Amsterdam enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate that…just kidding! Amsterdam weather, due to its location on the North Sea, somewhat in the North Sea, means temperatures and forecasts can swing dramatically. Cold, wet, fierce storms blow in from the North Sea seemingly out of nowhere.

In short, Amsterdam’s weather is unpredictable. It’s best to keep an eye on forecasts immediately before and during your trip. That said, here’s a look at Amsterdam’s seasonal weather with corresponding clothing recommendations. Just don’t go writing any of this into stone…

Amsterdam weather in summer

In general, summer in Amsterdam is warm, but not uncomfortably hot or humid. However, there are occasionally days when you could be sweating. Rain is common in Amsterdam in the summer, which can make planning outdoor activities a bit dicey.

• Average temperature: 69 degrees Fahrenheit / 21 degrees Celsius
• Average precipitation: 186 millimeters from June-August
• Average daylight hours: 16.25 hours

What to wear: If you’re wondering how to dress in Amsterdam, you should know that Amsterdam clothing is typically pretty casual. Summer is a good time to wear shorts, skirts, t-shirts and dresses in Amsterdam. Toward the beginning of summer, it’s also a good idea to bring along jeans and a light jacket or sweatshirt. Because Amsterdam rain falls erratically, an umbrella is also an essential part of your summer wardrobe.

Amsterdam weather in fall

Fall in Amsterdam starts out on a pleasant note with the warmth and sunshine of summer sticking around. However, as the season progresses, the weather grows colder, wetter, windier and grayer. In mid-to-late fall, Amsterdam begins to see its first night frosts.

• Average temperature: 58 degrees Fahrenheit / 14 degrees Celsius
• Average precipitation: 219 millimeters from September-November
• Average daylight hours: 10.5 hours

What to wear: In an already wet city, fall is easily the wettest time in Amsterdam. Arrive prepared with rain gear, waterproof shoes and extra socks. A sturdy umbrella is also a good idea, as harsh winds can mangle cheap ones. Temperatures can fluctuate but tend to be on the colder side. Fall is a good time to dress in layers, such as jeans with a light sweater and a jacket.

Amsterdam weather in winter

Winter weather in Amsterdam tends to be quite cold and windy. However, this can vary depending on which way the winds are blowing. Winds from the west can bring warmer temperatures, but winds from the east can make it terribly cold. There is quite a bit of precipitation, including snow, rain and sleet. While precipitation falls frequently, the amounts per occurrence tend to stay low.

• Average temperature: 43 degrees Fahrenheit / 6 degrees Celsius
• Average precipitation: 177mm from December-February
• Average daylight hours: 8 hours

What to wear: Amsterdam weather becomes bitingly cold in winter. The Amsterdam climate is still quite wet in winter, so a waterproof jacket and shoes are essential. To keep yourself protected against the cold, pack warm sweaters, a hat, a scarf and gloves, as well as thick long pants.

Amsterdam weather in spring

Spring starts out rather cold, with temperatures similar to those of the winter months. Amsterdam sometimes experiences light snow in the early days of spring. However, April and May are typically some of the most pleasant months in Amsterdam, with warm temperatures, sunshine and brilliantly long days.

• Average temperature: 56 degrees Fahrenheit / 13 degrees Celsius
• Average precipitation: 159 millimeters from March-May
• Average daylight hours: 13.5 hours

What to wear: Spring is an erratic time for Amsterdam weather. Temperatures vary significantly, so dress in layers. A good mix is jeans with a t-shirt and a sweater and/or jacket on top so you can add and take away layers when the weather changes. Spring is also very wet, so an umbrella or other rain gear is a good idea.

Umbrella. Rain gear. Are you seeing the pattern?