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Best time to visit Belgium: month by month
Short answer
The best time is May to September, with highs of about 18–23°C and long days for terraces and canals, though rain is possible any day (10–13 rainy days a month). December is popular for Christmas markets despite highs of only about 7°C.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 2°C | 14 | low |
| Feb | 9°C | 2°C | 10 | low |
| Mar | 11°C | 3°C | 12 | medium |
| Apr | 12°C | 4°C | 10 | high |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 12 | high |
| Jun | 23°C | 13°C | 10 | high |
| Jul | 23°C | 14°C | 12 | very high |
| Aug | 23°C | 14°C | 13 | very high |
| Sep | 21°C | 13°C | 11 | high |
| Oct | 17°C | 10°C | 14 | medium |
| Nov | 10°C | 5°C | 15 | low |
| Dec | 7°C | 3°C | 16 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 11°C in March to 18°C in May. Fewer crowds, flowers in parks, but changeable weather.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
The warmest time, with highs of about 23°C and lows of 13–14°C. Busiest in Bruges; carry a light rain jacket.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is still about 21°C, falling to 17°C in October and 10°C in November. Rainy days increase to 14–15 a month.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Grey and cold, with highs of 6–9°C and lows around 2–3°C, and the most rainy days. Christmas markets in December; quiet and cheap in January and February.
Events worth planning around
- Carnival of Binche (February, before Lent; UNESCO-listed)
- Ommegang historical pageant on the Grand-Place, Brussels (early July)
- Gentse Feesten, ten days of street festivities in Ghent (July)
- Flower Carpet on the Grand-Place, Brussels (mid-August, even-numbered years)
- Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges and Ghent (late November to early January)
When to avoid
January to March is cold, grey and wet, though cheap. Bruges is very crowded on summer weekends; visit midweek or stay overnight to enjoy it after day-trippers leave.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Belgium?
May, June or September: highs of about 18–23°C and fewer crowds than July and August.
Does it rain a lot in Belgium?
Yes, there are about 10–16 rainy days every month, so pack a light rain jacket in any season.
Is Belgium worth visiting in December?
Yes, for the Christmas markets and lights in Brussels, Bruges and Ghent, though highs are only about 7°C.