Amsterdam — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Amsterdam.
Amsterdam climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 2°C | 69mm | 88% |
| Feb | 7°C | 2°C | 57mm | 85% |
| Mar | 10°C | 4°C | 64mm | 82% |
| Apr | 14°C | 6°C | 50mm | 76% |
| May | 17°C | 9°C | 55mm | 74% |
| Jun | 20°C | 12°C | 65mm | 73% |
| Jul | 22°C | 14°C | 73mm | 73% |
| Aug | 22°C | 14°C | 75mm | 74% |
| Sep | 18°C | 11°C | 75mm | 79% |
| Oct | 13°C | 7°C | 78mm | 84% |
| Nov | 8°C | 4°C | 79mm | 88% |
| Dec | 6°C | 2°C | 73mm | 90% |
Climate overview
Amsterdam lies on low, flat land close to the North Sea, and the sea dominates its weather. It has a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb): mild summers, cool winters, frequent cloud and wind, and rain spread through every month. Average highs range from 6°C in January to 22°C in July and August.
Annual rainfall is around 830 mm, with late summer and autumn the wettest period — August to November each see 75–79 mm. With no hills to block it, wind blows unobstructed across the city and its canals, which makes cool days feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
Köppen classification: Cfb — temperate oceanic
Amsterdam through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinters are cool, damp and grey, with highs of 6–7°C and lows near 2°C. Humidity is very high, around 85–90%. Frost and light snow occur but rarely last; in the coldest winters the canals have frozen enough for skating, though this has become rare.
Spring
March – MaySpring is the driest season and gradually brighter, warming from 10°C in March to 17°C in May. April is famous for tulip fields in the surrounding countryside. Cool winds keep a jacket necessary well into May.
Summer
June – AugustSummers are mild, with highs of 20–22°C and long days. Warm spells above 25°C are pleasant, and heatwaves above 30°C are uncommon but increasing. Rain increases toward the end of summer, often as showers.
Autumn
September – NovemberAutumn is the wettest and windiest season. September is still mild at 18°C, but October and November bring frequent rain, strong winds and the first North Sea storms of the season.
What makes Amsterdam's weather distinctive
Wind is the defining feature of Amsterdam's weather. The flat landscape and nearby coast mean breezes almost every day and occasional gales in autumn and winter. If you plan to cycle, a headwind can make a short trip much harder, and an umbrella is often less useful than a hooded rain jacket.
The weather is also highly changeable. Showers move through quickly from the sea, and it is common to see sunshine, rain and sunshine again within an hour.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
April to August is the best time to visit Amsterdam. April and May bring tulips and fewer rainy days, while June to August offer the warmest weather and longest evenings for canal trips and terraces. If you prefer quieter streets, September can be pleasant, though rain increases.
What to pack
- A hooded waterproof jacket (wind makes umbrellas awkward)
- Layers — even summer evenings can be cool and breezy
- Comfortable, water-resistant shoes
- A warm coat, hat and gloves from November to March
- Sunglasses for bright spring and summer days
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain a lot in Amsterdam?
Rain falls regularly but is usually light. Annual rainfall is about 830 mm, with late summer and autumn the wettest months.
What is the best month for tulips near Amsterdam?
Mid-April is usually the peak of the tulip season in the nearby bulb fields, depending on how cold the winter and spring have been.
Do the canals freeze in winter?
Only during unusually cold spells. Average winter lows are around 2°C, so canal skating is rare and only possible in exceptional winters.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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