Which is the best time of the year to visit Amsterdam?
The best time to go to Amsterdam without worrying about the hassles of excess crowds preventing you from enjoying the sights and sounds of the city is during late autumn and most of the winter season. But as it will be cold, tourists will need to ensure that they wear appropriate wet and cold weather clothing. This may be not a bad price to pay for the peaceful vacation. In case winter seems a bit too cold for you, then you may try the period between late September and early October; there are fewer crowds and also a greater chance of sunny weather. Summer season is the peak season and there is severe overcrowding; you may have to wait in long queues under the hot sun for as long as 2 to 3 hours to check out a popular attraction.
Amsterdam, like other capital cities in Europe, is also one of the major tourist destinations in the world. The rich history, elegant appearance, and distinctive leisurely activities of the city are a major attraction for tourists from around the world. It is a known fact that north Europe tends to be grey, wet, and somewhat chilly for a majority of the year and Amsterdam is no different. However, the winds in Amsterdam ensure that the weather is kept appealing and random. Tourists still need to ensure that they wear layers as well as a thin rain jacket. Here is the 3 day Amsterdam itinerary.
Irrespective of whether you come to Amsterdam for shopping or to enjoy the tulip season, you will find the below listed tips very helpful with regards to the best time to go to Amsterdam.
Summer Season in Amsterdam
In the summers, you will come across heat mixed with short bursts of downpour, sunshine, and humidity. Locals love the sunshine and tend to be outdoors most of the time. Beaches, parks, canals, and cafes are full of locals relaxing and soaking up the sun. You may also enjoy a long bike ride across the lush countryside of the country and/or camping out in the sandy beaches.
Summer is however the busiest tourist season in Amsterdam. The downtown area can become real congested, there are long wait times for top hot-spots, and accommodations are way overpriced. You may however find a summer holiday in Amsterdam to be a cool affair if you have already done all the preparation in advance.
The oldest and the biggest performing arts festival in The Netherlands, the Holland Festival is held in June at different venues across the city. Travelers will get to revel in an eclectic combination of dance, music, opera, theater, visual arts, and film. You will also come across non-western and western performances in different languages.
Best time to visit Amsterdam (to see Tulips)
It is the tulip season which lasts from late March to mid May. It is also the start of the peak season. The crowds are medium, there are flowers, and there is good weather more often than not. If you want to avoid crowds, you will however need to get out before the Queen’s Day weekend.
The Tulip Festival is held in the month of April and for the entire month you will come across over 500,000 types of colorful and occasionally rare tulips in private houses, museum gardens, and different institutions and governmental buildings.
Held on April 27, the King’s Day is a national holiday commemorating the official birthday of the King. There are numerous, best and biggest events, including parades, street fairs, and street dances and entertainment. Many areas of Amsterdam host dance parties that offer varied music styles and entertainment options.
It may be noted that the summer and spring seasons may be pleasurable, but they often burn a hole in your pocket. Budget travelers who want to enjoy the city like the locals should opt for the more affordable off-season.
Amsterdam in Winter Weather – Romantic Appeal
Accommodation and airfares tend to be the cheapest and most affordable during the winter season from November to February. This is primary due to the lackluster and gloomy weather. Amsterdam was however designed and built in such a way that it makes for a great place despite the dreary climate. The snow covers the city in a blanket of white and thus creates a charming, romantic aura all around. The temperature remains warm enough for outdoor walks till November and then begins the coldest period that lasts till late February.
The canals system in the city may freeze over in early Feb and locals can be seen skating all throughout Holland. The sunshine becomes more frequent by Feb, but the coldness still persists. Tourists who are return visitors to the city as well as those who prefer the indoors will find the off-season winter time to be the ideal time to visit Amsterdam.
The National Tulip Day typically falls on the 3rd Saturday of January each year. Over 199,000 tulips are brought to the city’s Dam Square to make a huge free-to-access temporary garden for the public. The opening time is 1 pm. People are also free to pick the flowers. The event is very popular and nearly 11,000 people visit the place. Hence, ensure that you arrive at the event an hour before it opens to be able to pick the tulips of your choice.
Best months to visit Amsterdam – The Fall
Lasting from late Sep to late Oct, this is the best time to go to Amsterdam. The leaves silently drift, the days grow shorter, the canals become peaceful, and the streets are calmer and less lively. The temperatures, crowds, and prices also drop down. It is a great time to enjoy the free museums, comfortable cafes, and small local events.
Fall is also the time for seasonal, local hearty culinary delights such as pea soup and stamppot. You will also enjoy the locally brewed seasonal ale called Bok bier. Entertainment and nightlife is alive and kicking with expats and locals instead of tourists.
The yearly Amsterdam Fringe Festival held in early September showcases many productions by sophisticated international and local artists and producers at different venues in Amsterdam. Also, there is musical theater, theater, comedy, art, and dance.
Check out the best places to stay in Amsterdam.
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