Amsterdam has a temperate maritime climate (Koppen Cfb) with mild summers and cool winters. The city’s location near the North Sea and below sea level means weather can change quickly throughout the day. Rain falls year-round, averaging 838mm annually spread across roughly 190 days, though most showers are light and pass quickly.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hrs) | Sea Temp (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6 / 43 | 1 / 34 | 70 | 63 | 7 / 45 |
| Feb | 7 / 45 | 1 / 34 | 53 | 85 | 6 / 43 |
| Mar | 10 / 50 | 3 / 37 | 60 | 128 | 7 / 45 |
| Apr | 14 / 57 | 5 / 41 | 46 | 179 | 9 / 48 |
| May | 18 / 64 | 8 / 46 | 55 | 216 | 12 / 54 |
| Jun | 20 / 68 | 11 / 52 | 66 | 204 | 15 / 59 |
| Jul | 22 / 72 | 13 / 55 | 77 | 211 | 17 / 63 |
| Aug | 22 / 72 | 13 / 55 | 88 | 198 | 18 / 64 |
| Sep | 19 / 66 | 11 / 52 | 83 | 146 | 17 / 63 |
| Oct | 14 / 57 | 8 / 46 | 92 | 109 | 15 / 59 |
| Nov | 10 / 50 | 4 / 39 | 85 | 65 | 11 / 52 |
| Dec | 7 / 45 | 2 / 36 | 81 | 52 | 8 / 46 |
Amsterdam Weather in January to March: Winter
Winter in Amsterdam is cool and damp rather than freezing. January is the coldest month with average highs of 6C (43F) and lows around 1C (34F). Snow falls occasionally; the city averages 20-25 days of snow per winter but significant accumulation that stays on the ground happens maybe 3-5 days a year. The canals rarely freeze enough to skate on these days, though when they do (last time: February 2021), it is a city-wide event. February is slightly drier (53mm vs January’s 70mm) and March brings the first hints of spring with temperatures reaching 10C (50F). Daylight in December and January is short: sunrise around 8:45 AM, sunset by 4:30 PM. Pack a waterproof coat rather than a heavy winter jacket; layers work best for the damp chill.
Amsterdam Weather in April to June: Spring
Spring is Amsterdam’s most celebrated season, driven by the tulip bloom. April temperatures climb to 14C (57F) and by May the city reaches 18C (64F). April is the driest month (46mm), making it statistically the best month for outdoor sightseeing. The famous Keukenhof gardens, 40km southwest of the city, open from late March to mid-May. King’s Day on April 27 brings massive outdoor celebrations. June marks the start of summer with highs of 20C (68F) and 204 hours of sunshine. Rain remains present (66mm in June) but comes in short bursts between sunny spells. The long daylight hours of June (sunset after 10 PM) give you 16+ hours of usable daylight for exploring.
Amsterdam Weather in July to September: Summer
Summer in Amsterdam is mild compared to southern Europe. July and August both average 22C (72F) highs, with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures to 30C (86F) for 3-5 day stretches. Humidity averages 76 percent, making warm days feel sticky. August is the wettest month (88mm) but rain often comes as thunderstorms on otherwise warm days. The North Sea reaches its peak temperature of 18C (64F) in August, which is swimmable at beaches like Zandvoort (30 minutes by train from Centraal Station). September cools noticeably to 19C (66F) but often delivers beautiful late-summer days that locals consider the best weather of the year. Museums are less crowded in September as summer tourist season tapers off.
Amsterdam Weather in October to December: Autumn
Autumn brings Amsterdam’s wettest period. October averages 92mm of rain and November follows with 85mm, both spread across 17-18 rainy days per month. Temperatures drop from 14C (57F) in October to 7C (45F) by December. Wind becomes a factor, with autumn storms rolling in from the North Sea bringing gusts of 60-80 km/h several times per season. On the positive side, the autumn foliage along the canals, particularly in Vondelpark and along the Amstel River, peaks in late October and early November. December is the darkest month with just 52 hours of sunshine, and Christmas markets appear in Museumplein and other squares from mid-November onward. The Amsterdam Light Festival runs from late November to mid-January with illuminated art installations along the canals.
For help deciding when to visit, see our best time to visit Amsterdam guide. If you are planning outdoor activities, check our things to do in Amsterdam article for seasonal attraction information.
