Amsterdam in May: What to Expect, Pack & Do

Thinking about visiting Amsterdam in May? It’s a great time to come! It’s one of my favorite times to be in the city—the days are longer, people are out on the terraces again, and you can finally bike without gloves.

If it’s your first visit, May gives you the best of both worlds. The weather’s milder, and the summer crowds haven’t fully taken over yet. King’s Day madness is behind you, and while tulip season is just wrapping up, you can still catch a few blooms if you time it right.

Either way, there’s plenty more to do—think open-air markets, sunset canal cruises, historic tram rides, and more.

If you’re wondering whether May is the right time to visit—or what it’s actually like once you’re here—I’ve got you covered. I’ll walk you through the weather, what to pack, and what to do while you’re in town.

What’s it Like in Amsterdam in May

The last traces of winter are finally disappearing, locals are back outside, and cafés along the canals start to fill up. It’s busy and lively but not overwhelming—and the shift in energy is hard to beat. 

You might still spot some tulips in the first week of May at Keukenhof, but the big fields near Lisse are usually gone by the second week.

If there’s a museum or restaurant you really want to visit, book ahead, especially on weekends.

How’s the Weather in May

May weather is mild, but it can also feel like it’s all over the place. Here’s what to expect:

• Temps usually sit around 13–18°C.
• Mornings and evenings are cool. Bring a light jacket, especially if you plan to sit outside on a terrace at night.
• Rain happens, but it’s generally just light showers. 
• By the end of the month, sunset is only after 9 pm, which is great for long canalside walks, alfresco dinners, or evening boat cruises.  

What to Pack for Amsterdam in May

If you’re wondering what to wear in Amsterdam in May, bring a mix of layers. While you can ditch the heavy jacket, it’s not full-on summer yet. Mornings and evenings can still be chilly, and getting some rain or cloudy days isn’t unusual. I recommend packing:

May Holidays and Important Dates in the Netherlands

Most Dutch holidays fall in the first half of the year. And even though May doesn’t have nearly as many as April, a few might affect shop and museum opening hours—so it’s good to know what’s what.

• Remembrance Day (May 4): This day honors victims and survivors of World War II. It’s not an official holiday, so most places will be open, but at 8 pm, there’s a countrywide two minutes of silence. In Amsterdam, a big crowd usually gathers at Dam Square, where the King and Queen lay a wreath on behalf of the Dutch public. 

• Liberation Day (May 5): This marks the end of the Nazi occupation in 1945. It’s an official public holiday, but not everything closes. Some museums and shops might shut down or have reduced hours, and there are usually free concerts and events. Museumplein often hosts one of the biggest.

• Keukenhof wraps up: If you’re hoping to visit Keukenhof, go early in the month. (See below for more tips.) The garden usually closes before the middle of the month. In 2026, Keukenhof will be open from March 19 to May 10. 

• Ascension Day (May 14): Ascension Day falls on a different day each year, and in 2026, it’ll be on May 14. It’s a national holiday, so double-check shop and museum hours if you’re in Amsterdam that day.

Things To Do in Amsterdam in May

Visit the Last of the Tulip Fields

Most people come for tulip season in April, but if you’re in the Netherlands in early May, you might still catch some fields in bloom. 

By mid-month, most farmers start cutting the flowers, so it’s a narrow window—but it’s still worth a shot if you’re here in the first week.

If you’re up for a day trip, here are a few places to check out:

Lisse

This is where you’ll find Keukenhof. The garden usually closes around mid-May, but I’ve heard it can be hit or miss even in the first week. Check the flower report on the official site before you go, and read about everything I wish I knew before visiting.

Noordoostpolder

If you’re after something less touristy than Lisse, we really liked driving (though you can cycle too) through the mapped-out tulip routes near Lelystad. This part of Flevoland is great for late-blooming tulips. It’s a bit more effort to reach, so you’ll probably want a car. Check Klook to compare rental prices—I’ve found some of the best deals there.

Hang Out at the City’s Café Terraces

One of the best things about May in Amsterdam is that the terrace season finally kicks off. When the sun’s out, everyone flocks to the nearest café or bar to sit outside at the tables and chairs spilling out onto sidewalks —even if it’s still a bit chilly. It’s a great way to take in the city without doing much at all.

In De Pijp, I love grabbing brunch at one of the cafés on Frans Halsstraat or Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat—though I usually end up at Bakers & Roasters. 

For drinks, Freddy’s Bar and Café de Jaren are both solid options, especially for sundowners. Café de Jaren sits right on the water, so it’s a good spot to watch the boats go by. If you don’t mind a quick tram ride out of the city center, I highly recommend Hasta La Vista Baby, a rooftop bar in the business district as well — they’ve got a great selection of signature cocktails, and the views from the 19th floor are pretty spectacular.

If you’re after dinner, the pizza at both Trattoria That’s Amore and De Pizzakamer is unreal, and for seafood, eating at The Seafood Bar in Amsterdam is absolutely worth it. Just make sure to book ahead—it fills up fast.

If you want to try some local food without planning every stop, this Amsterdam food tour is a great way to taste your way through the city. Or, if cocktails are more your thing, the Bols Experience near Museumplein is a fun add-on. 

Catch Golden Hour on the Canals

May evenings are long and laid-back, thanks to the extra daylight hours, and it’s a great time to be outside. If you’re thinking about seeing the city from the water, this is one of the best times to do it.

I love being out on the canals in the evening—the light’s softer, the water glows, and people are out on their terraces or sitting along the canals, chatting or winding down with a drink.

You don’t need to plan too far ahead—I’ve often just shown up and gotten on the next boat. But if the weather’s nice, booking in advance to ensure you get a seat is a good idea.

Go for an open boat—Friendship and Flagship are my go-tos, and I love that I can order an Aperol or a G&T on board. Some cruises even come with cheese and wine tastings, which is a nice bonus.

Other popular operators are Pure Boats, Those Dam Boat Guys, and Captain Jack. I’m in the middle of putting together a guide to my favorite Amsterdam boat tours and will share it once it’s ready. In the meantime, here’s my guide to what to expect from an Amsterdam canal cruise, with tips to help you pick the right one for your trip.

Have a Rain Plan

May’s been surprisingly sunny this year (which I’m definitely not complaining about—I’m not a big fan of grey skies). 

But rain is still part of the deal in the Netherlands, and chances are you’ll get at least one or two rainy days, whether you’re coming in May or not.

The good news is that Amsterdam has loads of museums, so it’s easy to find something to do indoors when the weather turns.

Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, and the Anne Frank House are the most popular ones, and if they’re on your list, make sure to book ahead. Anne Frank tickets are especially tricky—they’re only released six weeks out and sell out super fast. Here’s what else to know about visiting the secret annex.

If big-name museums aren’t your thing, you’ve still got options. Here are a few of my favorite lesser-known museums in Amsterdam that are perfect for a rainy afternoon and never too crowded.

Hop on the Historic Tram

If you’re in Amsterdam on a weekend and want to explore the city in a different way (besides a canal cruise), the historic tram is a fun alternative.

It does a loop past some of the city’s best-known spots—Royal Palace, Leidseplein, Museumplein, the old Heineken brewery, Rembrandtplein, Tuschinski Theater, and a few others.

My husband and I took it one Sunday in May, and even though we live here, it was a great way to see the city. I’ve always liked trams—whether in Hong Kong, Lisbon, or now here in Amsterdam—and while the modern ones are super convenient, there’s something a bit more special about riding a vintage one. We ended up on one from the early 1900s, which was a nice surprise.

The city tour runs from April through October, every Saturday and every second Sunday, with departures every 30 minutes between 11 am and 5 pm. Tickets are €10, and you can pay on board with a card or cash. You can find more info on the tour over on the Museumtramline’s site. 

Check out the World Press Photo Exhibition

The World Press Photo Exhibition is a big deal—not just in Amsterdam but also in cities like London, Rome, Berlin, and Rio.

In Amsterdam, it usually kicks off in mid-April and runs through September each year. If you’re in the capital during May, it’s worth stopping by the Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th-century Gothic church and the flagship venue for the exhibit. Inside, you’ll see the winning images from the World Press Photo Contest—the largest photography competition of its kind.

This year, the exhibition runs from April 18 to September 21. 

• Opening hours: 11 am to 6 pm. 
• Tickets: €19.50, but free with the I Amsterdam City Card, Museumkaart, or Go City Pass.

Catch an Open-Air Show at Vondelpark

If you’re looking for free things to do in Amsterdam, check out the Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre. It’s been running for over 50 years and is one of those things you won’t know about unless you’re a local.

The 2026 dates haven’t been finalized yet, but the event usually kicks off in early May and runs through mid-September. Expect a jam-packed weekend of performances featuring music, comedy, dance, and family shows. 

Keep an eye on the official site to see what’s happening while you’re in town.

Grab Some Grub at Rollende Keukens in Westerpark

If you’re in Amsterdam around mid-May, Rollende Keukens is a must. I mentioned it in my Amsterdam spring guide, but it’s worth repeating as this is one event I’m always genuinely excited about. 

Basically, Rollende Keukens (or Rolling Kitchens) is a massive food festival that turns Westerpark into one giant open-air restaurant. Dozens of food trucks roll in with local and international street food, wine, craft beer, and live music. Combine that with long sunny days, and you have the perfect excuse to spend hours eating your way through the park. 

In 2026, it runs from May 13 to May 17. 

• Opening hours: Wednesday & Friday 13:00-23:00, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 12:00-23:00
• Entry: free

Westerpark is one of my favorite green spaces in the city, and it’s worth visiting even outside festival days. It’s great for cherry blossom viewing (late March through April), people-watching, picnicking, or just walking around. Fabrique des Lumières, an immersive light museum, is here too if you want to pop into something indoors. You can read more about my visit to this digital art space here.

Should You Visit Amsterdam in May?

Absolutely. The days are longer, everything’s green, and the crowds still feel manageable before summer hits. You’ve got the big-ticket stuff (canal cruises, tulips, museums), but if you’re up for something a little different, there’s plenty to keep you busy.