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Image of a stroopwaffel being held up in front of the shop in Amsterdam, and the text 7 Pros and Cons of Visiting Amsterdam in January [Plus Essential Packing Tips!]

7 Pros and Cons of Visiting Amsterdam in January [Plus Essential Packing Tips!]

Author: Jamie Milam

Date: April 23, 2026

People who know me know I love a good solo trip. (People who just met me will learn quickly—I love talking about traveling!) But not all solo travels are made equal. Things like budget, itinerary, and weather can all make or break a trip abroad. And, as a solo female traveler, safety is always top-of-mind, too.

So there was a lot to consider when thinking about planning a trip to Amsterdam in January... Especially the weather. Because let's be real, visiting northern Europe in the winter means you're likely going to experience cold and wet conditions, which isn't always ideal for sightseeing.

Still, I did my research about visiting Amsterdam in January and decided to go for it, because it's also about if it aligns with your availability and the pace you desire! I'm so glad I did—it was a great trip. And now I'm here to tell you exactly what to expect for your own trip. These pros and cons of visiting Amsterdam in January are based on my recent trip in 2026, including my must-have packing recommendations. I hope it helps you make the best decision for your trip.

Pros of Visiting Amsterdam in January

Let's start with the good things about traveling to Amsterdam in the winter.

The biggest pro? Fewer people. January is just not the popular time to visit the Netherlands, so there are fewer people vying for spots in accommodations or at attractions. Other pros of visiting Amsterdam in January include:

Image of a green windmill in Amsterdam and the text 7 Pros and Cons of Visiting Amsterdam in January [Plus Essential Packing Tips!]

Museums are easy to get into: Less people means more space at popular attractions and museums. That said, Anne Frank House is still super busy and advance tickets are highly recommended! Otherwise, it wasn't a problem entering museums.
The Festival of Lights is still happening: A lot of holiday lights are still up around Amsterdam in January, so you can enjoy some magical ambiance among the cold and grey.
Easy to use public transit: I found the tram super easy to use throughout Amsterdam and always got a seat. I can't confirm what it's like other times of the year, but I assume it's busier during peak tourist season. You don't need a pass to use the tram, but can tap your debit or credit card via Apple Wallet; the GVB app was also very helpful in determining the departure times and best routes.
Visiting Bruges is less crowded: While it was clearly a touristy thing to do, hopping over to Bruges was a lot easier without the peak-season crowds. Climbing the Belfry, in particular, has a very narrow staircase, so I was glad to be there in the off-season. And truth be told, I really wish I had spent more time there.

These pros of visiting Amsterdam in January all center around the fact that there are just fewer tourists in the city, which makes things simpler, more streamlined, and calmer. For me, that's a huge win and a huge reason to visit Amsterdam in January.

Cons of Visiting Amsterdam in January

I had done my research about traveling to Europe in the winter, so I knew to expect cold temperatures. And, well, the Internet was right 😂 It was cold. Amsterdam in January is probably the coldest and wettest month. Average temperatures are between 34-43°F (1-5°C) and experiences around 12 days of rain.

While I expected it, the cold and rainy weather (with a day of light snow and ice, followed by multiple days with a light drizzle) was definitely a downside of visiting Amsterdam in January. Others to take note of include:

No tulips and other flowers out to see. I only spotted one of the popular flowery bikes along the canal while I was there. January in Amsterdam is too early for the flowers to bloom, so you just won't see many yet.
Some popular attractions were closed. Because January is down season for tourism in Amsterdam, some popular spots were closed. I wasn't able to visit Royal FloraHolland or some of the windmills in Zaanse Schans during my visit.
Weather impacts what you can see. Even the attractions that are open aren't at their best in January. For example, I couldn't explore the gardens at Museum Willet-Holthuysen because of the snow and ice, though I still had good views through the windows.

From my perspective, these cons of visiting Amsterdam in the winter are only really cons if you have your heart set on seeing or doing different things. With colder, rainier weather, you have to be more flexible with your schedule and may not be able to see everything you want. So, if you don't mind that, the weather is totally manageable—if you pack right!

Packing for a January Trip to Amsterdam

Okay, you know by now that Amsterdam in January is cold. But that doesn't have to ruin your trip! You simply need to know what to pack. So, learn from my mistakes (and my good choices, too) and follow this packing list for a January trip to the Netherlands. Here are your must-have items:

Toe warmer sleeves: These are truly amazing—they go over all your toes inside your boots to stay warm. They're perfect for long days sightseeing and walking around the city. Take the cold seriously, especially if visiting Zaandam or Zaanse Schans.
Cashmere or wool scarf: You guys, I didn't take the cold seriously enough and brought only dinky little scarves, but I about died from the cold. I was lucky to pick up this Zara one on sale for about five euros; once I snagged that one, life got so much better!
Longer, rain-resistant coat: Bring a quality jacket to Amsterdam during January. Mine was a wool/polyester blend and worked fine with layers and the scarf!
Chelsea boots: I think this is the best footwear option because they are comfortable for walking and rain-resistant, too. They've got good grip, so there was no slipping on the ice that happened to be everywhere when I was visiting.

7 Pros and Cons of Visiting Amsterdam in January [Plus Essential Packing Tips] (2)

Amsterdam in January will be cold and wet, yes, but it's a beautiful city with tons of amazing things to see and do. And in my opinion, the off-season vibe is so chill and comfortable—you get to explore without battling crowds or standing in big lines. Just prepare yourself well by packing appropriately, and you'll be fine!

If you are planning a solo trip to Amsterdam or elsewhere abroad, you might be interested in checking out my guide on how to travel for free. Trust me, you don't have to pay the big bucks to have an awesome experience.

Cheers to your next trip!

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About Me

I'm Jamie Milam, a determined AF woman who's embraced life after divorce by finding peace through self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and thrilling new travel adventures.

As a Realtor® in Charlotte, NC (and your connection to top agents nationwide), I’m passionate about guiding you through your homeownership and design goals—while also helping you create space for the things you love. My mission is to empower you to create a life of alignment too - at home, abroad, and within.

Whether it’s through real estate tips, home design inspiration, or solo travel experiences, I hope this space encourages you to discover deeper self-awareness and build a life that aligns with your passions and needs.

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Jamie Milam is a Realtor® in the Charlotte, NC area, licensed in both NC & SC, and has the ability to refer you to a number of agent partners across the nation, regardless of where you may live. She is an enthusiast for the power of awareness and believes it can be used in all facets of life to support aligned living.

**Disclosure** This post may contain affiliate links and they are at no additional cost to you, though I may earn a small commission. Don't worry, I only recommend products or services that I have tried or believe would be of great value to you! All opinions expressed are those of my own!

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