In Amsterdam, your desires find their match! For the art enthusiast, there's contentment in the strokes of Van Gogh and Rembrandt; for the party aficionado, there's camaraderie amidst electronic dance music festivals; and for the history buff, there's adoration in the heart of Amsterdam's ancient center. Yet, what captivates every visitor is the city's relaxed ambiance, its stunning architecture, and the picturesque life along its canals, which have sculpted its essence. August in Amsterdam still basks in summer's embrace, offering prime opportunities for outdoor escapades and vibrant events. Here's your comprehensive guide to experiencing the best of Amsterdam in August.
What makes Amsterdam in August special?
- End of summer – As summer draws to a close, Amsterdam in August witnesses a transition from the warmth of summer to the cool embrace of autumn. The first half of the month boasts high temperatures, gradually tapering off as it progresses. Nonetheless, there's ample opportunity to relish the city and its surrounding beauty in its full summer glory.
- Outdoor experiences – Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice as Amsterdam's plethora of outdoor events, ranging from music festivals to open-air performances and theatrical spectacles, continue to grace the scene throughout August. This presents an ideal chance to immerse oneself in entertainment and artistic expression. However, come September, these vibrant experiences bid farewell until the next summer season rolls around.
- Fewer crowds – With locals jetting off for holiday adventures, Amsterdam sees a noticeable decline in crowds during August. Yet, weekends remain bustling with visitors flocking from across Europe. Opting for weekday travel grants you the privilege of exploring Amsterdam amidst a more serene ambiance, escaping the typical summer hustle and bustle.
Amsterdam weather in August
Amsterdam in August bids farewell to the lingering warmth, boasting daytime highs of 28°C and average lows of 14°C. However, this month in the Dutch capital is marked by its unpredictability, alternating between occasional showers and delightful spells of sunshine.
Amsterdam in August : Top things to do
1
Rijksmuseum
2019 is the Year of the Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum, which is the Dutch National Museum. A temporary exhibition featuring artists inspired by Rembrandt will be running all through August. You can also explore 8,000 objects of art and history, including 2,000 paintings belonging to the Dutch Golden Age.
August Timings
Daily: 9am - 5pm
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
2
Amsterdam Canal Tour
.jpg?auto=compress&fm=pjpg&w=900&h=450&crop=faces&fit=min)
History has been created along the Amsterdam Canals, which is why they have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can choose to go on a canal cruise admiring the architecture and life along the canals or upgrade your experience and enjoy a dinner canal cruise.
August Timings
Cruise timings depend on tour chosen
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting There ›
3
Moco Museum
The Moco Museum in Amsterdam is a dynamic hub for contemporary and modern art, nestled in the heart of the city's Museumplein. Showcasing a rich collection of works by iconic artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein, the museum offers an immersive experience that bridges the gap between high art and popular culture. Housed in a historic townhouse, the Moco Museum's exhibits are both thought-provoking and accessible, attracting art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
August Timings
Daily: 9am - 7pm
Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
4
A Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Volendam
August is your last chance to enjoy the sunny weather in Amsterdam. Take a day trip out of the city to the windmills of Zaanse Schans and watch life as it was in the 18th Century. Also, head to the fishing village of Volendam where it might seem that time has stood still for centuries.
August Timings
Depends on the chosen tour
Zaanse Schans, Zaandam
Netherlands
Getting There ›
5
Red Light District
The Red Light district is synonymous with nightlife in Amsterdam. The infamous district is a great place to people-watch and a walking tour through the area will give you insight into the working of the district and the nearby areas like Chinatown, Warmoesstraat and Nieuwmarkt.
August Timings
12pm - 8pm
De Wallen, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
6
Anne Frank House and Walking Tour
Admire the tenacity and courage of Anne Frank, a teenager stuck in a secret annexe during the Holocaust. A tour of the Anne Frank House will bring your closer to the grim reality of the WWII and the events that unfolded. Take a walking tour to explore the region including the Jewish Quarter.
August Timings
Tours start daily at 10:30am, 2pm & 4:30pm
Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
7
Van Gogh Museum
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, the most visited attraction in the city. Take a guided tour to explore the treasures of the museum which has 200 paintings, 400 drawings and 700 letters by Van Gogh, the largest collection in the world!
August Timings
Sunday to Thursday: 9am - 7pm
Friday to Saturday: 9am - 9pm
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
8
Amsterdam Icebar
Chill at Amsterdam’s coolest bar! Amsterdam Icebar is a bar made completely of real ice and is freezing cold, and you will need thermal clothing just to hang out! Buy a pass and get free perks like complimentary drinks, an exciting 3D ride and access to the hippest place in town.
August Timings
Daily: 12:30pm - 1am
Amstel 194, 1017 AG Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
9
Amsterdam Dungeon
Love history but don’t like spending hours in the museum? Go on a tour of the Amsterdam Dungeon, an experiential tour where actors and ingenious sets will thrill you and take you through the gory history of Amsterdam, both fact and fiction!
August Timings
Tours start every ten minutes from 11am - 6pm
The Amsterdam Dungeon, Rokin 78, 1012 KW
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting There ›
10
Heineken Brewery
Heineken is probably the Netherlands most favourite export and Pilsner beer lovers will find this tour of the Heineken brewery a heady experience. Learn about the brewing process and what goes into the making of the incredible beer that makes people say cheers!
August Timings
Tours start every fifteen minutes from 10:30am - 5:15pm
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
Amsterdam in August : Events to look out for
Pride Amsterdam 2024
July 27 - August 4
The annual Amsterdam Gay Pride is one of the world's most important gay events. Every weekend, there are street parties, the greatest big circuit parties with thousands of people, and, of course, the legendary Canal Parade through Unesco-protected canal systems in Amsterdam. One of the busiest weekends of the year in Amsterdam is Gay Pride Weekend.
Grachtenfestival 2024
August 23 - September 1
Grachtenfestival 2024 in Amsterdam is a spectacular celebration of classical music, set along the city's iconic canals. Enjoy enchanting performances by talented artists in unique, picturesque settings, creating a magical experience for all attendees.
De Parade Theatre Festival 2024
August 16 - September 1
De Parade caters to a diverse audience, offering something special for each person. Whether you're a passionate theater enthusiast or simply exploring for the experience, this place has it all, tailored to your preferences. As you step into the festival grounds, you'll be captivated by artists dressed in elaborate costumes, delighting the audience with their mesmerizing outdoor performances.
Reggae Lake Festival 2024
August 17 - August 18
The Reggae Lake Festival 2024 in Amsterdam promises a vibrant celebration of reggae music, featuring top artists and DJs. Set by the serene Gaasperplas lake, attendees can enjoy live performances, delicious food, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Amsterdam in August : 5-day itinerary
Amsterdam essentials
LanguageDutch
Time zoneGMT+1
Country Code+31
Socket Type C, E and F
CurrencyEuros €
Amsterdam weather in August
Amsterdam weather is a mixed bag during August, you can get beautiful sunny mild weather on some days and most others end up with cloudy chill weather. The days start to shorten too, sunrise is around 6:30 AM and sunset around 9 PM, yet giving you ample time to sightsee.
Where to stay in Amsterdam during August
Amsterdam is well-equipped to host travellers from all walks of life. The best area to stay with kids is the Oost area, great neighbourhood for nightlife is Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, the best romantic neighbourhoods are Canal Belt & Oud-Zuid, while the Old Centrum is a crowd-favourite for sightseeing, and if you are tight on a budget then Noord & Bos de Lomer is where you should go. Here are a few select hotels & hostels to stay in Amsterdam in August –
What to pack for visiting Amsterdam in August
It's important to be ready for various weather conditions during August in Amsterdam. It's recommended to check the daily forecast before venturing out. Ensure you have appropriate layers for your trip, beginning with a waterproof layer such as a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Additionally, pack a lightweight pullover or sweater for cooler evenings, along with summer attire suitable for sunny days.
Getting around Amsterdam in August
Getting around Amsterdam is a breeze as the public transportation system is well-planned and easy on the pocket. Here are your choices for getting around in Amsterdam in August –
- Ideal for short distances – Tram is your best option to hop-on and hop-off, there are 14 lines and hundreds of stops.
- Good for long distances – Metro is suitable for long distances; there are five routes across 39 stations.
- Easy on the pocket – Buses are cheap and convenient even for longer distances, there are over 42 routes across the city.
- Multi-mode transport – Ferry is great to travel plus save time by taking your bicycle and motorbike, there are six ferry routes across IJ River.
Everyone bikes around in Amsterdam, although keeping the rainy days in mind tourists might find it tough to navigate the roads in August. A great way to save money on transport and avoid buying tickets every time is using the I Amsterdam Card, which includes transport and free entry to museums.
Amsterdam in August - Must-try delicacies
The salty flavour of the raw herring might be an acquired taste but it is one that is synonymous with Dutch cuisine. The best herring is available all through the summer till August and is best eaten with pickles and onions stuffed in a sandwich.
Craving for an after dinner dessert? Stop for a tompouce! The tompouce is a delicious puff pastry sandwich that is filled with yellow sweet cream. It is topped with whipped cream and the top layer is often orange especially when sold on National holidays and sporting events.
The goodness of fresh summer kale mixed with creamy mashed potatoes brings out the flavours of this popular Dutch lunch dish. It also includes the tasty Kielbasa sausage which is known for its smoky and salty flavours. Dig into it for ultimate comfort food.
Enjoy the long summer days with a sweet treat, the apple pie! The Dutch have taken over the apple pie and made it their own. In Amsterdam, you will find bakeries with pies with golden cruts, thick apple slices and topped with whipped cream. You can even make a meal out of a slice!
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the Dutch are obsessed with their liquorice! It has the highest per capita consumption of liquorice in the world and you can find these sweet, salty and unique tasting candies in shops across the city. Don’t buy a lot at once, sample it before you buy!
Tips to visit Amsterdam in August
- Amsterdam has a mosquito problem and the humid weather of August means that you will find them buzzing around. Carry an insect repellent with you at all times.
- The Amsterdam Canal Parade starts at 12:30 PM and goes on for about five hours. The floats will start from Scheepvaart Museum towards Amstel River, and then from Prinsengracht to Westerdok. Reach early as most of the points along the canal are already taken, and carry food and bottle so you don’t have to worry about losing your place to find food.
- The Summer Dance Festival will run from 20th to 28th August 2019 and will run across multiple venues. You can participate or simply witness the world’s best street dance talent converge here and dance it out!
- Football is a popular sport in Amsterdam and the football season starts in August and you can catch a home game of the AFC Ajax in their home stadium, the Johan Cruyff Arena.
- A Sunday market is a great place to learn about the culture and cuisine of a place and you can find Sunday markets in Amsterdam at Westergasfabriek (4th August), Rokin edition at Oude Turfmarkt (11th August), and Nieuwmarkt (30th August).
Explore Amsterdam through the year
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
FAQs
The most popular months in Amsterdam are July and August, when there are over a million people. The weather is never excessively chilly or scorching because the North Sea has an impact on the temperatures.
Some of the best things you can do in Amsterdam in August is go on day trips to Zaanse Schans and Volendamn. Apart from that you can explore many attractions like Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and go on a Canal Cruise.
If you're visiting Amsterdam in August, you can pack a light jacket or sweater. Even though August is typically a warm month, the evenings can get cool, so it's best to be prepared. Comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking in Amsterdam, so make sure to pack a pair of comfortable shoes. An umbrella - again, even though August is typically a warm month, the weather can be unpredictable, so it's always best to be prepared for rain.
Some of the best events in Amsterdam in August are, the Amsterdam Pride Parade, World Cinema Amsterdam, De Parade Theatre Festival, Grachtenfestival Amsterdam and Mysteryland Festival.
The Old Centre, Grachtengordel South, The Jordaan, and, The Eastern Docklands and Amsterdam Noord are some of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam in August
