May is an excellent month to visit Amsterdam. The mild climate means you can spend more quality time outdoors in Amsterdam’s wonderful squares and parks, such as Dam Square, Vondelpark and Keukenhof, the seasonal tulip and bulb park. Although April is generally when the bulbs are at their peak, the park is open for most of the month of May and offers many blooming late-season beauties.
However, not everything is flowers and sun. The city approaches its peak summer tourism season in May, particularly towards the end of the month, and airlines and accommodations tend to raise their prices. It’s also possible for many of Amsterdam’s top attractions to get crowded, especially on the weekends, and the end of the university school year (mid to late May) means an influx of backpackers to add to the masses.
As a result, many tourists choose to attend one of the many festivals dedicated to a wide range of musical genres that take place this month instead of going to the typical attractions. There are also a number of annual holidays and special events that happen each year that offer a glimpse into the culture of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam weather in May
Expect warm, but not warm weather in Holland this month, with an average monthly temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius). However, nighttime lows can drop into the mid-40s, so you’ll need to pack clothes that you can put on to stay warm while you’re out at night.
- Average high temperature: 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius)
- Average Low Temperature: 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees Celsius)
- Average Precipitation: 2.4 inches
Amsterdam experiences an average of 12 days of precipitation in May, but only accumulates a little over two inches of rain during the month; Most of the rain falls in light, short rains. As a result, you will have many opportunities to enjoy the bustling streets and beautiful parks of the city.
What to pack
Long pants and a light jacket will suffice during the day, but bring a heavier coat for colder nights. You can also pack an umbrella or a waterproof coat for rainy days. Otherwise, most Amsterdam locals wear casual clothes, so you should bring jeans, shorts, T-shirts, and sweaters. However, you may want to bring nicer clothes if you want to enter some of the most exclusive places in the city, and you will definitely want to bring comfortable shoes for walking the winding streets of Amsterdam.
May events in Amsterdam
There is no shortage of events across the city this month and many are held outside to enjoy the late spring weather. From national holidays honoring the history of the Netherlands to music festivals and sporting events, you are sure to find something to do on your May trip to Amsterdam.
- Memorial Day in the Netherlands ( Dodenherdenking ): a national holiday on May 4 each year that commemorates the soldiers and civilians who perished in World War II, subsequent wars, and peacekeeping missions. Hundreds take part in a “silent tour” ( Stille Tocht ) from the Museumplein to Dam Square, where the Queen and the Prince lay a wreath of flowers on the National Monument. At eight in the evening, all Dutch citizens observe two minutes of silence.
- Liberation Day ( Bevrijdingsdag ): another national celebration celebrated on May 5 of the emancipation of the Netherlands from Nazi Germany by Allied troops in 1945. In contrast to the mourning of May 4, this holiday is celebrated instead of concerts, art exhibitions and more place throughout the city.
- Liberation Pop ( Bevrijdingspop ) – This free “Liberation Pop” festival takes place in nearby Haarlem on May 5, where the pristine Frederikspark is taken over by musicians, music lovers, and stalls selling visual artist products, local restaurants and craftsmen.
- London Calling – A biannual music festival featuring the UK’s best new alternative rock artists. For the 2019 event, which will take place at the Paradiso Amsterdam theater on May 24 and 25, main artists include G Flip, Hand Habits, Tropical Funk Storm, Muncie Girls, Jesse Mac Cormack and Pottery, among others.
- Moulin Blues International Blues & Roots Festival – One of the leading blues festivals in the Netherlands for over 30 years. Held in the south-eastern city of Ospel (about an hour and a half from Amsterdam) since 1986, this year’s festival on May 3-4, 2019 will feature lead artists Eric Lindell, Mike Zito, Joe Louis Walker, Sue Foley, Studebaker John & The Hawks and The Blues Giants.
- SoccerRocker – A truly unique event where amateur soccer teams compete to the soundtrack of alternative rock and pop bands live. While it was traditionally held in May, the organizers pushed it back a month in 2019, and it will take place on June 15 this year. Top performers will include Roxanne Hazes, Thijs Beans Dance and Show Orchestra, Dots Elevator, Concrete Coast, and Butter Butter.
- Amsterdam Open Air – This annual open-air electronic music (EDM) festival at the Gaasperpark recreation park draws audiences to get up and dance and focuses on the most popular musical acts in Amsterdam. However, it has been delayed to June 1-2, 2019, but usually takes place at the end of May.
May travel tips
- While it may not be a May-exclusive, if you are a fan of independent music and saving money, you should invest in the Indiestad for only 25 euros. This pass grants you access to 52 concerts throughout the year. Even if you’re only visiting for a few days, at this price, seeing a show or two is worth just the price of the pass, and you can experience exciting new artists.
- When visiting Amsterdam, you must have identification at all times, which means that you will need to carry your passport with you wherever you go.
- It’s a good idea to book your accommodation and airfare early, especially if you plan to travel later in the month when the tourist season begins.
- May is a great time to ride a bike in Amsterdam, and there are several bike rental shops throughout the city that offer reasonable rental rates.
