Amsterdam weather in January

January in Amsterdam

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

January in Amsterdam
Don’t spend your Amsterdam Trip waiting in line
Amsterdam Weather Forecast, January 2024
Long Range Forecast
Normal High and Low Temperatures in January
Sunshine – but not much
What to wear in Amsterdam in January
Amsterdam weather facts for January
The weather in other months

The Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, with the iconic Westertoren in the background. Snow covered bicycles and house boats make for a typical Amsterdam winter scene. — The Prinsengracht, with the iconic Westertoren, on a January morning.

Amsterdam is beautiful any time of the year, and January is no exception — provided you dress for the occasion.

Amsterdam Essentials

According to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute ¹ (KNMI), January is the coldest month in most of the Netherlands. Along the sea coast February is slightly colder yet, when the water of the North Sea is at its coldest.

Normal Amsterdam weather in January is like this: the average temperature is 2.7º Celsius (36.68º Fahrenheit). That’s cold, especially when there’s a stiff wind. It’s a rainy month as well.

You can also expect anywhere from five to eight days of snow — which looks wonderful.

— See the Weather Forecast below this ad —

Don’t spend your Amsterdam Trip waiting in line

The off season in Amsterdam includes the months of October and November, as well as January and February. During these months the city sees fewer tourists. Yet it remains surprisingly busy.

These are usually the gloomiest months of the year, often with bad weather and low temperatures. That means: not standing-in-line weather.

Your time in Amsterdam is precious. Don’t waste it standing in line. It’s a good idea to buy tickets for museums, tours, public transport ahead of time.

Amsterdam Weather Forecast, January 2024

Will be updated in January

As a service to our readers we update this page with weather forecasts throughout the month of January.

During the rest of the year the general information on this page will tell you what you need to know about the city’s climate in January.

The short version: Normally, January tends to be Amsterdam’s coldest month. You can expect anything from gloomy days with (near) freezing temperatures to deep blue, cloudless skies with lots of sun.

Note: most days the feels-like temperature will be several degrees lower

This week: Sunrise: 8:34 (8:34 am) — Sunset: 17:09 (5:09 pm)

Long Range Forecast

(Will be updated in January)

Check our February weather forecast.

Normal High and Low Temperatures in January

1-10: 0.3/5.1° Celsius (32.54/41.18° Fahrenheit)
11-20: 0.9/5.7° Celsius (33.62/42.26° Fahrenheit)
21-31: 0.7/5.5° Celsius (33.26/41.9° Fahrenheit)

Sunshine – but not much

On average there are 50 hours of sunshine — spread out over the entire month.

That said, while you may see many gray and gloomy days, from time to time there will be several hours worth of blue, cloudless skies. When that happens grab the opportunity to take postcard-perfect photographs of Amsterdam’s sunlit streets and canals.

Since the trees are bare, many canal-side façades that normally are somewhat hidden from view by the foliage are now more easy to see.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal — Oudezijds Voorburgwal, with the tower of the Old Church. Note the gables, which are normally hidden by the leaves on the trees.

What to wear in Amsterdam in January

Warm clothes are a must, and you will want to wear a winter proof/waterproof coat or jacket.

A good, windproof hat is not a luxury and no one will look at you funny if you happen to be wearing earmuffs.

Complete you outfit with a warm scarf and gloves.

Don’t forget warm socks and padded insoles.

As always, dress in layers because restaurants, café’s and homes are well-heated.

That said, you may want to consider wearing long johns or thermal underwear. You’ll thank us when you’re waiting for a bus or tram in the biting cold.

Tip: case of snow or ice, road salt is spread on nearly all the streets — certainly at key points such as bridges and crossings. Protect your shoes with a waterproof spray. If you get salt spots anyway, they can be removed with a cloth and some vinegar.

Amsterdam weather facts for January

Temperatures
• Average lows: -0.5° C (31° F)
• Average highs: 4.4° C (40° F)

Sunrise & Sunset
• January 1 – 8:51 a.m. / 4:38 p.m.
• December 31 – 8:24 a.m. / 5:26 p.m.

Rainfall
• Average 72mm (2.8 inches) in 72 hours

The weather in other months

Would you rather visit us during another time of the year? Check the weather page roundup, which includes details about our climate during the other months of the year.