Honestly, if you're checking your phone right now to see what temperature is it in Amsterdam, you might be looking at a number like 48°F. That’s the current reading as of Saturday, January 17, 2026.
But here is the thing about this city: the number on your screen is almost always a lie.
I’ve spent enough time walking along the Prinsengracht to know that a "mild" 48°F in the Netherlands feels significantly different than 48°F in, say, Rome or even London. It’s the dampness. It’s that southeast wind—currently moving at a deceptive 3 mph—that sneaks through the weave of a cheap sweater.
Today is mostly cloudy. It's gray. It’s classic Amsterdam.
The Reality of Amsterdam Weather Today
Right now, the mercury is sitting at 48°F. We’re looking at a high of 50°F for the rest of the day and a low of 37°F tonight.
If you are outside, you’ve probably noticed the 90% humidity. That is the "secret sauce" of Dutch winter. It makes the air feel heavy and the cold feel "sharper," like it's trying to get into your bones.
✨ Don't miss: Taking the Ferry to Williamsburg Brooklyn: What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a 25% chance of rain during the day, dropping to 10% tonight. In Amsterdam terms, that basically means "carry an umbrella because the sky might decide to spit on you for five minutes just for fun."
Short-Term Outlook: Is it getting colder?
Kinda.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, things take a bit of a dip. We’re looking at a high of 41°F and a low of 33°F. The silver lining? It’s supposed to be sunny.
A sunny winter day in Amsterdam is a rare gift. The light hits the brick buildings in a way that makes the whole city look like a 17th-century painting. But don't let the sun fool you into leaving your coat at the hotel. That 94% humidity tomorrow morning will make 41°F feel like a freezer.
Why "Real Feel" is the Only Metric That Matters
Most travelers obsess over the Celsius or Fahrenheit, but the locals look at the wind and the water.
🔗 Read more: Lava Beds National Monument: What Most People Get Wrong About California's Volcanic Underworld
The North Sea is basically Amsterdam's radiator, but it’s a broken one. It keeps the city from getting truly "Arctic" most of the time—averages for January usually hover between 36°F and 43°F—but it pumps so much moisture into the air that the "Real Feel" is usually 5 to 10 degrees lower than the official stat.
Yesterday was around 37°F. Today is warmer at 48°F. By next Saturday, January 24, we might even see some light snow with highs of only 34°F.
The Layers Strategy
If you’re packing, stop thinking about "one big coat."
You need a windproof outer layer. This is non-negotiable. Even a light wind can turn a pleasant walk into a shivering mess if your jacket lets the air through.
- Base layer: Something moisture-wicking.
- Middle layer: Wool is your best friend here.
- Outer layer: Waterproof and wind-resistant.
What to Do When the Temperature Drops
When it gets down to that 37°F low we're expecting tonight, the best move is to lean into gezelligheid.
💡 You might also like: Road Conditions I40 Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Asphalt
This is that famous Dutch word that doesn't really have a translation but basically means "cozy/social/warm." You find a brown café (the traditional local pubs), order a Vieux or a craft beer, and sit near the window.
The temperature in Amsterdam isn't just a weather report; it's a mood. Today's mostly cloudy vibe is perfect for the Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House. You’re indoors, it’s climate-controlled, and you don't have to worry about the 7 mph southeast winds.
Practical Steps for Your Visit Right Now
- Check the wind direction: Southeast winds like we have today are generally "drier" than those coming off the ocean, but they still carry a bite.
- Download a rain app: Use something like Buienradar. It’s what everyone here uses to find 15-minute gaps in the rain to bike to the grocery store.
- Footwear: The cobblestones get slick when the humidity is 91% and the rain starts. Leave the heels or smooth-soled shoes at home.
- Timing: The sun sets around 5:00 PM this time of year. If you want those "golden hour" photos, you need to be out by 3:30 PM.
The temperature in Amsterdam is currently 48°F, but the city is always shifting. Whether it’s the sunny 41°F expected tomorrow or the potential snow next week, the trick is to just embrace the gray.
Grab a hot chocomel, put on a scarf, and keep moving.
Actionable Insight: If you're heading out now, prioritize a windproof layer over a heavy knit. With 90% humidity, a damp sweater is a liability, but a thin shell over a light fleece will keep you perfectly comfortable in today's 48°F weather.