Amsterdam’s fall weather brings a mix of mild temperatures, shorter days, and a lot of rain. You’ll see average daytime highs drop from the upper 60s °F (around 20 °C) in early September to the mid-40s °F (about 7 °C) by late November. As the season goes on, clouds take over the sky, and the city starts to feel cooler and a bit damper.
Rainfall shows up a lot during autumn, and showers can pop up out of nowhere. The city doesn’t usually get extreme storms, but that steady drizzle and wind will shape your outdoor plans.
Still, there’s something about the crisp air and shifting light that makes the city feel kind of magical. Some folks really love this time of year.
Monthly Breakdown of Fall Weather
Temperatures in Amsterdam drop pretty steadily through the fall. Daylight hours shrink fast, and rain keeps coming. You’ll notice cooler days, more cloud cover, and stronger winds as the weeks roll by.
September Weather Overview
September kicks off with mild weather. Highs start near 20°C (68°F) and fall to about 17°C (63°F) by the month’s end.
Lows range from 12°C (54°F) at the start to 10°C (50°F) later on.
Rain happens often, with about 58 mm of precipitation over the month. You’ve got about a 1 in 3 chance of a wet day, so a light rain jacket is honestly a good idea.
Daylight drops from about 13.5 hours at the start to 11.5 hours by the end. Sunsets move from around 8:30 PM to 7:20 PM.
Winds usually blow in from the west, averaging 18–20 kph, which can make evenings feel chillier. Early September feels almost like summer, but by the end, you’ll catch the first real hints of autumn.
October Weather Overview
October brings a real drop in temperature. Highs average 14°C (57°F) early on, dropping to about 11°C (52°F) by Halloween.
Lows hover between 8°C (46°F) and 6°C (43°F). You probably won’t see frost yet, but the air feels damper and colder.
Rainfall sticks around at about 60 mm. Cloudy skies become the norm, and the chance of a wet day stays close to 33%.
Daylight shrinks from 11 hours to just under 10 hours. Sunsets jump from around 7:15 PM to 5:15 PM after the clocks change.
Winds pick up, averaging 20–22 kph, and often switch from west to south. These winds can make things feel colder, especially if you’re near the water.
November Weather Overview
November is, hands down, the coldest fall month. Highs drop from about 9°C (48°F) to 7°C (45°F) by the end.
Lows dip to 3°C (37°F), and you might even get a freezing night or two.
Rainfall hangs in there at around 58 mm, but the month feels wetter thanks to frequent overcast skies. The chance of a wet day stays close to 1 in 3.
Daylight takes a nosedive, with only 8 hours by late November. Sunsets show up as early as 4:30 PM, which makes for some seriously short afternoons.
Average wind speeds hit 22 kph, and gusts aren’t rare. Winds mostly come from the south, dragging in damp and chilly air.
By late November, the growing season is over, and Amsterdam settles into its winter mood.
Temperature Trends in Autumn
Temperatures in Amsterdam drop steadily through the fall. Early September feels pretty mild, but by late November, you’re dealing with chilly days and colder nights.
You’ll notice the change each month, so layering and seasonal planning just makes sense.
Average Highs and Lows
In early September, daily highs hit about 68°F (20°C), while lows hover near 54°F (12°C).
By late November, highs are down to around 45°F (7°C), and lows get close to 37°F (3°C).
This steady drop means you’ll go from wearing light jackets in September to needing heavier coats by November. Sometimes, highs can still reach the mid-70s°F (24°C) in early fall, but by late autumn, it can get close to freezing, especially at night.
Here’s a quick breakdown of average highs and lows:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 68°F / 20°C | 54°F / 12°C |
| October | 57°F / 14°C | 46°F / 8°C |
| November | 45°F / 7°C | 37°F / 3°C |
These averages give you a ballpark, but the weather can always surprise you with a colder or milder day.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
September days feel cool but comfortable, great for walking or cycling. By October, afternoons land in the mid-50s°F (13–15°C), which can feel brisk if it’s cloudy or windy.
Nights cool off fast. In September, evenings usually stay in the low 50s°F (10–12°C), but by November, they often drop into the upper 30s°F (3–4°C). Frost can show up late in the season, especially outside the city center.
Day-to-night differences aren’t huge, but with November’s shorter daylight, evenings get cold quickly. If you’re heading out at night, you’ll want warmer clothes than during the day.
The shift from mild to chilly is one of the clearest signs that autumn is rolling in.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
You’ll get steady rain in Amsterdam during fall. There’s no real dry season here.
Rain totals change a bit each month, but frequent showers are just part of daily life.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rain in Amsterdam during fall is moderate but consistent. September averages around 75–80 mm of precipitation.
October usually bumps up to 85–90 mm, and November often hits 90–100 mm. That makes it one of the wetter months of the year.
Rain spreads out pretty evenly, so you rarely get long dry stretches. Most showers are light to moderate, not heavy downpours.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~75–80 |
| October | ~85–90 |
| November | ~90–100 |
As the rain increases and temperatures drop, you’ll feel a damp chill by late November. Waterproof clothing and layers are a lifesaver.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rain shows up a lot in Amsterdam, even if totals aren’t sky-high. On average, expect 12–15 rainy days per month during fall.
September brings about 12 days with measurable rain, October has about 13, and November creeps up to 15.
Most rainy days don’t mean all-day storms. Showers are often short and scattered, sometimes trading places with dry spells. Carrying an umbrella or rain jacket just makes sense.
With rain spread across so many days, you’re pretty much guaranteed damp conditions no matter when you visit. Streets, canals, and bike paths stay wet, so waterproof shoes are a smart move.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
During fall in Amsterdam, the air often feels damp, and the wind rarely lets up. These two things really shape how cool or chilly the season feels, even if the temperature isn’t that low.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity in Amsterdam stays high year-round, and fall doesn’t break the trend. Relative humidity usually sits between 80% and 88%, with the muggiest days showing up in late autumn.
In September, it’s closer to 80%, which feels manageable with the milder weather. By November, humidity creeps up to 88–90%, making the air feel heavier and colder, especially when it’s cloudy or rainy.
This much moisture means that October and November can feel colder than what the thermometer says. If you’re visiting, bring clothes that handle dampness, like water-resistant jackets and quick-dry layers.
Shorter days, heavy cloud cover, and high humidity can make the city feel darker and chillier early in the evening. You might want to plan more indoor activities as fall goes on.
Average Wind Speeds
Wind is just part of Amsterdam life, and fall brings more of it than summer. Average speeds run from 15 to 20 km/h (9–12 mph), but stronger gusts happen, especially near the canals or the IJ River.
September is a bit calmer, but October and November feel windier. Most of the time, winds come from the west or southwest, bringing in damp air from the North Sea.
Wind and high humidity together can make it feel colder than it really is. Even if the numbers look okay, the “feels-like” temperature might be several degrees lower. A windproof jacket will help, especially if you’re walking or biking.
If you’re planning boat tours or outdoor adventures, keep in mind that breezy days are pretty common. While it’s not extreme, steady winds can make the water feel a lot colder than the streets.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In fall, you’ll notice the days get shorter and there’s less direct sunshine in Amsterdam. Clouds roll in more often, and sunlight becomes rare, especially as winter approaches.
Average Daily Sunshine
September gives you about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine per day on average. That’s still enough for plenty of outdoor fun.
By October, you’re down to roughly 3 hours daily, as clouds take over. In November, sunshine drops to just 1 to 2 hours a day, making the city feel a lot dimmer.
On average, fall sunshine makes up about 20–40% of daylight hours, depending on the month. Most days are partly cloudy or overcast, so if you want to be outside, expect less bright sunlight and more muted light.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | % of Daylight Sunny |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~4h 50m | 39% |
| October | ~3h 15m | 32% |
| November | ~1h 40m | 20% |
Changes in Daylight Duration
Daylight hours slip away fast during fall. In early September, you get about 12.5 hours of daylight each day.
By late November, that’s down to just 8.5 hours.
The shift is sharpest in October, with nearly 2 hours lost from start to finish. Evenings arrive earlier than most visitors expect.
Here’s a quick look at average daylight hours:
- September: ~12h 36m per day
- October: ~10h 32m per day
- November: ~8h 44m per day
This steady loss of daylight, plus the lower sun, gives Amsterdam a softer, dimmer vibe. If you want to make the most of the daylight, plan your activities earlier in the day.
Seasonal Characteristics and What to Expect
Autumn in Amsterdam means shorter days, cooler temperatures, and plenty of rain showers. You’ll notice a mix of colorful foliage along the canals, and the city slows down a bit compared to the hectic summer rush.
Autumn Foliage and Scenery
By mid-October, trees along the canals and in city parks start showing off their yellow, orange, and red leaves. The colors usually peak toward late October or early November.
Weather from earlier in the year can shift the timing a bit, so it’s not an exact science. Vondelpark, Amsterdamse Bos, and Westerpark all become great spots to catch the fall colors.
If you want a quieter vibe, hop on a short train ride to towns like Haarlem or Utrecht. Their tree-lined streets and historic canals look especially striking in autumn.
Leaves don’t stick around forever. By mid-November, wind and rain often speed up the shedding, and many trees look bare. If you’re aiming for the best foliage, late October usually gives you the best mix of color and coverage.
Atmosphere and City Vibes
Autumn in Amsterdam feels more laid-back than spring or summer. The crowds thin out after tulip season and festival time, so you won’t have to wait long at museums or squeeze into packed cafes.
Rain shows up pretty often, especially in October and November. You’ll want to carry a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella just in case.
Even with the damp weather, the cooler air makes walking and cycling around the city feel more pleasant than in the heat of summer. Cultural life doesn’t slow down, though.
Film, music, and art festivals pop up all over the city, bringing energy without making it feel overcrowded. With fewer tourists, crisp air, and a steady stream of cultural events, Amsterdam in autumn feels both relaxed and lively at the same time.
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam in the Fall
Cooler weather, frequent rain, and shorter days all shape how you’ll want to plan your fall trip to Amsterdam. Packing smart and thinking ahead for seasonal changes really helps you stay comfortable and make the most of your time.
What to Pack
Rain’s just part of the deal in fall, so a waterproof jacket or trench coat is a must. You’ll also want a small umbrella and some water-resistant shoes or boots for those sudden downpours.
Layering is your friend. Bring long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and scarves so you can adjust as the temperature shifts throughout the day. Nights can get chilly, so tossing in a warm hat or gloves isn’t a bad idea, especially later in the season.
Daytime highs hover around 14°C (58°F), with lows dropping to about 7°C (45°F). You’ll definitely want layers for mild afternoons and brisk evenings.
For walking or cycling, go for comfortable shoes with decent grip. Cobblestones and wet sidewalks can get slick. If you’re planning a nice dinner out, a couple of smart casual outfits will cover you since restaurants sometimes expect you to dress a bit nicer.
Travel Considerations
Fall usually brings fewer crowds than summer, so you can often find hotels for less. Still, I’d recommend you reserve popular attractions like the Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum ahead of time.
You’ll probably run into 10–12 rainy days per month in October and November. It’s smart to keep your plans flexible, just in case you need to swap outdoor adventures for something cozy indoors, maybe a museum or a canal tour, if rain shows up.
The days get noticeably shorter as fall moves on. By late October, the sun might set before 6:00 p.m. Try to fit outdoor sightseeing into the earlier part of the day, then save your evenings for good food, concerts, or whatever cultural events catch your eye.
Public transport handles all kinds of weather just fine. Trams, buses, and trains help you dodge long walks in the rain. If you’re planning to get around a lot, grab a multi-day transport pass—it’s honestly convenient.