Amsterdam weather in March

What is Amsterdam’s March weather like?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

March in Amsterdam, as in all of the Netherlands, is characterized by erratic weather. Indeed, the old joke that there are four seasons a day in the Netherlands is more true in March than in any other month.

What kind of weather you encounter is a matter of luck. But it can range from dull, dreary and cold to bright, sunny and “warm” – at least for this time of the year.

Normally in March in the Netherlands, you can expect lots of relatively short showers. Count on temperatures between 1°C and 10°C (33.8°F and 50°F).

Amsterdam Weather Forecast, March 2023

Updated March 30, 2023

We update this Amsterdam weather forecast throughout March.

During the rest of the year see the general information on this page.

Note: Even in March the feels-like temperature can be several degrees lower than those shown.

This week: Sunrise: 7:20 (7:20 am) — Sunset: 20:10 (8:10 pm)

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Thursday, March 30, 2023 — Overcast from early morning until about noon. Sunny intervals in the afternoon — initially ±20% sunshine, gradually increasing to about 80% sunshine in the late afternoon and early evening. Slight possibility of a brief, light rain shower in the afternoon. Afternoon high 13° C | 55.4° F.

Friday, March 31, 2023 — Overcast and light rain, all day — until Saturday evening. Middag high temperature 11° C | 51.8° F.

Long Term Amsterdam Forecast

Check our April weather information

Where our weather information comes from

Our weather information is based on forecasts and long-term averages as reported by various meteorological services, including the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).

Normal High and Low Temperatures in March

1-10: 1.7 / 7.8° Celsius (35.06 / 46.04° Fahrenheit)
11-20: 2.8 / 9.3° Celsius (37.04 / 48.74° Fahrenheit)
21-31: 3.4 / 10.6° Celsius (38.12 / 51.08° Fahrenheit)

Things to do in Amsterdam

Don’t Spend Your Amsterdam Vacation Standing In Line

The month of March falls in the shoulder season of Amsterdam. (So do April and May, as well as September and November).

Tourists who visit the city during these months take advantage of lower hotel rates. [See our Amsterdam Hotel Guide].

Before the pandemic even the shoulder season got pretty crowded with tourists. Many industry professionals expect a sharp uptick in visitors now that most coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.

Many buy their tickets for museums, tours, public transport ahead of time.

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Amsterdam Climate in March

On average it will snow somewhere in Holland (we should actually say the Netherlands instead) on 4 days this month. Hail can be expected on 3 days, and a thundershower on 1 day.

Holland is no stranger to extreme weather. In March 2005 a temperature of -20,7°C (-5°F) was measured in Marknesse, north-east of Amsterdam.

But while night frost is common, particularly in the first half of the month, the average daytime temperature ranges from 4°C (39°F) at the start of the month to 8°C(46°F) at the end.

On average there are 3 days during which the temperature reaches about 15°C (59°F).

This is the month that cafè terraces will include higher numbers of Amsterdam locals rather than just tourists willing to brave the cold for the experience.

Mind you, a Dutch rhyme goes, “Maart roert zijn staart” — ‘March wags its tail.’ It’s a reference to the fact that while Spring starts on March 21, the weather can still be very cold and winter-like even at the end of the month.

On average March has 5 days during which the sun isn’t seen at all. That said, the sun is out 33% of the time that it can shine (compared to 33% – 43% April through August).

Amsterdam Weather Facts: March

Temperatures
• Average lows: 1.1° C (34° F)
• Average highs: 8.8° C (48° F)

Sunrise & Sunset
• March 1 – 7:28 a.m. / 6:19 p.m
• March 31 – 7:19 a.m. / 8:12 p.m. (See ‘Central European Summer Time‘)

Rainfall
• Average: 66 mm (2.6 inches) in 72 hours

March Tips

• Cold days with sunny weather are perfect for taking photos with bright, vivid colors. With the trees still bare you have good views of the gabled canal-side houses. Grey and rainy days are perfect for experimenting with black & white photography.
• As the month progresses the days grow longer. At the end of March the sun doesn’t set until about 8:15 p.m.
• While you will likely need an umbrella, there’s no need to pack one. Get yourself a cheap ‘throw away’ brolly at Etos, HEMA, or a souvenir shop.
• On clear, sunny days join Amsterdammers and your fellow tourists by having a drink or two at a café terrace.

What to wear in Amsterdam in March: Packing List

Here’s what you should pack for your trip:

You’ll want to bring warm clothes, including sweaters, long-sleeved sweats, and a winter proof coat or jacket.

Warm socks and/or padded insoles are not a luxury.

Count on the fact that you will want to dress in layers. Cafés, coffeeshops, restaurants — as well as venues such as cinemas and theaters — tend to be well-heated.

Do you wear eyeglasses? Bring a reusable anti-fog wipe. You’ll thank us each time you come in from the cold. Great for camera lenses as well.

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Daylight Saving Time in Amsterdam

At 2:00 a.m. CET (Central European Time) / 2:00 a.m. CUT (Coordinated Universal Time)¹ on the last Sunday in March (2022: March 27), the Netherlands switches to Central European Summer Time (known in the U.S. as Daylight Saving Time) — which means the clock jumps forward by 1 hour.²

Summer time ends at 3:00 a.m. CEST (Central European Summer Time³) on the last Sunday of October (2022: Oct. 30).

In other words:

• In Amsterdam on March 27, 2022 at 2:00 a.m. the clocks will move forward to 3:00 a.m.
• That means you lose one hour of sleep (or partying). You get this hour back on the last Sunday of October.
• If you fail to adjust your clocks, you will show up for appointments one hour too late.⁴

Amsterdam Weather in Other Months

More Amsterdam Tourist Information

• 
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• 
  Amsterdam street food delicacy: Herring
• 
  Amsterdam Public Transport Guide and Tickets
• 
  Public Transport to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
• 
  Swimming in Amsterdam
• 
  I amsterdam City Card – Worth It!

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