Amsterdam in Spring: Tulips, King's Day and Weather

Spring is when Amsterdam draws the most visitors: the tulips of Keukenhof and the bulb-region fields, the Tulp Festival in the city, King's Day and the first terraces along the canals. It is also a season that changes fast, from 10 °C in March to 18 °C in May, with showers possible at any time. This guide sums up what to know for March to May 2027 (weather, events, crowds, prices) and points to our detailed guides for each month. Dates and prices checked in October 2026.

Spring weather in Amsterdam

According to the 1991-2020 normals of the Dutch weather institute (KNMI), measured at Schiphol, afternoons rise from 10 °C in March to 14 °C in April and 18 °C in May; nights go from 3 °C to 9 °C. April is the driest month of the year (40 mm of rain), while March and May get about 52 and 54 mm. The sun gains ground: 146 hours in March, 198 in April, 231 in May, the sunniest month of the year.

Month	High / low	Rain	Sun	Crowds
March	10 / 3 °C	52 mm	146 h	Medium
April	14 / 5 °C	40 mm	198 h	Very high
May	18 / 9 °C	54 mm	231 h	High

KNMI normals 1991-2020 (Schiphol). Even in fine weather, the wind and cool mornings call for a warm jacket and a windbreaker: dress in layers and take one off at midday on sheltered terraces.

Tulips: from March to early May

Tulips in pots and on rafts around the Museumplein pond

Keukenhof is open from Thursday 18 March to Sunday 9 May 2027, every day from 8am to 7pm. Daffodils and hyacinths bloom first, then tulips take over, usually peaking from mid-April to the end of the month, depending on the winter weather. Around the park, the Bollenstreek fields can be seen for free from the road or by bike: stay at the edge, as entering the plots is forbidden. On Saturday 17 April 2027, the flower parade crosses the region, making it the busiest day.

In the city, the Tulp Festival puts tulips in streets, squares and parks from 1 to 30 April 2027, free of charge. Our guide to seeing tulips in Amsterdam gives the bloom calendar and the rules for the fields. The Tulip Museum and the flower market offer an indoor version.

Spring 2027 highlights

Date	Event	Good to know
18 March - 9 May	Keukenhof (Lisse)	Dated ticket, sold online, cheaper than at the gate
1 - 30 April	Tulp Festival	Free, across the city
17 April	Bollenstreek flower parade	Free along the route; very busy
Evening of 26 April	Koningsnacht	Eve of King's Day, parties in the city
27 April	King's Day	Flea market across the city, centre closed to cars
4 May, 8pm	Remembrance of the dead	Two minutes of silence, ceremony on Dam Square
5 May	Liberation Day	Free festivals; concert on the Amstel from 9pm to 10:30pm

King's Day falls on Tuesday 27 April 2027, King Willem-Alexander's 60th birthday. Hotels are full months ahead and transport is disrupted: book early, or avoid that week if you want calm. For 4 and 5 May, read our guide to Remembrance and Liberation Day in Amsterdam.

Crowds and prices

April is the busiest month of spring and one of the most expensive of the year, with peaks around tulip weekends and King's Day. March is calmer and cheaper, especially on weekdays; May is busy but more relaxed after 5 May. Book online several days ahead for the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. To compare with other seasons, see the best time to visit Amsterdam.

What to do in spring weather

In the park: from the first fine days, the Vondelpark and the Westerpark fill up; the Hortus Botanicus is a calmer alternative.
On the water: a canal cruise is pleasant from April, with a jacket.
If it rains: keep the ideas from what to do in Amsterdam when it rains in reserve.

Month-by-month guides

For more detail (events, closures, tips): March, April and May. If you arrive just after winter, also read Amsterdam in winter; for what comes next, see Amsterdam in summer.