Amsterdam in February | The Best Travel Guide

If you are planning on visiting Amsterdam in February be sure to use this as the ultimate monthly guide!

Amsterdam is a stunning travel destination year-round, and February is no different. What makes Amsterdam so special in February is that February is the unofficial month of love and romance, and very few cities do romance as well as Amsterdam!

But Amsterdam is not only amazing in February for its romance it is also packed with exciting things to do and interesting events to attend. This makes it the perfect “end of winter in Amsterdam and welcome to early spring” getaway that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.

Use this guide to learn everything you need to know about visiting Amsterdam in February and to plan your visit seamlessly. Enjoy!

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Is February a good time to visit Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a good travel destination year-round. Each month comes with its own pros and cons and when deciding on the best month for you there are a few things to take into account. Below are some deciding factors to take into account when planning a trip to Amsterdam in February.

Crowds: February is one of Amsterdam’s least busy months and during this time you can expect much fewer tourists around. This is great because Amsterdam is a very touristy city and visiting in the high tourist months can mean huge crowds, long wait times, and busy attractions.
Prices: Since there are fewer people visiting Amsterdam in the spring month of February prices for flights and accommodations are typically cheaper.
Weather: The weather in February in Amsterdam is moderate. In the following section, I go into a little more detail. It is not the warmest and sunniest but is manageable.

Amsterdam Weather in February

The weather in February is not the best but also not the worst. From November – to January is when Amsterdam usually gets the most rain and February is typically not a rainy month. You can expect overcast skies but only around 9 days of rain. However, Amsterdam is unpredictable, so prepare for anything!

As for temperatures, for being a city located pretty far north the temperatures are quite mild. At the beginning of the month, you can expect highs of 6° and lows of 0°. Towards the end of the month, you can expect highs of 7° and lows of 1°. Just note that the actual temperature tends to be about 4 degrees cooler due to the wind chill.

	Temperature Highs	Temperature Lows
Beginning of February	6°	0°
End of February	7°	1°

What to pack for Amsterdam in February

Check out whats below to see what you should pack for February.

What to do in Amsterdam in February

Van Gogh Museum

During the month of February, you can expect chilly temperatures outside which makes indoor activities all the more attractive. One of the top indoor activities in Amsterdam is going to museums! There are so many interesting and amazing museums in Amsterdam that have all kinds of different exhibits and artists on show.

A great option and one of Amsterdam’s most popular museums is the Van Gogh Museum. This museum is dedicated to the works of world-renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh. The museum is showcased in chronological order and guides you through Van Gogh’s mental state throughout the years.

Read More: 20 Best Cafes in Amsterdam

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a museum in Amsterdam that will move you and touch you deeply. The museum showcases the attic in which Anne Frank hid in during WW2 along with her tragic story.

Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl in WW2 who was hidden in an attic to avoid capture, she kept a diary during this time and wrote about her life in hiding. Tragically, she was captured and sent to a death camp where she died, but her story lives on through her diary and this museum.

A visit here is a must while visiting Amsterdam. The museum is sombre and heavy but tells a story of hate and about a past, that was not so long ago.

*IMPORTANT: The Anne Frank House has now limited its amount of guests to 1 million a year. As a result, tickets ONLY go on sale ONLINE on the first Tuesday of the Month*

Rijksmuseum

To avoid the chilly temperatures February brings a visit to Rijksmuseum is in order. The Rijksmuseum is a huge museum in Amsterdam that has over four floors and 80 different galleries. You can easily spend hours here seeing all the different artworks, artifacts and more! Most people don’t even see half the things due to its sheer size.

Exploring this museum will transport you from the middle ages to the present with a wide range of exhibits. A visit to the Rijksmuseum is perfect if you find yourself visiting on a rainy day.

Girl standing in front of a painting at Rijksmuseum

Red Light District

The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam’s most visited and oldest areas. The neon signs, red-light windows, and old bars transport you into a whole other world that must be experienced at least once.

A visit here is not for everyone, and probably not a place to bring children, but in Amsterdam it is one of the top things to do. The Red Light District has a shady reputation, however, the area is quite safe and more a touristy spot than anything else.

Van Stapele Cookies

After exploring the city a sweet treat is in order, and there is no better place for one than Van Stapele. This is a very famous cookie shop in Amsterdam that only serves one type of cookie – chocolate with white chocolate on the inside. The cookies are baked fresh daily and the recipe has been perfected to offer an amazing cookie that is soft and sweet.

Van Stapele has become so popular that there is often a line to get in! What’s nice about visiting in February is that this line is significantly shorter than in the warmer months.

Sample Dutch Cheese

There is nothing the Dutch like more than cheese so get your taste buds ready and test some out. There are a ton of cheese shops all around Amsterdam with a wide variety of cheese flavors like pesto, gouda, beer, and more! What’s great about the cheese shops in Amsterdam is that they offer a lot of free samples so you can test your way around the store and find the flavor you like best.

With this, you can take home the ultimate Dutch souvenir – a block of cheese! A visit here is also perfect for escaping the cold and warming up for a little indoors.

Romantic Canal Cruise

Riding in a boat along the canals of Amsterdam is the best way to see the city. There are a ton of canal cruise options that will transport you all around the city on a magical journey. What’s great about canal cruises is that there are both indoor and outdoor options and with the indoor boats you can stay warm while admiring the city.

If you are visiting Amsterdam in February for a romantic getaway this is the ultimate date idea. There are a ton of different canal cruise options ranging from drinking tours to pizza boats and more!

Read More: 20 Date Ideas in Amsterdam

Day trip to Zaanse Schans

There is more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam and taking a short day trip to one of the stunning surrounding areas is a must. One of the top day trips is Zaanse Schans which is a traditional Dutch village full of authentic Dutch windmills. This beauty is only 40 minutes from Amsterdam by bus and is a romantic place to escape to.

You can also opt for a tour which will bring you on a day trip to various beautiful places in the Netherlands. These are a great option if you want to soak in the Dutch beauty in an easy and efficient way.

Madame Tussaud’s

A visit to Madame Tussaud’s offers entertainment and a unique museum experience. The museum is home to various wax statues of famous celebrities and historical figures. It is complete with settings and props to add to the entertainment value of the museum. Plus, it is located in the famous Dam Square amongst the hub of excitement in the city.

Explore the city

Although it is cold in February you should take some time to explore Amsterdam on foot or by bike. There is so much beauty to be found in the less touristy areas that will show you the true charm of the city. The best area to explore to see the stunning beauty of Amsterdam is the Jordaan.

This area is located just a short distance from the city center and can be reached by foot, bike or public transport. This is where you will find the famous 9 streets, which are 9 streets full of indie boutiques, cute cafes, and delicious restaurants. The narrow streets, stunning bridges, and wide canals are postcard-perfect and will give you the ultimate Amsterdam views.

Events in Amsterdam in February

A State of Trance

If you are an electronic dance music lover then A State of Trance is a festival that might interest you. ASOT takes place in the middle of February each year and is put on by famous EDM DJ Armin Van Burren.

The festival takes place in a city called Utrecht which is 20 minutes from Amsterdam and hosts some of the biggest names in Trance music. If this interests you be sure to get your ticket in advance because the 40,000 tickets sell out lightning fast.

Ajax Football Matches

Amsterdam is the home city for one of the best football teams in Europe called Ajax. There is a stadium in Amsterdam that often hosts games and is amazing to join. February hosts a few games in the home arena so be sure to check out the Ajax website to see if they are playing while you are visiting.

Amsterdam Chocoa Festival

Calling all chocolate lovers! In the middle of February Amsterdam hosts its very own Chocolate Festival. Here you will find over 80 stalls who will teach you about chocolate making, explain the difference between good and bad cocoa, and of course have plenty of tasters for you to try.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city with quite a few different neighbours to stay in. All of which are unique and choosing the best area for you depends on son your needs as a traveller. I have created a complete area guide for Amsterdam to help you figure out where it is best to stay for you! Find here: “Best Place to Stay in Amsterdam“.

Here are some options if you are looking for something in a beautiful area and in close proximity to other attractions.

Tips for visiting Amsterdam in February

Pack warm clothing
Take advantage of the cafes to warm up in
Purchase tickets for museums and attractions in advance
Get a public transport card to get around the city easily and for less money, linked below

For a complete list of Amsterdam travel tips check out this post.

Travel Insurance

It is important to have travel insurance before traveling. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before traveling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. World Nomads is a popular Travel Insurance choice. Enter your details below to get a free quote!

Use this guide to help prepare you for your Amsterdam in February adventures. Amsterdam is such a beautiful and magical city that regardless of when you visit you will have an amazing time!

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