Amsterdam in Autumn: Weather, Events, Activities & More!

Last Updated on October 15, 2025 by Lauren Allen

If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam in autumn, get ready for one of the cosiest city breaks of your life!

At this time of year, the crowds die down and the capital becomes a golden paradise. With hues of red and orange taking over the city, it’s one of the best times to explore this European gem. 

Not only are there fewer crowds (allowing for a more relaxed getaway), but it’s also more budget-friendly. Accommodation is much cheaper, so you can spend your hard-earned cash on fun experiences instead.

As someone who spends a lot of time in Amsterdam, I’ve been several times in September, October and November. This means I’m fully clued up on events, things to do and key information.

Despite autumn being the low season, you can still have a fabulous time full of exciting excursions, activities and museums galore. This guide will help you plan your ideal trip!

Wanna see the tulips? Read my guide to visiting Amsterdam in spring instead.

Amsterdam weather in autumn

With much cooler days, autumn is a good time to visit Amsterdam if you’re not a fan of hot weather. However, it can be unpredictable at the best of times. One minute, the sun is shining, and the next, it’s pouring down.

It’s also quite grey at this time of year, with an average of 10 – 12 rainy days per month. It won’t affect your trip too much (there’s loads to do in Amsterdam when it rains), but you should come prepared.

While you can expect milder days at the start of autumn, it gets much colder by the time November rolls around. Here are the average temperatures:

September:11-19°C – Mild days that are perfect for walking or cycling. Early September can feel summery.

October: 8-15°C – Crisp mornings and chilly evenings. Expect more frequent rainfall and sometimes heavy showers. Leaves are turning golden and red. Great for photography.

November: 4-10°C – Cold, damp, and often grey. A good time for indoor activities like museums, cafes, and canal-side bars. Bring warm clothes and waterproof shoes.

Top tip: Click on each month listed above to read my monthly Amsterdam city guides. They include more info regarding weather, what to pack, key events and landmarks you can’t miss in the Dutch capital.

Autumn events in Amsterdam

Here are some key events to check out on your seasonal adventure to Amsterdam:

Affordable Art Fair

Dates: 8th – 12th October

If you love art as much as I do, don’t skip the Affordable Art Fair. Throughout the event, countless international galleries display a large selection of impressive artworks to suit all kinds of tastes and budgets.

It’s a good place to buy art for your home, but there’s no need to make a purchase! Nothing is stopping you from just admiring the vast variety of amazing art – from paintings and sculptures to tactile textile pieces. You may even see some creatives hard at work.

Tickets will set you back around €17, but that’s cheaper than most big galleries in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Dance Event

Dates: 22nd – 26th October

Known as ADE, Amsterdam Dance Event is one of the biggest electronic music festivals and conferences globally. It’s not just about clubbing. It also offers workshops, panels and exhibitions that delve deep into the future of electronic music.

Even if you’re not a die-hard techno fan (I’m definitely not), it’s worth experiencing at least once just to see Amsterdam in full party mode.

Museum Night

Date: 1st November

Did you ever watch Night at the Museum? If so, you may be intrigued by Amsterdam Museum Night. Sadly, you won’t see any exhibits come to life, but it is one of the coolest times to explore some renowned attractions.

Running from 7pm until 2am on the 1st of November 2025, your wristband grants you access to participating museums on Museum Night. Throughout the night, you can enjoy live music, food, drink and much more.

Beyond that, you can also use it to visit additional museums (or revisit your faves) between 2nd November – 31st December 2025. As long as they’re included with the Netherlands Museum Pass, you’re good to go. However, there are a few exclusions, such as:

• Waag
• Portuguese Synagogue
• NXT Museum
• ARTIS Royal Zoo

At the time of writing, the program and ticket prices for Amsterdam Museum Night are unknown. Keep an eye on their official website for any updates.

International Documentary Film Festival

Dates: 12th – 23rd November

The International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam (IDFA) is one of the largest worldwide. During the event, you can watch hundreds of thought-provoking films that cover topics like politics, social issues, art and much more.

Screenings take place in iconic venues, which makes the whole thing even more memorable. Some are even shown outdoors!

If you’re a fan of films and documentaries, this is an event you can’t miss.

Sinterklaas Parade

Date: 16th November

Sinterklaas (the Dutch version of Santa) officially arrives in Amsterdam each November and they make a big deal of it! Each year, a parade runs through the IJ River and winds its way through the city, with Sinterklaas greeting excited crowds.

Even if you don’t have kids, the atmosphere is fantastic as the parade marks the start of the festive season in Amsterdam.

Things to do in Amsterdam in autumn

Looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam in fall? Consider adding the following to your itinerary: 

Visit world-class museums

Amsterdam is known for its museums and there are over 70 scattered throughout the city – wowzers! Not only are they a must-see for culture lovers, but they’re a great way to escape the rain.

Here are some museums to add to your Amsterdam bucket list:

• Rijksmuseum
• Anne Frank’s House
• Van Gogh Museum
• Our Lord in the Attic
• Stedelijk Museum
• Moco Museum
• Amsterdam Museum
• Straat Museum
• Rembrandt House Museum
• NEMO Science Museum

Honestly, this is just a small selection. I’ve been to all of these (plus many more) and there are still some I’m yet to visit.

If you’re a museum buff like me, it may be worth buying an Iamsterdam City Card or a Netherlands Museum Pass. Or, as I mentioned earlier, plan your trip during Amsterdam Museum Night.

Fancy getting off the beaten path? There are lots of unique museums in Amsterdam!

Hunt for Instagram spots

The golden hues of Amsterdam in autumn make stunning backdrops for photos. As you wander through the city, there are many pretty spots (and funky museums) to get your Instagram snaps, like: 

• Museumplein 
• The Damrak 
• The Nine Streets 
• NDSM Wharf
• Moco Museum 
• The Upside Down 
• Straat Museum 
• WONDR Experience

If it’s busy, you may need to be a little patient to avoid tons of people in your photos. They typically move on quite quickly, so it shouldn’t take too long. I’ve always been able to get lovely pictures on my trips!

Not good with a camera? Don’t fret! You can book professional photoshoots through Get Your Guide for Insta-ready shots. Prices vary and you can choose from a range of locations, including the Amsterdam canals, Zaanse Schans and the tulip gardens in Lisse (when they’re open).

Shop till you drop

Trust me when I say that Amsterdam is great for shopping. With countless shopping centres, boutique stores, homeware shops and more, you’ll find anything you could ever need or want. From vintage clothing and antique treasures to stunning art to hang in your home, this city has it all.

Some of the top shopping areas in Amsterdam are De Pijp, the Nine Streets, Magna Plaza and de Bijenkorf. Why not check them out for yourself? You deserve it (wink wink).

Escape the rain at cosy cafes

Hitting up homey cafes on a rainy day in Amsterdam in such a vibe. There’s nothing like sipping a toasty cup of hot chocolate as the rain comes crashing down! Luckily for you, there are plenty of nice cafes, such as:

• OSLO
• Screaming Beans
• Bocca Coffee
• Little Collins
• Toki
• YUSU

Or, if you’d prefer something a bit more authentic, head to a brown bar instead. I personally love Cafe Chris, Cafe Hoppe and Cafe Papeneiland.

Eat some comfort food

On a similar note, trying the local food is a must. Dutch food is delicious all year round, but it truly hits the spot in autumn. These hearty meals, snacks and desserts are sure to satisfy your taste buds:

• Stamppot: A traditional comfort food, stamppot is essentially mashed potatoes mixed with seasonal vegetables, often served with sausage. I order this every time I visit The Pantry (AKA my favourite restaurant in Amsterdam).
• Hutspot: Like stamppot but slightly different, hutspot is a mash of potatoes, carrots and onions, often slow-cooked for a rich, earthy flavour.
• Dutch fries: The fries from Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx are so tasty and you can choose from tons of toppings!
• Bittrballen: These are a must-try! I simply can’t visit the Netherlands without enjoying at least one portion of bitterballen. I usually buy them when I’m having a drink at a brown bar.
• Apple pie (appeltaart): Trust me, Dutch apple pie is a real treat.
• Poffertjes (mini pancakes): Fluffy pancakes served with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re seriously addictive!

Obviously, this list is not exhaustive, but these are some of my favourite foods to try in the Netherlands.

Admire the golden hues in Vondelpark

A stroll through Vonelpark is one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam. Take a leisurely walk while breathing in the crisp air of autumn nights.

It’s a blissful escape from bustling city life where you can appreciate your peaceful surroundings with a hot chocolate, tea or coffee in hand (let’s be honest, you’ll likely need one if it’s chilly).

If you don’t mind travelling further afield, you could also check out Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest). Surprisingly, it’s three times bigger than the world-famous Central Park and you could easily spend all day there.

Hop on a canal cruise

Going on a canal cruise in Amsterdam is one of the nicest ways to explore from a different perspective. In fact, I love it so much that I go on one almost every time I visit (and I go way more than the average tourist).

Not only will you learn unique facts, but you can also discover more things to add to your Amsterdam itinerary. And, because many boats have roofs, it doesn’t matter if it’s raining.

Celebrate Halloween in Amsterdam

Amsterdam likes any excuse for a celebration, so there are plenty of fun activities and events during Halloween. With spooky vibes all year long, Amsterdam Dungeon is a fab place to get into the festive spirit, with a bit of laughter thrown in for good measure.

If you’d prefer, you can party into the night at Westerunie. On the 1st November 2025, they’re running a themed party night called Alice in Horroland. Dress to impress in your scariest costume!

Tickets will set you back just under €37, but they promise to deliver a “twisted nightmare” that’s ideal for Halloween.

Take a day trip to Haarlem

There are countless day trip options from Amsterdam, but Haarlem is one of the easiest. Situated just 15 minutes away by train, you could be strolling through its cobblestoned streets in no time. Here are some suggestions for your day in Haarlem:

• Visit the Teylers Museum (the oldest museum in the Netherlands)
• Admire amazing art at the Frans Hals Museum
• Go on a tour of Windmill De Adriaan
• Cruise the canals
• Go shopping at boutique stores
• Walk through the historic Grote Markt
• Sip a beer inside an old church at the Jopen Brewery
• See the famous hiding place at the Corrie Ten Boom Museum

You won’t be able to squeeze all this into one day, but you can still get a feel for the city. Plus, nothing is stopping you from returning in the future!

If accommodation in Amsterdam is out of budget, you may want to base yourself in Haarlem instead. I’ve done this before, as it’s often much cheaper!

Tips for visiting Amsterdam

Here are some things to keep in mind for your upcoming getaway:

Pack warm clothes

The weather in Amsterdam is unpredictable, but packing warm clothing is essential. While you may get lucky with a bit of sunshine in September, it gets much colder in October and November. I always carry a jumper in my bag at this time of year, just in case it gets a bit chilly.

Also, it’s wise to bring a raincoat and umbrella as downpours are super common in autumn.

Wear comfy shoes

On a similar note, you should always pack comfy shoes for a holiday in Amsterdam. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be doing loads of walking and I typically do over 20,000 steps a day!

I’ve mentioned this before, but UIN travel shoes are my go-to – especially for city breaks. One of the first times I wore them, I spent a whole day in Rotterdam racking up 25,000+ steps and my feet didn’t hurt one bit. How good is that?

Consider buying an Iamsterdam City Card

Autumn is one of the best times to hit up Amsterdam’s top museums, especially on a rainy day. The Iamsterdam City Card can save you a ton of money by granting you free access to 70+ museums across the capital. You also get unlimited use of public transport, 24-hour bike rental, a free canal cruise and further discounts.

Priced between €65 and €135, they may seem expensive. But since tickets to many museums cost €15 – €20 (or more), it’s quite easy to get your money’s worth.

I’ve personally used this handy pass several times now and I’ve saved hundreds! Check out my full review of the Iamsterdam City Card for more info.

Book key attractions in advance

You can usually get away with last-minute bookings in autumn, but rubbish weather will make everyone want to head indoors. With this in mind, book big landmarks like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s House in advance.

FAQs about visiting Amsterdam during autumn

Conclusion

As you can see, autumn is a fab time to visit Amsterdam. From the many incredible events to unique attractions, a vibrant nightlife and everything in between, there’s lots to keep you busy at this time of year! 

The weather can be hit-and-miss, but plenty of indoor activities mean you can escape the rain and still have a good time. In fact, you could easily spend days (or even weeks) checking out the top art galleries, museums and cosy cafes.

And with fewer tourists around, it’s often much cheaper for budget travellers to visit Amsterdam in autumn. Add in the golden canals, comforting Dutch food and the buzz of seasonal festivals, and you’ll have everything you need for a truly memorable trip.

Heading to the city for the festive period? Here are some must-do activities in Amsterdam during winter.