Amsterdam
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Amsterdam Weather in December

December in Amsterdam brings low temperatures, with highs of 8°C (46°F) and nights dropping to 3°C (37°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 87 mm (3.4 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.

Rainfall in Amsterdam in December

Typically, you can expect about 19 days of rain this month, with 87 mm (3.4 in) on average. Expect plenty of grey, overcast days rather than intense storms. The rain rarely amounts to much on any given day.

Temperature in Amsterdam in December

December in Amsterdam sees highs of 8°C (46°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F) overnight. December is known for being in the winter season. The days stay cool from start to finish. Layering up well will make outdoor time much more comfortable. At 3°C (37°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.

Sunshine in Amsterdam in December

The area experiences limited sunny days, amounting to roughly 52 hours of sunshine. This makes it perfect for those who lean towards cooler, cloudier settings rather than intense sunlit days.

Wind Speed in Amsterdam in December

December sees wind speeds averaging 6 m/s (12 knots). You'll experience strong winds that cause whole trees to sway and require effort when walking against them. As an average, expect variation from moderate breezes to particularly windy days that affect daily routines.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Amsterdam. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.

Amsterdam Temperature in December

Min Temperature
3°C (37°F)
Max Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
62%
Precipitation
87 mm (3.4 in)
Rainy days
19 days
Humidity
90%
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots)
Sunshine
52 hours
Percentage Sunshine
16%

Amsterdam Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Amsterdam - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Amsterdam typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 8°C (46°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 3°C (37°F).

Average temperatures in December

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in December

Historical weather records for Amsterdam in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Amsterdam spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Amsterdam historical weather extremes in December

Our historical data for Amsterdam spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.

  • On December 24, 1977, temperatures climbed to 15°C (59°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
  • The coldest night in December in Amsterdam was on December 7, 1980, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F).

Best Places in the Netherlands in December

Find out more about the weather in the Netherlands and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the Netherlands in December →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Amsterdam in December

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Amsterdam in December. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.

What To Do in Amsterdam in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Swimming
    4/10
  • Cycling
    4/10
  • Walking
    4/10
  • Camping
    4/10
  • Outdoor sports
    4/10

Amsterdam 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Amsterdam

Popular in December

Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.