After the New Year’s Day celebrations subside, January in Amsterdam is infused with an unmistakable post-holiday calm. Visitors can freely alternate between the cold outdoors and the cozy, air-conditioned interior; Quick walks around the city are a treat on clear days, and when winter weather loses its appeal, travelers can find respite from the cold in museums, cafes and restaurants.
The city is as tourist-free as ever this month, but even in the off-season, Amsterdam still offers a full calendar of fantastic events and activities, from annual festivals to memorable one-off events. The seasonal perks are in their entirety too, from ice rinks to koek-en-zopie (the umbrella term for rink-side refreshments) stalls, and you won’t want to miss out on cold-weather staples like Stamppot or Oliebollen before the ride. warmer months.
Amsterdam weather in January
January is the coldest month in Amsterdam, making it one of the least busy times of the year for tourism.
- Average High: 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius)
- Low Average: 31 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius)
The city experiences an average of eight rainy days this month, racking up a total of 2.7 inches of rain between them; however, you will probably not find snow, as the weather is often too warm for snowfall. Plus, you can also expect cloudy days for most of the month, averaging just two hours of sunshine a day.
What to pack
Layers are key to staying warm and comfortable on your trip to Amsterdam this January; You’ll want to bring lots of sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and maybe even thermal leggings or underwear to help beat the bitter cold, especially if you plan to visit any of the city’s outdoor attractions this month. Gloves, scarves, warm hats and a heavy winter coat will also be necessary, but you should also bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes as it rains about half the month.
January events in Amsterdam
Although the colder weather keeps some revelers indoors for most of the month, Amsterdam has no shortage of annual events and celebrations that take place in January each year, starting with all-night parties to celebrate the new year on the day. New year.
- New Years Day : As in most countries in the world, January 1 is a national holiday in the Netherlands and a day to recover from the traumas of New Years Eve. Note that many tourist attractions and other businesses will be closed for the day, but there will still be parties in bars and venues throughout the city.
- Amsterdam International Fashion Week: Amsterdam’s biannual fashion week is the top event on the capital’s fashion calendar, and its ‘after hours’ events ensure plenty to see and do beyond the runway. While official Fashion Week events are for industry experts only, DOWNTOWN Fashion Week hosts exhibitions, shows, launches, parties, and more for the general public.
- Impro Amsterdam: The International Improvisation Theater Festival, or Impro Amsterdam for short, features a six-day series of performances at Amsterdam’s Rozentheater, where teams of actors from Benelux, Brazil, Germany, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, United United, France, and elsewhere come to improvise in front of live audiences.
- Jumping Amsterdam – This annual Dutch equestrian tournament is sure to please hypophiles with its group of beautiful horses and skilled riders. The best athletes in various horse sports return annually to compete before a captivating audience in an intimate setting; In addition to the competitions, horse shows, merchandise, food and drink, musical entertainment and special shows for children complete the event.
- Paradiso Korendagen (Choir Days): With 140 different choirs for almost 24 hours of choral performances, the immense variety of international choirs treats listeners to pop, jazz, folk, soul and world music for a low admission price; Tickets are available for sale at the door or online.
January Travel Tips
- Airfare and hotel rates are at their lowest point in January as companies try to attract customers with competitive rates. Tourist crowds are also at their annual low, giving January visitors a chance to visit popular Amsterdam museums and attractions.
- January is an important month for sales in Amsterdam, with discounts of up to 70 percent; Clothing fans will love the combination of semi-annual sales with another semi-annual phenomenon: Amsterdam Fashion Week.
- While some businesses, especially government-related establishments such as banks and federal offices, will be closed on New Years Day, there are no other federal holidays in January, so most attractions and offices will be open. the rest of the month.
