February in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

Low Tourist Crowds and Airfare Prices Make Cold Weather More Appealing

February Overview:

• Pros:
  
  • Tourist crowds are very low in winter, an ideal situation for seeing the city's most popular museums and attractions.
    
    
  • Flights and hotel rooms are still at low-season prices.
• Cons:
  
  • Weather can be quite cold.

February Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  • Average high: 42°F (5.5°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 31°F (-0.5°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 1.9 in (69 mm)
    
    
  • On average, February is Amsterdam's coldest month. Snow has been known to fall here, but it's usually just a dusting. Temperatures hovering around freezing can feel bone-chilling in this marine climate (see "Packing Suggestions" below).
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  • February 1 - 8:22 a.m. / 5:27 p.m.
    
    
  • February 28 - 7:31 a.m. / 6:17 p.m.
    

February Packing Suggestions:

• Umbrella: While February 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: A cold Amsterdam wind can cut right to your skin; I wear long underwear if I know I'm going to be out walking for a few hours. Think 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.

February Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  • Chinese New Year Celebrations
    Annual; January or February
    While the Chinese community in Amsterdam conveniently offers a preview of this event in early January (when locals and visitors are still on holiday), this is the real deal. Celebrations and traditional performances center around the Nieuwmarkt and Zeedijk areas, the unofficial Chinatown in Amsterdam (near the Red Light District).
    
    
  • Februaristaking (February Strike)
    Annual; February 25
    On February 25, 1941, about nine months after German troops began the occupation of the Netherlands in World War II -- the city of Amsterdam came to a halt in response to the terrorizing atrocities committed against Jews. Companies of all kinds, from public transport and ship-building to shops and cafés, saw workers get up and walk out to openly protest the German regime and persecution of Jews. Students even left classrooms. A meeting of council workers at Noordermarkt the previous night spawned the strike (a plaque on the side of Noorderkerk marks the spot). The February Strike stunned the Germans and is remembered as an important act of resistance to Hitler's regime. It is commemorated every year at the Dokwerker (dock worker) monument, located on the Jonas Daniel Meijerplein (near the Portuguese Synagogue).
• Winter Traditions:
  
  • Poffertjes & Hot Chocolate
    Annual; winter into early spring
    Enjoy these small, puffy pancakes with famously rich Dutch hot chocolate.
    
    
  • Ice-skating Rink at Museumplein
    Annual; mid-to-late December until March
    Skate in the shadow of the Rijksmuseum, then stop for a break to enjoy hot chocolate and poffertjes, served in the adjacent tent.
• 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.