Amsterdam in March: Weather, Events, Activities & More
Last Updated on February 9, 2026 by Lauren Allen
Planning a trip to Amsterdam in March? You really are in for a treat!
With milder weather (if ya lucky) and the start of tulip season, it’s a lovely time to visit without the chaos of peak summer. And while the flowers aren’t typically at their best, you’ll still catch early blooms like daffodils, hyacinths, smaller tulips and more.
As a first-timer, you may be feeling overwhelmed. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know what to prioritise.
That’s where I come in! As someone who spends a loooot of time in Amsterdam (I may as well move there at this point), I’ve been several times during spring. With my insider knowledge, I’ll help you plan your ideal holiday.
In this post, I share everything you need to know to make the most of your time. We’ll cover what to pack, things to do, the top events and much more. Let’s get to it.
Is the Netherlands worth visiting in March?
Spring is one of the nicest times to visit the Netherlands. It may be pricier and more crowded, but it’s not hard to see why.
From the end of March, tulips start to bloom across the country. With many tulip fields near Amsterdam, you can easily explore these beautiful gardens, see world-famous museums and learn more about local culture in just one trip.
Compared to visiting Amsterdam in autumn or winter, crowds pick up in March. However, I know from personal experience that it’s nowhere near as busy as April, May or the summer months. To beat the crowds in the Dutch capital, going earlier (or later) in the year is your best bet.
Is March a good time to visit Amsterdam?
Yep! In my opinion, Amsterdam is a great city year-round. If it wasn’t, I obviously wouldn’t spend so much time there.
March strikes a nice balance between must-do events and activities without quite as many tourists. The weather also starts to improve, but you can make the most of the renowned museums and cosy cafes if you happen to get caught in a downpour.
Basically, rain or shine, you won’t get bored.
Is Amsterdam expensive in March?
As one of the most expensive cities in Europe, you may think it’s impossible to enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Amsterdam. However, you’d be wrong! There are loads of ways to save money in the Dutch capital and visiting in March is one of them.
The cost of accommodation in Amsterdam doesn’t tend to shoot up until April onwards. In fact, dorm beds start from around €20 a night. The same hostel jumps up to €40 just a few weeks later, which can make a huge difference when you’re strapped for cash.
To see the tulips without spending a small fortune, I highly recommend a March getaway. And to keep costs down, take advantage of free activities in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam weather in March
I’ve touched on this already, but the weather in Amsterdam tends to brighten up in March. Average temperatures range from 3 to 10 degrees. It can be chilly, but warmer days become more likely towards the end of the month.
Occasional showers and downpours can be expected and I always carry an umbrella just in case, as Dutch weather is very hit and miss.
At the start of March, you get around 11 hours of daylight in Amsterdam. Towards the end of March, days are typically 13 hours long and this is also when the clocks go forward by an hour.
What to pack for Amsterdam in March
You may not need a big winter coat, but it’s not exactly vest top weather either. Here’s what clothes to pack for your upcoming trip:
- A lightweight coat or jacket (bonus if it’s waterproof)
- Jeans, trousers and culottes
- Jumpers, cardis or hoodies
- T-shirts and tops
- Midi dresses and skirts
- Tights, socks and underwear
- Sunnies and an umbrella
- Comfy footwear (UIN shoes are my go-to)
You’ll also need the obvious essentials, such as:
- Important documents like your passport
- Any pre-booked tickets
- Electronics (camera, chargers, earphones, phone, etc)
- A few travel adapters
- PJs or loungewear
- Toiletries
- Meds (if needed)
- Something to do on the plane
A tote or shoulder bag is also helpful to carry key items that you’ll likely need at all times, including:
- Your purse or wallet (and a bit of cash for tipping)
- Your camera
- A portable charger
- A drink and snacks
That said, don’t fret if you forget anything. With so many supermarkets and shops in Amsterdam, you can easily pick up anything else you might need on the road relatively quickly.
Amsterdam events in March
There are tons of fun events in March. Here are some worth checking out in 2026:
National Restaurant Week | 1st March – 12th April
National Restaurant Week is a must-do for foodies and, despite its name, it runs for six weeks at different spots across the country.
From the 1st of March until the 12th of April, you can sample a three-course meal at participating restaurants for less than €30. While the top 250 and Michelin-starred establishments charge an extra fee, there are some huge bargains to be had on dining out during the event.
Bistro De La Mer and Het Stuivertje are just two of the Amsterdam restaurants taking part in spring 2026, but more will be announced in due course.
Opera Forward Festival | 6th – 15th March
The Opera Forward Festival is an annual event dedicated to contemporary opera and musical theatre. They showcase a mix of productions, labs and programmes and they’re celebrating their 10th year in 2026.
Into music, dance or performing arts? This is one of the best reasons to visit Amsterdam in March!
Read this post to learn more about the culture of Amsterdam.
Kaboom Animation Festival | 13th – 22nd March
If you like animated films, this ones for you! With a total of 159 films across Amsterdam, Utrecht and online, you can watch countless short films, VR projects and more that cover a wide range of topics for Kaboom Animation Festival.
In Amsterdam, the festival takes place at the Eye Filmmuseum, Boom Chicago, Eye Collection Center and Melkweg. Adult ticket prices range from €12 for a single ticket to €115 for access to all screenings in all locations.
Jazz Fest | 14th March
Jazz Fest features performances by local and international stars, so if you wanna get your groove on to some live music, this is not to be missed.
Venues range from intimate settings to larger concert halls, offering a diverse and immersive jazz experience that you won’t forget any time soon. Sounds cool, huh?
Pink Film Days | 18th – 29th March
As well as the ever-popular Pride event in Amsterdam in August, the city hosts Pink Film Days in March. It’s one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world that showcases shorts, films and documentaries from both local and international filmmakers.
Tulip Season | 19th March – 10th May
One of the top reasons to head to Amsterdam in spring is the iconic tulip season. It was on my bucket list for years before I finally visited Keukenhof Gardens for the first time and lemme tell ya, it did not disappoint.
Tulip season in the Netherlands is a must-see for nature lovers. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by millions (yep, millions) of stunning flowers in so many vibrant colours and varieties. It blows my mind every time!
The best time to visit the Dutch capital for tulips is generally mid-April, but you’ll still see some early florals at the end of March.
Most people go to Keukenhof, but there are loads of tulip gardens near Amsterdam like The Tulip Experience, Fam Flower Farm and De Tulperij.
Read my tips for visiting Tulip Experience Amsterdam in my dedicated guide.
Stille Omgang | 21st – 22nd March
Stille Omgang is a religious walk that dates back to the 14th century and it takes place every year in March. It’s all about reflecting on your faith and the significance of the Miracle of Amsterdam.
It gives like-minded people the opportunity to pray and connect with their spiritual beliefs and continues to be one of the city’s most important annual traditions.
Cinedans FEST | 25th – 29th March
If you’re into dance, film or anything creative, Cinedans FEST is worth adding to your Amsterdam itinerary. This international dance film festival showcases everything from short experimental pieces to full-length films, all centred around movement.
Even if you’re not a huge dance person, it gives you the chance to see a whole different side to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Wine Festival | 26th – 29th March
Amsterdam Wine Festival is basically a huuuuge celebration of wine (obviously). During the event, you’ll try wines from across the globe, listen to some live music and chat to producers about their handiwork.
It’s a great excuse to spend an evening sipping tasty wines instead of just bar-hopping, but I know from experience that the bars in Amsterdam are next level.
The festival is held at Kromhouthal and tickets will set you back €15 – €25, depending on when you book.
The Maker Market | 28th – 29th March
Maker Market is well worth visiting for all you craft lovers out there. It’s packed with creatives selling things like handmade jewellery, greetings cards, art prints, homeware and much more.
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, you might find a one-of-a-kind souvenir that you just can’t resist!
Things to do in Amsterdam in March
Aside from checking out the events, there are lots of things to do in Amsterdam. With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, you’re sorted rain or shine. Here are my recommendations:
Enjoy an Amsterdam canal cruise
There are so many fab canal tours in Amsterdam and most have covered boats, which means you can glide through the water no matter what the weather.
Even on a rainy day, seeing the city from this perspective allows you to really appreciate its charm. It’s also a good way to learn more about Amsterdam’s rich past.
I’ve joined tons of canal tours over the past few years and I’m still not bored. If you’re a first-time visitor to Amsterdam, you need to add this to your bucket list.
Join a walking tour
March is a good time to join a walking tour in Amsterdam and while I can’t promise it won’t rain, you may get lucky. If the weather Gods are on your side, you could join one of the following guided tours:
Sandemans New Europe also run free walking tours, which are a top choice for budget travellers in Amsterdam. Having done countless Sandemans tours myself (in the likes of Prague, Copenhagen and Paris), I can’t recommend them enough. I always come away with insider tips and restaurant recs!
Visit world-class museums
If the weathers not on your side, you’ll be pleased to know there are countless highly-rated museums in Amsterdam. As someone who spends loads of time there, I’ve been to the vast majority of them. Here are my faves:
- Moco Museum
- Stedelijk Museum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Straat Museum
- The Houseboat Museum
- The Mouse Mansion
- The Pipe Museum
Simply put, there’s a museum for (almost) anything you can think of and most of them are covered with the Iamsterdam City Card. Trust me, this handy tourist card can save you a lot of cash! I’ve saved €100s over the past few years.
For a completely different vibe away from the crowds, check out these weird and wonderful things to do in Amsterdam.
Shop ’til you drop
Another way to escape the rain is to go shopping. Several cool vintage shops in Amsterdam are full to the brim with quirky clothes and old antiques. De Pijp is the best neighbourhood for this, with shops like Penny Lane and Marbles Vintage.
Hunt for photo spots
With so many photo spots in Amsterdam, photographers and Instagram enthusiasts will be in their element. Regardless of how long you’re there, you’ll be able to get some funky holiday snaps.
From the colourful backdrops of NDSM Wharf to the historic canal houses, it’s hard to put down your camera. There are even entire attractions dedicated to cool photos like The Upside Down.
Search for cherry blossoms
Tulips aren’t the only flowers known for blooming in Amsterdam during spring. March is also a good time to see some cherry blossoms. You’ll find them in Vondelpark, Westerpark and Bloesempark (which is technically in Amstelveen) and they usually reach their peak between late March and early April.
See more of the Netherlands
One of the biggest mistakes that I see people make in the Netherlands is only visiting Amsterdam. Trust me when I say that there is SO much more to see beyond the capital.
As someone who spends a lot of time in this incredible country, I’ve spent a day in Rotterdam, discovered fairytale castles and lived like a local in Monnickendam. I’ve been to spots that most tourists haven’t even heard of and it’s made me fall in love with the Netherlands more and more.
If you’re in Amsterdam for a week or more, you can easily go on weekend getaways or day trips to places like Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn, Eindhoven, Maastricht and Keukenhof Tulip Garden and more. The possibilities are endless!
You could save money on public transport with an Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket.
FAQs
Honestly, yes. Even in the height of summer, Amsterdam can bring unexpected rain. Just come prepared an a little bit of water won’t dampen your spirits!
March marks the start of tulip season in the Netherlands, so that’s when the crowds tend to pick up. However, Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe, so it’s not exactly quiet in low season either.
Nope, they start to bloom in (and around) Amsterdam from late March onwards.
The best time of year to visit Amsterdam depends on personal preferences, but April is my fave month for several reasons.
Conclusion
Ultimately, March is a lovely time to visit Amsterdam. Tulips might not be at their peak just yet, but that’s kinda the beauty of it. You can still see other blooms and explore the city with fewer crowds compared to April, May and the crazy summer months.
And while you may need a sturdy umbrella, that’s a small price to pay for visiting one of Europe’s most iconic cities. Have fun!
Wanna see the nearby tulip fields at their best? Then head to Amsterdam in April instead…
