march in Amsterdam: first signs of spring
March in Amsterdam is like a sneak preview of what’s to come – a touch of warmth, budding trees, and locals slowly coming out of winter hibernation. Expect temperatures around 8-12°C, with daylight hours stretching nicely by the end of the month. It's the perfect time to get ahead of the spring crowds and experience the city in a quieter setting.
things to do in march: kick off the season with a scenic canal boat ride, giving you views of the city’s awakening greenery. Take a stroll through Amsterdam's famous parks as they start to bloom, or visit art exhibitions popping up around town. If you're a foodie, early March also brings a range of food festivals, so keep an eye out for treats beyond the usual stroopwafels.
local events: around 17 march, several spots in amsterdam embrace st. patrick’s day spirit – with pubs offering everything from live music to green pints.
museum week 2025: this year, from 30 march to 5 april, over 400 museums across the netherlands (including amsterdam) will roll out special discounts and unique programs for museum week. It's a golden chance to explore art, history, and more without breaking the bank, with loads of museums offering reduced or free entry and activities for all ages.
april in Amsterdam: tulip season in full bloom
April is the month Amsterdam truly blossoms – literally. With temperatures warming up to around 10-15°C and plenty of sunshine, it’s prime time to explore the city on foot or bike. tulips are the star of the show, and Amsterdam's landscapes are dotted with these iconic blooms.
things to do in April: get ready for King’s Day on 27 april, when the city becomes a sea of orange with street parties, boat parades, and flea markets everywhere. April is also the ideal month for a bike tour through tulip fields or a visit to open gardens throughout the city, where you’ll find an array of colourful flowers in bloom.
Amsterdam tulip festival: in 2025, the festival will feature over 880,000 tulips planted in more than 60 spots around the city, including public spaces, streets, squares, shopping areas, parks, and museum gardens. Most locations are free, though museums charge regular entry. hotspots like Museumplein and the area around Rijksmuseum are must-visits for vibrant displays.
related events beyond Amsterdam: head 40 km out to the Keukenhof gardens (open 20 march – 11 may) for the world’s most famous tulip displays. On 12-13 April, the Flower Parade (Bloemencorso Bollenstreek) will wow you with extravagant, flower-covered floats making their way from Noordwijk to Haarlem. for tulip fields in their prime, check out the Bollenstreek area from mid-April to early May – it’s a colourful day trip you won’t forget.
peak bloom: for that perfect tulip photo op, plan to be in Amsterdam from early to mid-April, when the tulips are usually at their best.
may in Amsterdam: basking in spring’s beauty
May in Amsterdam is pure spring bliss – think warmer temps, fewer rainy days, and longer daylight hours perfect for lazy afternoons by the canals. With temperatures hitting 15-20°C, the city is in full bloom, making it a perfect time for outdoor adventures and festivals galore.
things to do in may: catch an open-air film screening at one of Amsterdam's outdoor cinemas or hop on a canal cruise to soak up the sights from the water. The festival season is in full swing, with highlights like the Mahler festival (9-18 May) at the Royal Concertgebouw, where you can experience all of Mahler's symphonies performed by world-class orchestras. For electronic music fans, there’s the Music on Festival (10-11 may) at the haverpark, bringing top techno beats to the city.
final bloom of tulips: while the main tulip season peaks in April, you can still find tulips and other spring flowers lingering in gardens and parks across the city. Keukenhof gardens will be open until 11 may, making it the last chance to see the famed tulip displays up close.
Amsterdam Art Week (21-25 may) wraps up the month with a celebration of creativity across the city – from gallery tours to live performances, it’s the perfect way to finish spring on a high note.
where to see tulips in Amsterdam
When it comes to tulips, Amsterdam knows how to put on a show. Here's your inside scoop on the top spots to catch these beauties in full bloom – plus a few pro tips for the best viewing experience.
Keukenhof gardens: the crown jewel of tulip spots, just 40 minutes from Amsterdam. With over 7 million bulbs in bloom, Keukenhof is open from 20 March to 11 May, with peak season around early to mid-April. tickets sell fast, so booking ahead is a must if you want to breeze past the crowds.
Museumplein: smack in the city centre, Museumplein turns into a spring wonderland, with vibrant tulip displays by the Rijksmuseum. it’s free to wander, so take your time and soak it all in.
Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market): stroll along Singel canal to this one-of-a-kind market, where tulips in every colour await. and it’s not just for photos – you can grab some bulbs to take home too (just check travel restrictions if you’re headed out of the EU). Early mornings are the quietest if you want to skip the crowds.
Amsterdam tulip festival: spread out across Amsterdam, this festival brings tulips to streets, parks, and even hotel gardens. Most spots are free to visit, though some museum gardens might have an entry fee. The festival blooms throughout April, with the best displays in the first half of the month.
Vondelpark and other city parks: in spots like Vondelpark, tulips mingle with other spring blooms, creating a colourful escape. These parks are free and perfect if you’re after a laid-back tulip fix without the crowds.
best times to visit: aim for early to mid-April to catch the tulips at their peak. if Keukenhof is on your list, book those tickets early – trust us, you don’t want to miss it! for the most accurate timing, keep an eye on the flower forecast, which tracks bloom progress and helps you pick the perfect moment to see the fields in all their colourful glory.
When it comes to tulips, Amsterdam and its surroundings know how to put on a show. Here's your inside scoop on the top spots to catch these beauties in full bloom – plus a few pro tips for the best viewing experience.
