Amsterdam Weather in December
December brings Christmas magic to Amsterdam — holiday markets, Light Festival illuminations, ice skating on Museumplein and the cozy warmth of Dutch winter traditions.
Magical for Christmas atmosphere, Light Festival and winter charm. Cold and rainy but festive. Early December offers better hotel value than holiday weeks.
Wind chill makes it feel colder.
Grey skies dominate.
Rain frequent; occasional snow.
Use these December numbers as a practical guide, not a guarantee. Coastal areas, downtown and inland areas can differ on the same day.
| Weather metric | Typical December value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime temp | ~6°C | Cold and damp. |
| Nighttime temp | ~2°C | Near freezing. |
| Sunshine | ~1 hr/day | Shortest, greyest days. |
| Rainfall | frequent | Rain and occasional sleet. |
| Daylight | ~8 hours | Shortest days of the year. |
December in Amsterdam is best understood through four moments of the day — morning, midday, beach time and evening.
Warm breakfast, then bundle up.
Christmas market visits and museums.
Hot chocolate and light festival.
Illuminated canals and festive dining.
The best December base depends on what matters most to you — beach access, snorkeling, nightlife, culture or budget.
Christmas markets and Light Festival route.
Cozy canal-side shops and holiday warmth.
Indoor dining and local markets.
Ice skating rink and museums.
Winter cultural events.
Winter windmills — very atmospheric.
Packing for December should match the reality: daytime heat, humidity levels, beach conditions and any rain risk.
In December the type of hotel matters — it shapes your daily comfort, flexibility and overall experience.
This helps visitors decide whether to travel now or shift their dates slightly.
Start with hotels matched to December conditions — filtered by type, area and traveler reviews.
Magical for Christmas markets, Light Festival and winter atmosphere.
Around 6°C but feels colder with wind and rain. Full winter gear needed.
Amsterdam celebrates citywide with fireworks, parties and canal-side events.