Is Amsterdam Nice in January?
Amsterdam, the Dutch capital is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world, it is famous for its beauty and its numerous and ancient buildings, but also for its lively culture. Amsterdam is a lovely place to visit all year around, but some visitors have doubts whether Amsterdam is worth visiting in January. In this blog article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Amsterdam in January so you can make an educated decision.
Weather in January
In January it is winter in Amsterdam, the weather is quite cold. The average temperature in this period is 2-6 degrees Celsius (36-43 degrees Fahrenheit). More noticeably, there is a greater possibility of rain, including occasional snowfall. You are going to need to bring warm clothing, a good coat, hat and gloves as well as a scarf to take the chill of the visit.
Advantages of holiday in Amsterdam in January
Lower Tourist Crowds
Considering that the peak season for tourists in Amsterdam is not January, you will see many fewer tourists around the city. This is translates into shorter lines at the famous attractions, hassle-free visits to the museums and lesser crowded streets. You can have a more laid-back and a more authentic experience especially if you prefer a quieter environment.
Lower Accommodation Prices
As January is considered the off-season of holidays accommodation prices are cheaper that are than in other months. You can get good Special Offers on hotels, hostels and vaocations rentals this way and you can save money for the place to stay.
Winter Festivities
Amsterdam gets into the mood for winter with numerous festive events. The city turns into a fairytale of a town with beautiful light embellishments, ice skating rinks and festive Christmas markets. You can of course ice skatting on the Museumplein, or goes vague through the stands of unique gifts and delicious food.
Drawbacks of visiting Amsterdam in January
Unpredictable Weather
January weather in Amsterdam is quite changeable with sudden rain showers and occasional snow. It’s best to be equipped with suitable clothing and also footwear, in case you need to enable comfy strolling about town, taking a look at the city’s outdoor spots. Be flexible with your plans and have indoor days on rainy and coldest days.
Shorter Daylight Hours
In January, Amsterdam has the shortest daylight period with sunset around 4:30 PM. This way, you only have short time for sight-seeing before it gets dark. Keep in mind your schedule and do the most of the daylight hours you have.
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam in January
- Monitor the weather daily and dress according to.
- Visit widely visited museums in the morning to avoiding crowds.
- Make use of the discounts, booking a reservation in advance.
- Spend less pretty days at the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum’s indoor sights.
- Celebrate the special Dutch tradition of celebrating King’s Day on January 27th with a street fair and festivities if your traveling to Amsterdam during this time.
- Taste some Dutch winter treats such as Dutch doughnut called “oliebollen” or “stroopwafels,” delicious waffles filled with syrup.
- Take the public transportation or bike rentals to explore the city economically.
- Get watered and stay warm with a hot chocolate or Dutch pea soup (erwtensoep).
All in all, Amsterdam in January is an experience which has a lot to offer. If you research and prepare for the winter season then you will have the pleasure of visiting the cities attractions without the normal crowds and in a more affordable price. Indulge in winter festivities and get lost in the warmest indoor spots the city of Amsterdam has to offer. Please note that should you decide to visit and please check local guidelines and restrictions following COVID-19. Have a great time going around this lovely city!
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