Late spring · Weather & things to do
Amsterdam in May
Amsterdam warms up: highs climb to 61°F (16°C), from 55°F in April, with lows of 48°F (9°C) and about 2.2 in (57 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 81/100 (4th of 12).
- Avg high
- 61°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 2.2 in (57 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What May feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 61°F (16°C), good for long walks.
Nights cool to an average low of 48°F (9°C).
About 2.2 in (57 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's May.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 29 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around May
May is one of Amsterdam's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – September.
- Comfort improves from 73/100 in April to 81/100.
- May sits inside the Apr – Jun, Sep window our Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 48°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Amsterdam in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Vondelpark
City park of ponds and lawns, busy with cyclists and picnickers.
Why now May scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Zaanse Schans
Working windmills and wooden houses on the Zaan river, 20 minutes by train.
Why now Highs near 61°F and 2.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Van Gogh Museum
Largest Van Gogh collection, tracing his life in paintings and letters.
Café 't Smalle
Brown café on a canal with a waterside terrace.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Winkel 43
Corner café famous for tall Dutch apple pie with whipped cream.
Nearby in May
- Ghent in May~104 mi · highs 65°F, 2.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Brussels in May~107 mi · highs 65°F, 2.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Bruges in May~107 mi · highs 63°F, 2.3 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Cologne in May~132 mi · highs 66°F, 2.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Amsterdam in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Amsterdam?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 81/100. Expect highs of 61°F (16°C) and 2.2 in (57 mm) of rain. May is inside the Apr – Jun, Sep window our Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail route recommends.
How cold is Amsterdam in May?
Average highs are 61°F (16°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Amsterdam in May?
Not much: about 2.2 in (57 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 32.6 in (828 mm).
What should I pack for Amsterdam in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 48°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Amsterdam
Routes in season in May
- Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail Apr – Jun, Sep
Planning Amsterdam in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.