The climate of Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a marine type of climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) with mild, refreshing summers and cold, humid winters. Amsterdam, the capital of
Netherlands, lies on the Amstel River in North Holland. The city has an extensive network of canals that links it to the North Sea through the North Sea Canal. The proximity to the North Sea has a significant influence on the climate of the region.
Amsterdam's average elevation is approximately 2 meters below sea level as the Amstel River culminates in the city center to connect a large number of canals. The topography consists of rivers, canals, low-lying lands enclosed by embankments, flood plains, and marshlands. More than 1500 bridges cross the city over its lovely canals. The southwest part of the city consists of a sizeable human-made forest, as 12% of the land area is made of parks and natural reserves.
Summers are moderate in Amsterdam as the average high temperature hardly reaches up to 22.2°C (72°F) at the peak of
August. The surrounding bodies of water on three sides and heat island effect keep winters mild in the city. Extreme cold is rare, although the average low temperature drops to 0.6°C (33.1°F) during the peak winter month of
February. The period from
October to
March is mostly cloudy and moist. Spring and autumn have mild conditions, but the latter is wetter than the former.
Amsterdam has moderate sunshine of 1662 hours annually, and the sun rays are warm at best. The annual precipitation is to the tune of 838mm (32.99") and occurs throughout the year, with more rainfall in the second half of the year. The average humidity is 83% and is at its peak during the winter. Snowfall lasts for 26 days during the winter and registers 203mm (7.99") to 254mm (10").
The highest recorded temperature in Amsterdam is 35.7°C (96.3°F), while the lowest temperature on record is -19.7°C (-3.5°F).
The best time to visit Amsterdam
The best time to visit
Amsterdam is from
April to
May during the spring, and
September to
October during the autumn. The temperatures are in the moderate range, and the conditions are pleasant. Spring receives less rain than the autumn, but light precipitation is always around the corner in Amsterdam. The tulip season begins around mid-
March with fewer crowds compared to May when the city celebrates Queen's Day and Liberation Day. October has the advantage of cheaper flights and accommodations.
The worst time to visit Amsterdam
The worst time to visit
Amsterdam, if there is any, is from
December to
February during the winter. The cold season sees occasional temperatures below freezing along with an increase in rainfall. The sunlight fades to register only 1.5 hours daily in December, which has the shortest days of the year. Overcast skies and persistent rain add to the frosty nights. Snowfall is common during the winter, but some people may enjoy exploring the city while skating on the frozen canal waters.
Weather hazards
Amsterdam has the most significant weather hazards in the form of storms and floods. The surrounding water bodies and the low elevation, which is below sea level, present a significant risk of floods. Amsterdam has vast tracts of polder lands that need consistent protection from flooding. Additionally, storms that approach from the sea pose a threat to the city. A system of dikes and surge barriers is in place to prevent rising sea level concerns.
Weather in January
January, like
December, in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, is another cold winter month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 2.4°C (36.3°F) and 5.3°C (41.5°F). With an average high-temperature of 5.3°C (41.5°F) and an average low-temperature of 2.4°C (36.3°F), January is the coldest month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The last month of the winter,
February, is a chilly month in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, with temperature in the range of an average low of 2°C (35.6°F) and an average high of 6°C (42.8°F). In February, the average high-temperature is essentially the same as in
January - a frosty 6°C (42.8°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is still a chilly month in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, with an average temperature varying between 9.4°C (48.9°F) and 3.5°C (38.3°F). In Amsterdam, the average high-temperature in March marginally rises from 6°C (42.8°F) in
February to a still frosty 9.4°C (48.9°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, is a mild spring month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 6.3°C (43.3°F) and an average high of 13.7°C (56.7°F). In April, the average high-temperature slightly increases from a chilly 9.4°C (48.9°F) in
March to a moderate 13.7°C (56.7°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, the last month of the spring in
Amsterdam, is an enjoyable month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 9.2°C (48.6°F) and 16.2°C (61.2°F). In May, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in
April - a comfortable 16.2°C (61.2°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
The first month of the summer,
June, is also an enjoyable month in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, with temperature in the range of an average high of 19.2°C (66.6°F) and an average low of 12°C (53.6°F). In Amsterdam, the average high-temperature in June marginally rises from a comfortable 16.2°C (61.2°F) in
May to a still enjoyable 19.2°C (66.6°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, is a pleasant summer month, with an average temperature ranging between min 14.3°C (57.7°F) and max 21.3°C (70.3°F). In July, the average high-temperature is practically the same as in
June - a pleasant 21.3°C (70.3°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, the last month of the summer in
Amsterdam, is also an agreeable month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 21.6°C (70.9°F) and 15°C (59°F). August is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 21.6°C (70.9°F) and an average low-temperature of 15°C (59°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
The first month of the autumn,
September, is still a comfortable month in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, with temperature in the range of an average low of 12.5°C (54.5°F) and an average high of 18.2°C (64.8°F). In Amsterdam, the average high-temperature in September marginally drops from a pleasant 21.6°C (70.9°F) in
August to a comfortable 18.2°C (64.8°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, the same as
September, in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, is another mild autumn month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 9.5°C (49.1°F) and an average high of 14.6°C (58.3°F). In October, the average high-temperature slightly decreases from an enjoyable 18.2°C (64.8°F) in September to a mild 14.6°C (58.3°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
The last month of the autumn,
November, is another chilly month in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands, with an average temperature fluctuating between 9.6°C (49.3°F) and 6.1°C (43°F). In November, the average high-temperature drops from a mild 14.6°C (58.3°F) in
October to a chilly 9.6°C (49.3°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, the first month of the winter in
Amsterdam, is also a frosty month, with an average temperature ranging between max 6.8°C (44.2°F) and min 3.8°C (38.8°F). In December, the average high-temperature is relatively the same as in
November - a still chilly 6.8°C (44.2°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]