Amsterdam in August: Weather, Events and More!

Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by Lauren Allen

Wondering what it’s like to explore Amsterdam in August? In my opinion, it’s one of the best times to visit the Dutch capital. It’s pretty lively at any time of the year, but the atmosphere can’t be beat in peak summer.

Not only can you take advantage of more daylight, but you can also enjoy some incredible sunsets and participate in many outdoor activities. With picturesque canals, beautiful buildings and a huge range of attractions, Amsterdam is the perfect spot for a summer break.

As someone who spends a lot of time in the city, I’ve been on a few August getaways to this European gem. This means I’m fully clued up on the weather you can expect, what to pack, fun-filled events and much more.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to plan your ideal trip.

A quick note: This article was originally written as a guest post by Charlotte from The Geo Room in 2023. However, it has since been updated (and rewritten) by Lauren for 2025 with additional tips and information.

Is August a good time to visit Amsterdam?

Whether or not you should visit Amsterdam in August comes down to personal preference. If you’d like a bustling atmosphere with loads to do and several events, it’s a great time to visit Amsterdam.

That said, August is one of the busiest months. World-famous events like Pride mean that hotels massively increase prices, which means you likely won’t be able to find a cheap place to stay in Amsterdam.

Plus, the crowds are wild at this time of year, so you won’t like it if you’re after a more relaxed holiday with fewer tourists. If that’s the case, you may want to consider visiting Amsterdam in autumn or winter instead, when it’s much quieter.

Is Amsterdam expensive in August?

I’ve touched on this already, but August is one of the most expensive times to visit Amsterdam, as accommodation costs are much higher. Regardless, there are ways to cut costs. For example, you can take advantage of free attractions, eat affordable meals and stay a bit further afield.

In fact, on one of my previous trips to the Netherlands, I booked a hotel in Haarlem and saved hundreds on the cost of accommodation. As long as you’re willing to make a few sacrifices, it’s possible to visit Amsterdam on a budget at any time of year!

Amsterdam weather in August 

In August, the weather in Amsterdam is often warm and sunny. However, I know from experience that unexpected downpours are quite common. On a previous two-week trip, it rained (and sometimes even poured down) almost every day.

The average temperatures sit between 13°C and 22°C. This weather is ideal for a city break as it’s not too hot for outdoor activities, but it can be colder in the evening. With all this in mind, you should pack a mix of clothes for different temperatures and bring something that’s waterproof!

Amsterdam can get over 15 hours of daylight in early August and around 13.5 hours of daylight each day towards the end of the month. If you’re a solo traveller who wants to avoid being out after dark, this means you can squeeze in more sightseeing before retreating to your hotel.  

What to pack for visiting Amsterdam in August 

Figuring out what to pack for a trip all depends on what type of activities you plan on doing. It also depends on how long you plan to spend outdoors.

Clothes to pack

As previously mentioned, the weather in Amsterdam in August is often warm and pleasant, meaning you can pack light. But it’s worth packing layers and additional supplies just in case it rains. Here’s what I suggest:

• Linen/lightweight trousers or culottes
• T-shirts, shirts and tops
• Shorts, skirts and pretty dresses
• Light cardigans and jumpers
• A raincoat (in case you get unlucky)
• Socks and underwear
• Nightwear

In terms of accessories, don’t forget some sunnies, an umbrella, bags, scarves and anything else you want to feel like the true fashionista you are!

Amsterdam is super walkable and it’s often easier to walk than take public transport. For this reason, you’ll want a pair of comfortable shoes like trainers or flats. For the last few years, UIN shoes have been my absolute go-to! I wear them almost every day when I’m on the road.

Essentials for a trip to Amsterdam

Here are some more essentials you’ll need for your holiday:

• Your passport and travel documents
• Any pre-booked tickets
• Your phone, camera and chargers
• Toiletries and medicines
• A towel

When it comes to money, card payments are widely accepted. However, you may need cash for things like public toilets, buying souvenirs at small market stalls or tipping in Amsterdam. If you travel a lot, I highly recommend using Monzo as they have no foreign transaction fees. 

When you’re out and about for most of the day, there are a few things to consider packing. A light backpack or bag to keep your phone and money safe is ideal. It’s also handy for carrying around other items you might need during the day, like a portable charger, snacks and water.

Amsterdam events in August

August is one of the best months to visit Amsterdam if you’re looking for events! There are several events and festivals throughout the year, with new ones cropping up here and there. These should be on your radar: 

Amsterdam Pride | 26th July – 3rd August

One of the largest celebrations is Pride. In fact, one of my favourite things about Amsterdam (and the Netherlands as a whole) is how accepting they are of all sexualities and identities. Pride is so huge that people travel from many countries worldwide to get involved.

It’s also one of the biggest Pride events across the globe, with street parties and club events. The huge canal parade attracts thousands of attendees who are happy to appreciate love in all forms. What a breath of fresh air!

I was in Amsterdam for Pride a couple of years back and the vibe was amazing. With drinks flowing and loads of vibrant costumes, it was hard not to smile – even though it was raining (I told you it often rains).

Movies @ H’ART Museum | 6th – 26th August

Who doesn’t love a good film in the open air? Well, you’re in luck because H’ART are back for another year with their outdoor movie nights.

Running between the 6th and 26th of August, they’re showing films like Up, Into the Wild and Thelma & Louise. While some tickets have sold out, it’s worth checking what’s available via their website.

Dance Valley Festival | 9th August

Just outside of Amsterdam, the Dance Valley Festival runs every year. It’s the biggest and most popular dance music festival in the Netherlands and draws huge crowds. The 2025 headliners are Boris Brejcha, Martin Garrix and Tiësto.

And despite its location in Spaarnwoude, there are buses from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to and from the festival, making it super easy to get to if you’re staying in the city centre. 

Grachtenfestival | 15th – 24th August

The Grachtenfestival is another of Amsterdam’s biggest events. It celebrates all things classical music and allows smaller artists to perform and build a name for themselves. The performers are mainly young people waiting to be discovered for their musical talents.  

Plus, the shows are held at some impressive venues, including the iconic Vondelpark, historical hotels and the Oosterkerk.

Sail Amsterdam | 20th – 24th August

Sail Amsterdam is back for its 10th edition in 2025, running between the 20th and 24th of August. This popular event is a huge celebration of maritime history and it only runs once every five years, so it’s well worth checking out if that’s your kinda thing!

During the event, countless ships and other vessels will sail across the IJ and dock near the heart of the city. Visitors can also enjoy maritime-focused live performances and concerts.

Things to do in Amsterdam in August 

Here are the top activities and attractions to try in August:

Join a walking tour

I’m a firm believer that a walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know a new destination. If you’re looking for free activities in Amsterdam, this is a great option. While you could book a paid walking tour if you’re interested in a more specialist topic, tip-based tours are good for budget travellers.

Amsterdam walking tours often start in Dam Square and stop by many historical or famous sites. As they’re often run by locals, you can also ask questions to help you plan the rest of your trip. For example, you could ask them about their favourite restaurant in Amsterdam or any hidden gems they’d recommend.

Xtracold Ice Bar

If it’s unbearably hot in the city, escape the heat at the Xtracold Ice Bar. The bar is made entirely of ice, which even includes the cups that you drink from. Cool huh?

The bar is kept at a temperature well below freezing, but don’t worry – you’ll be provided with some thermal clothing to stop you from shivering. 

Go on a canal cruise

If you’re treated to nice weather, August is the perfect time for a canal cruise. They allow you to see Amsterdam from a unique perspective and discover interesting facts.

Those Dam Boat Guys come highly rated. Their smaller boats mean you tour with only a handful of other people, which makes it far easier to ask the skipper questions.

However, there are countless options for canal tours in Amsterdam, from cheese and wine tours to booze cruises. Just pick whichever one takes your fancy!

Try authentic Dutch food

Trying local foods while travelling is one of the best ways to experience the culture. In the Netherlands, stamppot, stroopwafels and bitterballen are some of my fave dishes. You can also try things like raw herring, pea soup and much more.

You could easily eat these at some of Amsterdam’s top restaurants, but food tours are another option. They’re a fab way to discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss, from tiny family-run bakeries to bustling street markets. And having a guide means you’ll learn the stories behind each dish.

This foodie tour of Amsterdam includes tastings, but you’ll also stop by must-see landmarks like the Royal Palace and Anne Frank’s House.

Visit Albert Cuyp Market

Summer is a good season to stroll through Albert Cuyp Market – one of the coolest markets in Amsterdam. You’ll find everything from fresh flowers and seasonal fruit to clothing, souvenirs and tasty food.

This is one of the best spots to try warm stroopwafels, fresh herring or a portion of kibbeling (battered fried fish) while soaking up the vibe. Located in De Pijp, you’ll also find some of Amsterdam’s top vintage shops nearby.

Explore popular museums

If you need a break from the summer sun or just fancy a moment of culture, head to one of Amsterdam’s many museums. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s House are the most visited, but you’ll likely need to pre-book tickets in advance for August.

Alternatively, you can hit up some of the Dutch capital’s most unusual museums, such as Museum Vrolik, The Mouse Mansion or Museum Tot Zover. I’ve been to all three and they’re much quieter than most other attractions in Amsterdam.

More interested in art? Then visit the Stedelijk Museum or Moco Museum to get your fix.

Go on a day trip

Let me tell you, there is much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. If you’re staying for more than a few days, you could easily venture into the countryside or visit other cities like Leiden, Delft, Utrecht and Rotterdam.

If you want to learn more about Dutch culture, I highly recommend a trip to Zaanse Schans. Or if it’s nice enough for a beach day, make your way to Zandvoort.

Ultimately, the possibilities are endless! I’ve been on so many day trips from Amsterdam, but there are still countless destinations on my bucket list.

This guide covers how to spend a day in Rotterdam.

FAQs

Conclusion

August is a great month to visit Amsterdam. The weather is (typically) at its best and the city is full of life. There’s so much to do all year round, but it’s so much more fun when the sun is shining.

Aside from world-class events, Amsterdam is bursting with museums and attractions, meaning you’ll never run out of ways to fill your itinerary. Even if you’re visiting Amsterdam for a week, you won’t get bored! You can admire famous art, delve deep into the city’s past and much more.

Trust me, the atmosphere is truly amazing and you’re sure to have a blast!

Need more inspiration for activities? Check out the top 10 things to do in Amsterdam!