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Wondering what to pack for Amsterdam? We’ve got a year round guide giving you tips on the best clothes, shoes, and accessories. Find out exactly what you need to bring!
What to Wear in Amsterdam
written by Cailyn Cox
Amsterdam is the largest city and capital of The Netherlands, and an excellent tourist destination. It’s a vibrant cultural hub with attractions like historic canals, a red light district, cannabis coffee shops, and multiple noteworthy museums like the Rijksmuseum. No matter where you stay in Amsterdam, you’ll generally be close to the main sites.
This guide gives you a packing list for every season so you’ll be prepared any time you travel. Whether this is your only destination or a stop on a European adventure, follow these tips to help you decide what to wear in Amsterdam.
Raincoat |Â Pocket Guide | Boots
Amsterdam Travel Essentials
The weather in Amsterdam is known to be unpredictable, so you should be prepared for all the elements, regardless of the season.
Always, always, always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
While there is no particular rainy season, an essential item for deciding what to wear in Amsterdam is a waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella for protection from the rain. The wind can be strong and could easily destroy your umbrella, in which case there are plenty of stores within the city to cheaply purchase a new one.
Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day!
Good walking shoes are most certainly important for your travels. Even if you plan on using the tram system or riding bicycles throughout the city, you will at some stage find yourself walking across the remarkable cobblestone streets, just to explore or browse through the busy shopping streets like Kalverstraat. Sensibility should reign here with your choice of footwear; avoid heels and opt for shoes that offer grip and are slip-resistant.
These are the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!
Amsterdam Clothing Style
When contemplating your travel wardrobe, it’s important to know that Amsterdam is casual, unlike cities like Paris. You will not be required to dress up; however, appearing presentable and sticking to the general color scheme of black, denim, army green, and tan will allow you to blend in with the locals’ style.
For added versatility, these are popular convertible travel dress styles!
The general style within the city is grunge meets vintage. Pack mostly casual clothes that you can dress up with a few key items.
The city’s streets are paved with cobblestones, so you’ll need a pair of comfortable and waterproof walking shoes to endure plenty of sightseeing.
These are the best waterproof leather boots recommended by our readers!
Blouse | Tee | Top | T-Shirt | Playsuit | Dress | Jeans | Shorts | Poncho | Jacket | V-Neck | Short | Boots | Loafer | Scarf | Backpack
What to Wear in Amsterdam in Spring
In spring, you’ll see the city transform. People shed their layers of clothing and celebrate the blooming of the city’s flowers, like the famous Dutch tulips, crocuses, narcissus, and hyacinths. The city is filled with life and rich colors.
As the days grow longer, the temperature warms; you can expect average highs ranging from 8-16°C / 46-60°F and lows between from 2-7°C / 35-44°F.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:
- How to Pack for Trips with Mixed Weather
- How to Layer a Summer Dress for Spring
- How to Pack for Europe in Spring
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
Amsterdam Packing List: Spring
The spring weather is moderately warm, so your Amsterdam packing list should include jeans and capri trousers in darker shades that you can team with t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, and hoodies. The spring season can be cool, so bring a light jacket and an umbrella or raincoat to protect you from the wetter days.
Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day!
During the warmer days, you’ll be able to wear shorts. Denim is always comfortable and allows for mobility; however, avoid skirts and dresses as they’re not practical for the weather and the cycling/walking activities you’ll be doing. They might leave you feeling uncomfortable and restrained.
As mentioned previously, Amsterdam is a city where the easiest way to explore is either by bicycle or on foot. Therefore, comfortable, waterproof shoes are essential. Boots or brogues are the perfect addition to any spring outfit, and are both cute and fashionable. The best colors to choose for your footwear are darker shades, like black or metallic.
These are the best waterproof leather boots recommended by our readers!
Blouse | Tank | Top | Blouse | Playsuit | Dress | Jeans | Short | Poncho | Jacket | Long Sleeve | Skirt | Sandals | Loafer | Hat | Backpack
What to Wear When Traveling to Amsterdam in Summer
Summer is the most popular time of year to travel to Amsterdam. It has long daylight hours and attracts the largest crowds of tourists. There are plenty of outdoor attractions and performances during summer, making it the prime time to visit. However, since it’s peak season, you can expect to pay premium prices for flights and accommodation.
The temperatures in summer range from average highs of 18-21°C / 64-70°F and lows of 11-12°C / 51-54°F.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
- Top Summer Dresses Perfect for Europe
- Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
- Best Walking Shoes for Europe’s Cobblestone Streets
Amsterdam Packing List: Summer
While the Amsterdam summers are beautiful, the wind can be cold, and the odd rain shower is a possibility. To ensure you’re prepared for all elements, include a light jacket and a raincoat or umbrella in your Amsterdam packing list.
Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day!
Summer does allow the freedom to shed layers and wear what you feel comfortable in. Feel free to bring some skirts and dresses, but these should not be the bulk of your wardrobe for reasons of practicality.
Darker shades like khaki, tan, black, and navy can act as the base of your wardrobe. Include a pair of dark blue or black jeans and a pair of pants that are made from a lighter fabric, like cotton or linen; the breathability will keep you cool. Vests, tank tops and t-shirts are great to wear with your jeans or a pair of shorts. Mix and match a selection of colors and styles that you feel comfortable in.
Learn how to mix and match using just 8 travel essentials!
Sunglasses are important to protect your eyes from the sun and the glare. Also bring along lip balm, sunscreen, and a swimsuit in a bright color.
The summer weather allows for more variation in footwear; you can bring comfortable sandals or brogues, which are much lighter than boots and still offer comfort and support. However, do still include a pair of comfortable, slip-resistant, waterproof boots for when you’ll be walking long distances.
These are the best waterproof leather boots recommended by our readers!
Due to the multitude of exciting outdoor activities available during the summer season, you may want to add an item that is slightly dressier to your wardrobe–in case you wish to dine out. Add a simple dress that you can pair with a blazer for a refined yet casual and feminine look.
For added versatility, these are popular convertible travel dress styles!
Tee | Shirt | Sweater | Blouse | Shirt Dress | Dress | Jeans | Black Jeans | Raincoat | Jacket | Shirt | Skirt | Boots | Loafer | Scarf | Backpack
What to Wear in Amsterdam in Autumn
The weather in autumn has cooler temperatures than the spring and summer months. Autumn weather is unpredictable; there can be days of pristine weather or endless rain, yet the fall colors provide exceptional beauty and the city is filled with rich earthy tones.
Not only are the temps dropping–but the airfares and accommodation prices are, too. September is the best time to visit, with the mild weather of late summer and early winter just setting in; it’s also the prime month for cultural performances.
You can expect an average maximum temperature between 8-17°C / 46-62°F and lows between 3-10°C / 37-50°F.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:
- How to Pack for Trips with Mixed Weather
- How to Layer Clothes
- Use a Summer Dress to Pack Light in Fall
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
Amsterdam Packing List: Autumn
Autumn weather is much like spring, with only slightly cooler temperatures, so many of the same rules apply. To be prepared for all the elements, pack your umbrella and/or waterproof gear to ensure you are unhindered in your exploration of the city. Include a warm coat and a jacket in your Amsterdam packing list, which can be worn with comfortable boots–preferably leather in a darker shade.
Find out why leather boots are some of the best travel shoes to Europe!
Like with most seasons in Amsterdam, pack jeans in darker shades to use as your base as well as t-shirts, long tops, and jerseys to layer and differentiate your outfits. You can wear these items with your jeans or if you’re willing to brave the cold or lucky enough to enjoy warmer days, include a pair of shorts.
The perfect accessories for your autumn Amsterdam packing list include:Â a warm scarf, to add a touch of class and color to your wardrobe; a cute satchel, to keep your daytime essentials safe and dry; and lastly a pair of sunglasses, for the sunshine or the glare.
Longsleeve | Shirt | Sweater | T Shirt | Dress | Dress | Jeans | Trousers | Jackets | Down Jackets | Thermal | Bottom | Tall Boots | Boots | Scarf | Backpack
What to Wear in Amsterdam in Winter
With the exception of the holidays, winter is the cheapest time to travel and when there are the fewest amount of tourists.
The days are short and cold and the sun sets early, with average temperatures ranging from highs of 5-6°C / 41-43°F and lows of 0-2°C / 32-36°F. Winter, in addition to being icy, is also wet, and you will need to dress for sub-freezing temperatures and milder days, too.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
Amsterdam Packing List: Winter
Pay attention to your shoes; comfortable, waterproof walking boots will protect you from the elements. The rain will make the cobblestones slippery, so you’ll need shoes with grip and lining for added warmth.
Another winter essential is an all-weather jacket–an item that can protect you from the rain, wind, and cold. An umbrella is a welcome addition for extra protection.
Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day!
Winter temperatures may require a pair of thermal underwear and thick warm socks for the colder days. Warm gloves, a wool scarf, and a hat or beanie will all add to your comfort and warmth.
As usual, layering is crucial for the colder weather. Pack a limited amount of t-shirts (one or two), and instead focus on the warmer clothing, like long-sleeve shirts and jerseys in neutrals, to easily mix and match your accessories
Find out why thermals are a must for traveling light (and staying warm) in winter!
Jeans are a relatively thick and warm material; however, you can wear thermals underneath them for extra warmth. Pick a darker shade like rich burgundy, dark blue denim, or black.
Tip: Worried about theft, add items like a money belt or Secret Bra Pocket to your packing list for Amsterdam. Â Â
Have a great time in Amsterdam!
What are your tips on what to pack for Amsterdam?
Please note: Most of Europe’s budget airlines have this carryon bag allowance: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Always check your airline’s individual baggage rules and regulations in advance.
For more tips, please read these Europe packing lists:
- Athens
- Amsterdam
- Budapest
- Copenhagen
- Cologne
- Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Estonia
- Italy
- London
- Lithuania
- Paris
- Rome
- Spain
- Zurich
Suggested travel resources:
Please read our Ultimate Packing List for Europe featuring stylish outfits and travel tips for 9 countries.
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Very helpful article! Thanks! 🙂
Your post continually mentions dark shoes and colours in autumn tones
Is there anything wrong with blues reds and white colours
Hi Josy, thank you for reaching out. We always recommend that you should wear what makes you happy, what you feel good in, and what’s comfortable for you.
The product images and tips shown are simply to provide you with an understanding of general principles you can use, then you can adapt the items to suit your own style and preferences. It is up to the reader to tailor advice shared on the blog to her own body based on the explanations on how to choose clothing. Here is a helpful guide that explains more about how to use our guides: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/
Hope this helps. Have an amazing time in Amsterdam! ?
Hi, I live in the Caribbean island of Trinidad – no seasonal changes other than rainy season or dry season. Jackets/coats are not a part of our wardrobe. We’re traveling to Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris in November and it seems to be pretty wet and cold. I’ve been reading your blogs and still can’t get a hang of the layering. So I’ve bought some thermals, some sweaters (turtle necks included) but have no idea how to layer. Do I also need an insulated jacket and a rain coat? Would really appreciate your help!
Hi Susie, thank you for your question. Have a look at our guide for packing for the winter weather: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-for-cold-weather/ The key is to layer your clothing rather than pack bulky sweaters and coats. Choose pieces that don’t take up to much space and can be worn together if the temperature drops or you require more warmth. We’ve developed a few key equations for knowing how to layer.
When its cold: One set of merino wool or silk thermals + a top + sweater + jacket on top.
When it’s really cold: Two sets of merino wool or silk thermals + a top + sweater + jacket on top.
For days when you plan to spend a lot of time indoors, skip the base layer (thermals) altogether. Unless you’re spending extended hours outdoors then you’ll probably be warm enough with a wool pullover plus a good coat.
Also check out this video which explains how to choose the right clothing to stay warm in the cold weather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59vH_URGU3E I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps. Have an amazing time on your trip! ?
We’re leaving in about three weeks. Any advice for men? Or, where can I find some advice?
Have fun 🙂 Check out this post for men http://bit.ly/2c7roct
Thank you! That was very helpful
Thanks Rob and thank you for reading!
Hey what would u say is the traditional wear of Netherlands… Plz help and also what would they wear to a business meeting
Traditional would probably be city chic. For business I couldn’t tell you but I’d be more cautious and dress well. Being dressier is always better than too casual.
This is so helpful! I’m referencing your page for my packing list blog article!
http://www.theupgraded.life
Awesome thanks!
Hi I’m going in October for the weekend .
I’ll be with my boyfriend and really not sure what to wear for the pubs at night help appreciated boyfriend says casual friends are saying dress up I was thinking jeans heals and nice tip with Cardi to allow dress up or down really stuck
I’d go with nice jeans, cute boots, and awesome jacket. I’ll also post your question on Facebook. Don’t forget to check the weather before you go! https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl
How did ye get on? Heading over next week and dunno what clothes to bring thanks
I heard that Americans have the impression that Dutch and maybe other European people as well wear muted colors here in Amsterdam, in other words, not so bright. Do you experience that too?
Good list. I always pack a couple of disposable poncho’s as well. Easy and lightweight to carry and they’ve saved the day on many a trip, even when I had an umbrella. Also, a pair of lightweight slip on shoes or flip flops regardless of time of year. Just nice to have something to slip on when you want to take your boots off.
Thanks, great tips!
Could you recommend brand of good quality thermal underwear for europe winter weather?
Thanks.
Hi there! I would recommend the merino wool thermals featured in this post: https://travelfashiongirl.com/packing-tips-and-travel-clothing-for-multi-season-trips/
Problem with Amsterdam, and the Netherlands in general, is that there’s often a chance on rain and that it’s very unpredictable… so it’s often wise to take some extra clothes on a long hike, just in case.
good tip!
This list came JUST in time for my trip to Amsterdam (as well as Ireland and Scotland) next week, so this is perfect! Thank you so much!
Great! glad to help 🙂