Best time to visit · Bruges · Belgium
The best time to visit Bruges
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jim Linwood, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Bruges are April to June and September, when days are mild, the Begijnhof daffodils or autumn light are at their best and crowds are lighter than in July and August. December is popular for the Christmas market. January to March is cold and grey but quiet and lower priced, and the city still looks its best on a crisp, clear day.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–June and September
- Shoulder season
- March, October and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 23°C (73°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 6°C (43°F))
- Rainiest month
- November (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
Bruges has a mild, damp maritime climate thanks to the nearby North Sea: cool, grey winters with little snow, mild summers rarely above the mid-20s, and rain spread throughout the year. Wind off the coast can make it feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
March–May
Spring
Daffodils in the Begijnhof, terraces reopening and good cycling weather, with showers and busy Easter weekends.
June–August
Summer
Long, mild days and the most visitors; the centre is crowded from mid-morning to late afternoon.
September–November
Autumn
A calmer September, autumn colour on the ramparts and wetter, darker days by November.
December–February
Winter
Christmas markets and an ice rink in December, then cold, quiet weeks with the lowest prices of the year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | 1°C | 12 | 8.4 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 7°C | 1°C | 10 | 9.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 10°C | 3°C | 11 | 11.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 14°C | 5°C | 9 | 13.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 10 | 15.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 21°C | 11°C | 9 | 16.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 23°C | 13°C | 9 | 16.1 h | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 23°C | 13°C | 10 | 14.6 h | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 19°C | 11°C | 10 | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 15°C | 8°C | 12 | 10.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 10°C | 4°C | 13 | 8.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 7°C | 2°C | 13 | 7.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Winter sales — shop discounts (usually from early January) |
| May | Procession of the Holy Blood — historic religious procession through the centre (Ascension Day, usually May) |
| June | Triennale Brugge — contemporary art and architecture in public spaces (every three years, usually spring to autumn) |
| July | Cactusfestival — music festival in Minnewater park (usually July) |
| September | Open Monumentendag — Heritage Day with free access to historic buildings (usually second Sunday) |
| November | Christmas market and ice rink on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein (usually from late November) |
| December | Christmas markets on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein (usually until early January) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Bruges?
The best times to visit Bruges are April to June and September, when days are mild, the Begijnhof daffodils or autumn light are at their best and crowds are lighter than in July and August. December is popular for the Christmas market. January to March is cold and grey but quiet and lower priced, and the city still looks its best on a crisp, clear day.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Bruges?
Usually in January–February. Cold, damp and quiet after the Christmas market ends; low hotel rates and empty streets.
+What is the rainiest month in Bruges?
November, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Bruges get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F).