The Best Times to Visit Amsterdam For Great Weather, Smaller Crowds, and Tulips

A local weighs in on when to book an Amsterdam adventure.

Amsterdam may be famous for its enchanting canals, but the vibrant cultural hub has far more to offer travelers than scenic waterways. This popular destination is home to world-class museums, a spate of superb restaurants, and incredible cycling paths. And while a city with so much happening doesn’t really have an off-peak period (unlike seasonal European destinations like Positano or the South of France), you will definitely notice that certain windows of time are more bustling than others.

With the help of Unwana van der Werk, guest relations manager at Conservatorium Amsterdam, we've broken down the best times to visit the capital for great weather, fewer crowds, colorful flowers, and more.

· High Season: April to September
 
· Shoulder Season: October to December and March

· Low Season: January and February

Best Times to Visit Amsterdam for Smaller Crowds

“November and February are relaxed months in the Netherlands — and that’s very true of Amsterdam,” explains van der Werk. Foodies, art lovers, and history buffs who don’t mind rolling the dice on the weather will find that tickets are readily available to various attractions these months. You can also expect short queues and smaller crowds at museums. That means you'll get to see priceless masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum up close. It’s also much easier to secure a last-minute restaurant reservation or snag a table at a buzzy bar.

Best Times to Visit Amsterdam for Good Weather

The city is at its most vibrant from June to September, when the weather is amazing and daylight hours stretch into evening. That also makes it the perfect time of year to enjoy outdoor activities. Take a scenic boat tour along the canals, or cycle on idyllic and sunny brick roads. Or, check out abundant colorful blooms in the countryside. Several flower shows, parades, music festivals, and cultural events take place during the summer, too.

Best Times to Visit Amsterdam for Lower Prices 

Like most destinations, demand drives price in Amsterdam. Rates soar in the busy summer months; on the flip side, the slower months of November and February are when you might save a few bucks, according to van der Werk.

Best Times to Visit Amsterdam for Flowers

The legendary blooms of the Netherlands begin to show themselves in early April, and they mesmerize bud chasers in May, too. “You can explore the largest flower gardens in the world, with tulips of every color, or celebrate King’s Day with the locals (an orange outfit would be necessary to join the festivities),” says van der Werk of this season. “This is the prettiest time to do a bike tour through the city center or countryside.”

Worst Time to Visit Amsterdam

Again, Amsterdam doesn’t have a true off-season, but there are certainly times when the grey skies and cold temperatures change the vibe of the city. January and February tend to be quite cold and dreary, so you're unlikely to see people lingering at outdoor cafes. The locals never stop biking around, though, and the grey skies make for moody selfies. Plus, a lack of lines at many cultural attractions and lower rates are something to think about.

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