Weather in Amsterdam in March

How March compares

March is the 9th warmest month of the year in Amsterdam and ranks 132nd of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Amsterdam is 1.4°C cooler by day and 0.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Amsterdam peaks at 9.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 13.3°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 3.3°C; one night in ten drops to -0.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 20.5°C (2017-03-31) and the coldest night -13.9°C (2005-03-04).

Rain in March

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 54 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 2019 with 111 mm, the driest 1993 with 8 mm. Humidity averages 80%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 5.7°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 3.3°C to 7.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (19.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:54 and sets about 18:44 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 68%.

Is March a good time to visit Amsterdam?

March is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Amsterdam on our scoring are July, August, June.

Expect coat weather, even when the sun appears

A proper coat and layers are more useful than a spring wardrobe in March. Average afternoons are cool enough that long spells outdoors can become uncomfortable without warm clothing, while evenings call for keeping those layers on. The warmest days reach 13.3°C or more, so a milder afternoon is possible, but it should be a bonus rather than the basis of your packing. At the colder end, nights can fall below freezing. Plan longer outdoor stretches for the warmer part of the day and keep indoor breaks flexible. This month suits travellers who do not mind staying wrapped up, rather than those hoping to sit outside in light clothing.

Keep plans flexible for rain and limited sunshine

March is wet enough to make waterproof outerwear and shoes that cope with rain sensible packing choices. About 11 rainy days means you should allow for wet weather, without assuming every day will be a washout. There are around 11.5 hours of daylight, but only about 3.7 hours of sunshine, so a reasonably long day does not necessarily mean a bright one. Leave room to move outdoor plans around when conditions improve, rather than making the whole trip depend on dry skies. If rain and cool air would leave you disappointed, March is a weaker fit than a trip built around flexible plans and regular indoor breaks.