January in Amsterdam

There are reasons winter isn't high tourist season in Amsterdam. Temperatures are at their lowest. Days are short, with the sun setting as early as 4:30 p.m. But if you're interested in seeing the city's top attractions alongside as few fellow travelers as possible, January is an ideal time to visit Amsterdam.

Besides thin crowds, other perks of visiting Amsterdam in January include the annual Amsterdam Fashion Week. If couture isn't your thing, then hit Amsterdam's best shopping areas to take advantage of the slashed prices of the annual January sales. But be prepared for frenzied bargain-hunters pushing through the masses!

And don't be discouraged by the cold weather -- Amsterdammers continue to enjoy outdoor pursuits like ice skating at the picturesque Museumplein (pictured above). Warm up with some hot chocolate afterward for a true wintry Amsterdam experience.

^{Pictured: The reflecting pool in front of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum becomes an ice-skating rink during winter months
Photo © Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions}