It is easy to fall in love with Amsterdam. Art, architecture, and the legacies of Dutch masters have an indelible mark here. The city is great to explore for both couples and families. Weather-wise, summer is beautiful in Amsterdam but it also gets crowded. To get away from the crowds, I would suggest the fall season to visit this lovely city. Plus the visual appeal increases manyfold at the onset of the autumn season. Warm, autumn colours erupt across the city’s parks and gardens. So that’s a major plus to visit Amsterdam in late September / October. It is one of the best European cities to visit in fall season.
Read this comprehensive guide to know about Amsterdam weather in October, what to expect, best places to visit, things to do in Amsterdam in fall season. We visited Amsterdam in October and you can check out our 2 day itinerary for Amsterdam with kids.
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Weather in Amsterdam in October
The mood in the city during October is cozy. Amsterdam in October generally experiences mild and cool weather, with temperatures ranging from around 7°C to 15°C during the day. It’s cooler than the summer months but not as cold as the winter, making it comfortable to explore the city. Cloudy days are more likely in October, which has slightly less sunshine than September with an increased possibility of rainfall.
What to wear in Amsterdam in October
Pack a stylish raincoat or a trench coat to keep you dry and warm for the outdoors. You need to dress in layers to adjust for the daytime temperatures. You need to carry T-shirts or blouses as inner layer and long pants. For daytime, just a coat is enough as outer layer, but for late evenings, be sure to pack some sweaters or fleece jacket as mid-layer. A scarf or hat may also come in handy for nighttime outings.
I had carried appropriate evening wear for restaurants. Our hotel gave us an umbrella on days when rain was predicted. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are a must to will ensure your feet don’t hurt after all the walking around.
What to expect regarding crowds and cost
Both crowds and prices are much better in fall season than summer months. Hotel rates are comparatively cheaper. Low-season prices start to kick in late October. Crowds definitely dwindle by late September. You will enjoy the shorter waits for restaurant tables and emptier museums. And the best part is that it is not cold and gloomy in October.
Best places to visit in Amsterdam in fall season
Museum hopping
The cold autumn days are perfect for visiting the city’s museums. October isn’t as busy as other months so you can plan ahead and get tickets easily for the Anne Frank House. You can learn about Anne Frank’s life on a small-group or private walking tour of Amsterdam.
We enjoyed our time at Rijkamuseum, which though not empty, was not chock-a-block with summer crowds. There is also the Van Gogh museum for art lovers, you can opt for a guided museum tour. If you are a lover of Van Gogh, you will know that autumn was a source of inspiration for him. Rembrandt Museum is another must-see for art enthusiasts.
Visit the Jewish Quarter
The beginning of October marks the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Forgiveness. You can visit the Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam during this time. Jewish Historical Museum in this neighbourhood is perfect to learn about Jewish traditions and culture.
Explore De Wallen Neighborhood / Red Light District
October actually may be the perfect time of year to visit the city’s infamous De Wallen, also known as the Red Light District. It is not crazily crowded with peak summer crowds.
There are other walking tours to consider. Explore Amsterdam’s vibrant street art scene with guided tours that showcase colourful murals and urban artworks. We did a food tour with Hungry Birds to try out local Dutch cuisine.
Visit Dutch countryside
In October, the landscape in the Netherlands completely changes into autumnal hues and moody vibes. Rainy days just add to the country’s character at this time of year. You should definitely consider exploring the beautiful Dutch countryside by taking one or more of the day trips from Amsterdam.
You can enjoy traditional houses and windmills of the Dutch countryside on this tour of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Edam, and Marken from Amsterdam
Things to do in Amsterdam during fall season
Take a canal cruise
The trees along the banks of the canals turn to red, orange, and yellow autum colours. This is a beautiful time to enjoy a cruise along the historic canals of the city and enjoy the warm autumn colours. You can also explore the iconic Canal Ring, lined by charming 17th-century houses, on foot or by bike.
Walk around the city’s parks and streets
Home to more than 400,000 trees, Amsterdam is one of the leafiest cities in Europe. In autumn, the greenery turns red, yellow and orange, making it the perfect time to enjoy leisurely strolls through the parks. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to snap pretty photos.
Enjoy the cafe culture
Dessert and hot coffee, anyone? When the warm weather disappears, head to a traditional brown bar for a slice of apple pie and a glass of piping hot Chocomel. Some of the Dutch food treats also make for fantastic food souvenirs from Amsterdam to take back home.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
Amsterdam celebrates the German festival, Oktoberfest in its own way. Visitors can even tour the Heineken Brewery to see where the world-famous beer is made. There are special tours at the Heineken Brewery during Oktorberfest. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the setup and end your day by drafting your own beer and sampling a few.
Neighbourhood Markets
Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, iconic windmills, and world-class museums. However, an insider tip that locals often share is to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhood markets. One of the best travel tips to Amsterdam is to head to Albert Cuyp Market, located in the De Pijp area for an authentic Dutch experience.
Events and Festivals in Amsterdam in October
Amsterdam Dance Event
Each October, Amsterdam becomes the world’s dance capital when thousands of DJs, music fans and industry leaders arrive for ADE. Also known as Amsterdam Dance Event, this annual five-day gathering takes place in more than 100 venues. The city comes alive with electronic music-related activities and events.
Sporting events
How does a rowing race along the city’s canals sound? Grachtenrace has become one of the main sporting events on the Amsterdam calendar. The race attracts enthusiastic rowers with over 140 teams taking part each year.
There is also the International Amsterdam Marathon to participate or cheer on. This race has a worldwide reputation and thousands of runners come from all over the world to compete in it.
Techno Music Festival
The Awakenings techno music festival, held annually in June, has a weekend mini-edition in October. Autumn visitors to Amsterdam get the chance to hear and dance to some of the most in-demand acts in techno.
Summary: Pros and Cons of visiting Amsterdam in October
Pros
The brilliant foliage transforms the city’s parks and canals.
Low-season prices start to kick in, and queues begin to dwindle.
Weather is still pleasant enough for an enjoyable visit before winter cold kicks in.
Cons
You may experience a few rainy days in autumn.
Have I convinced you to visit Amsterdam in fall season? We had a lovely family vacation here and you will too.
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