Spring in Amsterdam slowly transitions from chilly, damp days to milder, more comfortable weather. Average daytime temperatures climb from about 9 °C (48 °F) in March to around 17 °C (62 °F) in May, making it the driest and arguably most pleasant season of the year. You’ll notice fewer rainy days than in autumn or winter, although light showers still pop up fairly often.
As daylight hours stretch out, the city feels brighter and more inviting. By April and May, sunshine shows up more frequently, and crisp but clear days become a regular thing. Nights stay cool, so you’ll want to pack some layers, especially if you’re planning to hang out along the canals or in the parks.
Spring in Amsterdam isn’t just about the weather—it’s also about the vibe. Tulips burst into bloom all over the city and countryside, and outdoor cafés start buzzing as the weather improves. With manageable temperatures, longer days, and fewer weather extremes, spring really does make for a great time to explore the city.
Typical Spring Weather Patterns
Spring in Amsterdam brings steady warming, frequent but light rainfall, and comfortable humidity. Days get longer and sunnier, and temperatures shift from chilly in early March to mild by late May.
Temperature Trends
Daily high temperatures usually rise from about 45°F (7°C) in March to around 64°F (18°C) in May. Lows start near 35°F (2°C) and climb to about 50°F (10°C). Early spring feels brisk, but by late spring, you’ll often catch some genuinely pleasant afternoons.
Nights stay cool for most of the season, so a light jacket comes in handy even in May. Extreme cold rarely happens, with temperatures almost never dropping below freezing after March. On the flip side, you won’t see highs above 75°F (24°C) very often.
Compared to summer, spring temperatures bounce around a bit more. You might wake up to a chilly day and end up with sunshine by afternoon, especially in March and April. By late May, things settle down, and outdoor activities get more comfortable.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Rain happens pretty often in Amsterdam during spring, but it usually comes as light showers, not heavy storms. The chance of a wet day goes up a bit through the season—from about 24% in early March to 30% by late May.
Monthly rainfall averages about 1.5 inches (38 mm), making spring one of the drier times of year. April usually sees the lowest totals, with around 1.2 inches (30 mm). Still, you’ll want to pack a small umbrella or rain jacket, just in case.
Showers don’t tend to last long, and the sky can go from gray to sunny in no time. As the season rolls on, cloud cover drops, and May brings more clear or partly cloudy days than March.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Amsterdam during spring stays low and comfortable. Dew points hang out in the 40s°F (5–10°C), so the air rarely gets muggy. This makes walking and cycling pretty pleasant, even if it’s a bit damp.
You won’t need to worry about sticky, oppressive air like in summer. The chance of “muggy” conditions sits at basically 0% all season.
Since the air is cool and dry, layers matter more than breathable fabrics. Rain doesn’t push the humidity high enough to make things uncomfortable. This mix of moisture and temperature makes spring one of the best times to be outside in Amsterdam.
Month-by-Month Spring Weather Overview
Spring in Amsterdam brings steady changes in temperature, daylight, and rainfall. Early March feels cool and damp, April is milder and sunnier, and May brings comfortable warmth. Rain shows up throughout, but spring still stands as the driest season.
March Weather Details
March in Amsterdam still feels chilly, especially after sunset. Average temperatures range from 2–10 °C (35–50 °F), and you might even see frost on colder mornings. Snow can happen, though it’s pretty rare and usually only early in the month.
Rain falls on about 10 days, with totals near 50 mm. Most showers stay light, but the damp air and frequent clouds can make it feel colder than the numbers suggest. You’ll get 4–5 hours of sunshine per day on average, which is a nice jump from winter.
Daylight grows quickly, hitting about 12 hours by the end of March. You’ll want a warm coat and scarf for evenings, but lighter layers work for those rare sunny afternoons.
April Weather Details
April feels a lot more comfortable, but the weather can still flip in a hurry. Average highs reach 14 °C (57 °F), with lows around 5 °C (41 °F). Overnight temperatures can dip close to freezing early in the month, but that’s not the norm.
Rainfall drops to about 40 mm across 9 days, making April one of Amsterdam’s driest months. Sunshine improves to about 6–7 hours per day, and skies are often clearer than in winter.
Daytime stretches to about 14 hours, giving you plenty of light. Usually, a light jacket does the trick, though an umbrella is still smart to have. Some days even climb above 20 °C (68 °F), so you might catch an early taste of summer warmth.
May Weather Details
May is probably the nicest spring month, with daytime highs around 18 °C (64 °F) and lows near 9 °C (48 °F). By mid-May, you’ll often get steady mild weather, but the occasional cool day with highs near 10 °C (50 °F) can still pop up.
Rainfall bumps up a bit to about 55 mm over 9 days, but showers are usually brief. Sunshine averages 7–8 hours daily, and daylight almost hits 16 hours by the end of the month.
You might get your first warm days above 25 °C (77 °F). A light sweater or jacket is enough for evenings, while during the day, a shirt or thin layer feels just right.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Spring in Amsterdam brings longer days and more sunshine. From March to May, you’ll see daylight stretching later into the evening, and the sky brightens up more often.
Length of Days
Daylight in Amsterdam increases fast during spring. In March, you get about 11 hours of daylight, and by May, it’s nearly 16 hours. The city’s northern latitude helps push day length up quickly as summer gets closer.
April is when the change feels most dramatic. Mornings brighten earlier, and evenings stay light well past dinner. For sightseeing, this means you have more time to wander without worrying about sunset sneaking up on you.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- March: 11–12 hours of daylight
- April: 13–15 hours of daylight
- May: 15–16 hours of daylight
This extra daylight makes spring feel lively. You can spend more time outside, whether you’re strolling along the canals or hanging out in parks.
Average Sunny Days
Amsterdam has a reputation for cloudy skies, but spring brings a bit more sun. In March, you’ll see about 3.5 to 4 hours of sunshine per day. By May, that jumps to 6–7 hours daily, making it the brightest month of the season.
You won’t get endless blue skies, but partial sunshine becomes more common. Expect a mix of clouds and sun, not long stretches of perfect weather.
Monthly sunshine totals look like this:
- March: about 120 hours
- April: about 170 hours
- May: around 220 hours
You’ll notice more bright afternoons as spring moves along. Even if mornings start gray, the sun often shows up later, giving you better light for outdoor plans.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Spring in Amsterdam feels milder than winter, but steady breezes and shifting air pressure still shape your experience. Wind speeds drop compared to colder months, and visibility usually gets better as clouds clear out.
Prevailing Winds
Spring winds in Amsterdam usually run between 4–5 m/s (9–11 mph). That’s calmer than winter, which often hits 6 m/s (13 mph) or more. With lighter winds, outdoor activities become a bit easier, though you’ll still get breezy days.
Amsterdam sits near the North Sea, so winds often blow in from the west and southwest. These bring moist maritime air, which can make days feel cooler than the thermometer says. A light jacket is handy, especially along the canals or in open areas.
Stormy winds don’t happen much in spring, but gusts can show up during unsettled weather. Sometimes umbrellas are tricky to manage on windy days, but cycling is still doable since most breezes stay moderate.
Air Pressure and Visibility
In spring, average air pressure in Amsterdam stays around 1015–1018 hPa, right near typical sea-level values. Pressure changes happen slowly, and you won’t see the sharp drops that bring heavy winter storms.
Visibility gets better compared to late autumn and winter. With fewer overcast days, you’ll see clearer horizons and more sunshine. Most days, you can see several kilometers, which makes canal views and city architecture easier to enjoy.
Humidity stays moderate, and misty mornings don’t happen as often as in colder months. If light fog does roll in, it usually clears by midday. Your plans are less likely to get messed up by poor visibility in spring.
Springtime Experiences in Amsterdam
If you visit Amsterdam in spring, you’ll see colorful flowers all over the city and plenty of cultural events. The season brings both natural beauty and a chance to enjoy local traditions tied to Dutch history and lifestyle.
Blooming Flowers and Parks
Tulips steal the show in Amsterdam in spring. You’ll spot them everywhere—public spaces, markets, gardens. For the full experience, a lot of people head to Keukenhof Gardens just outside the city, where millions of tulips and other flowers bloom from March to May.
Inside Amsterdam, Vondelpark gives you a quieter way to enjoy the season. Walk or cycle among budding trees, picnic on the grass, or just watch locals soaking up the warmer weather. Another good spot is Bloesempark in the Amsterdamse Bos, where cherry blossoms put on a brief but stunning show each year.
If you’re after something less crowded, check out smaller neighborhood parks like Westerpark or Oosterpark. These spots mix green spaces with cultural venues, making them great places to unwind after sightseeing.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Spring brings events that celebrate Dutch traditions. The Tulip Festival covers streets, squares, and museums with flowers, so you don’t even have to leave the city center to see tulip displays.
King’s Day in late April is the big one. The city turns orange to honor the Dutch royal family, with street markets, live music, and boats decked out along the canals.
You’ll also find smaller seasonal events, like outdoor concerts and food festivals in city parks. These gatherings usually feature Dutch snacks, local beer, and regional products. If you time your trip right, you’ll get to see both the natural and cultural side of Amsterdam in spring.
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam in Spring
Spring weather in Amsterdam can swing from cool mornings to mild afternoons and damp evenings. To stay comfortable and make the most of your trip, it’s smart to plan ahead—think practical packing and travel choices that fit the season.
What to Pack
Pack for a mix of cool and mild temperatures. In March, daytime highs hover around 45°F (7°C), and by May, you’ll see numbers closer to 64°F (18°C). Rain happens often, so a light waterproof jacket and compact umbrella are must-haves.
Layering helps a lot. A sweater or fleece under your jacket will keep you warm on chilly days, and lighter shirts work well when the sun comes out. Comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet streets are a good idea, since you’ll probably spend hours wandering canals and parks.
Don’t forget wind protection. Breezes from the North Sea can feel sharp, especially in early spring. A scarf and gloves come in handy in March and April, but you probably won’t need them by late May.
If you’re heading to tulip fields or the countryside, bring clothes you don’t mind getting muddy. For cycling, a lightweight rain poncho that fits over your backpack is a smart move.
Travel and Accommodation Advice
Spring brings a huge wave of tourists to Amsterdam. The tulips bloom, and the days stretch out longer. If you want a good spot, book your hotel or rental well in advance—you’ll have more choices and probably snag a better deal.
You’ll find that staying near Museumplein or Jordaan puts you right in the center of things. But if you don’t mind hopping on a tram or bike, staying a bit farther out can save you some cash.
Transportation usually runs smoothly. Still, trains and buses get packed during festival weekends. I’d grab an OV-chipkaart or a multi-day travel pass, since that makes getting around easier and cheaper.
Locals love cycling, and honestly, it’s a fun way to see the city. Just know those bike lanes can get hectic, so keep an eye out and follow the rules.
Thinking about visiting Keukenhof Gardens or the flower fields? Head out early in the morning to dodge the biggest crowds.
If you’d rather skip the chaos, why not check out smaller towns like Haarlem or Leiden? You can reach both with a quick train ride, and they’ve got their own charm.