Visiting Amsterdam in the winter months (December through February)? Expect chilly, damp days with unpredictable rain, icy canals, and crisp romantic vibes.
This Amsterdam winter packing list will help you stay warm, dry, and effortlessly stylish—from cycling layers to café-ready outfits.
🌡️ Weather Overview
Amsterdam winters are cold and damp, with temperatures averaging between 30°F to 45°F (-1°C to 7°C). Rain is common, and occasional snow gives the city a postcard-perfect vibe. Wind and drizzle are more likely than heavy snow—so waterproof gear is essential.
🎒 What to Wear in Amsterdam in Winter
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
Amsterdam style is minimalist, practical, and fashion-forward. Locals love neutral colors, structured coats, and cool sneakers. Think Scandi-chic meets bike-friendly comfort. Layering is key for weather that shifts from damp to drier during the day.
🧳 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
- 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Lightweight & easy to roll over cobblestones
- 🧳 Checked luggage – For bulkier coats and boots
- 👜 Duffle bag – Ideal for weekend trips or train travel
- 🎒 Day backpack – For museums, cafés, or biking around
- 👜 Personal item – Holds your essentials & fits under the seat
- 📦 Packing cubes – Keep outfits sorted by layer
- 👟 Shoe bags – Separate wet boots from clean clothes
- 💄 Makeup bag – Compact and travel-safe
- 🧴 Waterproof hanging toiletry bag – Saves space in small bathrooms
- 📁 Travel wallet – Keep ID, passport, metro card dry
- 🛍️ Collapsible tote – Perfect for markets or thrift shopping
- 🧺 Laundry bag – For separating wet socks & delicates
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Helpful for shopping-heavy trips
- 🔒 Small lock – Useful for lockers at train stations or hostels
- 🧷 Zipper pouch – Great for coins, lip balm, AirPods
- 🧻 Quick-dry towel – Handy in hostels or rainy emergencies
- 🛏️ Neck pillow + 😴 Sleep mask – For flights or long train rides
👗 Clothes
- 👕 Long-sleeve tees (3–4) – Ideal for layering under sweaters
- 👚 Knit tops / thermals (2–3) – Keep warm, stay stylish
- 👔 Blouses / shirts (2) – For nights out or museums
- 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Chunky knits, warm and chic
- 🧥 Coats (1–2) – Waterproof trench + a wool coat or puffer
- 🧘 Activewear (1–2 sets) – For biking or studio workouts
- 👖 Jeans (2) – Dark wash or straight-leg styles
- 👖 Wool trousers or lined pants (1) – Dressy + cozy
- 👗 Sweater dress or jumpsuit (1) – Perfect for layering with tights
- 🩲 Underwear (daily) – Don’t forget warm pairs
- 👙 Bras (3–4) – Include one comfy for travel days
- 🧦 Wool socks (5–7) – Necessary for damp weather
- 🧦 Tights / leggings (2) – Layer under dresses or pants
- 🧤 Gloves (1) – Waterproof + touchscreen-friendly
- 🧣 Scarf (1) – Thick, knit, and stylish
- 🧢 Beanie or beret (1–2) – Warm and photo-ready
💆 Skincare
- 🧼 Cleanser – Gentle, hydrating formula
- 💧 Moisturizer – Rich cream for dry winter air
- 🧴 Sunscreen – Even in cloudy weather
- 💋 Lip balm – Wind + cold = cracked lips
- 🧽 Makeup remover – Works even on waterproof makeup
- 👁️ Eye cream – Combat puffiness and dryness
- 💦 Facial mist – Refresh on-the-go
- 😷 Sheet masks – Treat yourself after long walks
💄 Makeup
- 💄 BB cream or foundation – Dewy + hydrating
- 🖌️ Concealer – For jet lag or redness
- 🌸 Cream blush – Looks natural in winter lighting
- ✨ Highlighter – Subtle glow for gray days
- 👁️ Eyeshadow palette – Neutrals + a shimmer
- ✒️ Waterproof eyeliner – For misty mornings
- 👁️ Mascara – Waterproof or tubing formulas
- 🪞 Brow gel – For wind-proof brows
- 💄 Lipstick – Mauves and berries pop beautifully
💇 Hair
- 🪮 Hairbrush / comb – Travel size
- 🧷 Hair ties / clips – For bike rides or wind
- 🧴 Dry shampoo – Extra volume + time saver
- 💁 Styling cream – Tames frizz from damp air
- 💨 Mini hair dryer – Check if hotel provides one
- 🎀 Hair accessories – Keep it cute in the cold
👠 Shoes & Accessories
- 👢 Waterproof boots – Stylish and non-slip
- 👟 Casual sneakers – Great for walking days
- 👠 Ankle boots – Dress up your look
- 🧣 Scarf – Thick, stylish, versatile
- 🧤 Gloves – A winter essential
- 🧢 Hat – Wool beanie or beret
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – For glare on crisp days
- 👜 Crossbody bag – Compact and secure
- 👜 Small purse – For evenings out
- 🌂 Travel umbrella – Compact and windproof
🧾 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + copy – Keep digital and paper versions
- 🪪 ID or driver’s license – For ID checks
- 🛡️ Travel insurance info – Always carry it
- 💳 Credit/debit cards – Contactless accepted nearly everywhere
- 💶 Euros – Small change for local markets
- 🗺️ Offline maps / directions – In case of no signal
- 🎫 Museum passes – Book Van Gogh and Rijks in advance
- 📁 Travel wallet – Organize your documents
🩹 First Aid & Hygiene
- 🩹 Bandaids – For new shoes + long walks
- 💊 Pain relievers – For aches or travel headaches
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer – For trams, trains, and public spots
- 🧼 Wipes – For face, hands, or surfaces
- 🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Don’t forget the charger if electric
- 🧴 Body wash + razor – Hotel minis aren’t always the best
- 🧻 Feminine products – Bring your favorite brand
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Phone + charger
- 🔌 Universal adapter – Netherlands uses Type C & F
- 🔋 Power bank – For full days out
- 📷 Camera – Optional, but worth it
- 💻 Tablet / laptop – For work or Netflix nights
- 🎧 Headphones – Noise-cancelling if possible
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Kindle / book – Ideal for café reading
- 🎧 Podcasts / music – Great for solo exploring
- 📓 Journal – Capture the inspiration
🎒 Extras
- ☕ Reusable coffee cup – Eco-friendly and stylish
- 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For markets and vintage finds
- 💧 Reusable water bottle – Tap water is excellent
- 🧼 Travel laundry detergent – Just in case
- 🧵 Mini sewing kit – Buttons do pop
✈️ Travel Tips
- 📱 Download GVB app for public transport
- 🚲 Be ready to bike (optional helmet)
- 📦 Dress in layers – the weather will shift
- 🎫 Book Anne Frank House weeks in advance
✅ Must-Haves for Amsterdam Winter
- 🧥 Waterproof coat
- 👢 Comfortable waterproof boots
- 🧤 Gloves + scarf
- 📱 Phone + charger + adapter
- 💳 Cards + some euros
- 💧 Lip balm + rich moisturizer
- 👜 Day bag or crossbody
- 🧦 Wool socks
