Amsterdam weather in August

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August: Sunniest of the three summer months

On average, August is the sunniest of the three summer months — though there really isn’t much difference in the total hours of sunshine during June, July, and August.

Yes, it can rain. But showers tend to be brief, scattered, and/or intermittent.

As always in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands, it’s hard to predict what the weather will be like. Long-range weather forecasts are something of a standing joke. Come to think of it, so are short-range forecasts.

That said, more often than not in Amsterdam August is warm, dry, and sunny. But there have also been years in which the month was cool, wet, and somber.

In fact, there are years in which travel agents offering last minute trips to the sun do a brisk business.

— See the Weather Forecast below this ad —

Amsterdam Weather Forecast August 2023

What to wear in Amsterdam in August?

You won’t need warm clothes, but a light sweat jacket may come in handy when it’s a bit too windy.

On warm days short sleeves and shorts or a skirt will do just fine.

Rain showers tend to be both light and brief. Dutch weather forecasters say they occur “hier en daar” (here and there). That’s their way of saying it will rain intermittently, as the wind blows the rain clouds across Amsterdam.

However, normally even rainy days are quite mild.

It can also be muggy at times.

Speaking of which: bring your swimwear. Fully 24% of Amsterdam consists of water. There are swimming pools, (semi-) approved natural swimming locations, and some great wild swimming spots. See: Where to Swim in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam August tips: mosquitoes, umbrellas

The humidity during the months of July and August turns Amsterdam into an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Pharmacies and some drug stores carry a mosquito repellent by the unlikely name of ‘Muggenmelk’ (literally, mosquito milk). Those whose blood is favored by the tiny pests swear that Muggenmelk provides the best defense.

You won’t need an umbrella. Should it rain for a bit, just pop into an eatery or a brown café where you can wait out the shower.

If it looks like it’s going to rain for a few hours, make your way to one of Amsterdam’s many museums.

Amsterdam Weather Facts: August

Temperatures
• Average lows: 12° C (54° F)
• Average highs: 22° C (72° F)

Sunrise & Sunset
• August 1 – 6:00 a.m. / 9:33 p.m
• August 31 – 6:49 a.m. / 8:32 p.m.

Rainfall
• Average: 65 mm (2.5 inches) in 72 hours

More Amsterdam Weather

Amsterdam weather in other months