May in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

May Overview:

• Pros:
  
  • Milder May weather draws visitors and locals outdoors, where they soak up the scene on café terraces and play in the city's best parks.
    
    
  • By the end of the month you'll enjoy more than 16 hours of daylight!
    
    
  • This month includes exciting Amsterdam events like the annual World Press Photo Exhibit opening and Liberation Day concerts (see below for more).
• Cons:
  
  • Airfare and accommodations are pricier now than in other months, as May falls within high season for Amsterdam tourism.
    
    
  • Toward the end of the month, college students begin to arrive for the proverbial European backpacking experience -- touristy parts of the city can reflect this.

May Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  • Average high: 63°F (17.2°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 45°F (7.2°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 2.4 in (61 mm)
    
    
  • May weather is typically ideal for visiting Amsterdam -- it's not too hot and not too cool. Of course, I've felt blistering days alongside chilly ones in May, so be prepared with layers.
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  • May 1 - 6:11 a.m. / 9:06 p.m.
    
    
  • May 31 - 5:27 a.m. / 9:51 p.m.
    

May Packing Suggestions:

• Umbrella: While May 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 jacket: See above.
  
  
• Layers of clothing: The best way to deal with Amsterdam's ever-changing weather is to layer your clothes. Bring a light sweater to warm up when the sun goes down (or behind a cloud).
  
  
• 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.

May Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  • Keukenhof Gardens Still Open
    Annual; mid-to-late March until Mid-to-late May (2008 dates: March 20-May 18)
    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.
    
    
  • World Press Photo Exhibit
    Annual; late April until mid-June (2008 dates: April 29-June 22)
    Every year, Amsterdam's Oude Kerk ("Old Church") hosts this world-renowned and much-anticipated exhibition of award-winning and often shocking photojournalism.
    
    
  • Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking)
    Annual; May 4
    What began as a day to honor soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in World War II, this national holiday now serves as a day to remember the dead from other wars and peacekeeping efforts, as well. With some exceptions, most places of business in Amsterdam are open on May 4. Commemorations include special services and visits to WWII monuments and memorials (the largest gathering is typically at the National Monument in Dam Square).
    
    
  • Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
    Annual; May 5
    On May 5, 1945, a force of primarily Canadian troops liberated the Netherlands from the Nazi German occupation of World War II. While May 4 is a solemn day of remembrance for those who died in the war, May 5 is a festive day marked by parties and concerts. The biggest celebration in Amsterdam, the Bevrijdingsfestival (site only in Dutch), takes place on the sprawling grass square, Museumplein. Many places of business in Amsterdam have limited opening hours.
    
    
  • Art Amsterdam
    Annual; mid-May (2008 dates: May 7-12)
    More than 100 Dutch and foreign galleries present an exhibition of contemporary works for art lovers and collectors. Held at Amsterdam's RAI convention center, the event is also called KunstRAI ("art RAI").
    
    
  • Amsterdam Literary Festival
    Annual; mid-May (2008 dates: May 16-18)
    This collection of workshops, panels and events draws readers, writers and publishers of everything from poetry to plays from the international community.
    
    
  • Holland Festival
    Annual; three-to-four weeks beginning late May or early June (2008 dates: May 31-June 22)
    The Dutch consider this month-long festival of cultural arts performances both the official wind-down of the primary performing arts season (September through May) and the unofficial beginning of summer. Music, dance, theater and opera performances from around the world fill venues throughout the city.