If you’re planning a summer trip to Amsterdam, get ready for mild temperatures, regular rain showers, and those famously long daylight hours. Daytime highs usually land between 20 °C and 22 °C (68 °F to 72 °F), so it’s comfortable—not really hot. Nights cool off, even in July and August, so a light jacket comes in handy.
Summer in Amsterdam can feel like a mashup of sunny breaks and cloudy stretches, and rain might show up any time. Showers tend to move through fast, but they happen often enough that an umbrella or light raincoat is a smart move. The North Sea keeps the air fresh, and sometimes the humidity makes the evenings feel a bit damp.
The long daylight is honestly one of the best parts. You’ll have hours to wander the canals, parks, and outdoor cafés, even if the weather flips on you. That combo of gentle warmth, moody skies, and extra daylight really sets the tone for summer here.
Overview of Summer Weather in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s summer means mild temps, long daylight hours, and a steady chance of rain. The weather stays comfortable for outdoor plans, but the city’s spot by the coast means things can change fast.
Typical Climate Conditions
During summer, Amsterdam’s daytime highs usually hit 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 72°F). Nights feel cooler, often dropping to 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F). You’ll want to pack layers since mornings and evenings can surprise you with a chill.
Rain happens a lot, but it’s usually on the lighter side. Expect 7–10 rainy days each month, and about 40–55 mm of rain. The showers don’t often ruin an entire day—most pass by quickly.
Daylight is a real highlight. In June, you get more than 16 hours of sunlight, so there’s plenty of time to explore. Even in August, you’ll still have 14–15 hours of daylight. The sun shines about 6–9 hours per day, which is pretty generous for this part of Europe.
Humidity stays moderate, and summer breezes help keep the air from feeling too heavy. Winds are gentler than in winter, though you might still notice gusts near the canals or open squares.
Marine Influence on Weather
The North Sea shapes Amsterdam’s summer weather. The sea warms up slowly, so early summer feels cooler than places farther inland. By July and August, the water temperature climbs to about 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 65°F), which keeps the city from getting too hot.
The marine effect keeps extreme heat at bay. Heat waves above 30°C (86°F) barely happen. Instead, the weather stays steady and mild, which honestly feels pretty nice for most travelers.
Clouds are a regular sight, with partly cloudy to overcast skies about 40–50% of the time. The city can look gray, but that also means the sun isn’t too harsh. The mix of clouds, breezes, and mild warmth gives Amsterdam a stable, easygoing summer climate.
Comparison with Other Seasons
When you look at summer next to the other seasons, the difference jumps out. Winter averages just 2°C to 6°C (36°F to 43°F), with short days and plenty of rain or even snow. Spring starts chilly, then slowly warms up. Autumn sees temperatures drop and rain pick up again.
Summer stands out for its long daylight, less intense rainfall, and more comfortable temperatures. You won’t get winter’s damp chill or autumn’s quick weather swings—just steadier, friendlier conditions.
Tourist numbers peak in summer because the weather makes outdoor events, markets, and canal activities way more inviting. If you like mild warmth and long days for exploring, summer is easily the best time to visit Amsterdam.
Average Summer Temperatures
Amsterdam’s summer brings gentle warmth compared to a lot of other European cities. Expect comfortable daytime highs, cooler evenings, and some noticeable swings in temperature from June through September. Rain can show up any time, but the air rarely gets sticky or hot.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During July and August, Amsterdam’s daytime temps usually reach 20–22 °C (68–72 °F). These are the warmest months, but the heat stays pretty mild. June and September run a bit cooler, with highs closer to 18–20 °C (64–68 °F).
At night, it drops to 12–15 °C (54–59 °F). Even in summer, evenings can feel chilly—especially near the canals. Most people need a light jacket or sweater after sunset.
The small gap between day and night temperatures comes from the maritime climate. The North Sea keeps things balanced, so nights stay cool and daytime highs don’t spike.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Summer kicks off in late June with average highs around 19 °C (66 °F). By July, things warm up to about 22 °C (71 °F), which is usually the peak. August holds onto that warmth, though you’ll get a few cooler days.
By September, autumn starts to creep in. Highs fall to 18–19 °C (64–66 °F), and nights cool closer to 12 °C (54 °F). September can’t always be counted on for warm weather, but you’ll still catch some mild days.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 19 (66) | 12 (54) |
| July | 22 (71) | 14 (57) |
| August | 22 (72) | 14 (57) |
| September | 18 (64) | 12 (54) |
These numbers help you figure out what to pack and what kind of weather to expect.
Temperature Extremes and Variability
Amsterdam weather can flip fast, even if the averages look calm. Once in a while, summer highs will jump above 30 °C (86 °F), but those heatwaves don’t last. More often, you’ll get cooler days where highs stick around 16 °C (61 °F), especially when Atlantic systems roll in.
Rain showers can knock the temperature down within hours. Sunny days feel warmer than the thermometer says, while overcast skies keep things cooler.
It’s smart to prep for all kinds of weather. Pack light layers, breathable clothes, and a waterproof jacket. By expecting a range, you’ll stay comfortable and enjoy summer in Amsterdam without surprises.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Amsterdam’s summer brings steady rain and moderate humidity, not wild extremes. Showers come and go throughout the season, and the air feels damp but not overwhelming.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in Amsterdam during summer stays moderate compared to other European spots. The city usually gets about 60–90 mm of rain per month from June to August.
August often ends up as the wettest summer month, with totals close to 90–100 mm. June and July come in a bit lower, around 65–75 mm.
Instead of heavy, all-day rain, you’ll mostly see light to moderate showers, often with sunny breaks. The weather stays unpredictable, but you can still manage outdoor plans.
For the year, Amsterdam gets about 840–940 mm of rain, so summer adds a good chunk. Unlike Mediterranean places, there’s no real dry season here.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain spreads out over lots of days, not just a few big storms. In summer, expect 11–14 rainy days per month, depending on how the year goes.
Showers are usually brief. A day might start dry, see a quick afternoon drizzle, then clear up by evening. You can still get outside most days.
July and August tend to have a couple more rainy days than June, but the difference isn’t huge—no summer month is totally dry. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella, because the weather can change fast.
Humidity During Summer
Amsterdam’s humidity stays moderate to high in summer. Relative humidity sits between 70% and 80%, so the air can feel damp, especially after rain.
Even so, temperatures are mild—usually 17°C to 22°C (63°F–72°F)—so it doesn’t get as muggy as in hotter places.
You’ll notice the humidity most in the early mornings and evenings. During the day, North Sea breezes help cut down on the stickiness.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, slow down your outdoor plans and wear breathable fabrics. That makes exploring the city’s canals and parks a lot more comfortable.
Sunlight and Daylight Hours
Amsterdam’s summer gives you long days, with plenty of daylight and more sunshine than winter. You’ll get early sunrises, late sunsets, and a bigger chunk of bright hours.
Length of Daylight
In summer, Amsterdam has some of the longest daylight hours in Europe. Around the solstice in late June, daylight stretches to about 16 hours and 30 minutes.
From late May through July, you’ll see over 15 hours of daylight most days. August still has long days, with about 14 hours and 30 minutes of light. By September, it drops to around 12 hours.
All that daylight means you have more freedom to explore outdoors. Whether you’re walking the canals or biking around, the long days let you plan at your own pace.
Average Daily Sunshine
Daylight doesn’t always mean sunshine here. On average, Amsterdam gets about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day in June and July. August drops a bit, closer to 6 hours per day.
Sunshine makes up about 40–45% of daylight hours in peak summer. The rest of the time, expect clouds or haze—pretty typical for the Netherlands.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | % of Daylight with Sun |
|---|---|---|
| June | 7h 24m | ~45% |
| July | 6h 23m | ~40% |
| August | 5h 58m | ~41% |
You’ll get a mix—bright stretches and cloudier spells, sometimes all in the same day.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In summer, the sun rises super early in Amsterdam. In June, sunrise happens just after 5:20 a.m., and sunset comes around 10:00 p.m.
July shifts a bit, with sunrise near 5:40 a.m. and sunset about 9:45 p.m. By August, mornings start later—around 6:30 a.m.—and sunset is earlier, near 8:45 p.m.
These long evenings mean you can have dinner outside, take late walks, or go on a canal cruise without needing streetlights. The lingering twilight feels pretty special up here in northern Europe.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Summers in Amsterdam are a real mix when it comes to the sky. You’ll see frequent changes—one minute it’s bright blue, and the next, gray clouds roll in. Cloud cover really shapes how much sunlight you’ll get during your stay.
Typical Cloudiness
In summer, Amsterdam skies usually stay partly cloudy. Roughly 40–50% of the sky gets covered by clouds during this season. You’ll notice a real mix of sunshine and shade, so don’t count on endless sun.
Cloud types change a lot, but you’ll mostly spot low-level clouds like stratus and cumulus. These clouds drift quickly on coastal winds, so the light and shadows keep shifting.
Rain showers sometimes sweep through on cloudy days, but they tend to be brief. Thanks to the city’s maritime climate, the weather stays mild, even when the sky looks gloomy.
If you’re planning to be outside, keep in mind the skies can change fast. It’s smart to bring a light jacket or umbrella, even if the morning starts bright.
Clear and Overcast Days
Amsterdam usually gets its clearest weather from late March through early October. In summer, you’ve got a solid chance of enjoying long daylight hours with clear or mostly clear skies.
But let’s be honest, overcast days aren’t rare. Data suggests the sky stays overcast about 40–45% of the year, and summer doesn’t break that pattern. On these days, the sun hides for hours, and the city feels softer and cooler.
Clear days work great for walking the canals, cycling, or hopping on a boat tour. Some travelers even prefer the calm of overcast days for sightseeing, since there’s no glare or heat to worry about.
You’ll get a bit of both, which is just how Amsterdam summer rolls.
Sea Temperatures and Outdoor Comfort
Amsterdam’s summer brings together mild sea water and comfortable outdoor weather. You can expect moderate water temperatures, which affect swimming, and steady air temperatures that make exploring the city pleasant.
Average Sea Water Temperature
The North Sea near Amsterdam stays pretty cool, even in summer. Water temperatures usually sit between 17°C and 19°C (63°F–66°F). Only in late July and August does the sea sometimes hit 20°C (68°F), which most people consider the best time for a swim.
In spring and early summer, the water feels chilly, averaging about 9°C to 15°C (48°F–59°F). By mid-summer, it rises to around 17.5°C, which feels refreshing—though not exactly warm.
Most visitors swim in August, when the water stays above 20°C. Outside that short window, people tend to wade, sail, or just walk along the beach instead of swimming for long.
| Season | Avg. Water Temp |
|---|---|
| Spring | ~9°C |
| Summer | ~17–18°C |
| Autumn | ~14°C |
| Winter | ~7°C |
Comfort Levels for Outdoor Activities
Air temperatures in Amsterdam during summer usually average 20°C to 23°C (68°F–73°F) in the daytime. At night, it cools down to about 13°C to 15°C (55°F–59°F), so evenings feel pleasant for walking or eating outside.
Humidity sits at a moderate level, and rain spreads out over the season. You’ll get some cloudy days, but the long daylight hours make up for it, giving you more time to be outdoors.
Cycling, canal tours, and sitting at outdoor cafés all stay popular because the weather rarely gets too hot or too cold. Light layers and a rain jacket come in handy since showers can pop up out of nowhere.
Mild air, cool sea water, and steady breezes combine to make Amsterdam better for sightseeing and outdoor fun than for long days at the beach.
Factors Influencing Summer Weather
Amsterdam’s summer weather really depends on its spot in northwestern Europe and its close link to the North Sea. Local geography, winds, and the city’s buildings all shape how warm, cool, or humid it feels.
Geographical Location
Amsterdam sits in the western Netherlands, just a short hop from the North Sea. This keeps summer temperatures moderate compared to cities farther inland. You’ll usually see highs around 19–22°C (66–72°F), and it’s rare for things to get extreme.
Westerly winds bring moist air inland, so you’ll notice frequent but light rainfall. Rain falls as short showers, not long storms, so you might want to carry a light jacket or umbrella—even when it’s warm.
The city’s latitude matters too. In June and July, you get long daylight hours—sometimes over 16 hours of light per day—so summer days feel stretched out. This extra light gives you more chances for outdoor activities, even if a few clouds or some rain pass through.
Coastal and Urban Effects
Living near the sea really shapes Amsterdam’s climate. The North Sea works as a temperature buffer, so nights feel cooler and days stay milder. Honestly, you won’t see those intense heatwaves you get in southern Europe.
In summer, the air feels more humid because the sea brings in extra moisture. Sometimes, warm days feel heavier than you’d expect, even if the temperature isn’t that high. Luckily, those light breezes usually come through and help a bit.
The city itself adds its own twist. Streets, canals, and buildings soak up heat during the day, then slowly let it go at night. This creates a small urban heat island effect, making central areas a degree or two warmer than the countryside nearby.
If you’re visiting, you’ll want to pack for mild warmth, some rain here and there, and evenings that are usually comfortable enough for a walk or a bike ride.