The Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam has an instantly recognizable charm all its own, whether you see it under blue skies, through light drizzle or even alongside the biggest crowds of high season.

That said, the best time to visit Amsterdam is whenever you can, no matter what time of year. But if you're flexible with your plans, here are some guidelines to follow.

In general, most travelers visit Amsterdam between April and September, when the days are longer and temperatures are milder than during other months.

But, the one thing that's constant about Amsterdam weather is that it's unpredictable. While there's never a guarantee of good weather, the Dutch pay no mind and carry on with whatever festival or party they have planned -- and so should you.

The Cheapest Time to Visit Amsterdam

Visitors will find the cheapest prices for Amsterdam flights and accommodations from late October to early March. The exception here is the holiday season in December.

Amsterdam by the Seasons

Amsterdam in Spring: Watch the city shed its winter layers, as crocuses and hyacinths emerge and people gear up for seasonal celebrations.

These guides provide detailed information on weather, events and packing during the spring months in Amsterdam:

• March in Amsterdam: Highlights include the opening of the famous Keukenhof Gardens.
• April in Amsterdam: Bike through blooming bulb fields and join the Dutch as they celebrate the biggest holiday of the year, Queen's Day.
• May in Amsterdam: Enjoy the longer days and warming temperatures before the big summer crowds arrive.

Amsterdam in Summer: With countless cultural festivals, open-air concerts and an average of 16 hours between sunrise and sunset, Amsterdam in summer is well worth the crowds.

These guides provide detailed information on weather, events and packing during the summer months in Amsterdam:

• June in Amsterdam: Experience two of Amsterdam's top summer festivals, Open Garden Days and Roots Festival.
• July in Amsterdam: Dine alfresco, see outdoor films and shop the huge semi-annual sales during Amsterdam's warmest month.
• August in Amsterdam: See the world's only gay pride parade on canals, take in the Grachtenfestival.

Amsterdam in Fall: With the cooler temperatures in northern Europe come cheaper airfares. The Dutch focus on cultural events and seek coziness inside favorite cafés and restaurants.

These guides provide detailed information on weather, events and packing during the fall months in Amsterdam:

• September in Amsterdam: Take advantage of decreasing tourist crowds and ideal early-fall weather.
• October in Amsterdam: Run the Amsterdam Marathon, go clubbing with the Amsterdam Dance Event, wander ocher-framed canals.
• November in Amsterdam: Soak up the late-night culture of Museum Night, welcome Sinterklaas for the holidays.

Amsterdam in Winter: The holiday season is a festive (but cold!) time to visit Amsterdam. The New Year's celebrations are quite explosive!

These guides provide detailed information on weather, events and packing during the winter months in Amsterdam:

• December in Amsterdam: Celebrate Christmas and the holidays in Amsterdam with seasonal traditions and unique day trips.
• January in Amsterdam: Find low travel fares and huge discounts at stores' semi-annual sales.
• February in Amsterdam: Show your Valentine a romantic Amsterdam.