. Many of those historic monuments even have particular exhibitions or shows throughout this time.
Each September, the town additionally places on its well-known road get together, the Jordaan Competition. This occasion takes place within the trendy Jordaan District with conventional Dutch music and enjoyable.
Whereas the three-day pageant is extra standard with residents, anybody is welcome. In case you miss the pageant, there are many methods to benefit from the space, together with this awesome food tour in Jordaan.
In case you’re not feeling like giant crowds, visit the windmills in Zaanse Schans on a guided e-bike tour or study extra about Anne Frank’s legacy with this Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in September:
- You should still encounter gentle climate
- Go to historic monuments without cost on Open Monument Day
- Sing together with the Dutch music on the Jordaan Competition
October
October is a incredible time to go to Amsterdam, so long as you don’t thoughts rain showers and a few cooler climate. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll discover that the cooler and wetter Amsterdam climate is definitely worth the decrease costs on lodging and airfare! You’ll additionally discover fewer crowds at standard sights and eating places, a serious plus for a lot of vacationers.
In case you journey to Amsterdam in October, you’ll discover the leaves altering coloration, offering a fantastic backdrop alongside the canal. You can even go to Vondelpark, the biggest park in Amsterdam, to benefit from the lovely bushes alongside the strolling trails and bike paths.
If it’s not raining, you may take pleasure in a motorcycle experience via the park! This guided bike tour through Vondelpark is an superior method to find out about Amsterdam’s historical past!
The wet climate typically makes vacationers head indoors, whether or not you need to cease at a conventional brown cafe for a darkish beer or a espresso store for a Latte and one thing somewhat stronger (word: it’s authorized for espresso retailers to promote marijuana in Amsterdam). In case your curiosity is piqued, this Coffee Shop Tour in the Red Light District is a incredible time (whether or not you select to partake or not).
As a result of there are fewer vacationers, it’s one of the best time to move to the Rijksmuseum, the place you may see Rembrandt’s Night time Watch and different masterpieces. Amsterdam provides many world-class museums, together with the Van Gogh Museum, Willet-Holthuysen Museum, and the Rembrandt House Museum. Shopping for tickets prematurely is all the time a good suggestion, even in the course of the slower months.
One of many extra distinctive issues to do in October is to go to the hofjes of Amsterdam. These secret and obscure courtyards are scattered all through the town. With the autumn foliage at play, the courtyards are simply lovely! If the climate is sweet, this 3-hour bike tour will present you all of Amsterdam’s hidden gems and courtyards!
Whereas Halloween isn’t an official Dutch vacation, many individuals have fun it simply the identical, with costumes, events, and even ghost looking. You can even do enjoyable issues like go to the Cat Cafe (I imply, cats are a witch’s greatest pal!), play an interactive spooky game on your phone listening to the haunted stories of Amsterdam, or take a moonlit stroll down Prinsengracht.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in October:
- Climate is cooler
- Lovely fall leaves are altering coloration
- Lodging and airfare are a lot lower than in the summertime months
- Halloween actions throughout the town
- Museums are a lot much less crowded
See Associated: Suggestions for Driving a Bike in Amsterdam
November and December: Low Season
November
November is likely one of the greatest occasions to go to Amsterdam when you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly airfare and lodging. Whereas it’s the start of the colder months, many indoor sights will preserve you heat and comfy. Darkish and freezing days could make November pretty disagreeable, however when you’re keen to courageous the chilly, this can be a nice time to go to.
Whilst you might not consider taking a cruise when it’s chilly, there are various boats which are geared for chilly climate. Seeing the sights from the canals of Amsterdam is a fantastic expertise, particularly when the Amsterdam Gentle Competition begins.
It’s additionally the start of the festive season, with St. Nickolas’ arrival by boat marking the beginning of the Christmas season. Sinterklaas travels to Amsterdam from his house in Spain in mid-November, bringing treats and presents for the Dutch youngsters. The subsequent day there may be often a parade via the town.
You can even take a guided tour of the Heineken Factory in Amsterdam to study the secrets and techniques of this world-famous model (and revel in a pint or two when you’re there). If you wish to expertise three native breweries, this Craft Beer & Brewery Tour will likely be proper up your alley!
November can be house to PAN Amsterdam, the premier artwork and vintage present. Yow will discover all the pieces from antiques to modern artistic endeavors right here. The honest attracts roughly 50,000 guests yearly.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in November:
- Amsterdam Gentle Competition begins
- Metropolis has a comfy (gezelling) ambiance
- Look ahead to Saint Nickolas’ arrival at Sinterklaas Intocht
- Nice time to attain offers on lodge rooms and airfare
- Shorter traces and fewer crowds
- Store for antiques and different artistic endeavors at PAN Amsterdam
December
Whereas December is a chilly month in Amsterdam, it doesn’t often snow. So long as you’re okay with brisk and dreary climate (often within the 30s), you’ll discover December a good time to journey!
With the Christmas holidays approaching, there are various Christmas markets to take pleasure in, such because the Funky Xmas Market, Pure Market Winter Market, and Ice Village. These markets are the proper place to buy presents but additionally heat up with mulled wine (glühwein) and Dutch doughnuts (oliebollen). In case you don’t know the place to begin, this private and customized Christmas tour will present your group the entire metropolis’s greatest Christmas occasions!
The Amsterdam Gentle Competition is throughout city, and you’ll take a guided tour of all the lights or stroll round to see what number of installations you may spot.
Children and adults will love ice skating at Rembrandtplein because it’s not chilly sufficient in December to go ice skating on the canals (that usually occurs in February!). Then take pleasure in festive Dutch treats, similar to a windmill cookie (speculaas) or fruit bread (kerstol).
Households may also love the Christmas Tree lighting in Dam Sq. with the Royal Palace as a backdrop. New Yr’s Eve can be a enjoyable custom with celebrations throughout city, together with Nieuwmarkt, Rembrandtplein, Dam Sq., and Leidseplein.
Execs of visiting Amsterdam in December:
- Finances-friendly lodging and airfare
- Few crowds on the museums and different sights
- Lovely surroundings with twinkling lights on the Amsterdam Gentle Competition
- Purchasing on the Amsterdam Christmas markets
- New Yr’s Eve celebrations
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