What's the Weather like in Amsterdam in April
April weather marks a turning point in the city of Amsterdam as spring conditions really begin to get underway. The city is pleasantly mild during this time of the year and it's an ideal time to visit as you won't experience any extremes of hot and cold.
Nonetheless, the damp climate of the Netherlands mean a bit of rain is almost guaranteed, so make sure you bring waterproof clothing with you.
Temperature
The average high temperature for the month of April is 12°C (54°F) which is a big improvement on March, with averages of 6°C (42°F) and an average overnight low of 4°C (38° F). It's a good idea to check the forecast prior to travelling so you have a good idea for what kind of clothing to bring. In any case it's worth bringing some light layers, but make sure you aren't caught short by the sudden temperature drop in the evenings.
Rain
April tends to feature longer dry spells than the previous month with approximately 36mm worth of precipitation in patches across 12 days. There's always a fair chance throughout the year that you'll experience some form of precipitation in Amsterdam, so it's never granted that you won't experience any rain during your stay.
Average Sunshine Hours
The sunshine also begins to make a big comeback at this time of the year as daylight hours begin to steadily increase. On average, you can expect to receive around 10 hours of sunglight each day in Amsterdam in April.
You can check the forecast here.
Amsterdam Hotels in April
Amsterdam is home to a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own identity and character. Two areas of town worth staying in are De Pijp and Jordaan, as they allow visitors to enjoy the attractions that Amsterdam has to offer, but without ever getting mobbed like the city centre does.
Sir Albert Hotel
If you're looking for a luxurious and fashionable place to stay during your trip to Amsterdam, then take a look at the Sir Albert Hotel. Located in the leafy De Pijp neighbourhood, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the city's major attractions and offers all the creature comforts within a magnificent setting.
There are a variety of upscale rooms and suites to choose from, all entailing a range of facilities such as free wifi, cosmetics, coffee-making facilities, satellite TV and use of a private bar.
Linden Hotel
For an affordable accommodation experience that doesn't compromise on quality, try the Linden Hotel. Situated in the Jordaan area, this charming hotel creates the perfect environment to unwind and relax after a busy day of touring and sightseeing.
There's a number of rooms to choose from, and the hotel is suited to both romantic getaways and family trips. Make use of the complimentary tea and coffee, as well as the bike rental facilities.
Meininger Amsterdam City West
Meininger Amsterdam City West is the place to go if you want somewhere centrally-located that promises comfort and convenience. A quick walk from Sloterdijk train station, the hotel boasts a large variety of tastefully-decorated rooms, all of which come with free internet access and flatscreen televisions.
The hotel's capacious lounge area is also a great place to relax while you sit back and admire the traditional Dutch art of the lobby.
Bars and Restaurants
Dutch cuisine might not be as well-known as other world cooking, but that's not to say it isn't worth a try when you visit Amsterdam. There are a lot of local specialities to sample - have a 'rookworst'; a sausage which is made in a smokehouse and combined with spices and salt. For dessert, you have to try a Dutch appeltaart, a tasty variation of the American apple pie.
Daalder
For an elegant and authentic Dutch dining experience, pay a visit to Daalder. This restaurant brings the best of the country's contemporary cuisine to the table, and operates an efficient service pattern where you pay upfront for a number of dishes to be served throughout the evening.
Envy
However, if you'd like some Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, then head to Envy for a mix of French, Spanish and Italian tapas. The interior here is modern and stylish, and there's a wine bar next door which is run by the owners of the restaurant. The milder temperatures at this time of year make outdoor seating a tempting option.
La Rive
La Rive enjoys a reputation as one of Amsterdam's favourite eateries and its menu expertly combines French cooking and Eastern influences. The range of flavours and styles incorporated into the restaraunt's menu make it a place which will please all diners. The place books up quickly, particularly in the evenings, so it's worth ringing ahead in order to get a table.
Things to do in Amsterdam in April
One of the more popular tourist spots in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. Due to the typically long queues, it's a better idea to visit in the spring months when the queues are more manageable.
Anne Frank's House
Visitors may also want to consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to try and avoid the longer lines of midday. It was in this house that Anne Frank penned her journal, which went onto become a global bestseller, while hiding from the Nazis. Anne Frank's House is one stop that should be on everyone's list.
Vondelpark
The improving weather of spring makes April a great time to visit Vondelpark. The park is located to the southwest of the city centre and is a green oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Complete with ponds, trails, fields and playgrounds, adults and children alike stop for a picnic and watch the world go by, or stroll through its pleasant grounds.
The park is home to numerous cafes and sculptures that can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. For those who are more adventurous, the park also offers rollerblade rentals. The park is open from dawn until dusk and easily accessible by public transportation.
Important Dates
King's Day
The month of April is home to some of the biggest festivals the city has to offer. One of the most famous is King's Day that takes place on 27th April. On this day, more than one million people will visit Amsterdam to celebrate the birthday of the former Queen Juliana.
The city quickly becomes crowded with brightly colored boats in the canals as well as music at the various clubs, bars and restaurants that extend well into the night.
Amsterdam Museums
For one weekend in April, many of the museums located throughout The Netherlands will reduce their admission fees. Amsterdam museums will also reduce the price of admission and it is worth checking out to see how much you can save on entry.
Amsterdam International Motor Show
For those who are gearheads, the Amsterdam International Motor Show is The Netherlands' premier auto show that incorporates live demonstrations and exhibits. The event features both classic cars and state-of-the-art automobiles.