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Best time to visit Ghent: month by month
Short answer
May to September is the best time, with average highs of 18–23°C and long evenings; June has the fewest rainy days in the data. July brings the Gentse Feesten, which is great fun but raises prices. Winter is cold and grey, with highs of 7–9°C, but has the Christmas market and long, lit-up nights.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | 2°C | 14 | low |
| Feb | 9°C | 2°C | 9 | low |
| Mar | 12°C | 3°C | 13 | low |
| Apr | 13°C | 4°C | 11 | medium |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 12 | medium |
| Jun | 23°C | 13°C | 9 | medium |
| Jul | 23°C | 14°C | 13 | very high |
| Aug | 23°C | 14°C | 13 | high |
| Sep | 21°C | 13°C | 10 | medium |
| Oct | 17°C | 10°C | 15 | medium |
| Nov | 11°C | 5°C | 17 | low |
| Dec | 8°C | 3°C | 17 | 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 12°C in March to 18°C in May, with lows of 3–8°C and around 11–13 rainy days a month; pleasant for walking with fewer crowds.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of about 23°C and lows of 13–14°C; June is the driest month in the data (about 9 rainy days), while July brings the Gentse Feesten crowds.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is still mild at about 21°C, cooling to 11°C by November, with rainy days rising to 15–17 a month.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold and often wet, with highs of 7–9°C and lows of about 2–3°C; quiet except for the Christmas market weekends in December.
Events worth planning around
- Gentse Feesten — ten days of free music and street theatre, usually in the second half of July
- Film Fest Gent — October
- Christmas market around St Bavo's and the centre — December
When to avoid
If you want quiet streets, sleep and lower prices, avoid the Gentse Feesten in July. November to February is the greyest, wettest period, though still fine for museums and beer cafés.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Ghent?
May, June and September, with highs of about 18–23°C and fewer crowds than July.
When is the Gentse Feesten?
Usually for ten days in the second half of July. Book accommodation months ahead.
Is Ghent worth visiting in winter?
Yes, for the Christmas market and the lit-up old centre, but expect cold (highs of 7–9°C) and frequent rain.