Summer activities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam weather in summer

Most Amsterdammers would agree that the summer is the best time to visit the city! Since there are not that many sunny days, the locals appreciate the rays so much more! The average temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius. Do not get too excited, there are still 9 to 10 rainy days per summer-month on average. It is still hard to predict the Dutch weather, but your chances of nice weather (and even heatwaves) are a lot higher from June to August!

How do I get ready for my summer adventure in Amsterdam?

Prepare for the crowds, this is the high season! The kids in the Netherlands have their summer break, like in most of the European countries. Make your reservations for museums, restaurants and attractions in advance to be sure of a spot.

Your Explore Pass lets you reserve activities before you arrive, guaranteeing you can visit attractions on your preferred dates and times. By planning your itinerary in advance, you can relax and enjoy your trip without any worries once you get to the city.

Festivals everywhere!

Sun’s out, it is time to go out and dance! Whatever you are into, you will find a festival with your type of music in and around Amsterdam.

If you are in Amsterdam in summer, the gay pride canal parade can not be missed! The whole city turns into a open air festival.With music coming from the boats on the canals, the street parties and the parties after dark at the Regulierdwarsstraat, the gay stret.

Read more about the in this blogpost by Tours & Tickets for more insights.

Canal-Side Serenades: The Grachtenfestival

Amsterdam’s iconic canals become the stage for the Grachtenfestival (usually held in mid-August). Over three days, the city’s waterways come alive with classical music performances on floating stages. Pack a picnic basket, grab a spot along the canal bank, and lose yourself in the enchanting melodies.

Let’s go to the beach-each

You probably did not book a trip to Amsterdam to visit the beach, but in a sea-country as small as the Netherlands, a beach is always nearby! From the city, the easiest – and most visited – beach is Zandvoort, now dubbed: Amsterdam Beach. It can get very warm in summer, and this country is build for cold not heat, so the dune beaches of the Dutch coast proof to be an excellent option to cool down. Hop into the beach clubs when the sun is down and dance the summer-night away!

Must-visit attractions this summer

There are some attractions you do not want to miss when you are in Amsterdam, no matter the season. The Amsterdam Icebar proofs to be a destination for every season, it is always winter in there!

The Artis Royal Zoo really alive during summer! Walk around the beautiful park and watch the animals enjoy the nice weather too.

An Amsterdam activity list is not complete without mentioning a canal cruise. However for summer, opt for the semi-open boat. Soaking in the sun rays and the amazing views!

Terrassen!

As soon as the sun is out, it is time to sit on a terrace. It might be hard to find a spot in the sun, because all the Amsterdammers will be looking for it! But walk around the restaurants and cafés and you will find a cute sunny spot for your people-watching.