Last updated: August 27, 2025
May in Amsterdam offers a delightful blend of spring warmth and occasional showers. With maximum temperatures reaching a pleasant 31°C (88°F) and an average hovering around 13°C (56°F), there's plenty of opportunity to enjoy the city's vibrant parks and canals. However, be prepared for the minimum temperatures dipping to 1°C (34°F), reminding visitors that spring can still have its chilly moments. Rain is prevalent with 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. Therefore, packing a light jacket and an umbrella is advisable, ensuring you're ready to explore Amsterdam's stunning scenery in all its springtime glory.
In Amsterdam, the month of May marks a significant transition as temperatures begin to soar, revealing the city's vibrant spirit. With a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average temperature of 13°C (56°F), delightful sunny days quickly replace the lingering chill of earlier months. Maxing out at a pleasant* 31°C (88°F), May invites both locals and visitors to explore its charming canals and lush parks, setting the stage for outdoor festivals and events. This gradual warm-up from the cooler spring months signals a shift in local life, full of energy and blooming flowers, embodying the essence of a city thriving in full swing as summer approaches.
In May, Amsterdam experiences a balanced blend of spring warmth and typical Dutch rain, with precipitation totaling 66 mm (2.6 in) over approximately 13 days. This amount marks a slight increase from April's drier conditions, emphasizing a transition into a wetter season as the city prepares for summer. As the rain begins its gradual ascent, the pattern sets the stage for the wetter months ahead, notably June and August, which often bring the highest rainfall totals of the year. In contrast to April's 9 dry days, May offers a more varied forecast, ensuring that the lush parks and vibrant tulip gardens continue to thrive, making it a picturesque time for visitors and locals alike. The gentle showers not only nourish the landscape but also add a charming ambiance to Amsterdam's historic streets, inviting all to enjoy the beauty of the season.
In May, Amsterdam experiences a slight dip in humidity, averaging 84%, which signals the transition into the warmer months. This trend reflects a gradual decrease from 87% in January through April, indicating that the city is beginning to shake off the damp chill of winter. With each passing month, humidity levels decrease, peaking at 87% in the winter months and touching the lowest at 78% in August. As May unfolds, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a refreshing yet comfortable atmosphere, laying the groundwork for the pleasant weather of summer ahead.
As May arrives in Amsterdam, the UV Index experiences a notable increase, reaching 7 and categorizing the exposure risk as high. This shift signifies a significant change from the previous months, where the indices hovered in the low to moderate range. With a burn time of just 25 minutes, it's essential for residents and visitors alike to take precautions against sun exposure, especially as summer approaches. The trend indicates that the intensity of UV radiation will continue to rise in the coming months, emphasizing the importance of sun safety. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, check out the comprehensive guide on the Amsterdam UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As spring unfolds into summer in Amsterdam, May emerges as a shining gem with 412 hours of sunlight, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. The city basks in increasing daylight, with a noticeable jump from 361 hours in April and a steady rise from the 199 hours in February. This upward trend continues into June and July, suggesting that Amsterdam’s joyfully long days are here to stay, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the outdoor vibrancy of the city. The gradual decrease in sunshine hours post-July hints at a transition, turning the captivating warmth of summer into the coziness of autumn. Overall, May stands out as a bright highlight in the sun-soaked calendar of Amsterdam.
In May, the likelihood of sunny weather in Amsterdam sees a slight dip to 32%, a notable variance compared to the preceding months. After a steady rise in sunshine chances through April (40%), May marks a transition as spring edges into summer, bringing a mix of mild temperatures and occasional rain. While it's one of the sunnier months of the year, the 32% chance of sun is lower than the peak, indicating that visitors should still be prepared for some cloud cover. This fluctuating trend reflects the unpredictability of early summer weather in the Netherlands, where clear skies can swiftly shift to typical spring showers.
As spring blossoms into summer, May unveils a remarkable increase in daylight duration in Amsterdam, offering 15 hours of sunlight that brightens the city's vibrant landscapes. This month marks a significant leap from the 13 hours in April, reflecting nature's awakening as days grow longer and warmer. Following May, June and July continue this trend, peaking at a splendid 16 hours of daylight, creating an ideal backdrop for outdoor activities and festivals. As summer fades into autumn, the daylight gradually diminishes, reminding us of the cyclical journey through the seasons. Each month plays its part, with January's 8 hours serving as a stark contrast to the sun-drenched days of May, highlighting Amsterdam's stunning transition from winter's early dusk to the exuberance of spring and summer.
In May, Amsterdam experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 4.2 m/s (9 mph), slightly lower than the preceding months of winter and early spring. This decrease from April's 4.1 m/s marks a transition into the milder summer months, where the winds generally soften. Interestingly, June sees a further dip as the wind calms to 3.1 m/s (7 mph), suggesting that the warm weather may bring a more tranquil atmosphere to the city. Overall, May serves as a bridge, where the lingering breeziness of spring begins to yield to the softer winds of summer, enhancing the ambiance for picnics in the park and leisurely strolls along the canals.
Weather in Amsterdam varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Amsterdam, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a cool 1°C (34°F) to a warm 31°C (88°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F), making it a more pleasant and versatile month for outdoor activities. The precipitation is higher in May at 66 mm (2.6 in) over approximately 13 days, combined with a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, January experiences much colder temperatures, ranging from -8°C (18°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F) with an average of just 4°C (40°F). Though January has slightly less precipitation at 56 mm (2.2 in) over 12 days, it has higher humidity at 87%, creating a sharp chill in the air. For more details, you can check Amsterdam weather in January.
May and February present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) to a warm 31°C (88°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). This month experiences about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, while maintaining a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, February is much colder, with temperatures spanning from -10°C (14°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F). This month sees slightly more precipitation at 68 mm (2.7 in) across 12 days, though the humidity remains close at 87%. For more detailed insights, check out Amsterdam weather in February.
In comparison to March, May brings significantly milder temperatures, with average highs reaching 31°C (88°F) compared to March's maximum of 21°C (71°F). March experiences colder nights, with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -8°C (17°F), while May's lows are considerably warmer at 1°C (34°F). Precipitation levels are slightly lower in May, accumulating 66 mm (2.6 in) over 13 days, in contrast to March, which sees 70 mm (2.8 in) across 15 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with May at 84% and March at 86%. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can visit Amsterdam weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, it’s noticeable that May experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums of 1°C (34°F) and maximums reaching 31°C (88°F), while in April, temperatures ranged from a low of -2°C (28°F) to a high of 27°C (81°F). The average temperature in May rises to 13°C (56°F) compared to April's average of just 10°C (49°F). Additionally, May sees increased precipitation levels of 66 mm (2.6 in) over 13 days, compared to April's 45 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days, although the humidity remains relatively similar, averaging 84% in May and 85% in April. For a more detailed look at April's climate, check out Amsterdam weather in April.
May and June present a noticeable shift in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) at their lowest to a warm 31°C (88°F) at the highest, with an average temperature of 13°C (56°F). The month experiences about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, June sees a milder minimum temperature of 8°C (46°F) and a slightly higher average of 17°C (64°F), peaking at 32°C (91°F). Precipitation increases to 78 mm (3.1 in) across 12 days, while humidity decreases slightly to 81%. For a detailed look at June weather, check out Amsterdam weather in June.
May and July present distinct weather patterns, with May characterized by cooler temperatures ranging from a low of 1°C (34°F) to a high of 31°C (88°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). This month experiences around 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In contrast, July boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 18°C (65°F), and a scorching maximum of 38°C (101°F). Although July sees slightly higher precipitation at 74 mm (2.9 in) over the same 13 days, its humidity levels drop to 80%. For more detailed information on July's weather, you can visit Amsterdam weather in July.
May and August showcase distinct differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures can range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) at night to a warm 31°C (88°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (56°F). The month experiences high humidity at 84% and sees about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 13 days. In contrast, August offers milder nights with temperatures starting at 8°C (46°F) and peaking at 33°C (92°F) during the day, averaging 18°C (65°F). While it is slightly warmer, August also brings more rainfall, averaging 85 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days but with lower humidity at 78%. For more specific details about August weather, visit Amsterdam weather in August.
May and September present a contrast in weather as both months transition between seasons. In May, temperatures can range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) at night to a warm 31°C (88°F) during the day, averaging around 13°C (56°F). The month sees about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 13 days, coupled with a high humidity of 84%. Conversely, September experiences slightly higher average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 78 mm (3.1 in) over 11 days, while humidity remains comparable at 83%. Both months share a lively atmosphere, but September's weather hints at the impending autumn. For more detailed information, you can explore Amsterdam weather in September.
In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). The month sees about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 13 days, with humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, October has a slightly higher minimum temperature of 2°C (35°F) and a lower maximum of 25°C (78°F), resulting in an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). Rainfall increases to 88 mm (3.5 in) over 14 days, with humidity rising to 86%. For more detailed insights, check out Amsterdam weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns, reflecting the transition from spring to late autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F), creating a generally warmer and more variable climate. The month experiences about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 84%. In stark contrast, November boasts cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F), averaging around 8°C (46°F). Although November is slightly drier with 52 mm (2.0 in) of rain over 11 days, the humidity is marginally higher at 87%. For further details on the November climate, you can refer to Amsterdam weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) to a warm 31°C (88°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F), making it a vibrant month as spring flourishes. However, it can also be wetter, with 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days and humidity levels at 84%.
In contrast, December is much cooler, with temperatures varying from a low of -4°C (24°F) to a high of 13°C (56°F), averaging around 6°C (42°F). This month tends to be slightly wetter, receiving 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation over 16 days and maintaining high humidity at 86%. For more detailed information, you can visit Amsterdam weather in December.
As spring reaches its peak in Amsterdam during May, the weather begins to warm significantly compared to the cooler months preceding it. While average temperatures hover at a mild 13°C (56°F), the city can experience the occasional spike to a balmy 31°C (88°F), creating a delightful contrast to the lingering chill of early spring. However, May is also known for its higher humidity levels, averaging 84%, and an increase in precipitation, with roughly 13 days of rain. This blend of warmth and moisture nurtures the city's vibrant bloom of flowers, making it one of the most picturesque times to visit. For a more in-depth understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out the details at Amsterdam Climate.