Best time to travel to Amsterdam (and the cheapest months)

If you’re planning a trip and don’t know what’s the best time to travel to Amsterdam, I totally get you—I had the same doubt before my first visit.

My first time was in January, with cold and rain, and the second in spring, with tulips in bloom and terraces full of life. Two completely different trips.

In this guide, I’ll share the best time of year to travel to Amsterdam depending on weather, prices, and crowds. You’ll also find a month-by-month breakdown with weather, temperatures, and packing tips so you can pick the perfect time for your trip without surprises.

👉 Before we dive in, here are some practical guides to help you plan your Amsterdam trip:

🌸 Best time of year to travel to Amsterdam

For me, the best time to travel to Amsterdam is spring (April, May, June) and early fall (September).

• In spring, tulips are in full bloom and the vibe is amazing.

• In September, the weather is mild, and the streets are not as crowded as in summer.

💰 Cheapest time to travel to Amsterdam

If you want to save money, the cheapest time is winter (January and February), except around Christmas and New Year, when prices spike.

Flights and hotels are much cheaper, although you’ll need to deal with cold temperatures and frequent rain.

👉 Personal tip: I visited Amsterdam in December and, despite the cold, the lights and Christmas markets made it magical.

📅 Amsterdam Month by Month: Weather, temperatures & packing tips

Here’s a breakdown of Amsterdam weather by month, with what to expect and what clothes to pack:

🌧️ Amsterdam in January

• Temperature in January in Amsterdam: 1°C – 6°C (34–43°F), cold, rainy, chance of frost.
• What to wear: heavy coat, scarf, gloves, hat, waterproof shoes.
• Pro: lowest prices and very few tourists.

🌧️ Amsterdam in February

• Similar to January, 1°C – 7°C (34–45°F).
• Warm clothes, coat, gloves, waterproof shoes.
• Peaceful, fewer tourists.

🌸 Amsterdam in March

• 3°C – 10°C (37–50°F). Beginning of spring.
• Light jacket, umbrella or raincoat.
• Fewer crowds, pleasant for walking.

🌸 Amsterdam in April

• 6°C – 12°C (43–54°F), frequent showers.
• Light jacket, umbrella.
• High season: tulip bloom + King’s Day (April 27).

🌸 Amsterdam in May

• 9°C – 17°C (48–63°F), very pleasant.
• Layers and a light jacket for evenings.
• Terraces full of life.

☀️ Amsterdam in June

• 12°C – 20°C (54–68°F).
• Light clothes, jacket for evenings.
• Long days, lively atmosphere.

☀️ Amsterdam in July

• 14°C – 22°C (57–72°F), warmest month.
• Light clothes, sunglasses, raincoat just in case.
• Very crowded.

☀️ Amsterdam in August

• 14°C – 22°C (57–72°F).
• Similar to July: light clothes, jacket for evenings.
• Peak tourist season.

🍂 Amsterdam in September

• 12°C – 19°C (54–66°F).
• Light layers, great for walking.
• Fewer crowds, still mild.

🍂 Amsterdam in October

• 8°C – 14°C (46–57°F), rainy.
• Light coat, umbrella, waterproof shoes.
• Cheaper prices.

🍂 Amsterdam in November

• 4°C – 9°C (39–48°F), colder, short days.
• Coat, hat, scarf, gloves.
• Quiet atmosphere.

🎄 Amsterdam in December

• 2°C – 7°C (36–45°F), cold and rainy.
• Warm coat, scarf, gloves.
• Magical with Christmas lights and markets.

💡 Extra tips for choosing the best time

• To avoid crowds: go in March, April (not King’s Day), May, or September.

• For the cheapest prices: choose January, February, or November.

• For a special vibe: December with lights and Christmas markets is amazing.

🎒 What to pack for Amsterdam

Regardless of the month, here are essentials you shouldn’t forget:

• ☔Light raincoat → rain can come at any moment.
• 👟 Comfortable shoes → you’ll walk a lot.
• 🧥 Layers of clothing → weather changes quickly.
• ☂️ Compact umbrella → super handy for sudden showers.
• 🎒 Anti-theft backpack → perfect for biking or using public transport.
• 🔋 Power bank → photos and Google Maps drain battery fast.

🌤️Rome climate table

💶 Average Amsterdam prices by season

✅ That’s it! This is the complete guide on the best time to travel to Amsterdam. I hope it helps you decide when to come, what to expect from the weather, and what to pack 😉.

👉 If you already have your travel dates, keep planning with these useful guides:

• 🌸 Things to do in Holland
• 🚲 1 day in Amsterdam
• 🚲 2 days in Amsterdam
• 🚲 3 days in Amsterdam
• 🚲 4 days in Amsterdam
• 🏙️ Things to do in Rotterdam
• 🚆 Rotterdam to Amsterdam
• 🏘️ Things to do in Utrecht
• 🚆 Utrecht to Amsterdam
• 🌷 Amsterdam to Keukenhof
• 🏘️ Zaanse Schans Zaandam Netherlands
• 🚌 Day Tours from Amsterdam