September in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

While Summer Crowds Die Down, Amsterdam's September Calendar Remains Full

September Overview:

• Pros:
  
  
  • The peak months of tourist season are over, so crowds thin a bit.
    
    
  • Although temperatures begin to cool, cafés continue to seat terraces in dry weather.
    
    
  • September marks the beginning of the cultural arts season in Amsterdam -- theater, dance, opera and concert performances are plentiful.
  
  
• Cons:
  
  
  • Change of seasons sometimes brings gusty, stormy weather.
    
    
  • Crowds aren't as bad as in summer, but this is still officially high season.
  
  
  
• Tips to Keep in Mind:
  
  
  • September is still a popular time to visit Europe, so book your travel plans in advance.
    
    
  • Hotels and airlines usually don't drop prices until later in the fall.

September Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  
  
  • Average high: 66°F (19°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 49°F (9.4°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 2.6 in (66 mm)
    
    
  • While September is not Amsterdam's wettest month, you should always carry an umbrella for inevitable showers.
    
    
  • Amsterdam weather in September can be even more unpredictable than usual. As seasons change, temperatures dip; but there are also occasional summer-like days. Be prepared to be hot or cold, wet or dry!
    
    Unlike much of the United States (where summer can reach well into October), September in Amsterdam is more fall-like. Night winds can be quite cool.
  
  
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  
  • September 1 - 6:52 a.m. / 8:29 p.m.
    
    
  • September 30 - 7:40 a.m. / 7:21 p.m.

September 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 clothing: The best way to deal with Amsterdam's ever-changing weather is to layer your clothes. Bring a light sweater to warm up when the sun goes down (or behind a cloud).
  
  
• 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. Forego sandals -- your toes will likely be chilly!
  
  
• Day bag/pack: You'll need something to hold your layers, among other things.

September Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  Note: While many of these event Web sites are only available in Dutch, their program guides, maps and schedules can still be quite helpful to English speakers.
  
  
  • Bloemencorso Aalsmeer
    Annual; first weekend in September
    Themed floats and cars dripping with flowers parade from Aalsmeer to Amsterdam and back. Evening viewing is especially charming.
    
    
  • Seven Bridges Jazz Festival
    Annual; first Saturday in September
    The picturesque Reguliersgracht canal (its seven bridges give the event its name) is the site of this one-day, free music festival.
    
    
  • Open Monumentdagen
    Annual; weekend in early September
    From churches to monumental music halls, dozens of historic buildings that aren't usually open to the public invite visitors during these "open monument days."
    
    
  • International Gaudeamus Music Week
    Annual; early September
    The Gaudeamus Foundation holds a competition as part of its celebration of young composers in contemporary music.
    
    
  • Jordaan Festival
    Annual; third weekend in September
    Since the '70s, this genuine and colorful people's festival has been drawing locals and visitors to the streets of the former working-class (and now hippest) Amsterdam neighborhood; they come to hear entertainingly cheesy singers belt out traditional Dutch "woe is me" ballads.
    
    
  • Dam to Dam Run
    Annual; third Sunday in September
    Some 30,000 runners, joggers and walkers turn out for the country's biggest running event, a 10-mile (16-km) course from Amsterdam to Zaandam, which includes a trip through the IJ tunnel (usually closed to pedestrians).
    
    
  • Robodock Festival
    Annual; late September
    Artists mix technology, theater, music, robots and other unexpected media at this international showcase of spectacle and innovation.
  
  
• 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.