October in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

High Season Is Over, the Arts Abound and the Change of Seasons Brings Crisp Air

October Overview:

• Pros:
  
  
  • High tourist season (April - September) has officially ended, so lines to the most popular attractions will be shorter.
    
    
  • Fall weather is in full swing. The changing colors and fallen leaves are a beautiful backdrop.
    
    
  • The cultural arts season (September - June) is now, so theater, dance, opera and concert performances are plentiful.
  
  
• Cons:
  
  
  • Change of seasons sometimes brings gusty, stormy weather.
    
    
  • The season for outdoor festivals is over and most restaurants and cafés shut down outdoor seating.
  
  
• Tips to Keep in Mind:
  
  
  • Airfare and hotel rates have usually dropped by now.

October Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  
  • Average high: 58°F (14°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 44°F (6.6°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 2.9 in (74 mm)
    
    
  • While October is not Amsterdam's wettest month, you should always carry an umbrella for inevitable showers.
    
    
  • By October, the temperatures in Amsterdam are cool, and the occasional summer-like day aren't really a possibility anymore (as with September).
    
    
  • The humid air and strong winds in Amsterdam can make 60°F feel much colder, so pack accordingly.
  
  
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  
  • October 1 - 7:42 a.m. / 7:19 p.m.
    
    
  • October 31 - 7:35 a.m. / 5:14 p.m.*
    _{*See Central European Summer Time information below.}

October 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 October, it's cool enough for sweaters and jackets or light coats. But in a warm café, you'll want to shed.
  
  
• Comfortable walking shoes: Cool fall days are perfect for an Amsterdam walking tour, which you'll enjoy a lot more if your feet are happy. Waterproof shoes are even better!
  
  
• Day bag/pack: You'll need something to hold your layers, among other things.

October Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  
  • ING Amsterdam Marathon
    Annual; Sunday in mid-October (2009 date: October 18)
    The full and half marathons and 10-K run attract nearly 20,000 participants. Visitors are free to watch at the start/finish line at Amsterdam's Olympic Stadium, or throughout the city (good spots are by the Rijksmuseum, in the Vondelpark and along the path by the Amstel River).
    
    
  • Amsterdam Dance Event
    Annual; third or last weekend in October (2009 dates: October 21-24)
    Dubbed "the biggest club festival in the world," this three-day gathering of electronic- and dance-music professionals features some 400 DJs and acts in 40 different venues, attracting 45,000 visitors.
    
    
  • Central European Summer Time Ends
    Annual; last Sunday in October (2009 date: October 25)
    At 2 a.m. on the last Sunday morning in October, the time in Amsterdam will revert back to Central European Time (the end of what Americans call "Daylight Saving Time"). Don't forget to set your watch back one hour!
    
    
  • Halloween
    Annual; October 31 and sometimes preceding days
    Although the Dutch don't officially celebrate Halloween, Amsterdam's international population (expatriates) and visitor base can enjoy traditional theme and costume parties at American establishments like Hard Rock Café and Boom Chicago.
  
  
• 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.