August in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

Long, Warm Days and Amsterdam's August Festivals Worth High-season Crowds

August Overview:

• Pros:
  
  • Mild temperatures and long days make Amsterdam an ideal August travel destination.
    
    
  • Virtually every restaurant or bar has outdoor seating.
    
    
  • August events include some of Amsterdam's liveliest festivals.
• Cons:
  
  • Lines to the most popular attractions can be quite long.
    
    
  • Trams can be hot and stuffy (they're not air-conditioned).
    
    
  • Unfortunately, more visitors create more trash (don't be a litterbug).
• 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).

August Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  • Average high: 72°F (22°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 54°F (12°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 2.8 in (71 mm)
    
    
  • While August is not Amsterdam's wettest month, you should always carry an umbrella for summer showers.
    
    
  • Like July, August is one of Amsterdam's warmest months, with temperatures sometimes climbing into the 80s. Temperatures can still get quite cool at night, especially when it's windy.
• Sunrise/Sunset:
  
  • Aug. 1: 6:01 a.m./9:33 p.m.
    
    
  • Aug. 31: 6:50 a.m./8:31 p.m.

August 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: Summer 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.

August Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  • Kwakoe Festival
    Annual; every weekend from early July to early August (2009 dates: July 4-August 9)
    Multicultural music, movies, sports, food and dancing in Amsterdam Zuidoost (Southeast).
    
    
  • Amsterdam Gay Pride
    Annual; first week(end) in August (2009 dates: July 26-August 2)
    Highlight of the gay calendar in Amsterdam, with dozens of street parties, gay film screenings and the famous Canal Parade of 100 decorated boats.
    
    
  • De Parade
    Annual; 17 days in August (2009 dates: July 31-August 16)
    Traveling theater festival with colorful, circus-like tents offers theater, magic, dance and music of all kinds.
    
    
  • Grachtenfestival
    Annual; third week in August (2009 dates: August 15-23)
    Nine-day event of more than 90 concerts (mostly classical, some modern and world music) on and around Amsterdam's canals and harbor, the most famous of which is the Prinsengracht Concert.
    
    
  • SAIL Amsterdam
    Every five years; six days in mid-August (next edition: August 19-23, 2010)
    Stunning "Tall Ships" and historic sailboats from all over the world gather in Amsterdam's harbor for six days; related events and exhibitions held around the city.
    
    
  • Uitmarkt
    Annual; last weekend in August (2009 dates: August 28-30)
    Official kick-off of the cultural arts season, with (free) previews of upcoming theater, cabaret, musicals and concerts at several outdoor stages and indoor venues around town.
• Films & Performances in the Open Air:
  • Vondelpark Open-air Theater
    Annual; Fri. - 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 (2009 dates: July 31-September 4)
    Huge, old-world terrace in the Vondelpark becomes an outdoor screening room. The website is in Dutch, but many films are in English (so are the listings).
    
    
  • 'Summer Nights' at Artis
    Annual; Sat. nights in July & August
    Amsterdam's zoo offers live music, dance and special children's programs.
• Summer Oases in the City:
  • Amsterdam's Urban Beaches
    Soak up the sun at these seasonal sandy spots throughout the city.
    
    
  • Sunniest Spots in Amsterdam
    When the sun comes out here, crowds fill café terraces quickly. Find out where you'll have better luck finding your own place in the sun in Amsterdam.