Best Time to Visit Belgium

Belgium is characterised by a maritime climate with four different seasons -summer, winter, spring and autumn. Each season offers a unique view of the country’s landscapes, history and heritage.

Since Belgium is a year-round destination, the best month to visit Belgium may depend on your taste and preference. Here is what Belgium is like in different months:

January in Belgium

Belgium is cold and wet in January. The country is gripped in ice and frequent rainfall with average temperatures between 1°C to 6°C. So, make sure you pack warm clothes to enjoy the cold weather.

This is the low season so if you are looking for cheaper flights and accommodation, January can be the best time to visit Belgium from India.

Things to do in January

• Delve into middle-age traditions at the Bomells Festival which takes place in the first week of January.

• Visit and enjoy Bruges since it is the driest city in the country this month. It is the best time to explore the city without the usual crowds of tourists.

• January is also the best time to visit Antwerp and explore its museums, art galleries, public gardens and Het Steen fortress.

• Go ice skating on frozen lakes or skiing at the Nordic Ski Centre in Samree for some thrill.

• Attend the BRAFA Art Fair in Brussels to celebrate antiques, fine arts and design.

• Witness the 10-day Brussels Jazz Festival featuring international and local musicians.

February in Belgium

February is a nice time to plan a trip to Belgium. The weather is still cold and freezing but warmer than January with average temperatures ranging between 1°C to 7°C.

Being a low season, February is an ideal time to explore cultural attractions without hordes of tourists. Some of the best cities to visit in Belgium in winter include Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges where you can find good deals on accommodation.

Things to do in February

Head to southern Belgium near Charleroi City to witness one of Europe's oldest street carnivals; Binche Carnival.

• Visit the Royal Museums in Brussels to escape from the cold.

• Visit the three-day Salon du Chocolat festival in Brussels featuring hundreds of chefs, confectioners and chocolatiers.

• Indulge in ice skating or go on cross country skiing in the Ardennes.

• Attend the BRAFA Art Fair in Brussels to celebrate antiques, fine arts and design.

• Witness the magical light festival “Bright Brussels”.

March in Belgium

March marks the beginning of spring in Belgium. While temperatures are still cold, the country is gripped in fresh vibes due to receding winter. The temperature hovers between 4°C and 10°C.

It is a good time to catch views of blooming spring flowers. Accommodation prices are relatively low and you may get good deals on hotels in popular tourist attractions in Antwerp, Burges and Ghent.

Things to do in March

• Attend the three-day Carnival of Binche which features dances, street performers and costumed processions.

• Make yourself present at the Giant Fire of Bouge which lights up Namur to celebrate the end of winter.

• Head to Antwerp’s flower attractions and take time to dive into the city’s museums and galleries.

April in Belgium

Belgium experiences spring in April. It is a great time to enjoy the outdoors decorated with beautiful flowers. The weather is mild with temperatures ranging between 6°C and 14°C. April is the shoulder season in Belgium so you can expect low accommodation costs.

However, locals and European travellers flock to popular cities like Brussels and Ghent on weekends. So, try visiting on weekdays if you want to keep costs low. Also, you may find many galleries and museums closed for long weekends if Easter is in early April.

Things to do in April

• Visit Brussels if you are an art lover to witness the annual Art Brussels event.

• Do not miss the Bruges Beer Festival if you love beer. Here you can taste different kinds of Belgian beer.

• Enjoy cycling on a pleasant sunny day.

May in Belgium

May is a great month to enjoy pleasant weather without hordes of tourists and high costs. You can see spring flowers adding beauty to the cities and countryside. Belgium’s weather in May is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 17°C.

Costs are relatively low except in Brussels and Ghent since they form weekend destinations for many locals and European travellers.

Things to do in May

• Head to Bruges to witness the UNESCO-listed Procession of Holy Blood held 40 days after Easter.

• Take a boat tour in a canal in Bruges.

• Mark your presence at the Iris Festival in Brussels to delve into music, art, dance, circus performance, magic and much more.

• Do not miss the flower show at Groot Bijgaarden castle to witness the 400 tulip varieties blossom.

June in Belgium

June witnesses the beginning of summer in Belgium. Still a shoulder season before the summer rush of July and August, it is a good time to enjoy festivals without high costs.

The weather is warm and sunny and perfect to enjoy at the beaches. The temperatures in June range between 12°C and 20°C. So, carry light summery clothes, sunscreen lotions and hats to stay comfortable.

Things to do in June

Head to popular cities of Belgium like Brussels and Ghent if you want to explore them without crowds.

• Go hiking for some thrill.

• Attend the five-day-long Fete de la Musique in Brussels and Wallonia.

• Do not miss out on the Brussels International Film Festival featuring short films, documentaries, etc. from around the world.

July in Belgium

July is the warmest month in Belgium and heatwaves are common. The temperatures during this month hover between 14°C and 22°C. July is also the peak season in Belgium when locals and Europeans flock to the country for summer vacations.

So, you can expect high prices for accommodation, tourist activities and transportation. Cities like Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp are packed with tourists due to their rivers, harbours and canals.

Things to do in July

• Go cycling and hiking to make the most of the amazing weather.

• Enjoy land sailing in the coastal town of De Panne.

• Mark your presence at the Ommegang, a mediaeval festival showcasing Belgium’s rich history and culture.

• Witness the Gentse Feesten in Ghent, a 10-day festival that features music, theatre, parades, dance, etc.

• Witness the celebrations of Belgian National Day on the 21st of July.

August in Belgium

August is the peak season in Belgium. Tourists from Europe and other parts of the world visit the country to explore historical places and enjoy the North Sea. With temperatures between 13°C and 22°C August In Belgium is warm and sunny.

During the peak season, accommodation, dining and travel costs go up. So, plan and book in advance. The best places to visit in Belgium in summer are Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges due to their canals, rivers and harbours.

Things to do in August

• Travel to Ostend Beach and enjoy the watersports activities.

• Go hiking and biking in Blankenberge on the North Sea coast.

• Head to Ardennes away from the crowds for a kayaking adventure. You can also kayak down the majestic Coo Waterfalls, Belgium's largest natural waterfall.

• Do not miss out on the 10-day Brussels Summer Festival featuring all kinds of music.

• Attend the Dour Festival featuring diverse music which attracts 250,000 people.

Witness the Flower Carpet in Brussels where people gather outside the Grand Palace to create an intricate and giant mural from flowers.

September in Belgium

September marks the onset of autumn in Belgium. While the weather gets cool it can also get warm with temperatures between 11°C and 19°C.

Since it is a shoulder season, you can enjoy it without summer crowds and high prices. The crowds on the North Sea and in cities like Ghent and Antwerp dissipate allowing you to explore peacefully.

Things to do in September

• You can spend quality time in Brussels and enjoy the various food, art and drink events.

• Mark your presence at the Belgian Beer Weekend at the central Grand Palace in Brussels to taste Belgium's famous beers.

• Head to Wallonia to witness the Les Fetes de Wallonie honouring Belgium's independence with traditional performances.

• Take time to attend the Brussels Design Festival featuring architecture, graphic design and furniture.

• Join a foraging tour in the Ardennes and pick mushrooms growing in the forests.

October in Belgium

October is autumn in Belgium. The weather gets cooler and days shorter. It is the wettest month making it a low season in Belgium. The temperatures range between 8°C and 14°C. You can expect low accommodation rates across the country due to fear of tourists.

Things to do in October

• October is an ideal month to explore the country’s castles amidst the autumnal foliage. The Veves Castle in the Ardennes, the Gravensteen Castle in Ghent and Gaasbeek Castle in Flanders are a few lovely options.

• Witness the Film Festival Gent in Ghent, the largest film festival in Belgium.

• Head to the Liege Fair, the largest fairground in the country where you can enjoy thrilling rides and other attractions.

November in Belgium

November is wet and cold with temperatures hovering between 5°C and 9°C. It is an ideal month to head to Belgium’s popular tourist attractions and enjoy it without crowds and high prices.

However, there are fewer events and festivals during this time. Ensure to carry raincoats and umbrellas to avoid getting drenched in rain.

Things to do in November

Head to the countryside to get a glimpse of the country’s spellbinding castles.

Take advantage of fewer crowds and communicate with the locals to learn deeply about Belgium culture, traditions and food.

Witness the Armistice Day held in remembrance of the First World War and the Belgians who lost their lives in it.

December in Belgium

December brings the onset of winter in Belgium. The temperatures range between 2°C and 6°C making it the coldest month after January. You can expect dark and shorter days which may impact your outdoor plans.

Visiting Belgium in early December lets you enjoy a cheaper vacation. However, tourists start coming in mid-December for Christmas celebrations. So, you can expect crowds and higher prices.

Things to do in December

• Enjoy winter sports such as ice skating on frozen canals and lakes.

• Visit the Ardennes and try cross-country skiing through the middle of the forests.

• Witness the oldest and most magical Christmas market in Liege with more than 200 chalets, lights, etc.

• Mark your presence at the Antwerp Christmas market with market stalls, fireworks and ice skating.

• Head to Brussels Christmas market with 200 market stalls, Ferris wheels, light shows and other attractions.

Peak season

Belgium’s peak season unfolds in summer from June to August. Mild temperatures and longer daylight hours allow exploring Belgium to the fullest.

You can enjoy festivals like Tomorrowland, Ghent and Brussel Jazz festivals. However, Belgium is packed with tourists during the peak season increasing the costs of hotels, dining and tourist activities.

**Shoulder season **

Spring and autumn are considered shoulder seasons in Belgium. Although the country is at its best during spring and autumn, fewer tourists are seen on the streets. You can enjoy pleasant weather with beautiful views and reduced accommodation prices.

However, weather can be unpredictable during this season with rain and cold temperatures. You may also find some tourist attractions and activities closed during this time.

**Low or off-season **

The low or off-season in Belgium is during the winter from November to March. During this time, you can explore the country and interact with the locals peacefully without hordes of crowds.

The weather is pleasant and you can get to see picturesque landscapes. However, many tourist attractions or activities may be closed during the off-season. Also, fewer events and festivals take place during this time.

Belgium is a stunning place to plan a trip to. The lovely weather, friendly people, delicious cuisines and beautiful tourist attractions will win your heart. All you need is a Belgium visa for Indians and a valid passport to head to this breathtaking country. However, you cannot explore Belgium in haste. There are several activities to indulge in and sights to see. You require ample time and good weather to make the most of your trip.

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What is the currency of Belgium?

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR). You can use credit cards for convenient transactions in the country.

Can I visit Belgium during winter?

Yes. Winter is an amazing time to visit Belgium. You get the chance to witness Christmas celebrations and snowfall across the country. This is also the off-season which makes it cheaper to explore Belgium.

What cities should I visit in Belgium?

Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Mechelen are some of the best cities to visit in Belgium.

What is Belgium famous for?

Belgium is known for its castles, waffles, chocolates, beer, music festivals, diamonds, comic books and much more.

What languages are spoken in Belgium?

Belgium has 3 official languages namely Dutch, French and German. Around 60% of Belgians speak Dutch as their first language.

What is the best time to visit Brussels?

The ideal time to visit Brussels is between March and May and between September and October.