The umbrella is the first thing to take out of an Amsterdam bag. Highs never average above 22°C (72°F) and every month has at least 10 rain days, so a good rain jacket is the most important thing you pack. The city is flat and compact, which makes it easy on foot or by bike.
Amsterdam weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 11°C52°F | 14°C57°F | 18°C64°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 20°C68°F | 15°C59°F | 10°C50°F | 8°C46°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 3°C37°F | 4°C39°F | 6°C43°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 14°C57°F | 13°C55°F | 10°C50°F | 5°C41°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 16 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 12 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold, damp and gray, with highs of 7–9°C (45–48°F) and lows of 2–4°C (36–39°F). January is wet at 16 rain days, easing to 12 in December and 13 in February. Pack a warm waterproof coat, a hat, gloves and a scarf for wind off the canals, plus layers for warm cafés and the Rijksmuseum.
Spring
March–MaySpring warms from an 11°C (52°F) high in March to 18°C (64°F) in May, with lows of 4–10°C (39–50°F) and about 12 rain days each month. Bring a light waterproof jacket, a sweater and shoes that handle wet streets. That goes double if you're seeing the tulip fields outside the city in April.
Summer
June–AugustMild, not hot. Highs are 21–22°C (70–72°F) with lows of 13–14°C (55–57°F), and July is one of the wettest months of the year at 17 rain days, while June has 10. Pack light layers, a sweater for evenings on a canal terrace and a rain shell you carry every day.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still mild at 20°C (68°F), then highs drop to 15°C (59°F) in October and 10°C (50°F) in November. October and November are very wet, with 17 and 16 rain days. Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers and water-resistant shoes for the Jordaan and Vondelpark.
What to bring to Amsterdam
0 of 22 packedThe EU plug fits Dutch type C and F outlets and charges a phone plus a few small devices off one socket.
With 10 to 17 rain days every month, a light men's shell that packs into its own pocket is the one thing not to skip.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Amsterdam's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing keeps a laptop and layers dry through Amsterdam's frequent drizzle.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Keeps cards, phone and passport secure in crowded spots like Centraal Station and the Red Light District.
- Bellroy Lite SlingBags & Luggage
A low-profile sling that stays put on canal walks and short train rides when a backpack is too much.
- Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank 5,000mAh (Qi2)Tech & Power
A cable-free top-up for a MagSafe iPhone on long days of maps and photos.
Clothing
- Warm sweater or fleece · 2Highs stay at 7–11°C Nov–Mar
- Long pants · 3
- Light layers for summer · 3 setsAugust peaks at only 22°C
- Hat and glovesNov–Feb, wind on the canals
- Scarf
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pairEvery month has at least 10 rain days
- Spare pair of shoes · 1 pairGives wet shoes a day to dry
- Wool socks · 5 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrellaBackup for the 17 rain days in July and October
- Reusable shopping bag
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm and hand creamCold wind dries skin in winter
- Basic medications
Documents and money
- Passport
- Contactless cardCard is used almost everywhere
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for Amsterdam?
Flat doesn't mean easy on your feet. The streets are brick and cobblestone, and the canal streets get slick when wet. Bring comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes with good grip plus a second pair to let one dry, and if you plan to cycle, flat shoes and a jacket you can ride in matter more than style.
What do people wear in Amsterdam?
Amsterdammers dress for the bike, in practical rain jackets, jeans, sneakers or boots, and very few carry umbrellas. The look is casual and relaxed, even at nicer restaurants. A dark rain jacket and a warm scarf help you blend in most of the year.
What plugs does Amsterdam use?
The Netherlands uses type C and F plugs at 230V. Most phone and laptop chargers are rated 100 to 240V and only need a plug adapter. Check the label on hair tools before you pack them, since many from the US aren't built for 230V.
Tours and things to do in Amsterdam
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Amsterdam.
What should you leave at home for Amsterdam?
Leave the umbrella. Wind off the canals turns it inside out, and locals on bikes rarely carry one. Heels and thin-soled shoes are hard work on cobblestones, and you don't need much summer gear either, since July and August highs average just 21–22°C (70–72°F).
Around Amsterdam
Packing for Amsterdam: questions people ask
How rainy is Amsterdam?
Every month has at least 10 rain days, and July and October have 17. Showers come and go, so a waterproof jacket is more useful than an umbrella.
Do I need a plug adapter for Amsterdam?
Yes, if your devices have US or UK plugs. The Netherlands uses type C and F outlets at 230V, and most phone and laptop chargers only need an adapter.
Is it ever hot in Amsterdam?
Rarely, on average. The warmest month is August, with a 22°C (72°F) high and a 14°C (57°F) low, so pack a sweater even in summer.
What shoes should I wear in Amsterdam?
Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes with good grip. The streets are cobbled and slippery when wet, so skip heels and thin soles.
What is the driest month in Amsterdam?
June, with 10 rain days and a 21°C (70°F) high. Most other months have 12 to 17 rain days.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.