Amsterdam is famous for many things, but great weather isn’t one of them. The climate is mild but unpredictable, and a rain storm can come out of nowhere even on the sunniest days. Winters in Amsterdam are typically wet and rather miserable, but during the summer months, visitors have a decent chance of seeing some sunshine.

Tourist Season

The weather does little to prevent tourists flocking here all year round, but the busiest months are June, July and August. During these times,  prices spiral and accommodation can be thin on the ground. Avoid high sumer and you’ll have much more elbow room. Amsterdam has an impressive array of galleries, museums and, of course, those infamous coffee shops, so there are plenty of places to take shelter from the rain should the weather take a turn for the worse. Amsterdam rarely sees real temperature extremes, with temperatures averaging around 22 degrees in summer and rarely falling much  below zero in winter. Autumn and spring typically mild and damp.

Festival Fever

There are stacks of arts and entertainment festivals in Amsterdam, and no matter what  time of year you visit, you’re likely to find something going on in this city. Clubbers should make a point of visiting during mid October, when some 30,000 people flock to what is possibly the world’s biggest clubbing get together. The World Dance Event, may be a little uninspired, but with conferences, workshops and hundreds of big name DJs, this is a key event on the clubbing calendar. Amsterdam Gay Pride, in early August, is another colorful event, and Queen’s Day on April 30 is riotously celebrated with street parties the night before. During October and November, a series of art-based festivals helps the city take its collective mind off the chilly temperatures. New Year’s Eve is also a big deal in Amsterdam, with the city transformed into a  champers-fueled street party.

Bargain Breaks

Visitors looking for cheap holidays in Amsterdam will find the best time to come is during the winter low season (December to March). Wrap up warm against the chilly weather and take advantage of good off-season deals on flights and accommodation in Amsterdam while beating the tourist hordes.