Weather in Amsterdam

Planning your day in Amsterdam? Check out the latest weather information, forecasts, and useful charts right here in this section.

Amsterdam is characterized by a temperate maritime climate, which means there are no sharp temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The weather here is quite changeable, so when planning a trip, it is worth being prepared for surprises and always having an umbrella or raincoat with you. Overall, the climate can be described as mild, without extreme heat in summer or severe frosts in winter.

There are four distinct seasons in Amsterdam. Winters (December-February) are usually cool, with an average temperature of about 5-6°C, and frequent precipitation. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with average temperatures rising from 6-9°C to 13-16°C; nature comes alive, but rain is still not uncommon. Summer (June-August) is the warmest time of the year, with average temperatures around 17-19°C, sometimes reaching 20-22°C, making it perfect for walking along the canals and in the parks. Autumn (September-November) gradually brings coolness and an increase in the number of rainy days, with average temperatures dropping from 16°C to 8°C.

One of the characteristic features of the weather in Amsterdam is the high probability of precipitation throughout the year. Even if the monthly amount of precipitation is small (2-3 mm), the number of days with rain remains significant, varying from 12 to 18 days per month. This means that light rain or overcast weather is a fairly frequent phenomenon, which is worth being prepared for at any time of the year.

The temperature regime in Amsterdam is characterized by moderation and the absence of sharp changes during the year. The coldest months are traditionally January, with an average temperature of about 5.2°C (minimum average 3.5°C, maximum average 6.9°C), and February, where the average temperature is approximately 5.7°C (minimum average 3.5°C, maximum average 7.8°C). The warmest period falls on the summer months, especially July (average temperature 17.9°C) and August, which is the hottest month with an average temperature of 18.5°C. In August, daytime highs average 21.5°C, while nighttime lows stay around 15.6°C.

The summer months in Amsterdam, from June to August, usually give the city pleasantly warm weather. Average daytime temperatures in this season range from 19.8°C in June to 21.5°C in August, creating comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Nights also remain sufficiently warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 13.5°C - 15.6°C. Although exhausting heat is not typical for Amsterdam, summer days are often sunny and conducive to enjoying the city's atmosphere outdoors.

Winter in Amsterdam, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by cool but generally mild weather. Average temperatures during this period range from 5.2°C to 6.0°C. Daytime highs usually do not rise above 7-8°C, and nighttime lows average 3.5°C - 4.4°C. Severe frosts are a rather rare phenomenon for the city. It is important to note that daily temperature fluctuations in Amsterdam throughout the year are relatively small: the difference between average daytime highs and nighttime lows is usually between 3°C and 6°C, ensuring a fairly even temperature background throughout the day.

Precipitation in Amsterdam is a fairly evenly distributed phenomenon throughout the year, so there is no clearly defined dry season or rainy season here. The city is known for its changeable weather, and light rain can fall in any month. The total amount of precipitation per month is small, usually 2-3 mm, indicating that rains are most often not heavy, but rather drizzling or in the form of short showers.

The greatest number of rainy days traditionally falls in the autumn-winter period. December stands out as the month with the highest frequency of precipitation, counting on average 18 rainy days. October (17 days) and November (16 days) are slightly behind it. January and March are also quite wet, with 15 rainy days each. During these periods, the probability of encountering overcast weather with precipitation is highest, so an umbrella or raincoat will become your faithful companions.

Despite the absence of a pronounced dry season, some months are still characterized by fewer days with precipitation. These include April, May, and June, each of which averages 12 rainy days. This makes late spring and early summer slightly more predictable in terms of weather, although the probability of rain remains even at this time. In the summer months, such as July and August, the number of rainy days increases slightly again to 14, but the nature of the precipitation remains predominantly light.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Amsterdam, remember its changeable maritime weather, which is characterized by frequent, though not always heavy, precipitation and wind. The key principle is layering. Regardless of the season, a light waterproof jacket or raincoat and a compact umbrella will become your best friends, as the number of rainy days per month varies from 12 to 18. Do not forget about comfortable shoes for long walks on cobblestones and along picturesque canals – this is absolutely necessary for comfortably exploring the city. Windproof clothing will also be very handy, especially in open spaces and near the water.

Depending on the time of year, your wardrobe will differ slightly. For the winter months (December-February), when the average temperature stays around 5-6°C, pack warm sweaters, a winter jacket (preferably waterproof and windproof), a hat, a scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is milder but changeable (average temperatures from 7°C to 16°C), so layering is more useful here than ever: t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, light sweaters or a fleece jacket, and a mid-season jacket. In summer (June-August), it is usually comfortably warm in Amsterdam, around 17-19°C. Light clothing will suit – t-shirts, shorts, dresses, but don't forget a light jacket or cardigan for cool evenings or sudden drops in temperature. Sunscreen and sunglasses will also be useful on clear summer days to fully enjoy walks in the fresh air.