July in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

Visitors Flock, Enjoy Alfresco Amsterdam in its Mildest Month

July Overview:

• Pros:
  
  • There's a reason summer is a popular time to visit Europe: the weather is mild, days are long and seasonal events are plentiful.
    
    
  • Amsterdam's café terraces and the city's best parks are perfect places to pass the time in July.
    
    
  • The semi-annual massive sales at most retail stores run in July. For those into shopping, you can find great deals!
• Cons:
  
  • Airfare and accommodations are pricier now than in other months, as July is the height of tourist season for Amsterdam.
    
    
  • College students on their European backpacking adventures are prolific -- touristy parts of the city can reflect this.
    
    
  • Lines to the most popular attractions can be quite long.
    
    
  • Unfortunately, more visitors create more trash (don't be a litterbug).
    
    
  • Trams can be hot and stuffy (they're not air-conditioned).
• Tips to Keep in Mind:
  
  • Give yourself plenty of time at the airport when departing Amsterdam, as security lines are very long during high season. Central Station is also crowded, so plan accordingly.
    
    
  • Hotels are usually full to capacity in summer months. Make your reservations in advance.
    
    
  • It's not uncommon for some shops to close for extended periods in July and August, as many Europeans go on long holidays (vacations).

July Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  • Average high: 71°F (21.7°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 53°F (11.7°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 3 in (76.2 mm)
    
    
  • July is the third-rainiest month on average in Amsterdam.
    
    
  • July is Amsterdam's warmest month on average, with temperatures sometimes climbing into the 80s. Nights can still be cool, especially when it's windy.
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  • July 1 - 5:22 a.m. / 10:06 p.m.
    
    
  • July 31 - 5:58 a.m. / 9:35 p.m.
    

July Packing Suggestions:

• Umbrella: Amsterdam weather is consistently inconsistent. Be prepared for rain, even if the sun is out when you start your day!
  
  
• Lightweight jacket: See above (and it won't hurt if it's waterproof).
  
  
• Breathable clothing: On hot days, it will keep you cool. On wet days, you'll dry out faster.
  
  
• Comfortable walking shoes: July is perfect for an Amsterdam walking tour, which you'll enjoy a lot more if your feet are happy. That said, flip-flops (or "slippers," as they call them in Amsterdam) are great for the beach, but be warned -- they don't offer much support or protection on cobblestoned streets.
  
  
• Picnic blanket: Sitting in one of Amsterdam's parks is an ideal way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
  
  
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes love often-humid and water-rich Amsterdam in summer.
  
  
• Day bag/pack: You'll need something to hold these and other things, like a good Amsterdam map and that picnic lunch.

July Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  • Kwakoe Festival
    Annual; every weekend from early July to early August (2009 dates: July 18-August 2)
    
    
  • 5 Days Off (site in Dutch only)
    Annual; early July (2009 dates: July 15-19)
    
    
  • Over 't IJ Festival
    Annual; 10 days in early to mid-July (2009 dates: July 2-12)
• Films & Performances in the Open Air:
  
  • Vondelpark Open-air Theater
    Annual; Wed. - Sun., early June to late August
    Free dance, music and cabaret performances in the park's "band shell."
    
    
  • 'Sunsets' - Movies on the Terrace of the Filmmuseum
    Annual; Fri. nights, late July to September
    Huge, old-world terrace in the Vondelpark becomes an outdoor screening room.
    
    
  • 'Summer Nights' at Artis
    Annual; Sat. nights in July & August
    Amsterdam's zoo offers live music, dance and special children's programs.
• Summer Rooftops and Beaches:
  
  • Join the sun-worshippers at these urban beaches only open during the summer months.