What's the Weather like in Amsterdam in August
Weather in August can be fickle with warm, sunny days or periods of clouds and rain. The good news is that summer in Amsterdam is never scorching and remains pleasant even during the hottest months of the year.
Temperature
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Amsterdam happened one August and was 33°C (93°F), but numbers like this are very rare. Temperatures in the afternoon normally average 21°C (70° F) with overnight lows dipping to an average of 12.5°C (55° F), compared to September, which has average high and low temperatures of 18°C and 11°C respectively.
Wind
Some years will even see a cool August dominated by cloudy and cool westerly winds. However, if winds blow off of continental Europe, then temperatures can soar to between 25-30°C.
Rainfall
Visitors may be able to count on some rainfall to help cool them off. Rainfall is fairly typical in August with an average of 54mm across 11 days.
Average Sunshine Hours
Sunlight drops lower than July with an average of eight hours per day.
Average Sea Temperature
The sea temperature rises to its highest of the year at 18°C so a trip to the beach to enjoy the summer months is still a possibility.
With a wild variation in temperature possible, it is advisable to pay close attention to live forecasts to determine what clothing to bring along to an August vacation.
Amsterdam Hotels in August
Dam Square
Those looking for upscale hotels might want to concentrate their search around Dam Square. Located a quick walk from Central Station, Dam Square is a very touristy area with plenty of high-priced restaurants and bars.
A number of museums are also located in the region including the National War Memorial and the Royal Palace. In the square itself are a number of high-end hotels with some slightly less expensive hotels just a short walk from the square.
Swisshotel Amsterdam
Four-star boutique, Swissotel Amsterdam is situated very conveniently in Dam Square, the heart of Amsterdam's historic city centre and only a 20 minute drive from Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport. There are 111 luxurious, sound-proofed guest rooms and sophisticated style suites.
Free access to WiFi, TechnoGym and the business centre is included in your stay. ROYAL98 is the hotel's outsourced restaurant, bakery and deli. The fresh bread, thin crust wood oven pizza and Italian pasta's are definitely something to try. There is also an option to have the hotel breakfast buffet from 7-10am and slightly later on weekends.
Rembrandtplein
Another area with numerous mid to upper range hotels is Rembrandtplein. One of the main nightlife areas of Amsterdam, the region is also home to numerous restaurants and cafes.
Royal Amsterdam Hotel
The Royal Amsterdam Hotel is recommended as it's located right in the city centre, just 100 metres from Rembrandtplein. The beautiful view to the gardens make it an wonderful area to stay in.
The terrace and bar are popular, although, there are many cafes, bars and restaurants in close proximity of the hotel. There are 23 rooms with free wi-fi, bathrooms with hair dryers and amenities, smart TVs and phones. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at the hotel restaurant, tasteful dishes are made by the chef and can be tailored to your dietary preferences.
Hampshire Hotel
For a luxury stay, visit Hampshire Hotel and have everything you need at your doorstep. You can easily access the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum from here. The hotel has meeting rooms, a laundry service, parking, a family room, bar, restaurant, ai con, bicycle rental, luggage storage and is wheel chair friendly. Choose from a standard room, executive room, junior suite or standard single room.
Amsterdam Beaches in August
Zandvoort
Zandvoort is one of the best-known beaches around Amsterdam and with the summer season drawing to a close, August is one the last times to take advantage of the sun, surf and beach. The sea and dunes at Zandvoort combine to create a nature reserve where visitors can relax or participate in a wide array of water sports. The beach is located outside of the city, but is a mere 20 minutes by train from the Central Station.
Bloemendaal
Bloemendaal is another spot that sunbathers shouldn't miss. This beach can be very crowded during the weekends, so for a little more privacy, go further north to the beach pavilion and nude sunbathing area.
Wijk aan Zee Beach
The widest beach in the Netherlands is located along Ijmuiden aan Zee and Wijk aan Zee. While this stretch of sand can be windy, it is a popular place to participate in activities such as windsurfing and kite flying. This area of beach is typically laid back and very family friendly with events for all ages.
Bars and Restaurants
The Netherlands eats more than four pounds of licorice each year, so it is no surprise that you can find drop, or licorice, in shops throughout Amsterdam. There is a flavor of drop for every taste bud and it comes in densities from hard to soft.
Restaurant Greetje
If visitors want to continue sampling traditional Dutch food through dinner, then Restaurant Greetje makes an excellent choice. Visitors can eat their way through the Netherlands in this restaurant that serves traditional dishes such as roasted fillet of Limburg pork with mashed potatoes, smoked Ijsselmeer eel and Breemster stew of hare and red cabbage.
Café Brecht
For a quieter evening with an affordable drink, Café Brecht attracts students and academics who take advantage of the café's wide selection of German beers on tap as well as other specialties. Vintage furnishings decorate this Berlin-style living-room cafe that serve German beers and light bites.
The Happy Bull
The Happy Bull is the perfect restaurant for anyone craving a burger and milkshake. It's located in South Amsterdam, near Vondel park. The quality burger steak and Italian ice cream used in the shakes make for a delicious experience. Also recommended are the fries, chili con carne, nachos and salads. There are gluten free and vegetarian meals on offer too.
Sticky Fingers
Breakfast at Sticky Fingers can be a health option as the coffee is refreshing and strong. The spacious cafe is great for anyone working from a laptop. Spoil your senses and tickle your tastebuds, take away or stay all day. The Moyee Coffee is organic and definitely a must try for tourists, although locals love it too.
Things to do in Amsterdam in August
August is a great time to visit, due to the activities taking place across the city of Amsterdam and there is something for everyone.
De Parade
One of the biggest and most highly anticipated events is the 17-day tradition of De Parade that takes over Martin Luther Kingpark. The festival is a traveling show meets Renaissance fair with performances beginning each day in midafternoon and going until after the midnight hour. With numerous languages being spoken, tourists and children are welcome, especially during the daylight hours.
Gay Pride
August is also the time for Amsterdam gay pride weekend and canal parade. This is an annual event that is widely considered to be the best pride event throughout all of Europe.
Traditionally taking place on the first weekend of August, the event brings approximately 80 boats floating along the Prinsengracht in front of thousands of visitors. The weekend also brings numerous street parties and club events in the city.
Most events take place in areas where there are already numerous gay bars and clubs, so those who are not interested in participating can explore the rest of the city.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
If you're looking to go for a walk, Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a great space to take in the natural beauty of the landscape. Visitors can walk or bike through the dunes, relax in the sun or visit area hotels.
Harboue Festival IJmuiden
For something different, the Harbour Festival IJmuiden takes place on one weekend in August each year at the fishing harbour at IJmuiden and features demonstrations of boats and ships and also musical events.
Central Library
If you're looking for somewhere to chill out, close by is the attractive Central Library (Openbare Bibliotheek) which contains a cafe with stunning views on the top floor and a wide range of books.
