January in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

January Overview:

• Pros:
  
  • Tourist crowds are at their lowest, an ideal situation for seeing the city's most popular museums and attractions.
    
    
  • Flights and hotel rooms are at their cheapest.
  
  
• Cons:
  
  • Weather can be quite cold and days are still short.
  
  
• Tips to Keep in Mind:
  
  • Some museums and attractions may be closed on New Year's Day (January 1).

January Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  • Average high: 40°F (4.4°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 31°F (-0.5°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 2.7 in (69 mm)
    
    
  • January is one of the coldest months in Amsterdam. Although snow is unlikely, temperatures hovering around freezing can feel bone-chilling in this marine climate (see "Packing Suggestions" below).
  
  
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  • January 1 - 8:51 a.m. / 4:38 p.m.
    
    
  • January 31 - 8:24 a.m. / 5:26 p.m.
    

January Packing Suggestions:

• Umbrella: While January 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.

January Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  • New Year's Day
    Annual; January 1
    This national holiday gives Amsterdammers a day to recover from the festivities of the night before. Some museums and attractions may be closed.
    
    
  • Chinese New Year Celebrations (observed)
    Annual; January 1 or 2
    While the official dates of Chinese New Year usually fall in February, the Chinese community in Amsterdam conveniently offers a preview with celebrations and traditional performances while people are still on holiday. Festivities are centered around Nieuwmarkt, the heart of Amsterdam's little Chinatown.
    
    
  • Amsterdam Fashion Week
    Annual; five days in late January
    Much more than collections on a catwalk (the official venue for which is the Westergasfabriek restored warehouse), this stylish week includes a program of trade shows, exhibitions, presentations, lectures, film screenings and parties throughout Amsterdam.
    
    
  • Jumping Amsterdam
    Annual; four days in late January
    More than 50,000 equestrians and horse enthusiasts attend this international competition in dressage, jumping and driving at Amsterdam's RAI event center. In between contests, visitors are treated to performances by various musicians and artists.
  
  
• Dutch Holiday Season Traditions Continue:
  
  • Holiday Events at Amsterdam Museums and Attractions
    Annual; into early January
    Many of the special performances and events of the Christmas season carry over into the first week of January, including the World Christmas Circus at the Theater Carré and Christmas in the Bijbels (Biblical) Museum.
    
    
  • Oliebollen & Poffertjes
    Annual; mid-to-late November through winter
    Stalls selling these traditional fried doughnuts and small, puffy pancakes are everywhere this time of year (the smells are their best advertising). Wash them down with hot chocolate.
    
    
  • Ice-skating Rink at Leidseplein
    Annual; mid-to-late November until early January
    Glide on ice under the glow of fairy lights and café signs.
    
    
  • 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.
  
  
• 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.