Amsterdam weather at a glance
Amsterdam has a mild, damp climate. Summer highs stay in the low 20s, winter days sit around 6 to 7 °C, and rain falls in every month of the year. The figures on this page are climate averages for the Schiphol weather station from 1991 to 2020. They describe a typical month, not the weather in the week you travel, so check a forecast shortly before you go.
Weather decides one practical thing in particular: how you spend time on the water. Covered glass-roof boats and open boats are different products, and open boats suit dry days better. If your dates are flexible, compare the months below and then look at Amsterdam canal cruises for the boat type that fits.
Amsterdam weather by month
Average daily highs and lows in °C and average monthly rainfall in mm, Schiphol, 1991 to 2020.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.2 °C | 1.2 °C | 66.5 mm |
| February | 6.9 °C | 1.0 °C | 54.7 mm |
| March | 10.1 °C | 2.8 °C | 51.8 mm |
| April | 14.3 °C | 5.2 °C | 39.6 mm |
| May | 17.8 °C | 8.6 °C | 53.9 mm |
| June | 20.3 °C | 11.3 °C | 64.8 mm |
| July | 22.5 °C | 13.5 °C | 82.3 mm |
| August | 22.4 °C | 13.4 °C | 98.6 mm |
| September | 19.2 °C | 11.0 °C | 84.4 mm |
| October | 14.7 °C | 7.7 °C | 86.7 mm |
| November | 10.0 °C | 4.5 °C | 85.3 mm |
| December | 6.9 °C | 1.9 °C | 81.7 mm |
The highs are monthly means of the daily maximum and the lows are monthly means of the daily minimum, so single days will be warmer or colder. For most visitors who want mild weather and less rain than late summer, May and June are a sensible balance. That is a preference, not a rule.
Our pick: a covered canal cruise
The boat has a roof and panoramic windows, which suits a day with uncertain weather.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Amsterdam canal cruises, tours and day trips
Boat trips, walking and bike tours and day trips from Amsterdam, with live prices and availability.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
There is no single best month. The right one depends on what you want to do.
Spring, March to May
Highs climb from 10.1 °C in March to 17.8 °C in May. April is the driest month at 39.6 mm, and May has 53.9 mm. Mornings and evenings stay cool, with average lows of 2.8 to 8.6 °C.
Summer, June to August
June to August bring the warmest days, with highs of 20.3 to 22.5 °C. July and August are also wetter than spring, at 82.3 and 98.6 mm. The Houseboat Museum keeps longer hours from July to September, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. instead of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Houseboat guide →Autumn, September to November
Highs fall from 19.2 °C in September to 10.0 °C in November. Rainfall stays between 84.4 and 86.7 mm in each of the three months, so pack a waterproof layer.
Winter, December to February
Highs are 6.2 to 6.9 °C and lows 1.0 to 1.9 °C. Rainfall eases from 81.7 mm in December to 54.7 mm in February. The next Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, and the Christmas Village opens on 3 December 2026.
Light Festival dates →What to wear on the water
Every month has more than 39 mm of rain on average, so a waterproof layer is sensible in any season. On the canals, the boat matters as much as the coat. Covered, heated glass-roof boats and open boats are different products, and heating and toilets should not be assumed on every open boat. In winter, the Light Festival cruises include heated covered boats and open boats with blankets.
Evenings are cooler than the daily highs suggest, even in summer. The July average low is 13.5 °C. If you plan a late trip, see the evening cruise guide for what to expect on board.
Days when places close
Dates that follow the calendar, not the weather.
Houseboat Museum
It is closed on New Year's Day, on 27 April, on the first Saturday in August and on 25 December 2026. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in most months and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from July to September.
Westerkerk
The church is closed on the second day of Christmas, New Year's Day, King's Day, Ascension Day and Whit Monday. It is normally open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and entry is free. The tower cannot be climbed.
Rijksmuseum
It is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including holidays. You need a timed ticket, so rain-day plans work best when you book ahead.
Van Gogh Museum
From 2 to 30 November 2026 and from 1 to 18 December it is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 9 p.m. on Fridays, with one exception on 27 November. It needs a timed ticket as well.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where the weather fits into your plans.
Amsterdam weather: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month in Amsterdam?
July, with an average daily high of 22.5 °C. August is close behind at 22.4 °C.
Which month has the most rain?
August, with 98.6 mm on average. April is the driest month at 39.6 mm.
How cold does Amsterdam get in winter?
January and February have average highs of 6.2 and 6.9 °C and average lows of 1.2 and 1.0 °C. Snow and ice are possible but cannot be promised for any given week.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
For mild days with less rain, many visitors choose May or June. For canal light shows, winter is the season, with the Light Festival from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Are these figures a forecast for my trip?
No. They are climate averages for 1991 to 2020 at Schiphol and describe a typical month. Check a forecast a few days before you travel.