The best time to visit Belgium

Best months by destination

Belgium month by month

What the seasons are like

• Brussels: Brussels has a mild, damp oceanic climate: cool, grey winters around freezing at night, mild summers rarely above the mid-20s, and rain spread evenly through the year, so an umbrella is useful in any month.
• Bruges: 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.
• Antwerp: Antwerp has a mild maritime climate: cool, damp winters, mild summers and rain spread through the year, with grey skies common from November to February.

Crowds and hotel prices

Relative levels from our destination research: when each place is busiest, and when rooms usually cost least.

Events worth timing a trip around

Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.

• Brussels, January: Winter sales — shop discounts across the city (usually from early January)
• Brussels, February: Brussels Light Festival — illuminated art trail (usually February)
• Bruges, January: Winter sales — shop discounts (usually from early January)
• Bruges, May: Procession of the Holy Blood — historic religious procession through the centre (Ascension Day, usually May)
• Antwerp, January: Winter sales in shops (usually from early January)
• Antwerp, April: Antwerp 10 Miles and Marathon (usually April)

Questions travellers ask