The Netherlands in January: Weather Advice and Travel Tips
Thinking about touring the Netherlands in January? With cool temperatures, wintry activities, and few tourists, it can be a pleasant time to visit. There are plenty of things to do in January in the Netherlands, including ice skating on the frozen canals in Amsterdam, exploring world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum, and even enjoying a cultural festival in Rotterdam. Despite the chill, it’s a great time to explore this beautiful country.
- Patricia Hoson
- From Australia
The Netherlands Weather in January
It is the heart of winter, and—while not sub-zero— the weather in the Netherlands in January is definitely on the chilly side. Temperatures may seem mild to North Americans for winter, but You’ll still want to bring your warm clothes! Expect average temperatures of anywhere between 1°C and 5°C, with the potential for gray and dreary conditions, given that the average rainfall during January is 69 mm.
In the capital, Amsterdam, you can expect approximately 3 snow days throughout the whole of January, with average temperatures between 2°C and 5°C. This only accumulates to around 15 mm, so you won’t be snowed in by any means — just be aware when you’re packing footwear and layers.
Over in Rotterdam, you’ll experience even less snowfall, with an average of only 8 mm falling during the entire month of January. It’s more likely that you’ll get caught in the rain, with around 11 rainy days in January, leaving an estimated 17 mm of rain behind.
For a seasonal overview, check out our article on the best time to visit the Netherlands.
Why Visit the Netherlands in January
From festivals to cheaper rates and everything in between, here are some of the top reasons to tour the Netherlands in January.
- Better rates: Now that the Christmas market crowds have disappeared, the rates in big cities like Rotterdam and Amsterdam get a lot cheaper, including the flights. You might be able to snag yourself a great deal!
- Fewer crowds: You’ll find way fewer tourists than usual in the Netherlands in January. This means that the popular sights, like the Anne Frank House and Heineken Experience, are going to be a lot quieter.
- International Film Festival Rotterdam: Love movies? Make sure you’re in Rotterdam towards the end of January to check out some of the biggest and best films in the area. The focus of the festival is experimental and independent films. You might find a new favorite director.
- New Year’s Dip: Welcome in January and the New Year with an icy dip. It’s a tradition to jump into the freezing waters of the North Sea or various lakes on New Year’s Day. The biggest event can be found at Scheveningen, near the Hague.
Where to go and what to do
Some of the best things to do in the Netherlands in January are based in the amazing Dutch cities. If you’re touring Amsterdam when the canals start to freeze over, you’re in for a treat. Most years, make-shift ice skating rinks are created, and locals and tourists alike put on their skates to enjoy gliding across the surface of Amsterdam’s famous canals. If you’re looking for a more traditional ice skating rink, you’ll find the giant ekijsa kunstschaatsen. The Amsterdam Light Festival also runs until mid or late January and offers an illuminating evening stroll.
If you’re looking for indoor activities, January is a great time to enjoy the many museums around the lesser-popular city of Utrecht. Head to the Het Spoorwegmuseum (the railway museum) for simulations of historic steam trains and even modern high-speed trains. For a more artistic twist, visit Museum Catharijneconvent, where you can get a glimpse of the history of Christianity with interactive exhibits. With the reduced crowd numbers, you might even have the place all to yourself!
In the gorgeous city of Rotterdam, you can enjoy a wintry architectural wander around the city. Group walking tours are popular in Rotterdam, especially those with an architectural slant. With the bright yellow cube houses (kubuswoningen) and the shimmering skyscrapers alongside more traditional European buildings, it’s a pleasant way to spend a wintery day. Check out our tours in Rotterdam.
Although it might not be the best weather conditions, a trip to the Netherlands in January offers an affordable way to experience culture, festivals, and snowy city breaks. You might have to wrap up warm, but with plenty to see and do indoors and outdoors, it is guaranteed you’ll have a good time.
We understand that planning a trip is never easy, especially if you’re traveling in the low season. If you need help with planning a customized trip to the Netherlands in January, you can always reach out to our local travel experts, who can devise a tailored itinerary, especially for you.
Other articles:
The Netherlands in December
The Netherlands in February
