Belgium offers a rich history of art and architecture, a delightful dining scene, and picturesque towns, making it an ideal destination year-round -- just don't forget your raincoat or umbrella.
Plan your visit to Belgium with this seasonal guide.
Summer is perfect for music festivals, cultural events, and togetherness, while the shoulder seasons showcase Belgium's natural beauty. Winter is ideal for visiting museums and Christmas markets,and late winter is the best time for budget travellers. Use this seasonal breakdown to choose the best time for your visit.
The summer months are the perfect time for enjoying festivals, beach bars, and cultural activities
The summer months from July to August bring pleasant temperatures of around 20°C (about 70°F) in Belgium. This is a popular time for both domestic and international travellers to visit the Belgian North Sea coast
In summer, the beaches of Knokke and Ostend become vibrant with sunbathers, kite surfers, and families seeking a fun day trip.
Belgium's summer months also mark the peak of its renowned music festival season. Multiday festivals like Rock Werchter and Tomorrowland as well as more intimate events like Cactusfestival and Gent Jazz draw in music enthusiasts.
Antwerp in particular, is a lively city to visit in August. The city hosts open-air summer bars, Antwerp Pride, and the Bollekesfeest food and drinks festival, named after Bolleke, a local iconic amber beer.
The best times for hiking with fewer crowds are from April to June and September to October.
During the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, Belgium experiences mild days and cool nights. The city centres are less crowded compared to the busy summer months, and accommodation prices are no longer at their peak.
During spring, Brussels asserts itself as the legislative and cultural capital of Belgium. The city hosts numerous exhibitions, festivals, and shows at venues such as La Madeleine (featuring local and international music artists), Bozar (exhibitions on classical and modern visual art), and Plein Publiek (offering DJ sets and live music), catering to diverse interests.
Spring marks the end of winter's slumber. Hallerbos blooms with vibrant bluebells in April, attracting visitors from around the world.
Restaurant and cafe terraces, like Bar Chapel, a converted monastery garden in Antwerp, are now open. This gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the city’s atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds.
In autumn, the stunning reds, oranges, and browns of the local foliage turn Belgium—specifically the southern Ardennes region—into an even more magical place to visit. Crowds thin out while daytime temperatures remain relatively mild. It's the perfect time to explore the country's natural beauty and medieval cities—just don't forget to bring an umbrella and a raincoat.
From November to January, Belgium is the best place to visit for Christmas markets and museums.
Even though the weather in Belgium during the low season is typically gloomy, snow and freezing temperatures are rare. November is a quiet month, perfect for exploring the many museums scattered throughout the country.
Highlights include the recently renovated Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, the Horta Museum in Brussels and the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres,
December is characterized by wet and cold weather. However, the cities and other places come to life with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, mulled wine stalls, and delicious sweet treats.
For a unique experience, visit the the Antwerp Christmas Market, the Ghent Winter Festivities or Plaisirs d’Hiver in Brussels. ou can also enjoy a cozy evening at smaller events such as the Ostend Christmas Market or Louvain-La-Neige.
Late winter is the best time for budget travelers and carnivals
The best time to visit Belgium is between January and March, as the country is recovering from Christmas and New Year's, and daily life is getting back to normal. This means late winter is the ideal time to find better deals and prices.
During February, carnival celebrations take place in the Belgian countryside. However, you shouldn't expect any delays in public transport or disturbances on the road. Hotel accommodations may be more expensive during the carnival season in cities like Binche and Aalst.
The Carnival of Binche is one of Europe’s oldest, with roots in the Middle Ages. During the parade, performers known as Gilles wear elaborate costumes and throw blood oranges at the crowd for good luck. Meanwhile, in Aalst, you’ll find the biggest carnival celebration in Belgium. Carnivalists frolic through the streets with floats that can take the better part of a year to decorate. And they don’t shy away from controversy; they express their opinions on social themes and current events through their costumes and float decorations.
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