03 Mar What to wear in Amsterdam (for all seasons and from a local)
There are so many amazing things to do in Amsterdam any time of the year so the big question is…what to wear in Amsterdam? Consider this post your packing list for Amsterdam no matter when you visit. We’ll cover all seasons and what kind of weather you can expect so you’re properly prepared.
If you’re looking to fit in instead of standing out, we’ll let you know what the locals are wearing…and what they aren’t. My style changed a lot when I moved to Amsterdam in 2014. I can’t believe it’s been over a decade now! That means I’ve been through every season, every heatwave, and the occasional snowfall. Now, you get that knowledge all wrapped up and condensed for you.
First, be sure to find the perfect accommodation for your trip. I’m all about planning ahead and knowing what I’m getting into, so I’ve put together a post on how to get from the airport to Amsterdam city center and how to use the public transportation once you’re in Amsterdam.
Are there other aspect of Amsterdam you’d like us to cover? Just let us know, and reach out on social media.
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What to wear in Amsterdam in winter
Winter in Amsterdam wouldn’t be my first suggestion of when to visit the city, but there are definitely perks to it. Cheaper accommodation, fewer crowds, more local/authentic vibes are all great reasons to visit during winter and we’ve even created a posts on surviving Amsterdam’s winter. Also, if you’ll be spending Christmas in Amsterdam, this is an ultimate guide of things to do, eat and see during the holiday.
The weather will be cold but it tends to stay above freezing most days. As locals, our biggest complaint is the wind, rain, and/or hail during the winter. It cuts right through you! However, we can also have those days when you feel like magic was sprinkled over the city and you get a warmish, still, sunny day. It can vary quite a lot but plan on temperatures from 0°-10°C (32-50°F). That’s why you’ll want to be prepared with these items.
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Long-sleeved tops
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Tank-top base shirt
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Pants/trousers
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Under-layer under the pants
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Warm (winter) jacket that’s water & wind-proof
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Boots or sneakers
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Scarf, hat, and gloves
Long-sleeved tops or sweaters. Baggy and over-sized tops are pretty popular here. If that’s already your style, you’ll fit right in! If it’s not your style (it’s not mine), just regular long-sleeves are completely fine.
Tank-top base shirt. It gets pretty chilly, so I recommend wearing an extra layer under your long-sleeved top. However, if you’re from a cold part of the world, skip this step! This is a nice one and a great piece to have if you travel to colder climates. If you just want an extra layer, this one is perfect.
Pants/trousers kind of goes without saying. I wear jeans but any kind of long pants/trousers is pretty normal. I wouldn’t say jeans are the number one go-to here, so switch it up if you’ve been wanting to try a new style!
Under-layer under the pants. Yes, when it gets to about 8 degrees Celsius and the wind is blowing, I’ll put some fleece leggings on under my pants. I like to stay toasty warm.
Warm winter jacket that’s water & wind-proof. The weather isn’t very pleasant in the winter, so you’ll want to stay as comfortable as possible with a jacket that will keep the wind-chill and rain out. A nice 3-in-1 type jacket is what Sean uses and loves it. Here’s a similar one on Amazon.
Boots or sneakers are both popular here. In the winter, fashion boots are pretty much all around. A nice sneaker is still normal but the wind might make your feet cold and you’ll want to have them waterproofed before arriving with a waterproofing spray. The key for footwear here is that you will want to wear what makes you comfortable on cobblestones because they are everywhere.
Scarf, hat, and gloves. You won’t need anything hard-core here. Regular knit gloves and such are fine. Again, it’s mainly the wind you’re trying to keep out. Focus on the hat, get one with a nice liner on the inside that covers your ears fairly well.
View our winter packing list on our Amazon storefront.
Packing list for spring or fall in Amsterdam
There’s going to be a big difference between early spring and late spring. But by spring, the locals are coming out of hibernation and are begging for more sunshine, so you might see people pushing their wardrobe choices to be lighter clothing because they are optimistic. I tend to wear similar clothing to winter, but with a lighter jacket and less layers. The Netherlands, like many places, have ‘skirt day’ when the girls and women decide that the sun is shining and it’s warm enough to wear skirts. It will probably (hopefully) happen in May, so be prepared 😉
I’m including both fall and spring here because the temperatures and weather can be somewhat similar. You’ll probably switch up the style and colors a bit but this should give you a good idea on what to plan for. Temperature-wise, expect about 8°-18°C (46°-64°F). There’s always a possibility of wind and rain, so keep that in mind when packing for Amsterdam. If it is raining, here’s some inspiration on what you can do on a rainy day in Amsterdam.
Just be sure to bring these things…
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Long-sleeved shirts
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Pants/Trousers or skirts with leggings
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Water- & wind-proof jacket
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Stable and comfortable shoes
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Scarf (but not a super chunky one)
Long-sleeved shirts. Yep, you’ll still need them. However, you may not need the under-layer by this point. Totally up to you! If you are from a warmer climate, it might seem a bit chillier than if you are used to this weather.
Pants/Trousers or skirts with leggings. Again, you probably wouldn’t need layers underneath pants at this point.
You’ll still want a wind and waterproof jacket and maybe some kind of sweater or warmish jacket underneath. Here’s an example of the type of jacket you might want.
Stable shoes. You could easily still wear some boots, but likely people are switching to sneakers by spring. Remember, it may rain, so keep that in mind when thinking of your footwear.
A Scarf. It’s still going to be windy and a scarf is such an easy thing to keep with you. Think mid-weight here. You don’t need those chunky winter scarfs, but you don’t want the light linen ones either.
Read more from our vast Amsterdam posts!
What to wear during Summer in Amsterdam
It doesn’t get super hot (typically) in Amsterdam. However, we’ve had unexpected heatwaves for the past few summers, so it’s possible to hit 30°C (and above) and stay there for a while. I suggest planning for 24°-30°C (75°-86°F). Here’s a great guide for summer festivities going on across Amsterdam!
Generally, you should follow similar rules as above. Wear layers, and always be prepared for light rain. Though, if it’s during a heatwave time, be prepared to jump in the water (only in certain spots!).
Packing for summer in Amsterdam…
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Long-sleeved shirt
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Short-sleeved shirts
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Pants/Trousers/Skirts/Dresses
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Sneakers or sandals
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Swim-suit (and towel)
Long-sleeved shirt. Yeah…still bring one in case you need it, or for evenings when it cools down a little. But don’t pack a full-on sweater.
Short-sleeved shirts. It’s perfectly acceptable to walk around town in thin-strapped shirts, but it’s not a super normal thing unless it’s over 30 degrees. I wear regular short-sleeved shirts which tend to keep me at the perfect temperature. Linen and breathable cotton are good fabrics to pack for hot and humid days.
Pants/trousers, skirts or dresses. For summer, I suggest jeans or airy pants. If you enjoy wearing skirts, please do. When we see people in skirts, it makes us happy because it’s warm enough to wear skirts! Around here, due to us cycling everywhere, we avoid shorter skirts and stick to around knee length or longer. Also, you don’t see a ton of shorts. Wear whatever you please, but I’ve noticed many people in places we’ve traveled to, don’t wear shorts. Here is similar.
Sneakers or sandals that can handle the uneven ground.
Swim-suit and towel. When it gets really hot, locals find plenty of spots to jump in the water. Don’t do it just anywhere. Do as the locals do to stay as safe as possible. You may have heard rumors that there are bikes in the canals, it’s true and you don’t want to get stuck on one.
Always bring a light jacket…and probably a rain jacket. However, in the summer, you can get away with just an umbrella.
Need ideas for outdoor activities during the summer? We’ve got you covered! Also, visit our Amazon storefront for summer essentials.
What not to wear in Amsterdam
There’s not a lot that I’d say you shouldn’t wear in Amsterdam. That’s because we get so many bachelor parties and bachelorette parties that have people wearing the craziest things. These recommendations are only due to practical concerns.
Because the weather is so unpredictable, I don’t recommend packing anything leather or suede that could be ruined by the wet weather. Even I’ll get caught in the rain in my suede boots that I’ve had forever because I didn’t check the weather. And it always makes me so sad! We do have waterproofing sprays for these kinds of shoes if you’re determined to wear them. Just plan ahead!
I do NOT recommend stiletto heels. I love them. I have a couple I brought from the United States (yes, for that long!) and I never wear them. The cobblestones are so hard to navigate with them on. You could always pack them away in a bag, wear different shoes out, then switch them before you walk into where you are headed. I’ve definitely switched shoes canal-side before a party. And yes, I realize how freaking awesome that sounds–just casually hanging out canal-side.
If you do wear heels, go chunky or wear wedges. That’s how I roll these days.
FAQ’s about packing for Amsterdam
How can I pack for a trip to Amsterdam in a carry-on?
No matter the season, always wear your heaviest items onto the plane. Create a basic wardrobe of items that you can easily mix and match. Ideally, these can be quickly handwashed (only if truly dirty) and dry overnight or within 48 hours in your hotel room. Merino wool is great for this in winter because it can dry quickly but it nice and warm. It’s more expensive but worth it in the long run! Only pack 1-2 pairs of shoes, and obviously, wear a pair on the plane.
What kind of shoes should I wear in Amsterdam?
A lot of the city is made of cobblestones and uneven ground. If you are prone to rolling an ankle, wear good, comfortable shoes with ankle support. You’ll be walking a lot, so any shoes you bring should be broken in before you arrive. Just don’t wear anything you don’t want to get wet. Stilettos will get stuck in cobblestones, so don’t chance it. If you don’t like flats and sneakers, go for a boot with a small heel. That’s what I normally wear!
What do I wear on a bike?
Unless you are experienced on a bike and ride one normally in skirts or sandals, don’t do it here. Light jackets if it’s chilly, because you’ll warm up once you start riding. Backpacks are best so nothing is distracting you from your surroundings.
Do I need to dress up for anything in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is generally a casual city. There aren’t too many opportunities to really dress up. But if you go to a fine dining restaurants, take a look at their website and Instagram to see what kind of vibe it is. If they are concerned about attire, it will be listed on their website.
Now, you’re all set to make the perfect packing list for you and your visit to Amsterdam. Read all of our Amsterdam posts for more inspiration and we hope you love your visit!
Wishing you joy and travels!
