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What to wear in Amsterdam in September

What to wear in Amsterdam in September

Are you visiting and wondering what to wear in Amsterdam in September. In this ultimate Amsterdam packing list for Fall we will cover everything you need to know from how to dress for the weather, for cycling, at night and more.

Important Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Amsterdam Weather in September

Amsterdam canal view in September
What to pack for Amsterdam in September

How Hot Is Amsterdam in September?

Although summer is technically over in Amsterdam in September, the temperatures are still pretty warm, similar to those you experience at the start of summer in June.

On average the high temperature will be around between 19 C and 11 C (51-66 F) but it can get hotter and certainly can feel hotter when you are cycling around the city.

But what about rain? Do you get much rain in Amsterdam in September?

Does it rain in Amsterdam in September?

No matter the time of year you travel there is always a chance of rain in Amsterdam and September is no exception. In fact you can expect to see around 10 days of rain in the month of September in Amsterdam.

However if you are traveling in September you will find the rain comes in the form of scattered showers rather than prolonged rain storms.

Please note: if your trip to Amsterdam falls over two months be sure to check out our other monthly guides:

What to Wear in Amsterdam in September

Couple sat next to canal in Amsterdam in September
What to wear to Amsterdam in September

As someone who has lived in the city for several years I would recommend adding the below items to your Amsterdam September Packing List.

Lightweight Pjs / Nightdress

As the weather can still be warm in September be sure you only bring lightweight nightwear with you. Much of accommodation in Amsterdam, both in terms of hotels and Airbnbs, will not have air conditioning so be sure you bring the right weight nightwear with you.

Shop lightweight nightwear here

Summer Dresses

I love a summer dress and I think they are perfect for nights out in Amsterdam and for sightseeing during the day especially if you are traveling at the start of September.

However I would advise packing length if you plan on cycling. However maxi and mini dresses are fine for most venues in Amsterdam.

Shop Midi Summer Dresses here

T Shirts

One of the things I love about Amsterdam is that it’s dress code isn’t very formal even at night. Which means that t shirts are appropriate in most places day and night.

However just remember that casual doesn’t mean unstylish. The Dutch tend to dress practically but stylishly which is how I try to dress when in the city.

Shop T shirts here.

Blouse

Blouses are also commonplace in the city and are great for later in the month when the temperatures start to drop.

I recommend picking something loose and lightweight that is comfortable walking around the city and even for cycling.

Shop blouses here

Pashmina

All of my packing lists no matter the destinations includes a pashmina and Amsterdam is no different.

Pashminas and scarves are very popular in Amsterdam and are great for creating a day to night look. They double up as a great accessory or a scarf depending on temperature.

Shop Pashmina here

Trousers

Trousers are a staple of any Amsterdam packing list. If you are visiting early in the month you may want to wear linen trousers or chinos however later in the month, jeans may be more appropriate.

And don’t worry about jean styles in Amsterdam. Anything goes.So if you want ripped jeans or boyfriend cut then go ahead and pack the pair that you feel most comfortable in.

Lightweight Waterproof

Having lived in Amsterdam for several years I can promise you that it can be rainy whatever month you are visiting. And with 10 days of rain expected in the month of September I would advise packing a light weight waterproof.

If you don’t have anything like this in your wardrobe and you don’t want to buy anything expensive have some basic water proof gear like a poncho. But if you need to purchase these in Amsterdam you should head to the cheap shop HEMA which always stocks waterproofs whatever the season.

Shop raincoats here

Or if you plan to travel with a compact travel umbrella then you could bring

Hoodie / Sweater

Although Amsterdam is still relatively warm in September it is worth having 2-3 top layers with you for a week in the city. I usually pack a hoodie for casual sightseeing and a couple of smarter sweaters for going out to Dinner in Amsterdam.

A Denim Jacket

A denim jacket is a great top layer for Amsterdam in September, particularly earlier in the month.

Click here to shop denim jackets.

What to wear in Amsterdam in September for men

To be honest the packing list for men visiting Amsterdam in September follows similar rules as for the women. As such we recommend adding the below your Amsterdam packing list for men:

Lightweight Chinos and Tailored Shorts

Though the Dutch are casual we recommend sticking to chinos and tailored shorts. Shorts are more appropriate for the day while we recommend lightweight chinos at night and during the evenings.

Click here to shop the best mens chinos for travel.

Jeans

Amsterdam is a casual city and jeans are appropriate in most places. And as the month moves on the temperatures will start to decrease and jeans will be more comfortable to wear.

T Shirts

T Shirts are fine for men during the day and at night.

Layers

Mornings and evenings can be cool in Amsterdam so having a casual and smarter top layer is always a good idea.

Waterproof Jacket

As you are likely to experience rain in Amsterdam in September it is worth having a lightweight waterproof or poncho with you.

Jacket

Although it is unlikely to be very cold in Amsterdam in September a jacket is a good idea. We usually select something smarter such as a blazer which is a great day to night transition piece for men.

Shirts

Shirts are good for sightseeing in the Netherlands during the day and evening.

Best Shoes for Amsterdam in September

Close up of woman's shoe for Amsterdam
Best Shoes for Amsterdam

Sneakers

Amsterdam is a casual city. You won’t feel out of place anywhere in sneakers or trainers and these are perfect for cycling and walking on the cobbled streets of the city.

Common brands that you will see on the streets of Amsterdam are Allbirds, converse as well as more sporty brands.

Shop sneakers here

Wedges

For smarter shoes for evenings out I recommend packing Wedges. Wedges are the best shoes for Amsterdam as you can walk on cobbles in them.

Heels, especially thin ones and stilettos are on my what not to wear in Amsterdam list. Tgis is because they can get caught in the cobbles. Wedges are safer for those wanting to add some height to their outfit.

Shop Wedges Here 

Optional Things for Your Amsterdam Packing List for September

Swimwear (optional)

It is hot at the start of the month, and still warm enough to visit one of the beaches near Amsterdam and even take a dip in the sea. If you plan on doing this day trip then be sure to bring some swimwear with you.

However if this isn’t in your Amsterdam itinerary and you aren’t staying at a hotel with a pool (there aren’t that many) then you can leave this at home.

What to Wear in Amsterdam in July at Beaches

What Else to Pack for Amsterdam in September

Theft Proof Bag 

A theft proof bag is always on our list whenever you go to a European capital and Amsterdam is no exception.

Although Amsterdam is a very safe city you ca get pickpockets everywhere which is why we recommend a theft proof cross body bag.

Click here to shop theft proof bags for travel.

Sunglasses

Amsterdam is a bright city and the canals can be quite dazzling so you will need sunglasses even in September.

Umbrella

As I mentioned, Amsterdam in September can be a pretty rainy place. Don’t forget a compact umbrella.

Click here to shop compact travel umbrellas.

Chub Rub

If you are visiting early in the month and are worried about chaffing in the heat remember to pack some chub rub with you.

Click here to shop chub rub.

Sunscreen

The sun can still be strong in September.

Power Pack

Amsterdam is a beautiful city especially in the summer and I promise you your phone will be constantly out so be sure to have  a power pack with you to recharge those batteries. 

Plug Adapaters 

Amsterdam uses the traditional European plugs. So if you are coming from the UK or USA etc you will need an adapter to make your electronics work. Click here to purchase! 

Note: If you have room in your suitcase then you can bring toiletries with you. However toiletries are very easy to buy in Amsterdam in city center stores such as Kruidvat of which there are many across the city. For this reason we would leaving the toiletries at home and buying them on arrival to save on space in your suitcase. 

For more info on packing light for Amsterdam check out our guides on using the 5 4 3 2 1 packing technique or using the sudoku packing method

What to wear in Amsterdam in September FAQs

Do I need coat in Amsterdam in September?

Given the weather in Amsterdam in September you shouldn’t need a coat. However you can get cooler days and even cooler evenings for this reason we recommend bringing a jacket and maybe a waterproof for September.

Do you need a raincoat for Amsterdam in September?

A lightweight waterproof jacket is a great choice for Amsterdam in Septmber as you get rain 10 days of the month

Do I need swimwear in Amsterdam in September?

You will only need to bring swimwear to London in September if any of the following applies to your and the rest of your vacation itinerary:

  • you are staying at a Amsterdam hotel with a pool (there aren’t that many).
  • you plan on visiting a beach on a day trip.
  • you are traveling to another warmer weather place as part of your European itinerary.

If none of these things apply to you then you should be safe to leave the swimwear at home. 

Is there anything else you would add to this Amsterdam in September packing List. And let us know what you wore in Amsterdam in Fall int he comments below.