The best time to visit Amsterdam is between late March and June or September and November – these months are right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. April is the best time to see the tulips!
But every season has its own charm to discover Amsterdam. Read below per season what is the best time to visit Amsterdam and make up your own mind. Because no matter what time of year you plan to visit Amsterdam, the city always has plenty to see and enjoy.
Spring
Amsterdam is wonderful to visit in the spring. Spring is the best season for pleasant weather and all kinds of tourist activities. The temperatures are starting to rise, and it will regularly be around 20 degrees Celcius.
And most importantly, spring is also the best time for the tulip season! Tulip season runs from about mid-March to early May, depending on the weather of course. On average, the best time to see the famous Duch tulips at their colorful peak is the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May.
With temperatures on the rise and tulips in bloom, spring is one of the best times to visit Amsterdam and its surroundings like The Keukenhof. You will see many people enjoying the first warm rays of sunlight on a terrace or in the various parks of Amsterdam. The dutchies love to go outside on sunny days!
Summer
Summer is also a good season to visit Amsterdam due to warm weather and many tourist activities. But the summer weather in the Netherlands is not every year stable and temperatures range from 16 to 35 degrees with a chance of rain. During the hot summer days, it is muggy due to the crowds and exhaust fumes. It is highly recommended to cool down in the lee of the Vondelpark. The parks, canals, cafes, and the beaches in the area are brimming with relaxing Amsterdammers basking in the sun on these hot summer days.
But remember there is also a chance that you will have to deal with colder weather and rain during your visit to Amsterdam. So always bring your umbrella and wear layers!
In general, the summer is busier and therefore pretty expensive to stay in Amsterdam. You'll need to be prepared to wait in long lines for popular attractions, and bumping elbows with the hordes of tourists in congested areas of town.
This bucket-list location is waiting for you. But first, you´ll need a ticket up in the air!
Autumn
Autumn is the best season for lower hotel rates. And you'll see more locals and fewer tourists. The fewer crowds and relatively mild weather (between 12 and 21 degrees Celsius) make autumn a pleasant season to visit Amsterdam.
It is also a beautiful sight to see the coloring leaves on the trees through the city. And in recent years Amsterdam has had a wonderful Indian Summer. But you may or may not miss out on the cold weather and don't forget the rain in Amsterdam, so plan to pack layers and an umbrella.
ps; looking for a great hotel, hostel, or Airbnb rental in Amsterdam? We got you!
Winter
Winter is low season, you will find low rates, more locals, and fewer tourists, except for mid-December until mid-January, when it's Christmas. Then it will be a lot busier in the city with both tourists and locals doing Christmas shopping and enjoying all the winter activities in the city.
In terms of weather, you have a high chance of cold and gray weather. It is then around 7 degrees Celsius, but it can also be colder. If you are lucky it is cold enough and snowfalls or even the Amsterdam canals are frozen. The days are short in daylight, but that makes it easy to see all the beautiful light decorations. This gives a fairytale and romantic atmosphere in the city. You can find this atmosphere by skating on the pop-up ice rink in front of the Rijksmuseum!
Do not forget to bring a warm coat and gloves if you visit Amsterdam in winter. But you will enjoy shorter lines and the beautiful lighting in the city!
Now that you know all season, you can decide for yourself what is the best time to visit Amsterdam!
Also, check out:
>> Top 7 best hostels in Amsterdam
>> Top 7 best hotels in Amsterdam
>> Top 7 best Airbnb rentals in Amsterdam
>> Top 7 best luxury hotels in Amsterdam
More cool fun activities, events, and bucket list locations in this amazing city with GetYourGuide.
More Travel Inspiration: Visit The Van Gogh Museum, the most popular museum in Amsterdam!
