Amsterdam in June 2026: Weather, Events & Activities

Last Updated on May 24, 2026 by Lauren Allen

Heading to Amsterdam in June? Fabulous choice. It’s one of my favourite times to visit the Dutch capital.

With long days, outdoor festivals and canalside drinks in the sun, Amsterdam feels especially lively in June. You can even spend full days outside without freezing your bum off… bonus. That said, it can also get quite busy.

I’ve been to Amsterdam countless times (including a few June getaways) and I know from experience that planning your trip can get overwhelming. This is especially true if it’s your first time. With so many amazing attractions, it’s hard to know what is (or isn’t) worth doing.

Luckily for you, I’ve gained tons of first-hand knowledge over the past few years. From cruising through the city on canal tours to hitting up almost every museum in Amsterdam, there isn’t much I haven’t done.

In this guide, I’ll tell you exactly how to dodge the summer crowds, cut costs and make the most of your time in this vibrant European destination. Happy planning!

Is June a good time to visit Amsterdam?

In my honest opinion, summer is one of the best times to explore Amsterdam. And I say that as someone who has spent a lot of time there. I touched on this earlier, but better weather means it’s a good time to enjoy outdoor activities and al fresco dining.

It’s also the start of festival season, with many fun-filled events to check out (more on this later).

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows…

Is Amsterdam busy in June?

June is also one of the most popular times to visit Amsterdam, which means it can get seriously crowded. To avoid this, consider:

• Timing things well: As a general rule, most museums are quieter in the morning or a few hours before closing time. Tourist hotspots like the Van Gogh Museum will always be rammed, though.
• Discovering hidden gems: Most people stick to the main attractions, but Amsterdam is FULL of quirky museums. I love them, but it blows my mind how under the radar they are. I went to the Pipe Museum once and there was literally one other person there. Wild.
• Skipping weekends: While Amsterdam is busy most days, weekdays can feel a little calmer.

Top tip: If you have your heart set on visiting specific museums, bars and restaurants, book them several weeks in advance. For Anne Frank’s House, you need to book 6 weeks before, but 2-3 weeks before should be enough for everything else.

Is Amsterdam expensive in June?

I’m not gonna sugarcoat it, Amsterdam is expensive and the cost of hotels and flights can surge in summer. For example, a basic hotel room can set you back about €130 a night in June. Yikes.

If you wanna bag the best flight deals, I recommend booking 6-8 weeks in advance – sometimes even sooner.

Having said that, it’s not actually impossible to visit Amsterdam on a budget. Here are just some of the ways I’ve saved money in the past:

• Booking dorm rooms: There are some fab hostels in Amsterdam (Clink Noord is my top choice). Sharing a room with strangers isn’t as scary as it may sound, I promise.
• Staying outside of the city centre: I’ve previously stayed in Haarlem in tulip season and literally saved hundreds compared to accommodation in Amsterdam. No joke.
• Buying food from Albert Heijn: This will save you some cash compared to eating out. I absolutely love the baked goods section.
• Doing alllllll of the free things: You can avoid spending your life savings (lol, so dramatic) by taking advantage of the free things to do in Amsterdam.

In June 2024, I also spent two weeks pet sitting in Monnickendam, which is just 20 minutes from Amsterdam by bus. As you can imagine, I saved hundreds (if not more) by getting free accommodation. Plus, I got cuddles with a furry friend! If you like animals, you may wanna look into this yourself.

What is the weather like in Amsterdam in June?

While the weather is typically brighter in June, that really isn’t guaranteed. Remember that two-week trip I mentioned earlier? It rained nearly every day. I’m not just talking little showers either; it absolutely poured down.

That said, I do think I got unlucky that time around. The year before, I spent a few days exploring the wider regions of Amsterdam in June and it was very sunny indeed (as you can see from the photos below).

Average temperatures in Amsterdam range from 11°C to 20°C at this time of year, but you should always come prepared for rain.

In terms of daylight, you can expect blue (or grey, let’s be honest) skies for roughly 16.5 hours a day. The sun usually sets around 10pm.

Amsterdam packing list for June

With highs of around 20°C, packing layers is key. Here’s what I recommend packing for a holiday to Amsterdam in June:

• Lightweight tops like t-shirts or blouses
• Cute dresses and skirts
• Trousers, shorts, jeans or culottes
• Comfortable shoes, trainers or sandals for hot days
• A light jumper, cardigan or hoody for cold evenings
• A waterproof jacket (this is an absolute must)
• Accessories like belts, jewellery and sunglasses
• Underwear and socks
• Swimwear
• PJs

You’ll also want to pack the following essentials:

• Your passport and documents
• Electronics like your phone and camera
• Purse/wallet, money and cards (I recommend using Monzo abroad)
• A small backpack, tote or handbag for day-to-day use
• Pre-booked tickets for tours and attractions
• Power adapters
• A portable charger
• Toiletries
• Medication
• A water bottle
• An umbrella
• A towel

Don’t stress if you forget anything, though – there are plenty of shops in Amsterdam.

UIN travel shoes are my go-to when I’m on a city break!

June events in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s calendar is packed in June. Maybe some of these events will take your fancy…

Holland Festival | 3rd – 28th June

Holland Festival is one of the coolest ways to see the more cultural side of Amsterdam. Each June, countless venues host a mix of theatre, opera, dance, film, music and visual arts shows, so there’s lots going on if you want something to do beyond the main sights.

On the Roof | From 5th June

Starting on the 5th and June and running through til the end of August, On the Roof is a music festival held at HoogtIJ in Amsterdam Noord (AKA the most hip neighbourhood in the city).

The following shows are happening this June:

• 5th June: Izaline Calister Quintet
• 11th June: The Nordanians
• 25th June: Pablo & Helena Casella
• 25th June: Golek – Heine – Roelofs

If you’re partial to a bit of live music as the sun goes down, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Standard tickets cost €27 (which includes a €1 fee), but you can also get a discount with a CJP or student card.

Red Light Jazz Festival | 5th – 7th June

Taking place in the heart of De Wallen, Red Light Jazz is a longstanding three-day music festival. In 2026, you can watch shows from the likes of Hans Dulfer, Vanilla Caliente and Mark Beebe Trio.

The best part is that most of these shows are completely free to attend. This is perfect if you’re visiting Amsterdam on the cheap, but still wanna experience its rich culture.

Films With A View | 6th and 9th of June

Films With A View is one of the many events held by Pllek in the summer. You can opt to watch either ‘Sing Sing’ on the 6th or ‘Splitsville’ on the 9th.

Tickets are just under €11 when you book online and while you can buy them on the beach before the movie begins, they can sell out fast (don’t say I didn’t warn ya). Just so you know, the films will only show during dry weather.

Art Battle Pllek | 7th June

If ya like art as much as I do, Art Battle Pllek will be right up your street. In rounds of just 20 minutes, you’ll watch talented creatives produce impressive paintings right in front of your eyes. As part of the audience, you also get to choose a winner! Pretty fun, huh?

In 2026, the event takes place on the 7th of June from 7pm – 11pm with tickets starting from €15.

Tropikali Festival | 13th June

As the first country to legalize same sex marriage, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam holds several LGBTQIA+ events annually. Aside from WorldPride (which tends to start at the end of July), Tropikali Festival is one of the biggest parties of the year.

Running between noon and 11pm on the 13th of June, you can check out 50+ performers, DJs and drag acts across NDSM in Amsterdam Noord. It’s a fab way to express yourself and have a nice time, especially if the sun is shining!

If you’re heading to Amsterdam in August, you can also get your dancing shoes on for Tropikali by Night at the iconic Paradiso.

Open Garden Days | 19th – 21st June

This is one of my all-time fave events in Amsterdam! Open Garden Days gives you the chance to peek inside some of the city’s prettiest gardens – many of which are typically closed to the public.

Tickets for this three-day event will set you back €27.50, but you can get a €2.50 discount by pre-ordering from the Museum Van Loon shop before the 18th of June (who doesn’t love a discount?!).

Between the 19th and 21st of June, you can buy passes at the following locations:

• Museum Van Loon
• Willet-Holthuysen House
• Amnesty International
• Huis Marseille

Once you have your pass, you can wander between the different gardens at your own pace. I’ve personally been to Museum Van Loon, Huis Marseille and Willet-Holthuysen House and their green spaces feel like a blissful escape from the chaos of the city centre.

Getting to stroll through private gardens that are usually closed to the public is even better. Believe me when I say that this is well worth adding to your Amsterdam itinerary.

Bite of Amsterdam | 19th – 21st June

Bite of Amsterdam is a must-do for foodies visiting Amsterdam this summer. Located in Amstelpark, it’s an open-air event where tons of chefs and restaurants come together to serve tasting menus, small plates and all sorts of delicious dishes.

Ticket-wise, you can either buy:

• Day tickets: This ticket pays for admission into the event, but you will need to pay for any food you want to try (card only). Discounts are available if you’re buying tickets for four people.
• Flex tickets: Ideal if you’re not sure which day you’d like to visit.
• The Amusetour: Discover 8 restaurants/pavilions with yummy food, paired wine options and information from the chef.
• Chef’s Table Michelin or Chef’s Table Spotlights: Treat yourself to a three-course meal at one of the Chef’s Tables.

Looking for more great eats? I don’t blame you. Here are the highly-rated restaurants in Amsterdam.

Bacchus Winefestival | Two weekends in June

I don’t need an excuse to spend hours sipping wine in the sun, but Bacchus Winefestival would be a good one if I did… This year, it takes place on the following dates:

• 5th – 7th June
• 12th – 14th June

Flex tickets and early bird tickets have already sold out, but you can still bag regular tickets for €20, which include entry and a Bacchus wine glass. You can also buy tickets at the door, but these are subject to availability and cost an extra €5.

Located in Amsterdam Forest, it’s a lovely area to enjoy some wine tasting surrounded by nature and a bustling atmosphere. There are also food trucks if you’re feeling peckish, so there’s no ned to go hungry.

Yoga With A View | Sundays in June

Fancy a stretch? Also held at Pllek, you can join a yoga class on the banks of the IJ-River every Sunday morning in the month of June. The 90-minute classes (starting at 10.30am) welcome both beginners and advanced yogis, with a cost of €17.50 per person.

It may not be your average holiday pastime, but it’s a good way to relax and look after your wellbeing.

Things to do in Amsterdam in June

Here are the top summer activities in Amsterdam:  

Join a guided tour

I normally prefer to stroll at my own pace, but guided tours often come with a treasure trove of local knowledge. If you wanna learn more about a particular topic or gain insights from residents, here are some of the finest tours in Amsterdam:

• Big Bike Tour: Zoom past prominent landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, De Negen Straatjes and Westerkerk.
• Historical Highlights Walking Tour: Hit up key sights in Amsterdam – great for first-timers hoping to delve deep into its rich past without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll also get to taste stroopwafels. Delish!
• Food and Culture Walking Tour: Try yummy Dutch foods (and beers) as you wander through lesser-known neighbourhoods with your guide.

Whichever tour you choose, you’ll hear loads of interesting facts about Amsterdam.

Have a picnic in Vondelpark

June is a lovely time to soak up the sun in Amsterdam’s most famous park – Vondelpark. It’s a nice place to escape the crowds with a bottle of wine, some tasty food and good company (if ya not travelling solo like I often am).

All ya need to do is pick up your supplies from Albert Heijn (there’s one about 10 mins away), find a shaded spot under a tree and chill. I’ve done this multiple times and it’s much cheaper than dining out for lunch.

You can also make the most of the free shows at Vondelpark Open Air Theatre if you’re in Amsterdam at the weekend. Running from May to September each year, they host a range of dance, comedy, classical, pop and family-friendly shows each week between Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

Get lost in cool neighbourhoods

For my first few trips to Amsterdam, I stuck to the main touristy routes. But after returning again and again, I started to explore beyond the historical canal belt. These days, I always find myself on the streets of Noord and De Pijp.

Noord (specifically NDSM Wharf) draws me in with its art spaces, graffiti-covered walls and quirky cafés. On the flip side, I like browsing the markets, eating out and vintage shopping in De Pijp.

In fact, some of my most memorable moments were spent in these neighbourhoods eating great food, admiring street art and chatting with locals.

Try some raw herring

June is one of the prime times to try Hollandse Nieuwe herring as it’s often caught between mid-May and late-June. While I haven’t actually tried it myself (I’m fussy with certain foods), it’s known for having a rich and buttery taste at this time of year.

I won’t judge you if ya not a fan, though. You’ll either love it or hate it.

Go on a canal cruise

Have you really been to Amsterdam if you haven’t done a canal cruise? It’s debatable if you ask me.

With less rain in June, it’s an ideal time to glide along the waters on open-top tours, soaking up the rays as you find out more about the city. In fact, I was on a canal tour when I found out that there are more bikes than residents in Amsterdam. I couldn’t believe it!

I’ve done my fair share of canal tours in Amsterdam and these are some of the very best:

• Lovers Canal Cruise: This is one of the most affordable options.
• Saloon Boat Cruise: Add cheese and wine for an extra treat.
• Flagship Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Consider booking the unlimited drinks and bites add-on.
• Pizza Cruise: This one comes with pizza and unlimited drinks… Result!
• Tulip Boat Canal Tour: And yep, it even runs outside of tulip season.

Chill on the beach

You might not realise this, but there are beaches less than an hour away from Amsterdam. And while it’s not technically in the capital, Zandvoort Beach is just 45-ish minutes away via public transport.

I actually visited on my most recent trip to the Netherlands and despite being windy (it was November after all), I could see why it’s so popular in the height of summer. I definitely want to go back one day when the sun is out!

If you’d rather not leave Amsterdam, Strandzuid and Pllek offer urban beach vibes. I like Pllek cause it’s laidback, artsy and close to places like the Straat Museum.

Go on a day trip

I think it’s kinda obvious how much I love Amsterdam from the heaps of posts I’ve shared on this blog, but there’s also so much more to see.

I’ve personally spent a lot of time travelling through the Netherlands, often basing myself either in or super close to Amsterdam. During this time, I’ve truly fallen for this incredible country and I’m on a mission to see as much of it as possible.

Over the past few years, I’ve gone museum-hopping in Zaanse Schans, spent the day in Rotterdam and ticked off must-see attractions in Haarlem.

If (like me) you enjoy getting off the beaten path, you could spend a morning in Breukelen before cruising along the Loosdrecht Lakes surrounded by picture-perfect homes.

Need more inspo? Here are my fave day trips from Amsterdam.

FAQs

Conclusion

So, is June a good time to visit Amsterdam? Abso-bloody-lutely! Despite being busy and way more expensive than autumn or winter, you can’t beat the vibes at this time of year. Whether you’re looking for a cultural getaway or a jam-packed city break, you really are in for a treat.