What Is the Best Time to Visit Belgium? Weather, Events & Travel Tips by a Local
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I might be a little biased, but Belgium is a beautiful country that offers something for everyone, no matter the time of year.
Whether you are looking to see the changing leaves fall from the trees or want to enjoy an ice skating rink in winter, Belgium has it all!
We’re not a typical summer destination nor are we good for winter sports. But, you visit Belgium’s cultural cities and the gorgeous nature at any point of the year which makes it a great destination all year round!
This blog post will cover the best time to visit Belgium in four different seasons and what they offer.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Belgium?
Like other European countries, Belgium has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
The best time to go to Belgium depends on what you want to do and your budget for the trip. Each season offers different things so it’s tough to give one definitive answer about the best time to travel to Belgium.
Belgium in Spring
Belgium in spring is a time to enjoy the beautiful flowers in bloom, and smell tulips and daffodils. It is also a perfect time for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking or biking – Belgium has plenty of great trails to explore!
If you’re visiting in early spring, it’s a good idea to wear layers of clothes that you can quickly wear or take off depending on the weather conditions. It could get breezy and cool at times.
There’s also a big chance of a rain shower, so make sure to always bring an umbrella with you. For those looking for places to visit in Belgium in spring, spend some time checking the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Belgium in March
March is the start of the spring season in Belgium. At this time, the days are getting warmer and longer.
The average temperature in March starts at around 4,5°C to 9°C towards the end of the month, which isn’t too cold but definitely not hot either.
While March is famous for its “rain showers of March” amongst the Belgians, it’s actually a pretty dry month if you look at the numbers. The average is 50 to 130mm.
March is a great time to visit Belgium because not too many tourists are around and the weather is perfect.
Festivals & Events in March
There aren’t any big festivals or events going on in March though, so if you’re looking for something that’ll keep you entertained all day long, this might not be the right season of the year for you.
Belgium in April
The weather in Belgium in April is hard to predict. It might be cool and wet or it can already be quite warm and sunny.
The average Belgium temperature in April is around 7,5 to 12 degrees Celcius, but we often have days of almost 20°C too. On the other hand, extreme cold weather is also possible and it all just switches back and forth this month.
When it comes to rain, it’s a pretty dry month with an average of 40 to 90mm.
It’s a great time to visit Belgium as there aren’t many other tourists because people tend to stay away from Brussels and other bigger cities during this cooler month due to the weather conditions.
Festivals & Events in April
There are quite a few festivals happening in Belgium including the Brussels Short Film Festival.
It’s a good time to visit Belgium because you’ll be able to see great art and experience some of their best food, such as waffles for breakfast or frites with mayonnaise.
It’s also the only month in which you can see the Belgian bluebells! Plan your visit to Bluebell Forest here.
🏨✿ Where to stay to see the bluebells? In Brussels, our favourite place is the Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre.
Belgium in May
May is an awesome month to visit Belgium. The average Belgium temperature in May is around 12 to 15,5 degrees Celsius and the rainfall during this month is about 60 to 100 mm.
It usually rains one out of every two days. However, the sun already gives plenty of warmth, so, hopefully, you’ll get to enjoy wearing T-shirts rather than sweaters or rain jackets days!
You might also get great deals with hotels and B&Bs, as most tourists tend to visit Belgium during the summer months.
Festivals & Events in May
There are a number of festivals going on all around the country, for example:
- The Floralies, an annual flower show in Ghent. It usually takes place from the end of April to the middle of May.
- The Gay Pride is held every year around the 18th of May in Belgium’s capital.
- The Brussels Jazz Festival, which is one of Europe’s finest jazz festivals and it’s usually happens in May.
- The Kattenstoet (Procession of the Cats) in Ypres.
- Les Nuits, also held in Brussels, is seen as the kickstarter of the festival season.
Belgium in Summer
The Belgium summer generally offers sun-soaked days perfect for refreshing watermelon treats. Likewise, Belgium’s summer temperatures can be unpredictable.
Some years (like the summer of 2019), we have heat waves of 35+ degrees Celcius and other years (like the summer of 2021), there’s lots of rain and temperatures around 20-22 degrees Celcius.
The Belgium summer weather is a time to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s the perfect time for camping, hiking and kayaking, as well as partying at some of Belgium’s best festivals like Rock Werchter or Tomorrowland!
Belgium in June
It’s a great time to visit Belgium in June if you love water sports. The sun shines and the water is warm, so it’s perfect for swimming (the sea will still be pretty chilly though) or sailing. Discover the Belgium beaches that are perfect for the summer season here.
June is also a great time to visit if you’re into cycling. The weather conditions are perfect for this sport and the country’s many bike paths offer plenty of scenic routes.
June is a great time to visit Belgium because the weather is usually nice and mild. The average temperature in June is around 15 to 18 degrees Celsius and the rainfall is about 60 to 110 mm. This is another month where it usually rains 1 out of every 2 days, however, there is plenty of sunshine too!
Festivals & Events in June
The most famous festival in June is Graspop, a metal event. Other festivals during this month include the Brussels International Film Festival and Bear Rock Festival.
Belgium in July
The Belgian school holidays start on the first of July and all the way until the 1st of September. This means that July is the first month of the high season when just about any Belgian will be travelling themselves.
The North Sea coast can get crowded. The bigger cities are nice places to visit because many of the residents are away. Nowadays, those cities often have summer bars or even man-made beaches to pull the summer feeling all the way into the city.
The average Belgium temperature in July is around 17,5 to 20 degrees Celsius and is considered the hottest month of the year. The temperatures are usually a bit higher than average and heatwaves (28-32°C) are common.
The average rainfall is 60 to 120mm but it happens mostly during intense thunderstorms. July is the month with the largest amount of sunshine.
Festivals & Events in July
Famous festivals during this month are the Gentse Feesten (which takes place in Ghent), and the Antwerp Jazz Festival.
Rock Werchter is held every year at the beginning of the month, while world-renowned Tomorrowland is held at the end of the month.
For those looking for family-friendly festivals, we can recommend Sfinks Mixed! Get to know other festivals and reasons to visit Belgium here.
Belgium in August
August is the second month of the high season. The Belgium weather in August is usually hot, resulting in warm waters by the seaside, vibrant festivals, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see!
August is one of the hottest months in Belgium, with average temperatures around 15,5 – 19,5°C. The heatwaves can be quite intense and it’s not unusual to have many days with very little rain or clouds.
However, sometimes things will cool down towards the end of this month when a wetter and cooler air mass arrives from the Atlantic Ocean. The average rainfall is 65 to 115mm. There’s still plenty of sun to enjoy during this month.
Festivals & Events in August
Belgium has many festivals going on throughout the year, but most of them are held during the summer months.
One that is organized in the province of Limburg and features a lot of international music acts is Pukkelpop which generally takes place halfway through the month.
Belgium in Autumn
Autumn in Belgium typically brings cool temperatures, which will be more comfortable than the heat during summer days.
The ideal months to visit Belgium are September and October when the leaves turn yellow, orange or red. It’s a very colourful season with some days being cold while others are warm – so you can enjoy both sunny and rain-soaked days!
In this period of the year, it’s also easy to find accommodation because the high season is over. We don’t have very cold nights but it can get chilly if you’re camping out or doing outdoor activities.
Belgium in September
The weather in September is generally pleasant as it’s not too hot or cold.
The average Belgium weather in September is around 13,5 to 16°C. Even though you can clearly feel that autumn has arrived – often with lots of rain and windy days – warm and sunny days aren’t out of the picture either.
The average rainfall during this month is 60 to 120mm depending on the location. Thunderstorms occur less frequently, but sunshine hours have reduced drastically too compared to the summer months.
Festivals & Events in September
There are still plenty of festivals to celebrate the end of summer and the start of the new school year. Laundry Day in Antwerp, Belgian Beer Weekend in Brussels, and Crammerock are a few of them. Discover the best beer while in Belgium.
Belgium in October
October is the month of colours when you can feel the days getting shorter. The temperatures will also drop quite drastically towards the end of the month.
The average Belgium temperature in October is around 14°C at the beginning and 9°C at the end of the month.
Nonetheless, Belgium still has a lot to offer for those who enjoy hiking or cycling through nature. You’ll see different shades of the fall colours but hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy some warm days with clear blue skies as well.
The average rainfall in October is 60 to 130mm depending on the location. Although not frequently, winter storms and (melting) snow might already happen.
Festivals & Events in October
If Germany has Oktoberfest, then Belgium has its beer festivals. One of the many beer festivals is the Modeste Beer Festival.
It’s an annual beer festival held in Antwerp, Belgium and it takes place on the grounds of the De Koninck brewery. Featuring over 300 beers from Belgium and around the world. There are also food stalls, live music, and educational workshops.
Belgium in November
November can either bring lots of rain or cold weather – it’s not easy to predict what will happen during this month! If you’re looking for warmer temperatures, the country is not the best place to be.
The average Belgium temperature in November of around 5 to 9 degrees Celcius. If you’re planning on going to one of the country’s winter festivals, it is the best time to visit.
The average rainfall is again 60 to 130mm depending on your location in Belgium, but a typical occurrence for November is fog. October saw the last of the frequent sunny days, as of November, the weather started to get bleaker winds.
Festivals & Events in November
Towards the end of the month, many Christmas markets will start opening up, which gives a lively and cosy atmosphere to just about any destination in Belgium.
Belgium in Winter
While this might not be the best season for a visit if you’re looking for sunshine and warm temperatures, Belgium is still worth exploring in the colder months.
Belgium is a country with many sights to see and in winter, we enjoy Christmas markets, food festivals and Glühwein.
If you’re not looking for the typical Belgium winter holiday experience – where it’s cold outside and hot drinks are waiting for you at home – then the country might be too chilly for your liking!
In winter, the average temperature in Belgium is around 3 degrees Celsius and rainfall during this season usually ranges between 60 mm to 80 mm.
It’s hard to predict when snow will fall – if there is some at all! We usually have one or two (brief) periods of snow every two years.
Belgium in December
The average Belgium temperature in December is around 3 to 5°C and rainfall during this month usually ranges between 60 mm to 170 mm.
In general, Belgium’s weather in December is hard to predict, so you could end up with ‘warmer’ days filled with clouds and rain or colder ones with a bright sun and a crisp feeling.
However, the days are short, so there won’t be much sun to enjoy in any case. It’s usually pitch dark by 5 PM.
Festivals & Events in December
December is a wonderful month to enjoy with your family. One of the things to do in Belgium in winter is visit the Christmas Markets and if you stay long enough for New Year’s Eve, you’ll witness fireworks shows in just about any city.
Belgium in January
After the Holidays, regular life takes over again and there isn’t that much to do in Belgium.
However, if you don’t mind a bit of cold or some rain, January is a good month to explore the big cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège or Bruges.
If you head down into the Eastern part of Belgium – along the German border – you’ll probably find some ski slopes that are open.
However, this greatly depends on the weather! Belgium is not your typical winter sports destination, so if you’re looking for definite ski or snowboarding fun, you can head over to France or Austria!
The average Belgium January temperature is around 1 to 2°C. It’s the coldest month of the year and days of -5 to -10°C aren’t exceptional. Rainfall during this month usually ranges between 55 mm to 160 mm.
It’s the month with the biggest chance for snow although we can’t guarantee that you’ll see some!
Festivals & Events in January
Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver) held in Brussels, is a month-long winter festival featuring a Christmas market, light displays, and various entertainment options. It usually starts in late November and runs through January.
Belgium in February
February is the month of love and Belgium offers some very romantic destinations for a perfect Valentine’s Day. Some of the most popular destinations during this month are Bruges and Ghent.
While February is the month that signifies the transition between winter and spring, the average temperature is about the same as in January, with a minimum of -3,5 to 1°C and a maximum of 2 to 7°C.
It’s a relatively dry month. The weather in Belgium in February usually has an average rainfall of 40mm (in the West) to 125mm (in the Ardennes).
You’ll also have the highest chance of snow – however, with an average of 5 snow days, that chance still isn’t that big.
Festivals & Events in February
At the end of the month, you can join in on the Carnaval celebrations that are held in just about any town and city.
If you’re looking for the biggest and most famous one, head over to Aalst (the Carnaval was even featured in the UNESCO World Heritage).
7 Useful Travel Tips From a Local
🧳 Pack for all weather conditions. Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, so it can be rainy and overcast at any time of year. Be sure to pack a raincoat, umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes.
🌐 Learn some basic Dutch, French, or German. The official languages of Belgium are Dutch, French, and German. While English is widely spoken, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few words of the local language.
⚠️ Be aware of your surroundings. Belgium is generally safe for travellers. However, like in any tourist destination, be cautious of your belongings, avoid displaying valuable items, and stay aware of your surroundings.
🚇 Take advantage of public transportation. Public transportation in Belgium is efficient and affordable. You can get around by train, bus, tram, or metro.
🍽️ Have Belgian cuisine. Don’t miss out on trying Belgian waffles, chocolate, and fries (often served with different kinds of sauces). While you’re at it, you can also try the traditional foods from Belgium like Moules-Frites and Speculoos.
🖼️ Get a Museum Pass. If you’re planning to visit several museums, consider getting a museum pass, such as the Brussels Card, which provides free access or discounts to various attractions.
🏙️ Explore other cities by taking day trips. Belgium is compact, making it easy to explore neighbouring cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Consider taking day trips to these picturesque places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: The Best Time To Visit Belgium
Finding out the best time of year to visit Belgium depends entirely on what you like to see and do. If you’re interested in Christmas markets, early December is obviously a great time.
The summer months can be hot and are usually pretty busy, so unless you like summer festivals and beach bars, we’d recommend visiting Belgium either at the end of spring (late April and May) or in early September when you can still enjoy some pretty nice weather.
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
