March in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

Early Spring Is Still Cool, Daylight Lingers Longer

March Overview:

• Pros:
  
  
  • Tourist numbers are still fairly low during March.
    
    
  • Depending on weather, spring blooming flowers and trees can begin to emerge all over the city.
    
    
  • Flight and hotel room prices usually don't rise drastically until April.
    
    
  • By the end of the month, the sun doesn't set until almost 8:15 p.m.
• Cons:
  
  
  • Early spring weather is still quite cool and often wet.
    
    
  • Depending on weather, March visitors can miss tulip and bulb season by just weeks.

March Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  
  • Average high: 48°F (8.8°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 34°F (1.1°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 2.6 in (66 mm)
    
    
  • March weather can be highly unpredictable, with most days lingering in the 40s. But as Amsterdammers start to anticipate spring, you'll see them sitting in the stubborn sun on café terraces on the occasional 50-degree day.
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  
  • March 1 - 7:28 a.m. / 6:19 p.m.
    
    
  • March 31 - 7:19 a.m. / 8:12 p.m.*
    _{*See Central European Summer Time information below.}

March Packing Suggestions:

• Umbrella: While March is not Amsterdam's rainiest month, there is always a chance for precipitation. Be prepared for rain, even if the sun is out when you start your day!
  
  
• Windproof, waterproof coat: See above.
  
  
• Warm clothing: Although it's March, it's not unwise to pack sweaters, a hat, a scarf and gloves. You can always shed if you're too warm.
  
  
• Comfortable walking shoes: These are always a must on Amsterdam's cobbled streets. Waterproof shoes are even better!
  
  
• Day bag/pack: You'll need something to hold your layers, among other things.

March Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  
  • Outdoor Art Markets Reopen
    Annual; early-to-mid March
    Two of Amsterdam's best markets -- the Spui Art Market and the Thorbeckeplein Modern Art Market -- reopen in March, after having been closed since December. Enjoy the fruits of local and regional artists' work.
    
    
  • HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show
    Annual; early March (2009 dates: March 3 - 8)
    Whether you're actually in the market for a sleek yacht or just want to rub elbows with those who are, this annual boating extravaganza features all the latest vessels and accessories to put you in the mood for the water-sports season.
    
    
  • Opening of Keukenhof Gardens
    Annual; mid-to-late March (2009 date: March 19; open until May 21)
    Arguably one of the world's most spectacular planned gardens, this park in nearby Lisse, Holland, showcases seven million blooming bulbs on its grounds and countless other floral displays in many indoor pavilions. These pictures say more than any words could about the gardens' stunning, fairytale-like beauty.
    
    
  • Stille Omgang (Silent Procession)
    Annual; second or third Saturday in March (2009 date: March 21)
    During this annual commemoration of "The Miracle of Amsterdam" (in 1345 an ill man given the Blessed Sacrament vomited the Host, which would not burn in the fire) believers walk a holy route in the old center of Amsterdam.
    
    
  • Central European Summer Time Begins
    Annual; last Sunday in March (2009 date: March 29)
    At 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday morning in March, the time in Amsterdam will change to Central European Summer Time (the beginning of what Americans call "Daylight Saving Time"). Don't forget to set your watch ahead one hour!
• Spectator Sports:
  
  
  • Ajax Amsterdam Football Club
    Season runs late August - late April
    Spend a Sunday amongst frenzied fans of the famous Ajax Amsterdam voetbal (football) team. The local soccer heroes play in the impressive, modern ArenA south of the city.