Should I open the windows in Amsterdam right now?
Live decision for Amsterdam. Updated every 30 minutes.
Locating you…
—
Today's windows
Updated: — ·
Enter your city or postcode
Your home
—
Live decision for Amsterdam. Updated every 30 minutes.
Locating you…
—
Today's windows
Updated: — ·
Enter your city or postcode
—
Amsterdam's oceanic climate is more comfortable than most people expect. The city rarely sees temperature extremes — summer highs average 22°C, moderated by the North Sea year-round. The trade-off is persistent grey skies and about 200 rainy days per year. Mild summers mean indoor temperatures rarely exceed 25°C without air conditioning, and overnight ventilation usually suffices to restore comfort.
The main challenge is humidity: Amsterdam sits below sea level in a delta, and outdoor relative humidity regularly reaches 80–90% even on dry days. The tall, narrow canal houses present a secondary challenge — many have windows only on the front and back, making cross-ventilation difficult without opening internal doors to create a through-draft.
Air quality in Amsterdam is moderate (AQI 25–45). The port, Schiphol airport, and the A10 ring road are the main pollution sources. On foggy, still winter days, particulate concentrations can spike significantly — days to ventilate only briefly and early in the morning.
In August, the warmest month in Amsterdam, afternoons reach 22 °C on average and nights fall to 14 °C. The coolest air arrives between 05:00 and 08:00 (15 °C on average): that is when opening the windows cools the home fastest.
In January, the coldest month, air the rooms for 5–10 minutes around 14:00, the mildest hour (6 °C on average). Average humidity is 86%, so short, wide-open airing keeps condensation and mould away without losing much heat.
Fine particles (PM2.5) are usually lowest around 17:00 (8 µg/m³) and highest around 08:00 (11 µg/m³).
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Humidity | Coolest hours | PM2.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7 °C | 2 °C | 86% | 06:00–09:00 | 11 |
| February | 9 °C | 3 °C | 84% | 07:00–10:00 | 13 |
| March | 11 °C | 4 °C | 79% | 06:00–09:00 | 13 |
| April | 13 °C | 5 °C | 76% | 05:00–08:00 | 10 |
| May | 17 °C | 9 °C | 78% | 04:00–07:00 | 10 |
| June | 21 °C | 13 °C | 75% | 04:00–07:00 | 9 |
| July | 21 °C | 14 °C | 78% | 04:00–07:00 | 8 |
| August | 22 °C | 14 °C | 78% | 05:00–08:00 | 9 |
| September | 20 °C | 12 °C | 81% | 06:00–09:00 | 10 |
| October | 16 °C | 10 °C | 85% | 06:00–09:00 | 9 |
| November | 10 °C | 6 °C | 87% | 07:00–10:00 | 10 |
| December | 8 °C | 4 °C | 88% | 05:00–08:00 | 11 |
Data: Open-Meteo historical archive, hourly averages 2021–2025 (air quality 2023–2025), local time.
How to air your home in winter in Amsterdam without condensation and mould →
In Amsterdam, the best ventilation times are typically early morning (5–8 AM) and late evening (after sunset) when outdoor temperatures drop below indoor levels.
Yes, in most weather conditions. Open windows can drop indoor temperature by 2–5°C in 30 minutes if outdoor air is cooler. Check the live recommendation above for tonight.
Above 80% humidity, opening windows can make indoor air feel sticky. Combine with dehumidifier or wait for drier hours.