I will be in Amsterdam for a week late March - early April and I note that the temps will be quite chilly.

I come from a hot country, 5C is the middle of winter for me.

Do you recommend a heavy winter jacket (3/4 length) or a number of layers? I mean if I am going to spend say 3-4 hours in a museum, is there a check room for a coat, or do I carry it with?

What about heating?
Will it still be on in most budget type hotels/hostels or will I need heavy winter pj's?
Also what about heating in museums, restaurants and such?

Any other info you can provide to help me enjoy my visit without freezing to death?

Thanks!

I was in Amsterdam during the last week of March this year. It was chilly and breezy, but I was very comfortable in a medium-weight sweater topped by a light leather jacket.

Heating indoors was not a problem - you won't need heavy winter PJs

I'm from a cold climate, though. You might want to invest in some lightweight silk long underwear, just in case. The don't take much space but might come in handy if you are easily chilled.

Have fun!

Temperatures are normally cool and the climate damp. At that time of the year look for about 50F average.

Dress in layers. No heavy stuff. I wear a turtleneck and a windbreaker. Wear rubber soled shoes. Buy an umbrella when you get there.

Bedding usually includes a down comforter. This will keep you very warm whether there is heat or not.

For recent thoughts on touring Holland see
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34862163

Yes, the major museums will all have coat rooms.

Ditto on the long underwear, lifesavers. We had to stop in an athletic store and buy some knit caps, as we were losing heat thru top of the head (this is true). The cool part was the caps say "Ajax" on them so also a good souvenir.
We went the last week of March 2000 - the highest temp was 50. My loony husband played golf in Waterland. !

YOW! Lots of really quick replies.
Thank you all.

Worktowander (me 2 )-
Thanks for the reassurance on heating! Yes, definitely silk underwear weather for me!

Hopscotch - Thanks for that link. Very helpful. Layers it is. Yes, I will be wearing my regular trekking boots because they are also waterproof for rainy days.

Dukey -
Thanks. Important to know!

Travelnut -
Right! Take a hat with too. Hadn't thought of that although I would be wearing one at home at the same temps!

What a marvelous site this is! So many kind and helpful people. Thank you!

If you haven't already packed I'd like to add that when I was in Amsterdam in January the cold bothered me less than the fact that when it rained, it was a very fine misty rain which the gusty winds blew into my face and -- most annoying -- onto my map!!!

So a nice sized hood or hat with a brim, plus a scarf is nice. If you wear glasses, carry some tissues or wipes. I solved the map problem by sticking my map into a see-through plastic ziplock bag that I had. You could also use the kind of see-through document covers they sell in office supply stores. That way, your map doesn't dissolve and you can still read it under the plastic as you walk around.

Great idea nessundorma. Thanks.