Spring in Amsterdam

When spring is in the air Amsterdam transforms itself into colour – crocuses, hyacinths, daffodils and tulips bloom in every garden and park. Locals pick their favourite outdoor café and bask in the sun. Be prepared to give up an hour’s sleep on the last Sunday in March when clocks are put forward one hour. Spring is an excellent time to visit Amsterdam partly because of the mild weather, partly because of the cultural events

Amsterdam in Spring

Spring is the start of the tourist season and an excellent time to visit Amsterdam. Days are usually mild with a nip in the air in the morning, yet be prepared for any type of weather from scudding clouds to hot sunny days. You will need a light coat, and sometimes an umbrella. This time of year average high is 12.8°C (55°F), average low 3.3°C (38°F), average precipitation 53 mm (2.1 inch). Prices of flights and accommodation are still reasonably low, especially mid-week. Keep your eyes on low-cost airlines, Ryanair, AirBerlin, Wizzair or Easy Jet, although not all of these arrive and depart from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Amsterdam Spring Festivals

Easter

Good Friday is a normal working day, although some shops may close earlier. Easter Monday is a day off for most of the country. Offices, banks, post offices are closed. Easter is travel weekend for the Dutch, and trains may be full and expect tailbacks at the motorways. Shops in Amsterdam centre are open during Easter.

King’s Day 27 April

Largest outdoor party of the year, not only in Amsterdam but throughout the Netherlands. Don orange and be Dutch among the Dutch. Flea market pops up on every street, and all major squares and parks fill with stages and events.

Keukenhof Flower Garden

Keukenhof showcases several million blooming bulbs in its spectacular park and a huge number of floral displays in its indoor pavilions. Keukenhof can be reached on a day trip from Amsterdam.

Book Week

Dutch Book Week promotes Dutch-language literature, but also offers anyone who buys a Dutch book free travel on the last day of the festival week.

Tulip Festival

During the month of April 400,000 tulips can be seen in public places in Amsterdam – in street, squares, and gardens but also in museums, private homes and other institutions.