Because it’s a year-round destination, the best time to visit Belgium depends on your own personal tastes.
The country boasts warm summers (June to August) that aren’t too hot and are packed with cultural events and festivals. Those are the peak months for visitors, who come to enjoy the plentiful sunshine and take advantage of summer holidays taking place across Europe and North America.
You’ll also find pleasant weather in the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) seasons, with mild days and cool nights. The crowds are much thinner than you’ll find in the summer and prices are lower.
There’s also a plethora of Christmas festivities you can enjoy in November and December, as well as Carnival in February and March. The winter months are generally quieter and offer great value, though Christmas markets and Carnival do cause a sharp increase in crowds.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Belgium
Visiting Belgium in December - March
While these are the coldest months in Belgium, it’s still a compelling time to visit. The crowds are much thinner but there is still plenty of entertainment across Belgium’s cities around Christmas. March also marks the beginning of Carnival season for many southern towns.
Events & Festivals
- In cities and small towns alike, food and gift vendors create a festive atmosphere in the streets and plazas with lights, skating and carols throughout the season.
- Bruges Beer Festival sees over 80 breweries take part in one of Belgium’s largest beer events, spanning five days.
- Easter is celebrated throughout the country and some attractions like museums or galleries are closed certain days. Parades, egg hunts and cultural celebrations fill the gaps.
- Salon du Chocolat is a three-day exhibition in Brussels featuring over 100 chefs, chocolatiers, confectioners and plenty of tasting opportunities.
Visiting Belgium in April - May
Warming temperatures and blooming flowers make Belgium an inviting destination in spring months. You’ll find that crowds are thinner, except for weekends in Brussels and Ghent — the cities tend to attract locals who are taking a quick city break. For the most part, however, hotels often offer great value in the slower period between Easter and summer.
Events & Festivals
- Easter is celebrated throughout the country and some attractions like museums or galleries are closed certain days. Parades, egg hunts and cultural celebrations fill the gaps.
Visiting Belgium in June - August
Belgium’s summer months bring the best weather, with warm temperatures and sunny skies. It’s also when you’ll encounter the largest crowds as local and international visitors take advantage of school summer holidays and the pleasant weather. Additionally, a busy schedule of seasonal festivals and events draws even more crowds. Together, that means that prices are somewhat higher during this season.
Events & Festivals
- Brussels International Film is a ten-day film festival that exhibits a mix of short films, long features and documentaries.
- Flowercarpet sees volunteers come together in front of the Grand-Place in Brussels to create an enormous, intricate floral design in the square using more than a million begonias.
- The city of Ghent goes a little wild during Ghent Festival, a ten-day event that includes musical acts, comedy shows, theater performances and plenty of street art and food vendors.
Visiting Belgium in September - November
The fall season sees slowly diminishing crowds — temperatures begin to drop as well. You might find some wind and rain during these months. Several art festivals happen during these cooler months, making it a relaxing time to explore the cultural side of Belgium.
Events & Festivals
- Armistice Day is a solemn day throughout Belgium, as the nation pauses to remember and celebrate the end of World War I.
- Film Fest Ghent is a week-long international film festival that celebrates the impact of music on film.
Belgium Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antwerp | 5°C 64mm | 6°C 49mm | 10°C 64mm | 13°C 51mm | 18°C 62mm | 20°C 73mm | 22°C 75mm | 22°C 64mm | 19°C 63mm | 15°C 72mm | 9°C 77mm | 6°C 73mm |
| Bruges | 6°C 62mm | 6°C 45mm | 9°C 57mm | 12°C 49mm | 16°C 56mm | 19°C 65mm | 21°C 67mm | 21°C 66mm | 18°C 66mm | 15°C 81mm | 10°C 81mm | 7°C 75mm |
| Brussels | 5°C 66mm | 6°C 52mm | 10°C 70mm | 14°C 55mm | 18°C 69mm | 21°C 77mm | 23°C 75mm | 23°C 63mm | 20°C 60mm | 15°C 72mm | 9°C 79mm | 6°C 75mm |
| Ghent | 5°C 64mm | 6°C 48mm | 9°C 62mm | 13°C 51mm | 17°C 60mm | 20°C 71mm | 22°C 70mm | 22°C 64mm | 19°C 64mm | 15°C 81mm | 10°C 79mm | 6°C 74mm |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Belgium, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.
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