Are you wondering “Does it snow in Amsterdam?” before your getaway?
This is the place for you!
I live in The Netherlands so have experienced all types of weather throughout the year, especially in Amsterdam. The winter months are my favourite time to explore the capital city so you will find me there a lot!
Like many places across Europe, snowfall isn’t uncommon here, especially in the winter months.
But how often does it actually happen?
And your time in the Netherlands will be impacted greatly by the weather. It isn’t unusual to experience snowfall and sunshine on the same day!
So to help you have the best trip, let’s explore the weather in Amsterdam and what to expect in the winter months.
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So does it actually Snow in Amsterdam? Quick Overview
Let’s get straight to the point, you have packing to do and epic trips to book!
I can confirm that it does Snow in Amsterdam and you can expect it during the winter months (November-Early February). I have been through many parts of the city during snowy weather and it is magical.
The City roughly gets around 11 snow days around the Christmas period if the temperatures drop enough. But be warned, the wind speeds will make the temperatures feel colder than they actually are!
So If you are looking for a winter wonderland destination, Amsterdam may not be your best bet. Snowfall isn’t regular and it actually clears up pretty quickly. But if that doesn’t bother you, there are some amazing things to do around the City like the Amsterdam Light Festival! 🎄
Does it Snow in the Netherlands?
It probably isn’t the first place you think of when you imagine a winter wonderland in Europe.
But I can tell you that it does Snow in the Netherlands- and at times, snowfall is heavy!
The Netherlands does see snow, but not as much as other countries. Snow usually falls in December and January but even then it is only for 1-2 weeks at most.
However, when it does snow, it is incredibly beautiful and you’ll find a lot of people out trying to skate on the canals or rivers. If you want to get the most out of your snow experience in the Netherlands, head towards the Limburg area for more snow (where I currently live).
The roads in major cities will be salted but in some more remote areas, you will find that small roads and cycle paths are not. So be careful if you’re planning on doing any driving outside of the cities.
When does it snow in Amsterdam?
Snow in Amsterdam can be a magical experience! However, it’s important to plan your trip carefully if you’re hoping to see snow during your visit.
The months that typically have the highest chance of seeing snow in Amsterdam are December, January and February.
However, the amount of snowfall Amsterdam gets varies from year to year so there’s no guarantee you’ll experience a white Christmas or winter wonderland.
January is usually the coldest month in Amsterdam with an average temperature of 4°C (39°F).
Snowfall will likely be heavier at this time and may last for a few days.
But be warned, the short hours of daylight and high average wind speed can make it feel a lot colder than it actually is!
Does Amsterdam get a lot of snow?
The short answer is: yes, but it doesn’t snow as much as in other places.
The Netherlands gets around 20 days of snowfall on average each year, usually between December and March, but this can vary.
It’s not uncommon for Amsterdam to have no snow at all in the winter or just a few days of it.
When it does snow, it tends to melt quickly compared to other areas of the country, due to its location on the coast.
The winters can get cold though and it is always windy. This is because of the western winds bringing weather from the Atlantic Ocean.
You can also expect a lot of cloud cover when visiting Amsterdam so bring a coat with your other European travel essentials.
So whilst it may not be a winter wonderland every year, there are still chances of snow during your visit!
What is winter like in Amsterdam?
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, then the winter season is the perfect time to visit!
There are so many great things to do and see in the festive mood- from ice skating to the famous Amsterdam Light Festival.
The weather in Amsterdam during winter typically is chilly, so make sure you’re wearing warm clothes that are suitable for European temperatures.
A good coat and scarf should be enough to keep you comfortable while exploring the city!
👉 To be prepared, take a look at my winter city break packing list
One of the best parts about visiting Amsterdam in winter is all the festive activities available.
Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities in the city. And even though the canals do not freeze enough to use them, there are plenty of great alternative places to hit the ice.
One activity that I will always recommend is the Amsterdam Light Festival!
You’ll be able to wander around the city and take in all the amazing light displays. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
✅ I Highly Recommend Booking This Canal Tour To See The Best Views Of The Amsterdam Light Festival!
The best things to do in Amsterdam during Winter
There is no experience like The Netherlands during the winter seasons!
To help you make the most of the incredible Dutch capital, here are some of the best things you have to do!
1. Visit the many amazing museums around the City
Amsterdam is full of excellent museums no matter your interests or budget.
The level of English they speak throughout the Netherlands is fantastic so you don’t have to worry about not understanding anything on your tours either!
And you cannot visit Amsterdam without stepping foot in the Van Gogh Museum.
This is a fantastic place to learn more about his work and escape the cold.
I do recommend buying your tickets in advance because I do not know many people who have been able to visit without doing this!
🎨 Check Prices & Availability For The Van Gogh Museum Here!
Another of the most popular places to visit is Anne Franks House. Make sure you book in advance otherwise, you will not be able to visit.
The walk to Anne Franks House is incredibly scenic so is worth walking along the canal there just to see the house.
However, you should try your best to do a tour as it is an incredibly important and moving part of history.
2. Amsterdam Light Festival
The light festival is the most popular attraction throughout the city during the winter months.
Seeing the city lit up makes the dark and cold nights so much better!
To see the Amsterdam Light Festival in all its glory, book a canal cruise. This is the best way to enjoy all the main sites of Amsterdam in comfort.
🎄I Highly Recommend Booking THIS Winter Canal Cruise!
3. Visit A Brown Bar
For a cosy place to escape the cold Amsterdam weather, a brown bar should be at the top of your list!
These bars offer a great insight into Dutch life and offer a great selection of food and snacks. I also love a warm Chocomel or Gluhwein whenever I visit!
You’ll also be surrounded by an incredible atmosphere, as Dutch Brown bars are often decorated with traditional Dutch furniture and decorations.
These can be found all across the city and make a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
4. Try Oliebollen
Dutch snack food is seriously underrated!
There is nothing better than sampling the many amazing dishes available when exploring the city.
And I think Oliebollen is the best winter treat!
This sweet doughnut-like dish is traditionally eaten around New Year and is filled with so many different flavours.
🧇 For The Best Taste Of Amsterdam, Check Out THIS Food Tour!
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Amsterdam? This is just one of the many questions visitors to Amsterdam during the winter months have.
To help you have the best trip to the Dutch Capital, here are the most frequently asked questions and answers:
January is on average the coldest month in Amsterdam. The average temperatures are around 6-10°C but the low temperatures are seen during the morning and evening.
Seeing sunshine regularly is rare so you may want to visit in August for warmer weather.
No matter what month you visit the Netherlands, you can expect to see some rainfall. November is when the average rainfall is highest throughout the country so expect cold, dark and wet days during your visit.
And remember to bring a coat!
Amsterdam is an incredible city to visit year-round and Christmas is no expectation. However, even though it has festive experiences like the light festival, you will not find typical Christmas markets. But you can easily take a day trip to the many places nearby that do have them like Maastricht.
You need to be prepared for the weather in Amsterdam in December. So most people wear long waterproof coats, jumpers, jeans and practical shoes for walking and cycling.
Everyone will also be equipped will all the winter accessories so make sure you are too!
With its lit-up canals, cobbled streets and traditional Dutch buildings throughout the city, Amsterdam is one of the prettiest places to visit in Europe.
To see the ultimate views of the city, make sure you visit a sky bar or book yourself on to a winter canal cruise.
Does it snow in Amsterdam? Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is a great place to visit during the winter thanks to the amazing things to do.
No matter if you want to explore the festive lights around the city or visit popular attractions like Anne Franks House, it is the perfect city break.
But you are not always guaranteed snow when visiting Amsterdam or The Netherlands, even if you visit in December and January.
So if you are dreaming of a white Christmas break, it is a good idea to check what Amsterdam’s weather will be like and the climate report. The most reliable place to check is the met office Amsterdam.
I hope you found this article useful! To make the most of your trip, here are more relevant posts:
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Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
