Amsterdam · Netherlands
December
Christmas market season — the canal ice rinks and winter lights make this worth considering.
Strong option
#10 of 12 months
There are better months for Amsterdam — see the full ranking below.
See when to go instead →Climate
High
6.4°C
Low
2°C
Rain
60mm
Sun
1.4hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How December scores in Amsterdam
Weather
Below average
Value
Very good
Crowds
Good
Events
Very good
Atmosphere
Very good
What you gain in December
- ↑Museumplein ice rink: skating in front of the Rijksmuseum is genuinely atmospheric
- ↑Amsterdam Light Festival (late November–January): 30+ large-scale light installations on the canals
- ↑Christmas markets on the Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein: properly festive rather than commercial
What you sacrifice
- ↓Fewest sunshine hours of the year: only 1.4 hours daily — essentially overcast all month
- ↓Cold (2°C overnight) and frequently wet
- ↓Christmas and New Year week sees price spikes comparable to July
How December compares to April (best month)
| Factor | December | April ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 3 | 8 |
| Value | 7 | 6 |
| Crowds | 6 | 5 |
December in other destinations
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Amsterdam, not across destinations. Methodology →