Things to do in Amsterdam in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Amsterdam. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 48—61°F (9—16°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Amsterdam during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to the tulip fields in Lisse, visit the NDSM Wharf during the Over het IJ Festival, attend the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre performances, and more!

Amsterdam has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Amsterdam. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Amsterdam in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Amsterdam in May

Top experiences in May
Take a day trip to the tulip fields in Lisse
May is the perfect time to take a day trip from Amsterdam to the nearby town of Lisse, where you can visit the famous tulip fields. The vibrant colors of the blooming tulips create a breathtaking sight, and you can explore the fields on foot, by bike, or even from a helicopter for a truly unique experience. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Dutch countryside and witness the iconic symbol of the Netherlands in all its glory.
Visit the NDSM Wharf during the Over het IJ Festival
The NDSM Wharf is a former shipyard turned creative hub, and in May, it hosts the Over het IJ Festival, a multidisciplinary arts and culture event. The festival features theater performances, art installations, music, and more, all set against the industrial backdrop of the wharf. It's a great opportunity to experience cutting-edge contemporary art and immerse yourself in Amsterdam's vibrant creative scene.
Attend the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre performances
In May, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre kicks off its summer season with a diverse program of free performances, including music, dance, theater, and more. This is a great opportunity to enjoy live entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting, surrounded by the lush greenery of Vondelpark. It's a popular local hangout and a great way to experience Amsterdam's vibrant arts and culture scene.
Visit the Rijksmuseum's gardens
The Rijksmuseum, one of Amsterdam's most famous museums, has a stunning garden that comes to life in May. The garden is filled with sculptures, fountains, and colorful flower beds, providing a peaceful and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a great place to relax and admire the art and nature in perfect harmony.
Attend the Liberation Day celebrations
May 5th is Liberation Day in the Netherlands, a national holiday commemorating the end of the Nazi occupation during World War II. The day is marked with various events, concerts, and parades throughout the country, including in Amsterdam. It's a unique opportunity to experience the Dutch spirit of freedom and celebrate with the locals.
Take a bike ride through the Amsterdamse Bos
May is a great time to explore the Amsterdamse Bos, a large park located just outside of Amsterdam. With the arrival of spring, the park is bursting with greenery and blooming flowers, making it the perfect setting for a leisurely bike ride. You can also enjoy picnicking, hiking, or even horseback riding in this beautiful natural oasis.
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Holidays in Amsterdam in May
May

There are no holidays in Amsterdam in May

Weather in Amsterdam in May

Temperatures on an average day in Amsterdam in May

The average temperature in Amsterdam in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 61°F (16°C) to a low of 48°F (9°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Amsterdam, August, has days with highs of 71°F (22°C) and lows of 58°F (15°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Amsterdam in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
61°F
highs
48°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
23%
Chance of rain
0.071 in
Amount
15.5 mph
Wind speed
74%
Humidity
15.7 hrs
Daylight length
5:46 AM
Sunrise
9:27 PM
Sunset
47%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 61°F (16°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Amsterdam in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Amsterdam has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Amsterdam that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Amsterdam for May.
Van Gogh Museum
1. Van Gogh Museum
4.6
(85657)
Art museum
Museums
Museum housing the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, alongside drawings & letters.
Anne Frank House
2. Anne Frank House
4.5
(65474)
Museum
Non-profit organization
Museum house where Anne Frank & her family hid from the Nazis in a secret annex, during WWII.
Rijksmuseum
3. Rijksmuseum
4.6
(92443)
Art museum
Museums
19th-century building housing Dutch Golden Age painting masterpieces & vast European art collection.
De Wallen
4. De Wallen
Neighborhoods
Amsterdam's medieval city center is home to a red-light district, as well as bars & coffee shops.
Vondelpark
5. Vondelpark
4.7
(51291)
Park
Nature & Parks
Expansive, 19th-century urban park with a playground, ponds & an open-air theater.
Heineken Experience
6. Heineken Experience
4.2
(10287)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Interactive tour through beer giant's history in former brewery, with a tasting room finale.
DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station
7. DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station
4.4
(7352)
Hotel
Transportation
Relaxed quarters in a high-end riverside property with a rooftop lounge, a grill & a gym.
Dam
8. Dam
Town square
Sights & Landmarks
Main city center square overlooked by a neoclassical palace, 15th-century church & WWII memorial.
Jordaan
9. Jordaan
Neighborhoods
Trendy neighborhood featuring boutiques, pubs & restaurants, plus several niche museums.
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
10. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
4.3
(25862)
Wax museum
Museums
Museum chain for life-size wax replicas of famous people & historic icons in themed galleries.
ARTIS
11. ARTIS
4.5
(31451)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Zoo park founded in 19th century, with chimps, zebras & elephants, plus aquarium & planetarium.
Rembrandt House Museum
12. Rembrandt House Museum
4.5
(12076)
Art museum
Museums
Restored, 17th-century house where Rembrandt lived & worked for 20 years, hung with his etchings.
NH Museum Quarter
13. NH Museum Quarter
4.2
(1174)
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Airy rooms in a hip hotel offering a restaurant & bar, plus a terrace & a 24/7 gym.
Begijnhof
14. Begijnhof
4.5
(8683)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Former women's religious community, with houses & a serene courtyard dating to the 14th century.
BODY WORLDS Amsterdam
15. BODY WORLDS Amsterdam
4.5
(14732)
Science museum
Museums
Preserved human & animal remains are on display in a range of poses at this anatomy exhibit.
NEMO Science Museum
16. NEMO Science Museum
4.5
(30914)
Science museum
Museums
Interactive science exhibits, experiments & shows in a huge, waterfront, boat-like museum.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Amsterdam?

Get inspired for your trip to Amsterdam with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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