Amsterdam in Winter

Amsterdammers are a resilient bunch; they seem to have perfected a certain coziness to counterbalance their coldest, darkest, wettest season. In Amsterdam in winter, twinkling lights dangle over streets, bars and restaurants are filled with friends keeping warm and well-served, and sweet street foods are the perfect partner for outdoor ice-skating on city squares.

With the exception of a few weeks during the December holidays, visitors to Amsterdam in winter will find the smallest tourist numbers of the year. Days are short, with the sun setting as early as 4:30 p.m. in mid-December. December is also Amsterdam's rainiest month, and February its coldest.

Holiday season traditions in Amsterdam are well underway by early December, as the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaasavond on the 5th.

Amsterdam flights and accommodations prices are at their lowest in winter (again, with the exception of holiday dates). And while you'll want to book ahead for a hotel in December, rooms are plentiful during quiet January and February.

Month-by-Month Guides to Amsterdam in Winter

In these guides you'll find detailed event listings, weather information and packing advice for Amsterdam in fall months.

• December in Amsterdam
• January in Amsterdam
• February in Amsterdam