Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Ready to explore?
Amsterdam, the iconic 'Venice of the North,' is a year-round destination defined by its concentric canals, world-class art, and a climate that keeps travelers on their toes. Influenced by the North Se...
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the iconic 'Venice of the North,' is a year-round destination defined by its concentric canals, world-class art, and a climate that keeps travelers on their toes. Influenced by the North Sea, the city enjoys a temperate maritime climate where 'gezellig' (cozy) winters meet mild, breezy summers. While many flock here for the legendary tulip blooms of spring, the city's cultural calendar—ranging from the high-energy Amsterdam Dance Event in October to the festive canal lights of December—ensures there is never a dull moment. For those looking to escape the busiest crowds, combining a trip to Amsterdam with a visit to the architectural marvels of Rotterdam offers a perfect balance of historic charm and modern Dutch innovation.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Amsterdam at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Amsterdam, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Euro (€) daily budgets: €75–€100/day to €450+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Amsterdam
Best Overall
April–June, September–October
Cheapest
January–February
Busiest
July–August, late April (King's Day)
Best Weather
June–August
For Events
April (Tulips & King's Day) and August (Pride)
For Families
May–June
For Couples
December (Light Festival) or September
Budget Travel
November, January–February
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Amsterdam.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Amsterdam — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Amsterdam
January
Cold and damp with frequent drizzle. Temps range from 1°C (34°F) to 6°C (43°F). Approx. 1 hour of sunshine daily.
“Best for budget travelers and museum lovers who don't mind the cold.”
February
Very cold with occasional frost. Temps range from 0°C (32°F) to 6°C (43°F). 2-3 hours of sunshine.
“Ideal for a romantic, low-cost city break.”
March
Transition month; unpredictable. Temps range from 3°C (37°F) to 10°C (50°F). Rain is common.
“Best for early flower enthusiasts and those wanting to beat the April rush.”
April
Mild days and cool nights. Temps range from 5°C (41°F) to 13°C (55°F). Statistically the driest month.
“Best for those wanting the quintessential Dutch experience, though expect high prices.”
May
Pleasant spring weather. Temps range from 8°C (46°F) to 17°C (63°F). Long days with 7+ hours of sun.
“The best balance of good weather and lively outdoor cultural events.”
June
Early summer vibes. Temps range from 11°C (52°F) to 20°C (68°F). Longest days of the year.
“Perfect for photographers and those who enjoy long, sun-drenched evenings.”
July
Warm and pleasant. Temps range from 13°C (55°F) to 22°C (72°F). Occasional heatwaves above 30°C.
“Best for sun-seekers and festival-goers who don't mind the peak crowds.”
August
The warmest month. Temps range from 13°C (55°F) to 22°C (72°F). Highest chance of sudden thunderstorms.
“Unbeatable for a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere and waterfront culture.”
September
Mild and pleasant autumn start. Temps range from 11°C (52°F) to 18°C (64°F). Breezy.
“The 'sweet spot' for mild weather and manageable tourist numbers.”
October
Crisp and colorful. Temps range from 7°C (45°F) to 14°C (57°F). Increased rainfall.
“The best time for music lovers and those seeking 'Instagrammable' fall foliage.”
November
Grey, windy, and often rainy. Temps range from 4°C (39°F) to 9°C (48°F). The wettest month.
“Great for culture buffs who prefer indoor activities and lower hotel rates.”
December
Festive but chilly. Temps range from 2°C (36°F) to 7°C (45°F). Short days (8 hours of light).
“Magic and cozy, perfect for fans of holiday lights and winter festivities.”
Festivals & Events in Amsterdam
National Tulip Day
The official start of tulip season where a massive pop-up garden in Dam Square allows people to pick free tulips.
Low impact on hotels, but Dam Square will be very crowded for the afternoon.Keukenhof Flower Exhibition
The world's most famous flower garden located just outside the city, featuring millions of spring bulbs.
High; public transport to Lisse is packed, and city hotels book up fast.King's Day (Koningsdag)
A city-wide celebration of the King's birthday with street markets, canal boat parties, and everyone dressed in orange.
Extreme; hotels sell out 6 months early, and city transport is diverted/suspended.Holland Festival
The largest performing arts festival in the Netherlands, featuring international theater, dance, and music.
Moderate; brings a culturally-minded crowd; book performance tickets early.Pride Amsterdam
A world-renowned LGBTQ+ celebration culminating in the unique Canal Parade on the first Saturday of August.
High; canals are densely packed; book accommodation and boat viewing spots months ahead.Grachtenfestival
A 10-day festival of classical music and jazz performed on stages built directly onto the canals.
Moderate; atmospheric and popular with locals; some street closures near stages.Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
The world's leading electronic music conference and festival with 2,500+ artists performing at 140+ venues.
High; the city is effectively 'taken over' by the music industry; hotel prices spike.Amsterdam Light Festival
An outdoor exhibition where international artists light up the city's canals and historic architecture.
Moderate; canal boat tours are in high demand; evening crowds along the light route.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Amsterdam?
Euro (€)
Daily Budget
Peak
€220–€350/night
Off-Peak
€110–€180/night
Amsterdam's prices fluctuate significantly based on the flower season (April/May) and the summer holidays. During King's Day and Pride, accommodation costs can triple. For better value, stay in Amsterdam Noord or consider a base in Rotterdam, where hotel rates are often 20-30% lower.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam by Season
Jordaan
PremiumSpring
Historic, charming streets filled with boutique shops and cafes. Best for seeing the flowers along the canals.
De Pijp
Moderate to PremiumSummer
The 'Latin Quarter' of Amsterdam. Famous for the Albert Cuyp Market and vibrant terrace culture.
Amsterdam Noord
ModerateSummer
Hip, industrial area across the water. Great for summer festivals at NDSM Wharf and cooler breezes.
Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
PremiumWinter
The heart of the UNESCO area. Unbeatable views of the Amsterdam Light Festival from your window.
Oud-West
ModerateAutumn
Artsy and residential. Close to Vondelpark for autumn walks and De Hallen for rainy-day dining.
What to Pack for Amsterdam
Spring
Pro tip: Layering is key; mornings are chilly, but afternoons can get warm quickly.
Summer
Pro tip: Even in summer, rain is possible. Always keep a light rain shell in your daypack.
Autumn
Pro tip: Wind can be strong near the canals; a windproof umbrella or hooded jacket is better than a cheap umbrella.
Winter
Pro tip: Daylight is short; bring high-quality camera gear for night photography during the Light Festival.
FAQs: Visiting Amsterdam
What is the best month to visit Amsterdam?
May is often considered the best month, offering beautiful spring weather, the tail end of tulip season, and slightly fewer crowds than mid-summer.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Amsterdam?
January and February are the cheapest months for flights and hotels, followed by November.
What is the weather like in Amsterdam in July?
July is pleasantly warm with average highs of 22°C (72°F). It's perfect for being outdoors, but expect occasional rain and higher humidity.
Is Amsterdam worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially in December for the Amsterdam Light Festival and the cozy Christmas markets. It's colder, but the 'gezellig' atmosphere is at its peak.
When do tulips bloom in Amsterdam?
The official tulip season runs from late March to mid-May, with mid-April usually offering the most reliable full blooms.
How many days do I need in Amsterdam?
3 to 4 days is perfect for seeing the main museums and canals. Add 2 days if you want to visit neighboring cities like Rotterdam.
Is King's Day too crowded for tourists?
It is extremely crowded (over 1 million people). If you love street parties and orange-themed chaos, it's a must; if you prefer peace, avoid April 27th.
Does it rain a lot in Amsterdam?
Rain is frequent throughout the year, but it's often a light drizzle or short showers. November is the wettest month, while April is the driest.
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