Amsterdam is in the North-Holland province and is located in the western part of the country, next to the Flevoland and Utrecht provinces. The Amstel River terminates in the center of the city and connects to many canals that terminate in the IJ.
Amsterdam is about 2 meters above sea level and the surrounding land of large polders is flat. To the southwest lies the Amsterdamse Bos, a man-made forest. The long North Sea Canal connects the city to the North Sea. The Dutch capital has a cool climate that is largely influenced by its closeness to the sea, with the north-western gales and winds. Winter temperature in the city is mild, rarely below 0°C (32°F).
Frosts usually happen during spells of northeasterly or easterly winds from the inner continent, from Russia or Scandinavia (sometimes from Siberia). But because bodies of water surround the city on three sides, and because it enjoys a heat island effect, night time seldom falls below -5°C (-41°F).
Summer in Amsterdam is a blast for travelers. The weather is moderately warm but can get very hot. August is the hottest month in the city. The average daily temperature ranges from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F) or higher.
Amsterdam has 175 days of precipitation per year, but its average annual precipitation is not more than 760 mm. Much of the precipitation takes the form of light rain or protracted drizzle, making damp and cloudy days common during the cooler October-March period.
