Last Updated on July 23, 2023

Amsterdam is a city with a lot to offer visitors. From its unique canal houses in the inner city, beautiful parks to lively nightlife, Amsterdam is truly a city for every type of person. However, it can be difficult to determine the best time to visit the city. The best moment depends on the reason you want to visit Amsterdam, actually! You may be tempted to go during the peak season in the summer, but this may only add further stress on your budget and schedule.

Rather than visiting the city at the busiest months of the year, exploring the city in spring, autumn and winter can also be very nice as the city has lots of attractions that you can visit throughout the year. Some people even say there is no best time to visit Amsterdam, you should just come and experience the city by yourselves!

Periods in the year to visit Amsterdam:

Spring

If you want to see tulips in the Netherlands, then spring is the moment that you should come. The tulips flower only in the spring and if you miss this moment, you will need to wait another year. Visiting Amsterdam during spring is very nice as the weather becomes warmer and the days becomes longer too. You will need a good jacket though when visiting Amsterdam in spring, as the weather is always a bit unpredictable during this period.

By the way! If you want to experience one of the best national holidays in the country, then come and visit the city on the 27th of April. On that day, everyone has a day off and everyone will dress in orange to celebrate our king’s birthday. The city will literately be turned in to a one big outdoor party. You don’t want to miss that!

Summer

In the summer the weather is the best in the Netherlands. We have a sea climate, so are summers and winters are relatively mild. Usually it won’t be very hot, making it very pleasant to walk and see the city. Summer is the busiest period of the year in Amsterdam. If you want to visit the city in the summer, make sure you have booked things beforehand such a hotel room, as it will be hard to find a good place to stay.

If you are planning to visit the Anne Frank house in the summer, make sure you have booked the tickets months in advance (usually 1.5 months), otherwise you won’t be able to get yourself a ticket. Could not get a ticket? Don’t be sad as there are many cultural events and exhibitions that are also really worth visiting. The National holocaust museum in the city is a good alternative to the Anne Frank House if all the tickets have already been sold out.

Feeling for a relaxed walk? Then take a walk through the famous “Vondelpark” while exploring the city center for some beautiful old scenery.

Autumn

Autumn is a particularly beautiful and enjoyable time to experience the Dutch capital. During this time of the year, the crowds thin out and the leaves on the trees turn shades of yellow, red, and orange, creating a charming atmosphere.

One of the main reasons to visit Amsterdam in the autumn is the mild weather. Temperatures are usually cool, but not too cold, making it perfect for exploring the city on foot or by bike. The city’s parks, such as Vondelpark and the Amsterdamse Bos, are particularly beautiful during the autumn season, as the trees shed their leaves and create a colorful display. Also, the hotel prices are also a bit cheeper too in the autumn.

Autumn is also a great time to experience Amsterdam’s cultural events, such as the Amsterdam Dance Event, the biggest electronic music conference and festival in the world. Additionally, autumn is the season for culinary delights such as the famous Dutch pea soup (“erwtensoep”) and apple pies (“appeltaart”) that can be enjoyed at local cafes and restaurants.

Winter

Even in the winter, there will still be plenty of things to do in the city. December may be one of the coldest months of the year in the Netherlands, but the vibe in the city during this period is so nice. There will be lots of decoration throughout the city and the Amsterdam Light Festival which happens between December and January brings magic to the city. Amsterdam has many good international known museums where you can spend your afternoons and don’t worry about the cold weather.

Conclusion: So when is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

If you like sunny weathers while visiting a new city, then the best time to visit Amsterdam is during the summer months. If you want to avoid crowds, then spring or autumn may be a better option as you can experience the city with a more relaxed atmosphere. The winter months are also very nice, as the city turns into a magical place at night with all the lights and beautiful building. If you can stand the cold temperatures (usually around 4 °C / 39.2°F) or don’t mind wearing gloves then you will definitely enjoy the city during this cozy period.

What are the best ways to experience Amsterdam?

In addition to its attractions and canal houses, Amsterdam is also a great place to enjoy some delicious typical Dutch snacks and culture. To experience the city to the fullest, I would recommend choosing a hotel/hostel in the city center. And don’t forget to take a canal cruise, as it is really a very special experience.

If you want to try something special, then it is also possible to stay on one of the iconic houseboats floating in the canals. As the city of Amsterdam is not as big as other major cities, it is possible to explore the city by walking! One of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam is just walk without a destination and see where the streets you walk into will bring you!

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Best money saving & travel tips for Amsterdam

Every year, Amsterdam is visited by millions and millions of visitors around the world. Without booking your trip in advance, it will be very hard to find the best place to stay in Amsterdam or do the things you want to do.
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Find your Flight
Since airfare costs will be a significant part of your trip expenses, we recommend you to use Skyscanner as it gives you a list with the cheapest flights. You may also want to check out the website of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. KLM is the main airline of the Netherlands and has besides convenient connections (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), also competitive prizing and good In-flight experience (e.g. extra legroom; we Dutch are tall, that’s why).
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Find your Train Ticket
Amsterdam is well-connected with other European cities. Use NS International to purchase your train ticket to the Netherlands. NS is the main train operator in the Netherlands. Planning to see more than Amsterdam during your stay in Europe? You may want to consider buying an Eurail Interrail Pass which gives you unlimited train travel across Europe for a specific period.
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Book your Accommodation
The best platform to book a hotel room in Amsterdam is Booking.com as nearly every big and small hotel are listed on this platform, making it very easy to find your preferred hotel. All the costs are listed on the site so you won’t need to pay any unexpected costs such as tourist taxes at arrival.

Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program offers attractive discounts, meaning that you will pay less for your accommodation.

HostelWorld is your to-go platform to book a bed in a hostel. Every hostel in Amsterdam can be found on HostelWorld, making it easy to compare prices and availability.
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Buy your museum and attractions tickets in advance!
Amsterdam is a very very popular tourist attractions and if you want to visit certain attraction it is nearly a MUST to reserve and purchase your tickets online. Otherwise you won’t be able to get in. Especially if you want to visit the Anne Frank House, in high seasons the tickets are already sold out 1.5 months in advance (not a joke).

GetyourGuide is the best platform to buy your tickets online, as they offer free cancellation with full refund. Purchase your tickets first is the smartest thing what you can do before coming to Amsterdam.
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