May weather: mild, with a few showers left
| Average at Schiphol (1991-2020) | May |
|---|---|
| Average high | about 18°C (17°C in early May to 19°C by the end) |
| Average low | about 9°C |
| Average temperature | about 13°C |
Source: KNMI, 1991-2020 normals for the Schiphol station in ten-day periods, averaged by us. Days of 20°C and more do occur, but mornings stay cool and a shower can arrive at any moment: always carry a waterproof jacket. The sun rises around 06:00 and sets around 21:30 at the end of the month. For the whole season, read Amsterdam in spring.
Crowds and prices in May
May is part of the high season: queues grow at the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and hotels are expensive, especially around Ascension and Whitsun. Book tickets ahead (booking tickets in Amsterdam) and keep an eye on the Amsterdam travel budget.
May 2027 events
4 and 5 May: Remembrance and Liberation
In 2027, Tuesday 4 May is Remembrance Day: two minutes of silence at 20:00 across the country, a national ceremony on Dam Square, shops closed at 19:00. On Wednesday 5 May, Liberation Day brings free festivals and a concert on the Amstel at 21:00. The full programme is in our guide to 4 and 5 May in Amsterdam. On the evening of 4 May, keep a low profile around the Dam.
Thursday 6 May: Ascension
Ascension, on Thursday 6 May 2027, is a public holiday in the Netherlands; many people take the Friday off too. Museums generally stay open, but check opening hours. The weekend is busier in town and on the trains.
Saturday 8 May: National Mills Day
National Mills Day (Nationale Molendag) takes place every year on the second Saturday of May, which is 8 May 2027: many mills across the country open to the public. Check the official programme for the mills that are open; see also the page on the De Gooyer windmill and the guide to the windmills around Amsterdam.
Sunday 9 May: last day of the Keukenhof
The Keukenhof closes on Sunday 9 May 2027. The tulips are at the end of their bloom and the fields in the region are often already cut: see seeing tulips in Amsterdam.
Whitsun: 16 and 17 May
Sunday 16 May is Whit Sunday and Monday 17 May, Whit Monday, is a public holiday: a second long weekend in the month, with more people on the roads, trains and at attractions.
The Rolling Kitchens
The Weekend van de Rollende Keukens fills the Westerpark with dozens of mobile kitchens and music; the 2026 edition ran from 13 to 17 May, around Ascension. To our knowledge, the 2027 dates had not been published in October 2026: check the official site before you plan. See the Westerpark.
Open-air theatre
The Openluchttheater in the Vondelpark starts again in May, with free shows mostly at weekends; see also the summer festivals in Amsterdam.
What to wear in May
- Layers: cool mornings, mild afternoons.
- A light raincoat for showers.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for afternoons on a terrace or a boat.
- Comfortable shoes for walking or cycling.
The best things to do in May
- Cycling: the paths and parks are lovely, see cycling in Amsterdam.
- Terraces: on the Prinsengracht, in the Jordaan or facing the IJ.
- The canals: on foot (walk along the canal ring) or on a cruise.
- IJburg beach: lifeguards are on duty from 1 May, according to our summer guide.
- Markets: Amsterdam's markets.
May 2027 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 4 May | Remembrance Day | Silence at 20:00, shops closed at 19:00 |
| Wednesday 5 May | Liberation Day | Free festivals, concert at 21:00 |
| Thursday 6 May | Ascension | Public holiday |
| Saturday 8 May | National Mills Day | Mills open, official programme |
| Sunday 9 May | Last day of the Keukenhof | Dated ticket |
| 16 and 17 May | Whitsun | Monday is a public holiday |
| All month | About 18°C in the afternoon | High season |
Going further
May follows what to do in Amsterdam in April and precedes what to do in Amsterdam in June. To compare every season, read the best time to visit Amsterdam.
