Amsterdam in January: Weather, What to Pack & Do

Thinking about visiting Amsterdam in January? It’s definitely not the obvious choice. The days are short, it’s pretty damn cold, and it might even snow.

But January actually comes with a great little list of perks. There are far fewer tourists, the city’s easing back into everyday life after the holidays, and things feel more relaxed. The Light Festival is still on, the ice rinks are up for a few more weeks, and there’s plenty of winter comfort food to try. (I’m looking at you, oliebollen.)

It will be cold—and by cold, I mean seriously cold. So make sure to pack the right gear: gloves, a proper winter coat, scarf, beanie, thermals, the whole toot.

But if you’re okay with short days, chilly weather, and planning around indoor activities, January can be one of the most underrated (and quietest) times to visit Amsterdam.

Wondering if it’s the right time to go, or what it’s actually like once you’re here? I’ve got you. Here’s what to expect from the weather, what to pack, and what’s worth doing while you’re in town.

What’s it Like in Amsterdam in January

January is the coldest month of the year in Amsterdam. It’s mostly grey and miserable, and the days are short, with sunset around 4:30 pm, so your sightseeing hours are limited. If you want to make the most of your day, plan around that.

Also worth noting: rain is more likely than snow. That said, this year there’s been a lot of snow, and it’s been pretty magical to experience a proper winter wonderland. Either way, the wind can cut right through you, so waterproof and wind-resistant layers are a good idea.

Despite the cold, January has its upsides. It’s one of the quietest months to visit, and tourist numbers are much lower than in most other months. You’ll probably spend most of your time indoors, but luckily, Amsterdam is full of museums, cozy cafés, brown bars, and restaurants, so you’re never far from somewhere warm. Of course, if you’re brave enough, it’s still possible to sit outside on a café terrace (just make sure there’s a heater or at least a blanket).

It’s not a big month for events, but if you’re up for something fun, the city’s pop-up ice rinks are usually still open for a few weeks after New Year’s. The Amsterdam Light Festival is still in full swing until around mid-January, and if you time your visit, you could even pick your very own tulips (for free).

And if wintry fun isn’t quite your thing, there’s always shopping. January is also sales season in the Netherlands, with most shops running big post-holiday discounts. (I scored a beautiful faux-fur coat for 50% off at Zara).

What’s the Weather Like in January?

As much as I hate to say it, January is mostly cold, damp, and grey. You might get the odd sunny, blue-sky day, but you’re better off mentally preparing for very little Vitamin D.

Average daytime temperatures usually hover around 0–6°C, but it often feels colder thanks to the wind and damp air. Rain is more likely than snow, so expect drizzle and a few scattered showers (we are in the Netherlands, after all).

That said, snowstorms do occasionally hit the Netherlands (like they have this year), and while Amsterdam looks beautiful under a fresh layer of snow, heavy weather can cause major train disruptions and flight cancellations at Schiphol. If you’re coming in January, especially during the first half of the month, it’s a good idea to build some wiggle room into your plans in case your flight or train gets delayed.

I also recommend checking a local weather app like Weeronline. It’s what I use, and it’s usually the most accurate for tracking incoming snow or rain. You’ll find it (plus a few other handy tools) in this list of travel apps I use in the Netherlands.

What to Pack for Amsterdam in January

Don’t expect to be traveling with a carry-on in January—you’ll need layers, and layers take up space. Here’s what I recommend bringing along:

Public Holidays & Special Events in January

January doesn’t have a ton going on in terms of public holidays or big events, but there are a few things that might affect shop and museum hours — so it’s worth knowing what’s what.

• New Year’s Day (January 1): Many shops, attractions, and museums open later or close entirely. Public transport runs on a reduced holiday schedule.

• Amsterdam Light Festival: Runs until January 18 and is one of the best winter events in the city. See below for more deets. 

• National Tulip Day (January 17): Held every year on the third Saturday of January. If you time your trip right, you can pick tulips for free—I’ll explain how it works further down.

• Chinese New Year: This is one holiday I really miss from my years living in Taiwan, especially eating chángshòu miàn (long noodles for good luck) and getting a hóngbāo (a red envelope with money). While it’s not a national holiday in the Netherlands, there are usually celebrations in Nieuwmarkt and Chinatown, with lion dances, performances, and street food. Since the date shifts each year (it follows the lunar calendar), it sometimes falls in January. But in 2026, it’s in February, so I’ll share more about it in my guide to visiting Amsterdam in February soon.

Things to Do in January

Take a Canal Cruise to See the Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the highlights of winter in the city. Each year, artists from around the world create illuminated artworks along the canals (and sometimes even floating inside them).

The festival usually kicks off at the end of November and runs until mid-January, so if you’re visiting in early January, you still have time to catch it. This year’s theme is Legacy, and the 20+ installations completely transform the canals into an open-air gallery. If you’re curious about the artists involved, you can check out this year’s full lineup here or download the festival’s app for background info and a self-guided walking map.

You can absolutely see the artworks on foot (it’s free!), but in my opinion, it’s much nicer from the water — ideally bundled up with a glass (or three) of glühwein. If you’re keen to do a canal cruise, make sure to book at least a few days ahead, since they only run in the evenings and can sell out fast.

Another important tip: don’t book a cruise on one of the big, fully enclosed glass-top boats near Centraal Station. They fog up in winter, and you’ll spend most of the ride not seeing a thing. Instead, go for a smaller, partially covered boat. You’ll stay warm, get better views, and most operators will have extra blankets on board. Here’s the one I booked and loved. 

Celebrate National Tulip Day

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in January and feel like you’re missing out on Keukenhof’s famous spring tulip displays, you’re in luck: National Tulip Day (Tulpendag) marks the symbolic start of tulip season in the Netherlands.

Every year on the third Saturday of January, a temporary tulip picking garden is set up at Museumplein, where you can pick your own bunch (up to 10 tulips per person) for free.

In 2026, it falls on Saturday, January 17. The garden opens at 1 pm, but I’d suggest arriving a little earlier if you want a good spot, as it gets busy fast.

Go Museum Hopping

If museums are high on your list, winter is actually a great time to explore them. With fewer tourists around and gloomy weather outside, it’s the perfect excuse to stay indoors. What’s more, you’ll actually have space to enjoy the exhibits without being elbowed every few seconds.

The big-name spots like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House are still popular in winter, so make sure to book tickets in advance. I’ve shared more practical tips and what to expect at the Anne Frank House in this post.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, Amsterdam has plenty of smaller museums that are perfect for a cold, rainy day. I love checking out the immersive art experiences at Fabrique des Lumières, and the Cat Cabinet is a fun stop if you’re a cat person (though most of them weren’t that interested in me tbh).

Book a Winter Dinner Cruise

Ever since I went on a dinner cruise on the Nile, I’ve been a bit obsessed with them. I mean, what’s better than floating through a city at night with a good meal and a glass of wine?

The Amsterdam version is one I’m genuinely excited to try this winter. It’s a two-hour cruise that includes a four-course meal and drinks, all while sailing through the city’s UNESCO-listed canals. Between the food (see the sample menu here) and the views, it sounds like a great way to spend a romantic evening.

It runs once a day at 19:30, Wednesday through Saturday, starting January 21. If you’re keen to try it too, you can check availability here.

Tuck into Some Proper Dutch Comfort Food

Dutch food might not be the main reason you’re visiting the Netherlands, but if you’re here in the colder months and craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, you’re in for a treat.

One winter classic you have to try is oliebollen. The easiest way to describe them? They’re kind of like Dutch donuts, or if you’re South African, basically a vetkoek. These deep-fried dough balls (usually plain or filled with raisins) are dusted with powdered sugar and sold from pop-up stalls all over the city. (Though I’ll be honest, for us South Africans, powdered sugar feels like a crime. We do ours with curried mince or apricot jam and cheese.)

Other cold-weather classics include stamppot (mashed potatoes mixed with veg like sauerkraut), erwtensoep (thick pea soup), and, of course, hot chocolate. PS: If you pass the Chocolate Company Café at Centraal Station, do yourself a favor and grab one of theirs. It’s delish!

Want to know what else is worth trying? Here’s my guide to traditional Dutch food with more picks.

Go Ice Skating

Everyone dreams of skating on Amsterdam’s famous canals, but it rarely gets cold enough these days—so don’t count on it. Luckily, there are a few ice rinks around the city that make a great alternative.

Most seasonal rinks are still open in January, and there’s even a full-size outdoor one where you can do proper laps.

The ice rink at Museumplein, with the Rijksmuseum in the background, is the one most visitors check out. It’s a fun spot and easy to visit if you’re already in the area for the museums—even if you’re just watching from the side. If you want to skate, you can grab a ticket here.

You’ll also find smaller pop-up rinks at Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. And if you’re after something bigger, check out the Jaap Eden Ice Rink. I haven’t been yet, but it has a 400-meter track with plenty of space to move around.

Take a Winter Day Trip

If you need a break from the city, there are a bunch of smaller towns and villages near Amsterdam that are easy to reach by train and worth squeezing into your itinerary. I’ve rounded up my favorites in my best Amsterdam day trips guide, but some of the most popular picks include seeing the windmills at Zaanse Schans, tasting cheese in Gouda, exploring the town where Delft Blue ceramics originated, and wandering around Haarlem.

For something a bit more low-key, Weesp is a cute little town just 16 minutes by train from Centraal. It’s super quaint, and even in winter, there’s enough to keep you busy for a couple of hours. You can grab ice cream at Nelis’ IJssalon (yes, people queue up for it even in the cold weather), or warm up with a beer at Wispe Brewery, which is set inside an old church.

And if you’re visiting in the first week of January, you can still catch the Luminous Nights Festival at De Haar Castle. I missed it this year, but it’s definitely going on my winter to-do list. Even without the festival, the castle is still worth visiting. Here’s everything to know about visiting Kasteel De Haar.

Should You Visit Amsterdam in January?

January in Amsterdam isn’t exactly postcard-perfect; it’s cold, grey, and the days are short. But if you don’t mind layering up, prefer fewer crowds, and like spending time indoors at museums, cafés, and cozy bars, it might just be the perfect time to visit.

You won’t get long daylight hours or ideal terrace weather, but you will get a quieter, more relaxed version of the city, and maybe even a bit of snow if you’re lucky.

Pin this post for later!