Alright, let’s talk about what it was actually like in Amsterdam during September. I decided to go that month because, frankly, I was trying to dodge the huge summer crowds and the crazy hotel prices. Plus, I’d heard whispers that September could be a pretty sweet spot weather-wise. So, I packed my bags with a bit of hope and a bunch of “just in case” clothes.
My On-the-Ground Experience
When I first got there, I was pretty chuffed. The first few days felt genuinely lovely. You know, daytime temperatures were hovering around what I guess was 19 degrees Celsius? Comfortable, definitely. I could walk around in a t-shirt and a light jacket most of the time. There was a good mix of sunshine and clouds, which I didn’t mind. It wasn’t blazing hot, which was a relief for all the walking I planned to do.
One thing I noticed pretty quick was the wind. It wasn’t always there, but when it picked up, especially near the canals, it could feel a bit brisk. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, just something I became aware of. It kind of added to the atmosphere, if you know what I mean. The air didn’t feel heavy or too humid, which was a big plus for me.
Dealing with the Dutch Drizzle
Now, about the rain. Let’s be real, it’s Amsterdam. I was expecting some. And yeah, it did rain. Not every day, and usually not for the whole day. It was more like occasional showers. Sometimes they’d come out of nowhere, a quick downpour, and then it would clear up again. I learned pretty fast to always have a light waterproof jacket or a small umbrella stuffed in my backpack. It wasn’t like those super rainy months I’d heard about, like October or November, but you definitely needed to be prepared.
I remember one afternoon, I was wandering through the Jordaan district, sun was out, and then boom, clouds rolled in and it started spitting. I just ducked into a little café, had a coffee, and by the time I was done, it was mostly over. So, it rarely ruined a whole day, just meant you had to be a bit flexible.
What I Actually Wore
So, what did I end up wearing most? Layers. That was the key for me.
- T-shirts for the base.
- A light sweater or a fleece that I could easily take on or off.
- A decent waterproof but breathable jacket. Seriously, this was my best friend.
- Comfortable walking shoes – non-negotiable for all the cobblestones and exploring.
Evenings definitely got cooler. Once the sun went down, that light jacket became essential. I wasn’t out in shorts at night, that’s for sure. Jeans or comfortable trousers were the way to go.
How it Affected My Plans
Honestly, the weather didn’t mess up my plans too much. Because it was generally mild, it was fantastic for just walking around and exploring. I spent a lot of time just strolling along the canals. I even managed a couple of really nice walks in Vondelpark. The trees were just starting to show a hint of autumn colors, which was beautiful. With fewer tourists than in peak summer, it felt like I could enjoy these places a bit more peacefully.
If it did shower, there were always museums or shops to pop into. The city is built for it, I guess. Picnics were a bit of a gamble, but on a sunny afternoon, totally doable. Overall, I found September to be a pretty solid time to be there. You just need to pack smart and not let a bit of rain dampen your spirits. It’s all part of the Amsterdam experience, right?
