A Guide to Visiting Amsterdam in September

September is a wonderful time to visit Amsterdam, as you will experience late summer’s fairly mild weather along with the perks of the off-peak travel season. Summer 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 that showcase the local cultural scene held during September.

Before you plan your trip to Amsterdam, use this handy guide to see an overview of Advice and for traveling Amsterdam any time of the year.

The Pros of Traveling to Amsterdam in September

While the weather can be unpredictable and rainy, September weather can sometimes feel almost summery. September is still a popular time to visit, but it is visibly less crowded in the city 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 Traveling to Amsterdam in September

Fall weather, as a rule, is iffy in the Netherlands, and while there can be days or even weeks of pristine weather, there can 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 travel and to make reservations and/or order tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

The temperature in Amsterdam in September can between about 66°F (19°C) and 49°F (9.4°C), and the average precipitation is usually around 2.6 in (66 mm).

Yearly Festivals and Events in September

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

• Amsterdam Fringe Festival. Over 10 days, this less conservative cousin of the Netherlands Theater Festival presents 80 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.

• Festival 5D. Held in what was formerly the wharf of the famous shipbuilding company, NSDM (Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij) is Festival 5D. This festival focuses on the stimulation all five senses (touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell) with a combination of theater, music, workshops, food and more. Admission to the grounds is free, and guests can purchase tickets for the shows and experiences.

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