Winter on the Amsterdam canals

17 November 2023

Winter might actually be the best time of year to visit Amsterdam. You might not be guaranteed good weather but that isn’t guaranteed at any time of year in the Netherlands. The streets and attractions will be less crowded and the city atmosphere is just lovely at this time of year.

The season of sparkling lights

Like most western cities, Amsterdam is lit up by Christmas decorations throughout the holiday season, this includes everything from the streets and squares to the canals. But in the months of December and January the city centre is brightened further by the Amsterdam Light Festival. Each winter a section of the canals is decorated with light art and light installations by international artists, designers and architects. This year there will be 24 works of art along the route.

The best way to enjoy the festival is with a canal cruise, especially so because the light art is not only along side the canals but also above and in the water. This means that from the canal boat, you’ll have a first-class view of the light art while you can relax and look around. There is even a special audio guide to tell you all about the artworks and the artists who made them.

Warm and comfortable

Just because the winter weather is cold, doesn’t mean you’ll be so throughout your visit. Especially not when you step on board of a canal boat. During a LOVERS Canal Cruise you’ll be sat inside a comfortably heated boat. The windows might be a little foggy at the start, due to condensation but that will go away quick enough for you to properly take in the sights along the route.

Every canal cruise can follow a different route because the captain decides where to go based on the amount of traffic on the canals. From the UNESCO World Heritage listed Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht to the Amstel and IJ rivers. The audio guides on board use GPS so that what you hear is always about what you can see outside the window, no matter where the boat takes you in the city.

Frozen canals

Though it doesn’t happen as often as it once did, the Amsterdam canal ring does still freeze from time to time. When a period of freezing cold is expected, the city closes of certain sections of the 17^th century canals so that there is no current there, boats can’t enter and the water can freeze over.

On these rare occasions, you can skate on some of the Golden Age canals (it was last possible for a couple of days in February 2021 and March 2018). Because the city blocks off certain parts of the canals for these special occasions, the rest of the canals remain open to canal boats. Which is why, even when you can skate on the canals, you can still enjoy a canal cruise even in the heart of winter.

National Tulip Day

In the middle of winter, the Netherlands starts looking forward to spring. With the third Saturday of January being National Tulip Day, celebrating the national flower and the start of tulip season. This is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam for tulips, as on this day Dam Square is usually turned into a pop-up tulip picking garden, where everyone can pick flowers for free.

From this day onwards tulips start popping up al over the city including along the canals. The Netherlands produces and sells most of the tulips in the world. And every year from the third Saturday in January, 1,7 billion tulips travel around the world to brighten up tables, window sills and gardens.

Winter on the Amsterdam canals | Lovers Canal Cruises (2024)

FAQs

Are there canal tours in Amsterdam in winter? ›

Magical Autumn and Winter Canal Cruises:

Check out its feature in our top tips on 'What to do in Amsterdam when it Rains'. In the winter months, boats are heated and covered, and are surprisingly snug!

Explore More ›

Do the Amsterdam Canals freeze over in winter? ›

Frozen canals

Though it doesn't happen as often as it once did, the Amsterdam canal ring does still freeze from time to time. When a period of freezing cold is expected, the city closes of certain sections of the 17^th century canals so that there is no current there, boats can't enter and the water can freeze over.

Do I need to book a canal cruise in Amsterdam? ›

We highly recommend booking online in advance. It is also possible to purchase tickets directly at any of the departure locations. Nevertheless, if you purchase them on the spot, we cannot make any guarantees tickets will be available on the day and time of your preference.

Learn More ›

Are Amsterdam canal Tours worth it? ›

There is really no better way to get a first introduction to the city than by taking a sightseeing boat trip along the main canals of Amsterdam. So if you are wondering if the Amsterdam canals cruise is worth it, yes, it absolutely is.

See Details ›

Is it worth visiting Amsterdam in winter? ›

Amsterdam is less crowded in winter, meaning shorter queues at the major museums. Save the winter months for exploring the Rembrandt House Museum, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, where you can shelter from the cold and then pile into a cosy brown bar afterwards.

How many people fall in Amsterdam canals each year? ›

How many people fall in the canals in Amsterdam? Around 20 people fall in the canals in Amsterdam every year. Mostly it happens to tourists being under influence or sometimes also homeless people that fall in at night. In the winter this is very dangerous as you will undercool very quickly.

Know More ›

Should I visit the Netherlands in winter? ›

Thinking about visiting the Netherlands in winter? Prepare for lots to see, do and explore during our country's colder months. It's a fantastic season to travel here: think twinkly lights reflected in canals, comforting seasonal food and beautiful winter landscapes.

Discover More ›

How many cars fall in the Amsterdam canal? ›

On special occasions, such as during the Gay Pride Parade, SAIL, Queen's Day and the annual arrival of St. Nicholas, there are four extra divers on standby. According to the diving team, on average 100 people and 35 cars a year fall into the canal.

Discover More Details ›

Is Amsterdam snowy in December? ›

The weather in Amsterdam in December is cold with average temperatures of around 5 °C. The colder temperatures bring with them the chances of snow and there are as many as 11 days of snowfall to be expected in December and January. Wind speeds also pick up in December which can make the temperatures feel even colder.

Where is the best place to start the Amsterdam Canal cruise? ›

We depart from the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House or Amsterdam Central Station and sail through a beautiful area that was created by the Dutch in the 18th century. From here we will discover old Amsterdam and the beauty of the canals.

Show Me More ›

Is there a Hop-on Hop-off canal cruise in Amsterdam? ›

The Hop-On Hop-Off boat in Amsterdam will allow you to make unlimited use of the sightseeing boats that cruise through the historic canal district. The Hop-On Hop-Off Boat tour in Amsterdam is the best way to explore the city's canals and get around town easily!

Winter on the Amsterdam canals | Lovers Canal Cruises (2024)