Is December rainy in Amsterdam?

Yes, December in Amsterdam is generally quite rainy, cold, and dark, with average temperatures hovering between 2°C and 6°C. Rainfall is frequent, with roughly 67-84mm falling throughout the month. Expect cloudy, damp, and windy conditions, though snow is possible but not guaranteed. Key December Weather Details:

Does it rain in Amsterdam in December?

December in Amsterdam is a relatively gloomy month with short daylight hours. The city experiences an average of 2 hours of sunshine per day, so it's important to make the most of daylight during your visit. Amsterdam also receives around 67mm (2.6 inches) of rainfall spread over 20 days in December.

Is it worth going to Amsterdam in December?

There is NO bad time to visit Amsterdam. The prices in December for airfare and lodgings will be far less than Summer, and less crowds. In December there will be the beauty of Holiday decorations and lights everywhere and it's a great place to do Holiday Shopping for gifts.

Which is the rainiest month in Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the summer months when you can make the most temperatures around 20 - 22 °C and 7 daily hours of sunshine. Earlier summer is likely to see drier weather with August actually the wettest month of the year.

How to dress in Amsterdam in December?

If it's freezing you'll want to dress in layers, with gloves, a knit cap and woolen socks if it gets really cold. However, there is usually little freezing in December in practice. There's actually a fair chance rain clothes are more important than warm clothes. You can buy a reasonable set at HEMA for € 15 IIRC.

The Dutch Secret to Staying Calm in Insane Times

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.

What is the wettest city in Europe?

Securing the number one spot as the rainiest city in Europe is Bergen in Norway! Topping the data table for being both the city with the highest average rain days per month (12.7) as well as the highest average daily rainfall (8.8mm), Bergen is the outright rainiest city in Europe. But don't let this put you off!

When not to visit Amsterdam?

Best and worst times to visit Amsterdam. Dutch weather is very unpredictable all year around but generally speaking I don't recommend January or February because it's cold, dark and grey. And the chance of seeing snow is actually very small. It's just going to be windy and rainy.

Can I see tulips in Amsterdam in December?

Best time to see tulips in Amsterdam

Don't expect to see any tulip fields in December, January, or February. While it's very rare, you might get lucky and see a blooming tulip field in March. The blooming of Holland's flower fields is weather-dependent.

What is the most Christmassy town in the Netherlands?

Did you know that in 2025, Christmas Town Valkenburg received the award for Best Christmas Parade in Europe, Best Christmas Market in the Netherlands and placed 7th in the competition for European's Best Christmas Market.

Is 3 days in Amsterdam too long?

No, 3 days in Amsterdam is not too long; it's often considered the perfect amount of time for a first visit, allowing you to see major highlights like museums and canals, explore different neighborhoods, and still have time to relax, though you'll need to plan efficiently if you want to fit in day trips. The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to experience its key attractions without feeling rushed, but a longer stay allows for a more leisurely pace or deeper exploration.
 

Does it rain more in Amsterdam or London?

It's for rainfall and, surprisingly, the UK is far nearer the bottom than the top when it comes to revealing the wettest capital cities in Europe. There are 44 capital cities listed and London is right down there at 37, way below the likes of Rome, Lisbon, Istanbul and Amsterdam.

What is the gloomiest city in Europe?

Shortest Day of the Year

In terms of hours of sunlight, Glasgow is the most overcast city under consideration. Hamburg, home to the Statista headquarters, also makes it into the 'top' ten. This chart shows the European cities with the lowest annual average hours of sunshine.

Is Amsterdam really cold in December?

Amsterdam's winter weather will be the most challenging part of any December visit for anyone not used to harsh winters. Expect it to be cold and wet, dress appropriately, and you'll be fine. Temperatures range from highs around 43°F to lows that dip to 36°F.

Is Amsterdam a rainy city?

When Is Rainy Season? While spring is the driest season of the year, fall is the wettest, and windiest. The wind makes a good raincoat a better choice than an umbrella. However, Amsterdam is well prepared for its climate, and indoor entertainment ranges from warm cafés to fascinating European museums.

What is the 30 rule in Amsterdam?

The 30% ruling means that 30% of the gross salary can be paid out tax-free as a non-taxable allowance. This is intended to cover the additional costs an international employee incurs when working and living in the Netherlands. The most common way this scheme is applied is by reducing the employee's gross salary by 30%.

What not to bring to Amsterdam?

What not to pack for a trip to Amsterdam

• Blowdryer (if you have a different plug type than the EU): These little machines will often burn out if you try to use them with a classic travel adaptor. ...
• Stiletto heel: Not all high heels are the same. ...
• Over-the-counter medicine: ...
• Cash: ...
• Pocket knives:

What is the Dutch three kiss rule?

The 3 kisses

The Dutch greet close friends and family with three kisses. The tradition goes like this: women kiss each other on the cheeks—first on the right, then the left, and back to the right. Men shake hands with each other and then kiss women lightly on the right, left, and right cheek.