Weather recommendations for Amsterdam

score:6

Accepted answer

I'd say weather-wise November is probably the worst month to visit Amsterdam.

You can expect rain or drizzle almost at any and all times. Together with strong winds. Temperatures might not even be very low on paper (from 5ºC to 10ºC if you're lucky, but heck, right now it's 10ºC in the middle of August), but the chill factor from wind and rain makes it feel like you're on the North Pole. Since you're from Spain here is comparison: Wearing similar clothing I felt warmer in Madrid with -10ºC than in Amsterdam with +5ºC with rain and wind.

Biking in that weather is not enjoyable at all, especially if you have to struggle against strong headwind, splashing ice cold rain in your face. Locals that do bike usually use some form of sailing gear, with heavy duty rain jacket and impermeable pants and gloves. Gloves are particularity important, because otherwise your knuckles will freeze after just few minutes of biking.

If you're really, really lucky, you might actually have few sunny days. Other than that it's usually gloomy, 100% cloud coverage most of the time. Either way it gets very dark very early (especially comparing to Spain). Thus you have to remember to use lights on the bike. At that time of the year the police actually are on lookout for bikers who aren't using lights. The fines aren't huge (15-20 euros), but annoying.

On the other hand it's worth noting that by November there is significant drop in bike traffic and significant surge in number of people using trams.

Resuming, clothes you need are: windproof, waterproof, warm (what in Spain would be considered winter clothing).

Upvote:3

It'll be cloudy, probably windy, with some rain every now and then. Sunset is around 16:30 to 17:00 depending on when in November, so it's dark early.

Rain usually doesn't last long, it shouldn't stop you from cycling around. But the wind is always there so a good coat is helpful.

Upvote:3

Living there (well, near there) plan on plenty rain, cool but not usually cold temperatures (nights in November MAY drop below freezing, but not much, daytime peaks can be 10-15C), and mild winds.
So long trousers (or ditto skirts), and a light to medium (depending on how well you handle such temperatures) coat, plus an umbrella.

No need for winter gear, and if things turn out unusually cold you can always buy some locally.

Upvote:4

According to wikipedia, in November, the average precipitation is 87.2mm. There are 13 days with ≥ 1 mm of precipitation, an average of 3 snow days, 61.7 mean monthly sunshine hours, and the humidity... 89%.

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