Monthly weather forecast and climate
Amsterdam, Netherlands

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 838.2mm (33") 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 203.2mm (8") 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 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, 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.

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.

January is a cold winter month in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with the average temperatures in the 0.6°C (33.1°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F) zone. Weather in January »

February is the coldest month in Amsterdam with an average low temperature approximately 0.6°C (33.1°F), while occasional nights drop up to -5°C (23°F). Weather in February »

March has mild weather in Amsterdam as the spring season slowly spreads its wings. The 4 hours of daily sunshine increases the warmth, but the skies remain partly cloudy. Weather in March »

The average temperatures range between 4.4°C (39.9°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F), and the daily sunshine lasts for approximately 6 hours. Weather in April »

May is the sunniest month of the year in Amsterdam as the city finally shakes off the lingering cold. The daily sunshine lasts for approximately 7.5 hours during the 16-hour days. Weather in May »

June is the start of the warm and bright summer season in Amsterdam, Netherlands with average temperatures range of 10.6°C (51.1°F) to 20°C (68°F). Weather in June »

July is sunny in Amsterdam with a lovely 217 hours of temperate sunshine that rarely troubles the skin. The temperatures are usually in the 12.8°C (55°F) to 22.2°C (72°F) zone. Weather in July »

August is warm during the summer season of Amsterdam, Netherlands, with the average high temperatures in the 12.8°C (55°F) to 22.2°C (72°F) zone. Weather in August »

September is the beginning of the mild autumn season, which sees an increase in precipitation in Amsterdam. The average temperatures drop to the range of 10.6°C (51.1°F) to 18.9°C (66°F). Weather in September »

October is the wettest month of the year, with 88.9mm (3.5") of rainfall in Amsterdam. The advance of the autumn season brings mild to warm weather. Weather in October »

November is the last month of autumn in Amsterdam as the city remains mostly cloudy and wet. The moderate precipitation registers 86.4mm (3.4"). Weather in November »

December is the most humid month of the year in Amsterdam, which starts the cold and moist winter season. The average temperatures are in the zone of a chilly 1.7°C (35.1°F) to 6.7°C (44.1°F). Weather in December »