The climate of Amsterdam
Centrally located in the
Netherlands,
Amsterdam experiences a marine west coast climate, classified as Cfb on the Köppen climate scale. This suggests frequent rainfall, mild summers, and cool winters. The weather remains largely consistent throughout the year due to the city's coastal position. Monthly average temperatures range from approximately 2.4°C (36.3°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F), signifying a cool to temperate climate.
Rainfall, a significant feature of Amsterdam's climate, does not have a defined wet or dry season. It spans across all months of the year, marginally peaking in
July and
August, with an average of 55mm (2.17"). In terms of snowfall, it is the most probable in
January, with an average of 15mm (0.59") over the span of three days. Sunlight hours range from 8.3 hours in January to a maximum of 16.7 hours in
June. Wind speeds vary from an average of 13.2km/h (8.2mph) in July to a high of 20.4km/h (12.7mph) in
December.
The best time to visit Amsterdam
The ideal time to visit
Amsterdam to take advantage of mild weather and comparatively less rainfall is between
May and
September. Over this period, temperatures average between 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F), providing a comfortable environment for outdoor activities. Daylight hours peak in
June with an impressive 16.7 hours, with sunshine hours equally impressive at an average of 9.7 hours in June and
July. While there are still rainy days, the rainfall average is certainly less compared to autumn or winter, adding to the appeal of visiting during these months.
The worst time to visit Amsterdam
Travelers may want to avoid
Amsterdam from
November to
March, as plummeting temperatures and increased chances of snowfall make this time of year relatively unfavorable for tourism. Average temperatures during these months range from 2.4°C (36.3°F) to 9.4°C (48.9°F). Furthermore, November sees a noticeable dip in daylight hours from 10.6 hours in
October to 8.8 hours. Coupled with increased chances of snowfall in
January, and the highest rainfall of 54mm (2.13") in
December, this period might pose challenges for tourists.
Spring weather in Amsterdam
Spring in
Amsterdam, spanning from
March to
May, witnesses a gradual increase in temperature. Average temperatures begin at 9.4°C (48.9°F) in March and rise to an enjoyable 16.2°C (61.2°F) in May. Rainfall averages between 37mm (1.46") to 30mm (1.18"), and while there is a moderate chance of rainy days across these months, the duration and intensity often remain manageable. Sunshine hours increase gradually from 6 hours in March to 8.5 hours in May, indicating a gradual return of brighter days.
Summer weather in Amsterdam
Summers in
Amsterdam, which run from
June to
August, are typically mild and enjoyable. Average temperatures vary from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F), paired with the most prolonged sunlight hours and the highest sea temperatures of the year, ranging from 14.9°C (58.8°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F). Despite a level of rainfall that ranges between 43mm (1.69") to 55mm (2.17"), it does not tend to detract too much from the overall enjoyable summer conditions.
Autumn weather in Amsterdam
Autumn in
Amsterdam, from
September to
November, experiences a steady decline in temperatures, starting from 18.2°C (64.8°F) in September and falling to 9.6°C (49.3°F) by November. September continues to provide average sunshine hours of 7.1, dropping to 4.1 hours by November. Rainfall shows a slight increase during autumn, from 44mm (1.73") in
October to 42mm (1.65") in November, with a gradual increase in the number of rainy days.
Winter weather in Amsterdam
Winter spans from
December to
February in
Amsterdam, with average temperature lows of 2.4°C (36.3°F) in
January and average highs around 6°C (42.8°F). Daylight hours are shortest during this period, from 7.8 hours in December to a return of longer daylight hours, 9.9, by February. There is a possibility of snowfall, although it is not a pervasive feature of Amsterdam's winters. Rainfall is relatively high during winters, with December having the highest rainfall of the year at 54mm (2.13").
Weather in January
January in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands brings chilly temperatures, allowing for a modest accumulation of snowfall at 15mm (0.59") over three days. Despite the lower temperatures, Amsterdam weathers a fairly high percentage of relative humidity in comparison to the following months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Amsterdam experiences an increase in snowfall to 22mm (0.87"), maintaining the wintry atmosphere established in
January. The city's temperature remains low but begins to climb slightly from this point forward.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, the weather in
Amsterdam bids farewell to snowfall, with only 3mm (0.12") recorded in the entire month. Yearning for spring, the conditions exhibit a shift towards the warmer season. The daylight hours increase significantly compared with
February, Visual clarity also improves, with the average visibility reaching its yearly peak.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a significant decrease in rainfall, falling from 37mm (1.46") to 18mm (0.71"), signalling the arrival of drier weather in
Amsterdam. While the temperature begins to climb further, the relatively high humidity and occasional showers maintain the freshness in the city’s atmosphere.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With the highest sea temperature of 11.8°C (53.2°F) recorded throughout the year,
May transforms
Amsterdam's weather to more amicable conditions. The mercury rises, bringing warmth to the historic town, whereas the cool, balmy breeze from the North Sea ensures a pleasing balance.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the summer months in
Amsterdam. Compared to
May, you'll find longer daylight hours and an overall increase in temperature. With the summer solstice typical of the Northern Hemisphere, the city basks under the sun for the longest period in the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July reigns as the hottest month, with temperatures peaking at 21.3°C (70.3°F). Despite the rise in temperatures,
Amsterdam's weather remains enjoyable due to the highest recorded wind speed of the year at 20.5km/h (12.7mph). The city bathes in the warm summer sun, while also witnessing the most daylight hours of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August offers pleasantly warm weather with maximum temperatures recorded at 21.6°C (70.9°F). Typically, the city basks in the highest sea temperature of 18.3°C (64.9°F), attracting beach-goers and water sports enthusiasts. Although rainfall is on a slightly increasing trend compared to
July, the weather remains predominantly fine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sees a decline in temperature from summer's peak, making it a comfortable time to visit
Amsterdam. The city is likely less crowded with tourists and the weather is relatively dry. Early autumn paints the city in hues of red and gold, adding a different charm to the historic cityscape.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a noticeable change in
Amsterdam's weather, marking the transition from autumn to winter. Though temperatures are not yet into the grip of intense cold, they start retreating from their
September highs. The colorful autumn leaves adorn the city, gradually giving way to bare trees.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a further drop in temperatures, with the short, damp and increasingly colder days hinting towards the impending winter. The weather conditions in
Amsterdam at this time promote indoor activities and experiences.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Amsterdam signifies a full swing into the winter season, with a significant increase in snowfall to 13mm (0.51") from a solitary millimeter in
November. With ample festive decorations and markets, the city embraces the winter with open arms.
Weather in December »