November in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

Days Shorten, but 'Museum Night' and Holiday Traditions Keep Spirits High

November Overview:

• Pros:
  
  • Big tourist crowds are gone.
    
    
  • Because the holiday season starts early here -- with the arrival of Sinterklaas in mid-November (see below) -- the city already feels festive.
    
    
  • The cultural arts season (September - June) is now, so theater, dance, opera and concert performances are plentiful.
  
  
• Cons:
  
  • The end of Central European Summer Time (late October) means short days.
    
    
  • Many locals claim November is Amsterdam's windiest month.
  
  
• Tips to Keep in Mind:
  
  • Airfare and hotel rates should be significantly lower by now.

November Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  • Average high: 48°F (9°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 37°F (2.7°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 3.2 in (81 mm)
    
    
  • While November is not Amsterdam's wettest month, you should always carry an umbrella for inevitable showers.
    
    
  • As winter moves in, winds of up to 50 miles per hour aren't uncommon. This air feels much colder in Amsterdam's humid climate.
  
  
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  • November 1 - 7:37 a.m. / 5:12 p.m.
    
    
  • November 30 - 8:26 a.m. / 4:32 p.m.
    

November Packing Suggestions:

• Umbrella: Amsterdam weather is consistently inconsistent. Be prepared for rain, even if the sun is out when you start your day!
  
  
• Windproof, waterproof jacket: See above.
  
  
• Layers of warm clothing: By November, it's cool enough for sweaters, coats, hats and gloves. A scarf can do wonders in windy conditions.
  
  
• 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.

November Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  • Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam
    Annual; long weekend in late October/early November (2009 dates: October 29 - November 1)
    Think you can't afford art? Check out pieces from more than 85 galleries priced between € 100 and € 5,000.
    
    
  • Museumnacht
    Annual; first Saturday in November (2009 date: November 7)
    "Museum Night" is like having 40 cocktail parties to attend at some of Amsterdam's coolest and most historic venues. Participating museums stay open as late as 2 a.m. and feature everything from DJs, food and wine to jazz and special tours. This is a calendar favorite for locals. Tickets include transportation between the venues by public transportation or boat.
    
    
  • Amsterdam India Festival
    Annual; two-to-three weeks in mid-to-late November
    The Concertgebouw (concert hall) and several other cultural organizations bring all things Indian to the city, including music, dance, fashion, film, photography, theater, visual art and architecture. The dozens of events focus on the country's unique culture, from ancient to ultra-modern.
    
    
  • Dutch-American Heritage Day
    Annual; November 16
    In 1991, former U.S. President George (H.W.) Bush declared this little-known commemoration day to honor the longstanding friendship between the Netherlands and the United States. Wear orange or red-white-and-blue (or all of them) to celebrate.
    
    
  • Sinterklaas Arrival and Parade
    Annual; Sunday in mid-November
    Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, arrives from Spain on his boat at the Scheepvaart Museum (Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam's harbor. From there, he rides his white horse through town as his helpers throw holiday cookies and candies to the hundreds of children and onlookers along the route. This is one of the most anticipated events of the calendar for kids especially.
    
    
  • International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
    Annual; two weeks in late November and/or early December (2009 dates: November 19 - 29)
    More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend one of the world's biggest documentary festivals, featuring more than 200 film screenings.
    
    
  • pAn Amsterdam Antique Fair
    Annual; one week in mid-to-late November (2009 dates: November 22 - 29)
    The pAn (Pictura Antiquairs Nationaal) Amsterdam event is the country's national art and antiques fair, focusing on pieces from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany from more than 100 exhibitors.
    
    
  • Sinterklaas 'Rooftop Rehearsal'
    Annual; late November
    On the rooftop of the NEMO science museum, children and families gather to see Sinterklaas and his white horse practice for the night of December 5 (Sinterklaasavond).
  
  
• Dutch Holiday Season Traditions:
  
  • Some Christmas Markets Begin
    Annual; mid-to-late November (through December)
    While Christmas markets in the Netherlands aren't as plentiful and large as those in Germany, two unique markets in the southern part of the country begin this month. One is even in a cave!
    
    
  • Olieballen & Poffertjes Stands
    Annual; mid-to-late November (through winter)
    Stalls selling these traditional fried doughnuts (olieballen) and small, puffy pancakes (poffertjes) are everywhere this time of year (the sweet smells are their best advertising). Wash them down with rich, Dutch hot chocolate.
    
    
  • Ice-skating Rink at Leidseplein
    Annual; mid-to-late November (to January)
    Glide on ice under the glow of fairy lights and café signs.
  
  
• 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.