Amsterdam in December is a dream — twinkling canals, holiday lights, and cozy cafés. But it’s also damp, cold, and unpredictable. Packing right can make the difference between magical walks along the canals and miserable, wet sightseeing.
Expect chilly temps, drizzle, and wind — layering is key. Dutch locals master winter fashion with functional chic, so blend in with wool, waterproofs, and smart layers that dry quickly. Comfort is a must with cobblestone streets and long walks.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Amsterdam in winter in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Average highs: 6°C / 43°F
- Average lows: 1°C / 34°F
- Frequent rain, mist, and occasional frost
- Windy along canals, especially at night
- Daylight ends around 4:30PM
What to Pack for Amsterdam in Winter in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Water-resistant suitcase – 🧳 Essential for wet cobblestones.
- Carry-on – 🎒 For short trips or budget airlines.
- Daypack – 🧺 Explore with snacks, umbrella & gear.
- Packing cubes – 📦 Easy layer organization.
- Shoe bags – 👟 Keep mud off clean clothes.
- Toiletry bag – 🪥 Leakproof design is best.
- Document holder – 📁 ID, tickets, insurance all in one spot.
- Reusable tote – 🛍️ Shopping bag & eco-friendly.
- Laundry pouch – 🧺 For damp or dirty clothes.
- Luggage lock – 🔒 Security at hostels/hotels.
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ Especially post souvenir splurge.
- Neck pillow – ✈️ Long flights or train rides.
- Sleep mask – 😴 Early sunsets, bright mornings.
👗 Clothes
- Thermal tops (3) – ❄️ Lightweight and essential.
- Wool sweaters (2–3) – 🧶 For cozy canal walks.
- Long-sleeve shirts (3–4) – 👚 Base or mid-layers.
- Waterproof coat – 🧥 Must-have for rain & wind.
- Padded jacket – 🧤 Insulated warmth for colder nights.
- Blazer or cardigan – 🧵 For cafes or dinner out.
- Thermal leggings (2) – 🧘 Under dresses or jeans.
- Jeans/pants (2–3) – 👖 Dark colors hide splashes.
- Skirts or dresses (2) – 👗 Pair with tights & boots.
- Wool tights (2+) – 🧦 Keep legs toasty.
- Swimsuit – 🏊 Hotel spa or sauna.
- Underwear (7+) – 👙 Daily comfort, moisture-wicking preferred.
- Warm bras – 🧺 Fleece-lined or sports bras.
- Pajamas – 💤 Long-sleeved & cozy.
💆 Skincare
- Hydrating cleanser – 🧼 Combat city wind & pollution.
- Balancing toner – 💧 Protects from dry indoor air.
- Moisturizer – 🧴 Thick cream to guard against cold.
- SPF moisturizer – 🌥️ Even grey skies need protection.
- Makeup remover – 🧽 Wipes or balm preferred.
- Gentle exfoliator – 🪥 Use 1–2x weekly.
- Eye cream – 👁️ Combat cold air puffiness.
- Face mist – 💦 Refreshes dry skin midday.
- Lip balm (2+) – 💋 Windburn is real here.
- Sheet mask (1–2) – 🛀 Self-care in the hotel.
- Spot treatment – 🔬 For weather-triggered flare-ups.
💄 Makeup
- Foundation – 🧴 Moisturizing formulas are best.
- Concealer – 🔍 Handy for jet lag circles.
- Setting powder – 🌬️ Prevents smudging in damp air.
- Blush – 🌸 Bring color to chilly cheeks.
- Highlighter – ✨ Subtle glow under grey skies.
- Bronzer – 🌞 Warm up pale winter skin.
- Neutral eyeshadow – 🎨 Low-key café vibes.
- Waterproof eyeliner – 🖊️ Rain/snow ready.
- Mascara – 💦 Avoid raccoon eyes in drizzle.
- Brow gel – 🪄 Windproof brows.
- Lip stain – 💄 Long wear without smudge.
- Mini brush set – 🧽 Easy to pack.
💇 Hair Care
- Hairbrush/comb – 💇 Compact and anti-static.
- Hair ties & clips – 🌀 Windproof styling.
- Shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 Moisturizing for winter.
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Refresh between showers.
- Leave-in conditioner – 💧 Prevent static.
- Heat protectant – 🔥 Styling tool shield.
- Mini dryer – 💨 Check hotel first.
- Straightener or curler – 🔌 Optional for outings.
- Hair serum/oil – 🌿 Control winter frizz.
- Accessories – 💠 Berets, clips, scrunchies.
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – 🥾 Must for walking in rain.
- Stylish sneakers – 👟 For dry, sunny days.
- Dress shoes – 👠 Optional for nights out.
- Wool socks (5–7) – 🧦 Cold-proof comfort.
- Gloves – 🧤 Touchscreen-friendly is best.
- Beanie/hat – 🧢 Essential for windy days.
- Scarf – 🧣 Wrap up well in the wind.
- Umbrella – ☔ Compact + windproof ideal.
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ Protect from low winter glare.
- Jewelry – 💍 Add some sparkle to layers.
- Watch – ⌚ Helps stay punctual on bike tours.
- Crossbody bag – 👜 Anti-theft style preferred.
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport – 🛂 Required for international visitors.
- Visa – 📝 Check Schengen area rules.
- ID – 🪪 For bars or clubs.
- Travel insurance – 🏥 Must for winter travel.
- Itinerary printout – 🗓️ In case of tech fails.
- Flight/train tickets – 🎟️ Paper + digital backup.
- Cash/cards – 💳 Mix is ideal; cards widely accepted.
- Emergency contacts – 📞 Keep printed + digital copy.
- Hotel address – 🏨 Helpful for taxi or directions.
- Notebook & pen – 🖊️ Jot travel notes or journal.
- Maps (offline) – 🗺️ GPS not always reliable.
- Receipts folder – 🧾 VAT refund options.
🚑 First Aid
- Plasters – 🩹 For blisters from long walks.
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧴 Disinfecting use.
- Thermometer – 🌡️ Track any travel bugs.
- Painkillers – 🤕 Cold headaches or period cramps.
- Cold meds – 🤧 Amsterdam winters can bite.
- Q-tips/cotton pads – 🧽 For skincare or cleaning.
- Tweezers – 🔬 Splinter or grooming helper.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescriptions – 💊 Bring enough for the full stay.
- Vitamins – 💪 Immune boosters helpful in cold.
- Feminine hygiene – 🩸 Stock up if needed.
- Hand sanitizer – 🧴 Busy transit & museums.
- Wipes – 🧻 Use on the go.
- Toothbrush & paste – 🪥 Basics covered.
- Floss – 🧵 Compact and important.
- Mini mirror – 🪞 Great for touch-ups.
- Deodorant – 🌺 Solid preferred in cold.
- Perfume – 🌸 Rollerball size.
- Eye drops – 👁️ Dry heating indoors can irritate.
- Razor – 🪒 If needed, compact type.
- Nail kit – 💅 Fix cracks or chips fast.
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – 📱 Amsterdam maps & tickets.
- Charger + EU adapter – 🔌 Don’t forget the plug shape!
- Power bank – 🔋 Explore all day without dead battery.
- Headphones – 🎧 Walking audio tours or podcasts.
- Camera – 📸 Great for canal night shots.
- Tablet/laptop – 💻 Optional if working.
- e-Reader – 📚 For café downtime.
- Offline maps & tickets – 🧭 Crucial in low signal.
- SIM or eSIM – 📶 Save on roaming fees.
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 Great for café reading.
- Movies/shows – 🎬 Load them before travel.
- Music playlists – 🎵 For bike rides & walks.
- Games or puzzles – 🎲 For rainy evenings.
- Journaling supplies – 📔 Keep travel memories.
- Magazines – 🗞️ Lounge in your hotel room.
🎁 Extras
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 Tap water is excellent.
- Snacks – 🍫 Chocolate or nuts for exploring days.
- Mini detergent – 🧼 Hand wash essentials.
- Sewing kit – 🧵 Just in case.
- Travel blanket – 🧣 Cozy train or plane use.
- Lint roller – 🧼 Especially with dark wool coats.
- Bike gloves – 🚲 Amsterdam is a cycling city!
- Foot warmers – 🔥 On especially frosty mornings.
- Compact umbrella – ☂️ Wind-tested, preferably.
🌍 Travel Tips
- Check Schengen visa – 🛂 Depending on nationality.
- Download city apps – 📱 GVB transport, Google Maps.
- Bring exact coins – 💶 For small local purchases.
- Travel insurance – 🧾 Always in cold climates.
- Rent a bike or plan a canal tour – 🚲⛵ Great winter experiences.
- Take screenshots of bookings – 📲 Wi-Fi may be patchy.
🛂 Visa Tips
- Apply early – 🕐 Schengen can take time in holidays.
- Print all confirmations – 🖨️ Including flights & stays.
- Carry return proof – ✈️ Some airlines request this.
- Passport photos – 📸 For emergency visa issues.
- Customs rules – 🧾 Know what you can bring home.
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport – 🛂 Can’t enter without it!
- Travel insurance – 🏥 Non-negotiable in winter.
- Phone + charger – 📱 Top of list!
- Offline maps – 🗺️ Especially useful at night.
- Daypack – 🎒 All-day exploring essential.
- Warm coat – 🧥 Can’t survive Amsterdam December without it.
- Umbrella – ☔ Because it *will* rain.
- Reusable bottle – 🚰 Hydrate indoors & out.
- Wool socks – 🧦 Dry feet = happy tourist.
👍 Good-to-Have
- Power adapter – 🔌 Needed for EU sockets.
- Notebook – 📓 Travel journal memories.
- Foldable shopping bag – 🛍️ Eco-friendly and practical.
- Bike light/reflectors – 🚲 For rentals in winter fog.
- Scarf/blanket combo – 🧣 Cozy on flights or trains.
