What's the Weather like in Amsterdam in December?
Temperature
Be sure to pack a coat and scarf for any vacation to Amsterdam during the month of December. The average high temperature in the month is just 6°C (42° F) with an average overnight low temperature of 2.5°C (33° F). This is not as cold as January, however, with the wind, it can feel much cooler than that.
Rainfall
Rainfall can be rather high in the month with an average amount of precipitation of between 69mm and rain over an average of 7 out of 31 days in December.
Average Sunshine Hours
Sunshine is also at a premium in December with only about three hours a day.
Snow
Day-to-day weather in the city is highly changeable with periods of breezy conditions. Snow can occur at times in December, but prolonged periods of brutal cold weather are rare.
Amsterdam Hotels for December
Max Brown Museum Square
If a good view is important, one of the best can be found at the Max Brown Museum Square. A great location with large, stylish rooms that overlook the Herengracht canal make for the perfect hotel to call home while on vacation.
All the major sights and nightlife are well within walking distance and the hotel won't break the bank either. The simple rooms have wifi, breakfast and wonderful views to enjoy.
Amstel Amsterdam City
Another great value place to stay includes Amstel Amsterdam City. Mixing modern touches with high tech, the rooms are bright and airy. The hotel is a good place to meet people as it houses a living and canteen area. It is also located near the city centre and Museum Quarter. There are 215 luxurious, affordable rooms available here.
The Toren
Book a room in The Toren hotel for a unique stay in a four star boutique. Choose from 38 uniquely styled rooms and suites. This is the perfect base to explore Amsterdam as it's in close proximity of landmarks and attraction.
Enjoy the intimate atmosphere here and book a room as a family, couple, group of friends or as an individual. The patterned wallpaper and fancy decor set an ambient setting for a romantic stay. You will love the friendly, helpful staff who are always of assistance.
Bars and Restaurants
One can't talk about the Netherlands and not mention cheese. The Dutch have been making cheese since 800B.C. In fact, the Netherlands is the largest exporter of cheese in the world.
However, not all of it leaves the country, the Dutch also eat an average of 21 kilograms of cheese per person per year. The majority of Dutch cheeses are semi-hard or hard and with Gouda or Edam as the two most popular.
In December on New Year's Eve, the Dutch serve Oliebollen as a treat. These are similar to a donut and typically served with powdered sugar. In essence, they are deep fried balls of dough made in a traditional plain way or with raisins and/or currents inside.
Moeders
Snert is another popular Dutch food and is made of split peas, celery, leeks, carrots and pork. This pea soup is very thick and traditionally eaten in the winter months as it is very warming. Moeders is the best place to try this appetizing dish as it is freshly made by a mother. All the food in this restaurant is hearty and their a la carte menu is definitely recommended.
Café Pollux
Looking for something a little more rock and roll? Café Pollux is probably your best bet. This late-night dive bar isn't for everyone, but it can be a fun venue to spend a few hours. Grab one of their refreshing beers and sit back and relax.
Things to do in Amsterdam in December
Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival helps kick off the holiday season in the city. The 55 day festival is dedicated to a specific theme and visitors can enjoy the lights by either boat or on foot.
Christmas Festivals
There are also numerous Christmas festivals throughout the city to help get visitors in the holiday mood. Many of the festivals come complete with ice skating, food and plenty of Christmas shopping opportunities.
There are also plenty of places to practice jumps and swirls on skates away from the festivals as ice skating is a major activity in the winter months.
Important Dates
December is usually a quiet time in Amsterdam as the city prepares for the upcoming holiday season.
Christmas
The biggest events are the holidays themselves with Christmas actually continuing into a second day. On December 26, many Dutch take this national holiday to visit with friends and family or to shop. Most people enjoy the tradition of shopping for furniture on this day and the second day of Easter in spring.
New Year's Eve
There are many parties throughout the city a week later for New Year's Eve. There events for everyone's taste including dance parties, comedy shows and more. The last few days of December are also one of the only times in the year when fireworks are permitted, so get ready to see some popping across the city.
