Will we be able to ice skate on the canals of Amsterdam?
Amsterdam weather information in less than 5 minutes
Table of contents
- Will we be able to ice skate on the canals of Amsterdam?
- What is the weather like in Amsterdam in February?
- Don’t spend your Amsterdam Trip waiting in line
- Amsterdam Weather Forecast, February 2026
- Ice skating on the canals of Amsterdam?
- What to wear in Amsterdam in February
- Amsterdam Weather Facts: February
What is the weather like in Amsterdam in February?
February usually is the coldest month in the Netherlands. But in Amsterdam, January is often just a little bit colder than February. However, the difference is negligible.
The good news is that February is one of the driest months — right after April, which usually has the least amount of precipitation.
On average, it can snow on 3 or 4 days and freeze on 4 to 6 days. Some years you can ice skate on the canals of Amsterdam. But last year we did not even come close to that. The winter of early 2024 was mild — quite mild, in fact. It did not snow in Amsterdam. And there was not even a hint of ice in the canals.
Fact: February 2024 was the warmest February ever recorded in the Netherlands by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The KNMI has been keeping weather statistics since 1901.
Normally, you can expect an average of 78 hours of sunshine in Amsterdam in February, compared to 51 in January and 42 in December. But do not make the mistake of thinking sunny days are warm. Even if they are sunny they are usually quite cold.
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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, February 2026
Current 5 day forecast (Scroll hourly forecast for next 3 days)
14°C | °F 
Note: most days the feels-like temperature will be several degrees lower
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Next Month
Check our March weather information.
Normal High and Low Temperatures in February
1-10: 1/6° Celsius (33.8/42.8° Fahrenheit)
11-20: -2/5.4° Celsius (31.64/41.72° Fahrenheit)
21-31: 0.7/6.5° Celsius (33.26/43.7° Fahrenheit)
Ice skating on the canals of Amsterdam?
Normally, the average daily temperature in Amsterdam in February is 2.4º Celsius (36.32º Fahrenheit). But wind and fog (and yes, storms) can make it feel much colder.
Nights are very cold, with temperatures usually below freezing. However, that does not necessarily mean you can take your ice skates out of storage.
Ice skating the canals is not always possible, because Amsterdam weather in February is not consistent from year to year. The canals do not always freeze over, at least not long enough to making skating possible.
At the first sign of ice, Waternet (Amsterdam’s water authority) closes off canals on the west side of the city: among others the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht between the Brouwersgracht and the Leidsegracht.
If moderate to severe night frost is forecast for more than five days, and it also freezes during the day, Waternet usually closes the rest of the canals in the city as well.
What to wear in Amsterdam in February
If you visit Amsterdam in February, bring warm clothing, including long-sleeved sweaters, sweatshirts and a winter-proof coat or jacket.
Thermal underwear (Amazon) is not a luxury. Neither are leggings, warm socks and padded insoles.
Dress in layers because coffee houses, coffee shops, restaurants, cafes, entertainment venues and apartments are cozy and warm. (And also gezellig, by the way)
If you want to travel light, you can buy a pair of earmuffs and knitted winter clothing (hats, scarves, gloves) in the city’s ubiquitous souvenir stores. Cheap warm underwear can be found in any HEMA or Zeeman department shop. You can find a HEMA right inside Amsterdam Central Station. And you’re never far away from a Zeeman.
Amsterdam Weather Facts: February
Temperatures
• Average lows: -1° C (30.2° F)
• Average highs: 5.5° C (42° F)
Sunrise & Sunset
• February 1 – 8:22 a.m. / 5:27 p.m.
• February 28 – 7:31 a.m. / 6:17 p.m.
Rainfall
• Average 44mm (1.7 inches) in 72 hours
About this article
This weather information is provided by Amsterdam native Anton Hein, who is not a meteorologist. He cannot be blamed if your weather experience in Amsterdam is different from what he led you to believe.
Suffice it to say that he knows when to stay indoors with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, some jazz and soul on the radio, and a pot of chili on the stove.
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Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.
Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.
Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 42 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.
Last updated Thursday, January 1, 2026 CET (Central European Time)
Do not republish or repost.
