As it will be extremely warm in the coming days, the heat plan will be in effect in Amsterdam from Tuesday, August 12. We are taking measures to keep Amsterdammers as cool as possible, such as free outdoor swimming for City Pass holders, additional facilities for vulnerable residents, and tips to protect both people and animals.

In the city, heat often lingers longer than outside because stone and asphalt retain heat. Especially in neighborhoods with little greenery, it hardly cools down at night. This means it can stay warm for days in a row, making it extra important to seek cooling in time.

Free Outdoor Swimming with City Pass

As long as the heat plan is active, City Pass holders can swim for free in 6 outdoor pools in Amsterdam. This initiative is intended to give people with less money the chance to cool off. You are welcome at:

  • De Mirandabad
  • Noorderparkbad
  • Sloterparkbad
  • Sportplaza Mercator
  • Flevoparkbad
  • Brediusbad

Always bring your valid City Pass.

Where to Find Cooling?

Not everywhere in the city is equally warm. On the Heat Dashboard, you can see per neighborhood where the heat lingers the most and where it is cooler. The map is based on an extremely hot day in July 2015 and shows how warm it felt per neighborhood between 12:00 and 18:00.

Tip: use the dashboard on your phone to quickly find a cooler spot nearby. Nice places to cool off include the Amsterdamse Bos, Waterland, and the Ouderkerkerplas.

Look Out for Each Other

Heat can have serious consequences for the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and homeless individuals. Not everyone can or wants to ask for help themselves.

Therefore, keep an extra eye on people in your neighborhood, family, or friends. Perhaps your neighbor is having trouble opening a window or your neighbor cant take their pet out. A small gesture can mean a lot.

Extra Help for Homeless People

This year, there are additional facilities for people who are homeless and cannot find cooling indoors:

  • Drop-in centers will remain open longer
  • Drinking water and sunscreen are available
  • Field workers inform about the risks of heat, also in combination with substance use

Do you want to know where the nearest drop-in center is? Check the page Open Drop-in Centers for the Homeless or call 14 020.

Also Think of Animals

Animals suffer in the heat because they can only lose heat to a limited extent. Therefore, always provide shade, cool places, and fresh drinking water. Dogs can only lose heat through their paw pads and by panting.

  • Limit dog walks during the hottest hours (12:00-15:00).
  • Avoid hot asphalt.

  • Place a wet white sheet or a cooling element in the bed or cage. This can provide extra cooling for dogs and other pets.

  • Set out a bowl of water outside for birds and animals in the area.

Finding Water Points

In Amsterdam, there are many places to cool off. On our website, you can see where you can swim safely and where toddler pools are located. For drinking fountains and taps where you can get free drinking water, check the Waternet website.

Heat Plan Lasts at Least Until Thursday

The Heat Plan goes into effect as soon as multiple days of extreme heat are expected. Not only the daytime temperature counts: warm nights, high perceived temperatures, and humidity also play a role. The plan is currently valid until Thursday, August 14. On Wednesday, we will know if it will be extended.

Want to Know More?

Here you can find more information about the heat plan: