What's the Weather like in Amsterdam in March
March makes an excellent time of the year to visit Amsterdam. The city is beginning to awaken from its winter slumber and the weather is becoming noticeably warmer. The city's, canals and parkland make a beautiful sight as the seasons shift from winter to spring weather.
Temperature
Both the average highs and lows have risen a bit with the average high temperature in the city reaching 9°C (48°F) and an average low temperature of 3°C (37°F), compared to April, which has an average temperature of around 6°C.
Bring lots of warm, waterproof clothing as the city can still be quite cold at this time of the year, especially in the evenings.
Rainfall
Rainfall amounts in the city begin to rise up to a monthly average of approximately 80mm, but the rain is typically spread out throughout the month. Early in the month of March, cold snaps are not uncommon, but most of the precipitation falls as rain rather than snow. This is the third wettest month of the year in the city.
Average Sunshine Hours
Total sunlight also begins to increase in March making it a pleasant month to visit. On average, the city sees six hours of sunlight per day.
You can check the forecast here.
Amsterdam Hotels in March
If museums are your thing, then visitors may want to consider finding a room in the Museum Quarter. This area of Amsterdam lies southwest of the city centre and just beyond the canal loop.
This area houses world-class museums along with high-end hotels for the traveler that wants to get the most out of their experience. Additionally, there are numerous high-end shops making it an area to eat, drink, and see the sights and shop all in one.
March is considered the last of the winter months and also the last month in which to get a good deal on a hotel room. Hotel rates can climb as much as 20% in April, making March a good time to plan a vacation.
Hotel Roemer
Hotel Roemer is a small, art-deco hotel located just minutes from all of the major museums. With a large fireplace in the lounge, it is the perfect place for shaking off any lingering winter chill. The rooms are individually decorated and full of character.
Max Brown Amsterdam Museum Square
Another Museum Quarter Hotel which is definitely worth considering is the Max Brown Amsterdam Museum Square. While minimalist in design, this fashionable hotel doesn't spare any expenses as far as comfort and service are concerned. What's more, its prime location make it an ideal base for exploring the and city's attractions.
Hotel Okura
For a luxurious stay, try the Hotel Okura. Located to the south of the city centre, the hotel comes in the form of a high-rise and its rooms command unbeatable views over the city's canals and historic buildings.
There are four types of rooms to choose from, ranging from Superior to Executive City View, and the hotel has an onsite spa where you can escape the crowds and pamper yourself. Sample the world-class cuisine of the hotel's restaurants and unwind at the end of the day in the relaxed ambiance of the lounge bar.
Urban Lodge Hotel
To the west of Amsterdam city centre you'll find the Urban Lodge Hotel, which comprises the best of modern Dutch interior design. This accommodation brings together the best of contemporary furnishings with friendly, efficient service, and it's an ideal option for families.
There's an onsite bistro and 24-hour reception, as well as bike rental facilities if you don't feel like walking into town and want to get about like a local.
Bars and Restaurants
While in Amsterdam, visitors should make time to try a stroopwafel. This delicious, chewy cookie was first made in the 18th century and is today a very popular snack found at nearly every grocery store and bakery in the country.
Albert Cuyp Market
This sweet waffle cookie is made from two thin layers of batter with a sticky syrup in the middle. Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp is a great place to try out this sweet snack for a cheap price - along with an endless selection of other Dutch foods.
Blue Pepper
Owing to the Dutch colonial heritage, there's a large Indonesian community in Amsterdam, with a vast selection of top-class restaurants to choose from, bringing a taste of South East Asia to the Netherlands. One such place that locals swear by is Blue Pepper, where dishes such as roasted duck feature as favourites on the menu.
Café Van Puffelen
For traditional Dutch cooking, try Café Van Puffelen. This relaxed restaurant serves herring salad, steak with truffle sauce and much more. The restaurant also proudly serves a wine selection which is perfectly paired to the dishes on offer, as well as a range of Italian and South East Asian dishes, meaning that there's something to please every palate.
Rotisserie Rijsel
Another restaurant which specialises in Flemish, as well as French, cuisine, is the Rotisserie Rijsel. In spite of its name, there's much more on offer at this eatery than roast chicken - although it's a favourite among diners here and well worth a try. All dishes are prepared using the finest indgredients, and the restaurant serves a roaring trade throughout the week.
Brouwerij 't IJ
When looking for a drink, one can't go wrong with Brouwerij 't IJ. Located inside a windmill, this is one of the more popular microbreweries in the city. While the beer is great, be sure to get there before the 8pm closing time.
Things to do in Amsterdam in March
Reypenaer Tasting Room
With the weather beginning to warm up, March may be a good month to visit the Bloemenmarkt to view and purchase tulips. Located along the Singel, visitors can also find a wide array of cheeses to sample at the Reypenaer Tasting Room.
De Gooyer Windmill
One of the most iconic sights of Amsterdam is that of windmills and there are still eight located in the city. The most famous of these windmills is De Gooyer, which also a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee.
Canals
Amsterdam's biggest draw is its canals. The city is home to 165 canals that encircle the city in order to keep out the saltwater. The most picturesque of the canals is Prinsengracht, which is flanked by shady trees and houseboats.
Amsterdam Canal Cruises
However, there are also many smaller canals to enjoy and many can be seen from the water thanks to canal cruises. Many different cruises are available with Amsterdam Canal Cruises.
Important Dates
Chocoa Festival
The Chocoa Festival takes place during March at the National Maritime Museum and celebrates all things chocolate, and visitors are advised to book in advance as it is cheaper than getting tickets on-site during the event.
The museum is also worth seeing for its maritime-themed displays, good views of the city, and an in-house restaurant.
Dining City Restaurant Week
Dining City Restaurant Week is a semiannual event that allows diners to experience lunch or dinner at some of the city's most exclusive restaurants, including some with Michelin stars, for a modest fixed price.
