A Guide to Visiting Amsterdam in September

September is a wonderful time to visit Amsterdam, as you will experience fairly mild weather along with the perks of the off-peak travel season. Crowds thin out, and airfare, hotels, and other travel costs are usually much lower in comparison with summer rates.

Since the weather is still favorable, there are many festivals and events held during September that showcase the local cultural scene. Before you plan your trip, get some advice for traveling to Amsterdam any time of the year.

The Pros of Traveling to Amsterdam in September

While the climate can be unpredictable and rainy, September can sometimes feel almost like summer. Though still a popular time to visit the city, it's visibly less crowded than in the summer months. September ushers in a new cultural season for performance venues in Amsterdam, so there’s no better time to catch a show.

The Cons of a September Trip to Amsterdam

Fall weather, as a rule, is iffy in the Netherlands, and while there can be days or even weeks of pristine weather, there may also be endless spells of rain.

Since September is considered the shoulder season, you won’t have the city to yourself, as the visiting crowds haven't disappeared entirely. You should still allow extra time for traveling and making reservations, and ordering tickets in advance will help you to avoid long lines.

The temperature in Amsterdam in September can be between about 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) and 49 degrees Fahrenheit (9.4 degrees Celsius), and the average precipitation is usually around 2.6 inches (66 millimeters).

Yearly Festivals and Events in September

• Nederlands Theater Festival: As the annual cultural season draws to a close, the best Dutch theater performances of the season are reprised at this festival, making it easy for travelers to see some of the most popular shows.

• Amsterdam Fringe Festival. Over several days, this less conservative cousin of the Nederlands Theater Festival presents numerous dance and theater performances with “no limits." It is the yearly event for Dutch independent theater and a must for travelers who love the obscure.

• Draaiorgelfestival (Barrel Organ Festival). Love them or hate them, barrel organs or draaiorgels are a classic Dutch tradition, and Dam Square fills with musicians each year at this annual festival.

• Open Monumentendag (Open Monument Day). Each year on the second weekend in September, visitors flock to gaze at over 4,000 Dutch monuments and buildings. The public is invited to explore their historic premises, free of charge, during the gathering.