The weather in Amsterdam can be unpredictable, so much so that the locals have a popular saying.
“April doet wat hij wil”.
This translates to, “April does what it wants.”
I didn’t visit Amsterdam in April. I went in June. But between the random rain, hot sunny days, and breezy cold days, I will go out on a whim and say it applies to June as well.
And yes, I experienced all of this within the six days I was there. I soon realized that the weather is the most significant factor in what to pack for a summer trip to Amsterdam.
However, I did surprisingly well considering I wasn’t expecting the weather to be as unpredictable as it was.
This post will highlight a detailed packing list and outfit inspiration. It will include my exact packing strategy and corrections to mistakes I made so you are 100% prepared for Amsterdam’s culture and unpredictable weather.
My Packing Strategy
Amsterdam is a very active city filled with a fun culture, beautiful sites, and a strong history. You’ll do a ton of walking, possibly biking, and using public transit. This means you’ll be exposed to the weather, so packing with comfort and practicality in mind is key.
The most important packing tip is to pack layers that can easily be removed or added throughout the day, especially if you’ll be away from your hotel for an extended period of time. I did this by adding a lightweight button-down shirt to my outfits. This provided a layer of warmth during cooler mornings and evenings and protection from the sun on hot sunny days.
Packing Mistakes
One of my biggest mistakes was not packing a multi-purpose jacket. I did bring a jacket, but its purpose was mainly to look cute. I needed a good quality jacket that would keep me warm and dry.
Another mistake was bringing a cross-body bag. Although I usually travel with this type of bag, I needed a backpack or sling bag in Amsterdam. It would have made things much easier for me.
Outfit Inspiration
I like to look cute and stylish, like the next girl. But if you want to be comfortable during long days on your trip, comfort and practicality must come before looking cute.
I suggest keeping things very simple. Leave the jewelry, sandals, and additional accessories at home.
That said, I did put together 4 outfit ideas for each possible activity you might do during your trip. I think these outfit ideas are comfortable, practical, and cute—obviously for the sake of selfies!
Exploring The City
Lightweight Top | Shorts | Sneakers| Slingbag
Obviously, you’ll be exploring and walking around the city. This should be a lightweight outfit comfortable for a day’s worth of exploring. You don’t need to dress in many layers, as you’ll be in the city and can easily get back to your hotel if needed.
Exploring Outside the City
Jeans | T-shirt | Jacket | Slingbag | Sneakers | Sunhat
I loved exploring outside the city, but this also meant a quick trip back to the hotel wasn’t easy or even possible.
If you venture outside the city into the countryside or Belgium, a popular stop when visiting the Netherlands, you’ll want to dress in layers.
The weather was much cooler while visiting Giethoorn (a beautiful neighborhood on water) and Zaanse Schans to see the windmills. This most likely had to do with all the water surrounding the area. So, dressing in layers to stay warm and dry is key.
***The left picture was on a boat ride through Giethoorn, and the right image is at the North Sea. You can see by my clothes how windy it was.***
Remember when I said I had a jacket, but it was for looking cute rather than being practical?
Well, after I visited Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, I became sick. My sinuses were messed up, and I had a scratchy throat. This usually happens when I’m exposed to cold, rainy weather without the proper attire. Lucky for me, I only had one day left, so this didn’t ruin my trip entirely, but it did not make for a pleasant flight back, as my ears were in a lot of pain from the altitude.
Adventurous Bike Ride
Leggings | Active Top | Jacket | Athletic Shoes | Cap | Belt bag
I took a very ambitious 25-mile bike ride through the Dutch countryside. Bikes are the main form of transportation in Amsterdam, so you will most likely find yourself on one sometime during your trip.
But if you plan to do a bike tour, you’ll definitely want to wear your athletic gear. As I learned the hard way, the Dutch are serious about their bikes, and that bike ride was no joke!
That one bike ride exposed me to heat, rain, and very strong, cold winds as we passed the North Sea. So, as I said before, comfort is key.
Visiting Museums
Summer dress | Button down | Sling bag | Sneakers
Amsterdam has a wide variety of museums to visit. This will most likely be a chill experience. So dress comfortably and be prepared for a lot of walking and moving. But it’s also your chance to bring out a pretty summer dress.
I added button-downs to my dresses and tied them in the front. The long sleeves really helped keep my arms cool and from being exposed to direct sunlight.
Summer Packing List For Amsterdam
- Multipurpose jacket: A waterproof jacket with a hood will serve two purposes. First, it will keep you warm during the mornings and evenings. Second, it will keep you dry when it rains. The hood will prevent you from having to pack or carry an umbrella around.
- Sunhat: A sunhat protects your face from the sun. It was a lifesaver while boating through the canals.
- Long-sleeve shirts: Lightweight long-sleeve shirts are a great addition to your outfits. They will prevent direct sunlight from hitting your arms and shoulders and will help keep you cool.
- Comfortable sneakers: I personally don’t recommend sandals while traveling, especially in Amsterdam. As I said before, this is a very active city. You will, at the very least, be doing a ton of walking, so be sure to take care of your feet.
- Sling bag/backpack purse: I usually recommend a crossbody bag while traveling. However, a sling bag or backpack purse might be the most comfortable option for Amsterdam.
- Lightweight pants: Jeans are acceptable if they aren’t heavy denim. I would also avoid pants that are baggy or drag on the ground.
- Summer maxi dresses: These are a great option because lightweight dresses are comfortable and can still be suitable for how active the city is.
- Sunscreen: You will most definitely be exposed to the weather, and sunscreen is essential when exposed to the sun.
What To Pack For A Summer Trip To Amsterdam
Hopefully, this post gave you a good idea of what to pack for a summer trip to Amsterdam. The most important thing to remember is to pack layers and prepare to be active. Despite the unpredictable weather, Amsterdam is a wonderful place to visit during the summer and will provide a lot of rich history and memories!
Happy Travels!
Other posts you might enjoy:
- Solo Traveler Secrets: How To Enjoy Sightseeing As A Solo Traveler (6 must-know tips)
- 5 Safe And Exciting Cities Perfect For Your First Solo Trip
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