What January feels like in Amsterdam
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Amsterdam. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Amsterdam in January
January is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 5.3 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Amsterdam's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.5 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 8:44 am and sunset at about 4:54 pm (local time) — 8 h 11 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 27 min more daylight than in mid-December. About 45% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Amsterdam. Compared with December, afternoons are 1°C (1.8°F) cooler, with 2 mm less rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. By February, typical highs are 7°C (44.6°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Amsterdam in January
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Amsterdam in January?
Expect around 6.1°C (43°F) in the afternoon and 2°C (35.6°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Amsterdam in January?
It does: about 14 rainy days bring roughly 74 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Amsterdam in January?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Amsterdam?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #11), rated Fair against Fair. February has fewer rainy days.