visit belgium october

Visiting Belgium in October – Top tips to plan your trip

June 25, 2020 | Posted in: Belgium

There are many reasons why autumn is a good time of year to visit Belgium . One of them is the fact that the cities and countryside are bathed in stunning autumnal colors. The leaves begin to blush from green to orange, and the low light levels make the countryside look beautiful.

If you go to Belgium in October, you're going during one of the “shoulder months”. That means it’s on the edge of the tourist season. This makes it an ideal time to visit Belgium, as the number of tourists will be much lower, and prices generally drop

The availability of accommodation and travel is much better than summer, although it is still, as always, a good idea to book in advance.

One of the best things about Belgium is its manageable size, meaning you can cover quite a few destinations over the course of one trip. Cities like Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp are all close enough for day trips, and you can easily venture into nature from wherever you decide to base yourself.

Weather in Belgium in October

Things to do in belgium in october, what to wear in belgium in october, events in belgium in october, places to visit in belgium in october, where to stay in belgium, don't forget travel insurance.

Belgium does have a bit of a reputation to uphold when it comes to weather and temperature, and as the country transitions from summer to autumn, you should prepare yourself for wet weather. The weather in October in Belgium generally includes about 19 days of rain on average, so make sure you pack that raincoat. However, there is plenty of sun and dry weather to enjoy at this time of year too, with an average of four hours of sunshine a day.

As for the temperature in Belgium in October, you should expect an average high temperature of 15°C / 59°F during the day, and an average low temperature of 8°C / 46°F at night.  

There are indoor and outdoor areas on the boat and a tour guide giving live information through speakers. A relaxing way to travel across the country and learn about its flora, fauna, landscapes, and history.

Those looking for something a bit more high energy might be interested to know that the Brussels Marathon happens in October each year! If running is your thing, the route takes in a large part of the capital, starting in Brussels park. A half marathon and a kids marathon are held at the same time.

October is the start of wild game hunting season in Belgium, and you might spot extended menus featuring meats like boar, venison, guinea fowl, pigeon, and more. If you like the idea of trying some wild game, there are loads of top quality restaurants. In Brussels alone, you could head to a brasserie like Volle Gas or a classic eaterie like La Manufacture.  

It won’t just be rainy weather though, so bring a mixture of warm and cool clothing to layer up. You might want a few jumpers and a hat, so you’re prepared for low temperatures too.  

There are 20,000 candles lighting up the famous 374-step stone staircase of Montagne de Bueren, and all the courtyards and alleyways of the city are illuminated. There are special animations, light shows, and musical concerts too. One not to miss.

Celebrate gin (or more specifically, jenever) in all its glory at the Hasseltse Jeneverfeesten. This takes place on the third weekend of October in Hasselt, just one hour east of Brussels, Belgium.

Go back 150 years and there were over 180 distillers of jenever in Hasselt, a number that has dwindled massively since. This is made up for with this one-weekend event.

Make sure you get there for 3 pm when a bronze fountain called Het Borrelmanneke (“The Barrel Man”) briefly stops spouting water and instead flows with gin for punters to drink!

If you’re into your cinema, you might want to make your trip coincide with the Ghent Film Festival which takes place in October. Ghent is a cultural honey pot at the best of times but for this 10-day event the city hosts screenings of over 200 shorts and feature-length films, exhibitions on cinema, and a high-profile awards ceremony.

The international event has a unique focus on the role of music in film, so there are concerts for film music too.  

Autumn’s in the air and the trees look gorgeous – perfect for exploring. Head to the Jardins d’Ô in the Viroin valley of south Wallonia for some memorable autumnal scenes. You can roam to your heart’s content and discover picturesque waterfalls, lakes, canals, and woodlands. It’s even possible to hire a little row-boat for the day!

The valley is based at the confluence of the Eau Blanch and Eau Noire rivers and there are plenty of walking routes that look stunning at this time of year.

Want even more inspiration? Check out these fun things to do in Belgium .  

This is just a smattering of ideas. October is generally considered a great time to visit the country, being out of tourist season and with fairly mild weather. Enjoy!  

With so much to do in Belgium, it's a good idea to stay for a while. I almost always use Booking.com for accommodation. It has an extensive list of hotel, apartment, and guesthouse options for all budgets and needs.  

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Travel insurance has you covered in case (part of) your trip gets canceled, you get sick or hurt abroad, and sometimes even when your electronics break or get stolen. I always make sure I'm covered every trip I go on.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.  

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Things to do in Belgium in October

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Looking for a different month?

October is a good time to visit Belgium .

Belgium has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Belgium. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in Belgium in October

Top experiences in october, holidays in belgium in october.

• Halloween ( October 31 )

Other notable holidays

• All Saints' Day ( November 1 )
• Armistice Day ( November 11 )
• St. Nicholas Day ( December 6 )
• Christmas Eve ( December 24 )
• Christmas Day ( December 25 )
• Boxing Day ( December 26 )
• New Year's Eve ( December 31 )
• New Year's Day ( January 1 )
• Epiphany ( January 6 )
• Valentine's Day ( February 14 )
• Good Friday ( April 18 )

Best attractions for Belgium in October

What's the weather like in Belgium?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Belgium for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Belgium in January
• Weather in Belgium in February
• Weather in Belgium in March
• Weather in Belgium in April
• Weather in Belgium in May
• Weather in Belgium in June
• Weather in Belgium in July
• Weather in Belgium in August
• Weather in Belgium in September
• Weather in Belgium in October
• Weather in Belgium in November
• Weather in Belgium in December

Explore nearby places

• Watermael-Boitsfort
• Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
• Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
• Woluwe-St-Pierre
• Saint-Jans-Molenbeek
• Sint-Agatha-Berchem
• Wezembeek-Oppem
• Sint-Genesius-Rode
• Rhode-Saint-Genese

All related maps of Belgium

• Map of Belgium
• Map of Ixelles
• Map of Etterbeek
• Map of Watermael-Boitsfort
• Map of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
• Map of Brussels
• Map of Auderghem
• Map of Anderlecht
• Map of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
• Map of Woluwe-St-Pierre
• Map of Uccle
• Map of Saint-Jans-Molenbeek
• Map of the Forest
• Map of Schaerbeek
• Map of Koekelberg
• Map of Evere
• Map of Laken
• Map of Drogenbos
• Map of Jette
• Map of Ganshoren
• Map of Linkebeek
• Map of Sint-Agatha-Berchem
• Map of Kraainem
• Map of Beersel
• Map of Wezembeek-Oppem
• Map of Diegem
• Map of Dilbeek
• Map of Sint-Genesius-Rode
• Map of Rhode-Saint-Genese
• Map of Hoeilaart
• Map of Zaventem

Belgium throughout the year

• Belgium in January
• Belgium in February
• Belgium in March
• Belgium in April
• Belgium in May
• Belgium in June
• Belgium in July
• Belgium in August
• Belgium in September
• Belgium in October
• Belgium in November
• Belgium in December

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• Best time to visit Belgium

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Belgium enjoys a fairly standard temperate climate , with warm – if mild – summers and moderately cold winters.

Climate in Belgium

Best time to go to belgium, festivals and holidays in belgium, festivals and holidays in belgium by month, tailor-made travel itineraries for belgium, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2808 USD

The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

This trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

9 days  / from 3024 USD

Experience the Liberation Route in BeNeLux

Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

10 days  / from 5616 USD

Taste of Three - Belgium, France and Switzerland

Start your journey in Belgium and explore Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. A high-speed train will then take you to Strasbourg, from where you'll discover the Alsace. Proceed to Basel as your base, from where you'll see plenty of Switzerland: Zermatt, Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus and much more.

Tailor-made trips for   Belgium

Generally speaking, temperatures rise the further south you go, with Wallonia a couple of degrees warmer than Flanders for most of the year, though in the east this is offset by the more severe climate of continental Europe, and emphasized by the increase in altitude of the Ardennes. Rain is always a possibility, though you can expect a greater degree of precipitation in the Ardennes and upland regions than on the northern plains.

The cities of Belgium are all-year tourist destinations, though you might think twice about visiting Bruges, the region’s most popular spot, during August, when things get mighty crowded. The best time to visit Flanders is any time between early spring and late autumn, though winter has its advantages too – iced canals and hoarfrost polders – if you don’t mind the short hours of daylight. Wallonia, especially the Ardennes, is more seasonal, with many things closing down in the winter, so try to visit between April and October.

Belgium is big on festivals and special events – everything from religious processions through to cinema, fairs and contemporary music binges. These are spread right throughout the year, though as you might expect, most tourist-oriented events and festivals take place in the summer. Information on upcoming festivals and events is easily obtained from local tourist offices and on the internet.

Typical Belgian festivals

Belgium’s annual carnivals ( carnavals ), held in February and early March, are original, colourful and boisterous in equal measure. One of the most renowned is held in February at Binche, in Hainaut, when there’s a procession involving some 1500 extravagantly dressed dancers called Gilles. There are also carnivals in Ostend and Aalst, and in Eupen, where the action lasts over the weekend before Shrove Tuesday and culminates with Rosenmontag on the Monday – a pageant of costumed groups and floats parading through the town centre. And, most uniquely, there is Stavelot’s carnival, where the streets are overtaken by so-called Blancs Moussis , townsfolk clothed in white hooded costumes and equipped with long red noses.

Nominally commemorating the arrival by boat of a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary from Antwerp in the fourteenth century, the Brussels Ommegang is the best known of the festivals with a religious inspiration; a largely secular event these days, it’s held on the first Tuesday and Thursday of July. If you want to see anything on the Grand-Place, however, where most of the action is, you have to reserve seats months in advance. Among the other religious events perhaps the most notable is the Heilig-Bloedprocessie (Procession of the Holy Blood) held in Bruges on Ascension Day, when the shrine encasing the medieval phial, which supposedly contains a few drops of the blood of Christ, is carried solemnly through the streets.

Among any number of folkloric events and fairs, one of the biggest is the Gentse Feesten , a big nine-day knees-up held in Ghent in late July, with all sorts of events from music and theatre through to fireworks and fairs.

Eupen: Carnival Shrove Tuesday and the preceding four or five days; w www.opt.be . Eupen Carnaval kicks off with the appearance of His Madness the Prince and climaxes with the Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) procession.

Malmédy: Carnival Shrove Tuesday and the preceding four or five days; w www.opt.be . In Malmédy carnival is called Cwarme, and on the Sunday groups of Haguètes, masked figures in red robes and plumed hats, wander around seizing passers-by with wooden pincers.

Aalst: Carnival Shrove Tuesday and the preceding two days; w www.opt.be . Aalst Carnaval begins on the Sunday with a parade of the giants – locals on stilts hidden by elaborate costumes – and floats, often with a contemporary/satirical theme.

Binche: Carnival Shrove Tuesday and the preceding two days; w www.opt.be . Binche Carnaval builds up to the parade of the Gilles, locals dressed in fancy gear complete with ostrich-feather hats.

Brussels: Ars Musica All month; t 02 219 26 60, w www.arsmusica.be . This contemporary classical music festival has an impressive international reputation and regularly features world-renowned composers. Performances are held in numerous venues around the city – and there are concerts in Bruges, Antwerp, Mons and Liège too.

Brussels: Anima, the International Animation Film Festival Ten days in early March; w www.animatv.be . First-rate animation festival, which screens over 100 new and old cartoons from around the world at the Flagey Centre in Ixelles.

Ostend: Bal Rat Mort (Dead Rat Ball) First Saturday of March; w www.ratmort.be . Held in the kursaal, this is a lavish, fancy-dress carnival ball with a different theme each year. The casino holds two and a half thousand revellers, but you still need to book early.

Stavelot: Carnival Refreshment Sun (fourth Sun in Lent); w www.opt.be . Stavelot Carnaval features the famous parade of the Blancs Moussis, all hoods and long red noses.

Brussels: International Fantastic Film Festival Two weeks in the middle of April; w brff.be . This well-established festival is a favourite with cult-film lovers, and has become the place to see all those entertainingly dreadful B-movies, as well as more modern sci-fi classics, thrillers and fantasy epics. Held at the Tour & Taxis exhibition centre.

Sint-Truiden: Bloesemfeesten (Blossom festival) Late April; w www.bloesemfeesten-haspengouw.be . Blessing of the blossoms and other such rural fruitery in Sint-Truiden, at the heart of the Haspengouw fruit-growing region.

Brussels: Concours Musical International Reine Elisabeth de Belgique Early to late May; t 02 213 40 50, w www.cmireb.be . A world-famous classical music competition. Founded over fifty years ago by Belgium’s violin-playing Queen Elisabeth. The categories change annually, rotating piano, voice and violin, and the winners perform live in the Grand-Place in July. Tickets can be difficult to get hold of and can cost as much as €50, but the venues do include the splendid Palais des Beaux Arts and the Conservatoire Royal de Musique.

Mechelen: Hanswijkprocessie (Procession of our Lady of Hanswijck) Sun before Ascension Day; w www.hanswijkprocessie.org. Large and ancient procession held in the centre of Mechelen. Traditionally focused on the veneration of the Virgin Mary, but more a historical pageant today.

Bruges: Heilig Bloedprocessie (Procession of the Holy Blood) Ascension Day, forty days after Easter; http://www.holyblood.com/. One of medieval Christendom’s holiest relics, the phial of the Holy Blood, is carried through the centre of Bruges once every year. Nowadays, the procession is as much a tourist attraction as a religious ceremony, but it remains a prominent event for many Bruggelingen (citizens of Bruges).

Brussels: Jazz Marathon Three days in May; w www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be . Hip jazz cats can listen to nonstop groove around the city for three whole days (which change each year – check the website), and although most of the seventy-plus bands are perhaps less familiar names, the quality of the music is usually very high. Entrance fees vary depending on the venue, but you can buy a three-day pass from the tourist office and there are a number of free jazz concerts too.

Tournai: Les journées des quatre cortèges (Days of the Four Processions) Second Sat & Sun; w www.opt.be . Lively carnival mixing modern and traditional themes, from fifteen folkloric giants representing historic figures with local connections, such as Louis XIV and the Merovingian king Childeric, to flower-decked floats, fireworks and military bands.

Brussels: Brussels Festival of European Film Eight days in late June; w brff.be . Something of a moveable feast – it’s previously been held in April and June – this festival promotes the work of young film directors from the 47 countries of the Council of Europe. It’s not one of Europe’s better-known film festivals, but the organizers have worked hard to establish a solid reputation and it’s a great opportunity to catch up on some of the latest European (and Belgian) films. The festival takes place in the capital’s Flagey arts centre, in Ixelles.

Knokke-Heist: Internationaal Cartoonfestival Early July to mid-Sept; w www.cartoonfestival.be . Established in the 1960s, this summer-season festival in the seaside resort of Knokke-Heist showcases several hundred world-class cartoons drawn from every corner of the globe.

Brussels: Ommegang First Tues & Thurs of July; w www.ommegang.be . This grand procession, cutting a colourful course from place du Grand Sablon to the Grand-Place, began in the fourteenth century as a religious event, celebrating the arrival of a miracle-working statue of the Virgin from Antwerp; nowadays it’s almost entirely secular with a whole gaggle of locals dressed up in period costume. It all finishes up with a traditional dance on the Grand-Place and has proved so popular that it’s now held twice a year, when originally it was just once. To secure a seat on the Grand-Place for the finale, you’ll need to reserve at the Brussels tourist office at least six months ahead.

Werchter, near Leuven: Rock Werchter Festival Four days in early July; w www.rockwerchter.be . Belgium’s premier rock and pop festival and one of the largest open-air music events in Europe. In recent years the all-star line-up has included Arcade Fire, Pink, Delphic, Sweet Coffee, Crookers and Midlake. There are special festival buses from Leuven train station to the festival site.

Bruges: Cactusfestival Three days over the second weekend of July; w www.cactusmusic.be . Going strong for over twenty years, the Cactusfestival is something of a classic. Known for its amiable atmosphere, it proudly pushes against the musical mainstream with rock, reggae, rap, roots and R&B all rolling along together, from both domestic and foreign artists. It’s held in Bruges’ city centre, in the park beside the Minnewater.

Ghent: Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival) Mid- to late July, but always including July 21; w www.gentsefeesten.be . For ten days every July, Ghent gets stuck into partying, pretty much round the clock. Local bands perform free open-air gigs throughout the city and street performers turn up all over the place – fire-eaters, buskers, comedians, actors, puppeteers and so forth. There’s also an outdoor market selling everything from jenever (gin) to handmade crafts.

Bruges: Klinkers Two weeks, usually from the last weekend of July; w www.klinkers-brugge.be . Bruges’ biggest musical knees-up devoted to just about every type of music you can think of. There are big-time concerts on the Markt and the Burg, the city’s two main squares, plus more intimate performances in various bars and cafés. It’s Bruges at its best – and most of the events are free.

Veurne: Boetprocessie (Penitents’ Procession) Last Sun in July; w www.boetprocessie.be . Although this event is now a good deal cheerier, with lots of townsfolk dressed up in fancy historical gear, it’s still got a gloomy heart with a couple of hundred participants dressed in the brown cowls of the Capuchins, some dragging heavy crosses behind them.

Boechout, Antwerp: Sfinks Mixed. Free entrance, last weekend of July; sfinks.be . Sfinks is Belgium’s best world-music festival, held outdoors in the suburb of Boechout, about 10km southeast of downtown Antwerp.

Bruges: Musica Antiqua Ten days in early Aug; w www.mafestival.be . Part of the Festival van Vlaanderen, this well-established and well-regarded festival of medieval music offers an extensive programme of live performances at a variety of historic venues in Bruges. Tickets go on sale in February and are snapped up fast.

Zeebrugge and the coast: Sand sculpture Aug to late Sept. All sorts of sand sculpture competitions are popular along the Belgian coast throughout the summer – and Zeebrugge features some of the best. Amazing creations – everything from the bizarre to the surreal and beyond – but there again participants are allowed to use heavy-plant diggers and bulldozers.

Kiewit, just outside Hasselt: Pukkelpop Three days in the middle of Aug; w www.pukkelpop.be . Large-scale progressive music festival running the gamut from indie through R&B to house.

Ath: La Ducasse Four days at the end of Aug; w www.ath.be . Dating back to the thirteenth century, this festival has all sorts of parades and parties, but the star turn is the giant figures – or goliaths – that make their ungainly way round town, representing historical and folkloric characters.

Nivelles: Le Tour Sainte-Gertrude de Nivelles Last Sun in Sept or first Sun in Oct; w www.toursaintegertrude.be . Beginning in the centre of Nivelles, this is a religious procession in which the reliquary of St Gertrude is escorted on a circular, 15km route out into the countryside surrounding the town. The jollity gets going when locals dressed in historical gear and several goliaths join the last leg of the procession.

Tournai: La Grande Procession de Tournai Second Sun in Sept. Part secular shindig in historical costume, part religious ceremony involving the carrying of the reliquary of St Eleuthère through the city’s streets, this procession dates back to the eleventh century.

Ghent: Ghent Film Festival Twelve days in Oct; w www.filmfestival.be . The Ghent Film Festival is one of Europe’s foremost cinematic events. Every year, the city’s cinemas combine to present a total of around two hundred feature films and a hundred shorts from all over the world, screening Belgian films and the best of world cinema well before they hit the international circuit. There’s also a special focus on music in film.

Nationwide: The Arrival of St Nicholas (aka Santa Klaus) Dec 6. The arrival of St Nicholas from his long sojourn abroad is celebrated by processions and the giving of sweets to children right across Belgium and Luxembourg. In Luxembourg, he’s traditionally accompanied by “Père Fouettard” (the bogey-man), dressed in black and carrying a whip to punish naughty children.

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updated 14.05.2021

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What Is The Best Time of the Year to Visit Belgium?

Belgians love to complain about the weather and will tell you that whatever time of the year, it mostly rains in their country – but that’s actually a misconception. Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and moderate winters. Since the country is small there is little variation in climate from region to region, although the temperatures are generally a bit higher inland. Here’s what else you need to know about when to travel to Belgium.

April to September are the drier months of the year with rainy conditions expected only half of the month instead of two-thirds. Fall and winter can be windy and rainy and in the eastern regions the winter months occasionally get heavy snowfall. Whatever the season, always bring a sweater and an umbrella, just in case.

With winter in full swing, days can get a bit gloomy and grey. The sun doesn’t rise until around 8:30 am and says goodbye around 4 pm. Snow is quite rare in Belgium, except in the eastern regions, and it hardly ever snows more than a handful of days each winter. But when it does, the country usually grinds to halt. Public transport will experience massive delays and roads will be jammed with traffic. Hail is more common around this time of year and in the evenings, temperatures might dip below zero.

Rainfall: 20 days

Temperature: 6°C (43°F)

Belgium is a predominantly Catholic country, which means they celebrate carnival . Expect excessive consumption of alcohol and lots of parades and people walking around dressed like it’s Halloween. Pretty much every Belgian village celebrates carnival and holds a parade, but the one in Binche near the French border is one of the most famous celebrations in Belgium. Due to its originality and long tradition, this festival was designated as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2003. Unfortunately, weather conditions during carnival are mostly cold, with daytime temperatures hovering around 7°C (44°F) and a high chance of drizzle, so make sure to bring an umbrella and wear a warm coat.

Rainfall: 18 days

Temperature: 7°C (44°F)

Spring is here and at the first hint of sun Belgians will come out in droves to flood the parks, terraces, and town squares to have a drink or some food and socialise with friends and family. It doesn’t even have to be particularly warm – that’s what sweaters were made for – as long as the sun is on your face, it’s all good.

Don’t be surprised when you happen to be biking around Belgium and you find a bunch of people standing next to the bike path cheering at you. It must be the first day of spring, and it’s ‘Nationale Applausdag voor Fietsers’, which roughly translates to ‘national applaud bikers day’. This means people will make signs, sing songs, and cheer on any cyclists that happen to bike past them.

Rainfall: 19 days

Temperature: 11°C (51°F)

https://youtu.be/Pu7bULh1rB8

Early April is when the most important cycling event in Flanders takes place: The Tour of Flanders (De Ronde van Vlaanderen in Dutch). Cycling is incredibly popular in Belgium and everybody and their grandmother will come out to watch this race either along the route, in a café, or on a big screen in a town square. If you want to get in on the festivities just mention you think Tom Boonen was a truly magnificent rider and every Fleming will be your friend for life. A few weeks later, in late April, Wallonia has their own big cycling classic with Liège-Bastogne-Liège .

Temperature: 14°C (58°F)

May is a good month to be working in Belgium, as it is usually the month with the most public holidays, depending on what days Pentecost falls. Labour Day, every May 1, has been a public holiday in Belgium since 1948 and because Belgian trade unions have quite a bit of clout, the country pretty much shuts down. Museums and tourist attractions will be open, but don’t expect public services and shops to run their normal schedule. Pentecost usually means two days off late May or early June. The Belgian city of Kortrijk has an annual festival at Pentecost called the Sinksenfeesten, which transforms the entire centre of town into a festival ground, with music performances, street theatre, and flea markets. In Antwerp at Pentecost, the yearly funfair called Sinksenfoor starts.

Rainfall: 17 days

Temperature: 18°C (65°F)

Summer is finally here and in Belgium that means lots of outdoor cultural events are on the agenda for the next few months. In Antwerp, it is time for the yearly Zomer van Antwerpen (Summer of Antwerp) festival, with two months of cultural events all across town. Food enthusiasts should head over to Brussels for the Brussels food truck festival , where dishes from all over the world are available for four days. Bear in mind that evenings can still get quite chilly, so remember to bring a sweater.

Temperature: 21°C (69°F)

Get ready to dance and party this month in Belgium with one of the biggest dance festivals in the world, Tomorrowland . Gear up for not one but two weekends of electronic music in the aptly named town of Boom, just outside Antwerp. Meanwhile, Ghent is having its own massive party with the Gentse Feesten taking over the entire city centre for 10 days. Drawing around 250,000 visitors on an average day, the Gentse Feesten is the third biggest festival in Europe. The last day is known as ‘de dag van de lege portemonnees’ (the day of the empty wallets in English), alluding to the fact that many people have spent their last penny at the festival. The 21st of July is Belgian National Day , the nation’s independence day, with most towns organising little music festivals to celebrate. Bring sunscreen as the sun is likely to come around to say hi.

Temperature: 23°C (73°F)

August is Belgium’s month with the least rainfall, so you’re sure to get some rays around this time of year. Belgium has a relatively short coastline though, so in most parts of the country you will have to get through summer without cooling off on the beach. However, every self-respecting Belgian town makes up for that by opening at least one summer bar . They usually open somewhere in April and, depending on the weather throughout the summer, can stay open as late as October. If you do decide to visit the coast, remember that a lot of Belgians will have the same idea and you’re likely to get stuck in traffic or crammed into a full train on the way there.

Rainfall: 16 days

People are back to work and school, so if you’re looking to beat the crowds now is a good time to visit Belgium. Museums, events, and other tourist attractions will noticeably be less busy, especially on weekdays. In Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium, the Festival of Wallonia (or Fêtes de Wallonie in French) kicks off. It is celebrated in the entire region, but centres in Namur , which welcomes around 250,000 people during the festivities. It was introduced in 1923 to celebrate the revolutionary days of the 1800s, and among the attractions are a stilt-walking contest and a moving and funny mass.

Temperature: 19°C (66 ° F)

Head for some of the many parks in Belgium to enjoy the lovely autumn colours. Antwerp’s Middelheim Park comes highly recommended, as does the Botanique in Brussels. Art aficionados should head to the coast, to Knokke, for the third instalment of the thrice-a-year Art Knokke-Heist festival (the other two are in April and July). This little seaside resort is referred to by Belgians as the ‘St Tropez of the North’ and, with around 15,500 inhabitants, boasts no less than 86 art galleries. During the festival, participating galleries show their best work and have vernissages. It’s an ideal getaway on a rainy day for art lovers (and fans of free champagne).

Temperature: 15°C (59°F)

November 11 is Armistice Day , so this seems like a good month to visit one of the many World War I memorials in Belgium. There is the Last Post ceremony in Ypres, where every evening at 8 o’clock, buglers from the Last Post Association close the road that passes under the memorial and sound the ‘Last Post’. Waterloo is of course where the famous Battle of Waterloo was fought, which is still remembered to this day by the Lion’s Mount, a large and artificial hill with a 225-step staircase leading to a statue of a lion.

Temperature: 10°C (50°F)

Like many countries in the Western World, Christmas is a very important holiday in Belgium, and many towns and cities will have Christmas markets on in the weeks leading up to it. The market in Brussels is called Winter Wonders and is regarded as one of the best in Europe. Liège also has a Christmas Village , with a funfair, ice skating rink, and over 200 chalets to buy all your Christmas essentials.

Rainfall: 21 days

When not to go to Belgium

Unless you enjoy skipping rain puddles and getting soaked to the bone, try and avoid visiting Belgium during November, December, and January, as they are generally the wettest (and coldest) months of the year. If the sun comes out, it is only for a few hours per day. Belgians themselves usually complain about the lack of daylight during the dark and gloomy winter months, so if you visit at this time you might not get the best impression of this small but culturally very rich European nation.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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When is the Best Time to Visit Belgium?

Published on: January 22nd, 2018

Last modified: December 28th, 2023

The best time to visit Belgium is between mid-May to mid-October. You get to enjoy ideal weather conditions and avoid the coldest months of December and January. Spring is a good time to travel to skip the crowds and enjoy the striking scenery.

A trip to the land of confectionery is always a good idea, with moderate weather for much of the year but many people’s favourite time to visit Belgium is during the summer months of July and August and into September.

During this period, not only are the skies clearer and days warmer but the streets are also buzzing with outdoor terraces, musicians, and artists.

The Best Time to Visit for...

Beach Breaks

Head to the coast during July and August to soak up the sun and go swimming. As September arrives you’ll still find the odd good beach day as summer gives way to autumn. And if you happen to be in De Panne, have a go at land yachting or land sailing. The activity dates back to the 16th century, and it’s superb beach fun for those who don’t fancy getting wet.

Enjoying Nature

With the spring months come bright blossoms in parks and gardens, but it’s during autumn from September to November that Ardennes are painted glorious red and orange tones. If you’re in Brussels when the weather is still good in autumn, take in the sights and sounds of Sonian Forest either on foot or by bicycle.

Winter Sports

In winter months from December to February, head inland to cities like Bruges and Ghent and you may be fortunate enough to discover frozen lakes and canals, perfect for ice skating. And if you find yourself near Ardennes, there is some great cross-country skiing to be had.

Exploring the Cities

From the ornate streets and winding canals of Bruges, and the museums and galleries of Brussels, to the fine restaurants of Antwerp, Belgium’s cities are a treasure trove of interesting sights and hidden gems. The best time to go exploring is from June to August, when the weather is warm, and there’s less chance of being rained on while wandering down cobbled streets.

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Brussels   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Getty Images |

Best Times To Visit Brussels

The best time to visit Brussels is between March and May and September and October, the shoulder seasons; this is when room rates are cheaper and the weather is mild. This city experiences all four seasons and rain is a possibility year-round. Average lows range from the mid-30s in winter to the low 70s in summer.

No matter when you're in town, you can count on something going on at the Grand-Place , from street performances and flower shows to the nightly light shows in winter. But if you can, try to plan your trip around the Ommegang festivities (the first week in July). This Renaissance-style festival recreates the celebration held when Emperor Charles V first entered the city in the 16th century. Another festive time to visit is around Christmas when the entire square is illuminated by a massive Christmas tree.

Weather in Brussels

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Brussels

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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Belgium Itinerary: The Best Places in 3, 4 or 5 Days (2024)

Belgium might not be the first place you would think of travelling to, but in fact, there are many good reasons to visit this country . With its medieval cities, enchanting castles and local delicacies, Belgium has a lot to offer. This Belgium itinerary is ideal for first-timers who want to see the country’s highlights .

As I am from Belgium and lived here for most of my life, I have come to know this little country quite well.

To see the best of what it has to offer, you will need a minimum of 3 days in Belgium . To get to know it better and get a real taste of what this country is all about, 4 to 5 days would be perfect.

So, depending on how much time you have in the country, here’s the perfect Belgium itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 days.

Belgium Itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 Days

The first 3 days of this itinerary will bring you to some of Belgium’s most beautiful places . However, if you have 4 or 5 days in this country, the next days will take you to some of the country’s most famous castles too.

Of course, you can easily switch things up according to your interests if you don’t have 5 days in Belgium.

Let’s dive into this itinerary!

Day 1: Brussels

This itinerary for Belgium starts in Brussels, the bustling capital. Brussels is a lively city that is worth visiting and one that cannot miss on your trip to the country.

This city is famous for being the unofficial capital of the EU and the self-proclaimed “comic book capital of the world” and there are quite some things to see here.

To see the city’s highlights, one day in Brussels will be enough. However, you will need more than one day if you want to visit some of Brussels’ museums and areas outside of the city centre too.

Tip: Brussels is a good place to base yourself when you’re visiting Belgium . It is located in the middle of the country, which makes it easy to access any region from here (Brussels is super small, so nothing is far away).

Brussels’ highlights

• Grand Place: The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site with some pretty amazing architecture. This is Brussels’ main square and it is often featured on lists featuring the most beautiful squares in Europe .
• Manneken Pis: This famous statue of a peeing little boy is one of Brussels’ most famous landmarks . It is not far from the Grand Place and if you’re lucky, Manneken Pis will be wearing one of his 900 costumes.
• Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert: Built in 1847, this is Europe’s oldest shopping arcade. Apart from beautiful architecture, you will find plenty of luxury shops here.
• Mont des Arts: If you like beautiful views, you will love the Mont des Arts (“Mount of the Arts” in French), which is home to one of the most famous parks in Brussels. If you climb up this mount’s stairs, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city.
• Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral: It is in this cathedral that royal weddings, funerals and coronations take place. The Brussels Cathedral’s interior is quite sober and it has beautiful stained glass windows.
• Saint Catherine Church & La Tour Noire: French for the black tower, la Tour Noire is located right next to the beautiful Saint Catherine Church. This tower is part of the 13th-century city walls.
• Atomium: This giant molecule is a pretty unique landmark. It was built for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958. As it is not located in the centre of the city, you will need to take the metro to get there.
• Beer tour: If you would like to taste some delicious Belgian beer, it is good to know that there are plenty of b eer tours in Brussels . You will learn more about this brew too if you decide to join one of these tours.

Fun fact: It rains for an average of 200 days in Brussels. Although it rarely rains all day, you will find the best indoor activities in Brussels in this post just in case.

Day 2: Bruges

Today, we’re heading to Bruges, one of the most charming medieval towns in Europe . Beautiful Bruges is located in the North of the country and visiting this city is one of the best things to do in Belgium , which is why it can’t miss from any itinerary for this country!

Note that if you’re using public transportation, it’s good to know that the train station in Bruges isn’t in the city centre. So you will need to take the bus to get there unless, of course, you want to walk.

Tip: If you would like to see Ghent too, it’s good to know that it’s possible to visit Ghent and Bruges in one day as these cities are just a 25-minute train ride apart. It will give you less time in Bruges, though.

Bruges’ highlights

Bruges’ cobblestoned streets, medieval buildings and picturesque canals make it one of the prettiest and most romantic destinations in the country .

You will find the best places to visit in Bruges in one day below:

• Grote Markt: This square has been used as a market square since the 10th century. It is surrounded by beautiful guild houses, and this is the perfect place to start exploring Bruges.
• Belfry of Bruges: This medieval bell tower is located on Market Square, and it can be visited. If you decide to climb its 366 steps, you will be rewarded with a stunning view over Bruges.
• Basilica of the Holy Blood: The interior of this Roman Catholic basilica, located on Burg Square, is truly stunning! It was originally built in the 12th century and houses the relic of the Holy Blood .
• Rosary Quay: Head to the “Rozenhoedkaai” for a beautiful view of the canals with Bruges’ historical buildings as a backdrop. This is one of the most photographed sites in Bruges!
• Bonifacius Bridge and Church of Our Lady: The Bonifacius Bridge, with the Church of Our Lady right next to it, is a truly enchanting area and also one of my favourites in Bruges. It is said that you will experience eternal love if you kiss your loved one on this bridge. If you decide to enter the Church of Our Lady, you will be able to admire the famous  Madonna and Child  sculpture by  Michelangelo .
• Beguinage: This former beguinage is one of the most peaceful parts of the city. It was once home to the beguines but the Nuns of the Order of St. Benedict now inhabit the place.

All in all, there are plenty of good reasons to visit Bruges , this is definitely one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities!

>> Check out my post featuring the best canal view hotels in Bruges if you would like to stay here for a night.

Day 3: Dinant and castles

On day 3 of this itinerary for Belgium, it is time to head to Wallonia , the French-speaking part of Belgium. Here, Dinant, the city of the saxophone, Walzin Castle and the Castle of Vêves are well worth visiting.

You can reach the city of Dinant by train from both Bruges and Brussels. However, if you’re coming from Bruges, the train ride will take approximately 3 hours whereas the ride takes a little less than 2 hours from Brussels.

Note that you can’t reach the castles surrounding Dinant by public transportation . The easiest option would be to rent a car for a day. If this is not an option, it is possible to take a taxi (a 15-minute ride) from Dinant.

Dinant’s highlights

Dinant is most famous for being the place where Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, was born. This is a charming city with some interesting things to see and do.

This city is quite small, so half a day here should be just enough. Here are some of the best places to visit in Dinant :

• Citadelle de Dinant: Standing high on the Dinant rock, the Citadel of Dinant is the place to go for a beautiful view of the city. There is a history and weapon museum inside that will teach you more about the history of Dinant.
• Notre Dame de Dinant: Notre Dame de Dinant is an eye-catching 13th-century cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows. Make sure not to miss it during a visit to this town.
• Saxophone Bridge: This bridge crosses the River Meuse. It is decorated with 28 colourful saxophones, each representing one of the countries of the European Union.
• Rocher Bayard: If you’re entering Dinant by car, Rocher Bayard is this city’s first famous landmark that you will encounter. This 35 m (114.8 ft) high rock formation is split in two, and the road goes right through both parts.

Vêves Castle

The medieval Vêves Castle looks as if it is coming straight out of a fairytale, which is probably the reason why it is often called Sleeping Beauty’s Castle . It towers above the village of Celles, and both its interior and exterior are stunning.

The ground on which Vêves Castle was built has a rich history that dates back to the time of Pépin de Herstal (685), a Frankish statesman and military leader. The current castle, however, was built in the 15th century.

If you would like to stay the night in an enchanting castle, it’s good to know that there are plenty of castle hotels in Belgium . Some of them are near Dinant.

Walzin Castle

Contrary to Vêves Castle, Walzin Castle can’t be visited on the inside because it is privately owned. Its stunning location, however, perched high on top of a rock, makes it one of the most beautiful castles in Belgium .

Vêves Castle was built during the 11th century and later destroyed. The castle has undergone multiple restorations since, and today, only the original watchtowers remain.

Tip: As Vêves Castle and Walzin Castle are pretty close to each other, it is possible to hike from one castle to another. This hike is 15 km (9,3 mi) long, and it will take you through the beautiful Nature Park of Furfooz. In my opinion, this is one of the best hikes in Belgium .

Day 4: Antwerp

If you have 4 days or more on your Belgium itinerary, it is time to head to Antwerp today. This Flemish city is a 40-minute train ride from Brussels or a 2.5-hour ride from Dinant.

Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world . This is a beautiful city with many interesting sights and it has an interesting legend too.

The Legend of Antwerp According to the legend, the name Antwerp comes from “hand werpen”, which means “to throw a hand” in Dutch. The story goes that a long time ago, the mythical Roman soldier Brabo killed a giant that demanded a toll on people who wanted to enter the city. If people refused to pay, the giant would cut off their hands and throw them in the River Scheldt. Brabo then decided to fight the giant by cutting off his hand and throwing it into the river.

You will find a statue of Brabo throwing away the hand of the giant on the Grote Markt.

Antwerp’s highlights

• Central Train Station: This station is often featured in lists of the most beautiful train stations in the world and it’s one of Belgium’s most famous landmarks . This is the first place that you will see if you’re visiting Antwerp by train. If not, make sure to head there and check out the station’s impressive main hall. You won’t be disappointed!
• Diamond District: Antwerp’s famous diamond district is located right next to the train station. This is the part of the city where diamonds are traded and where you will find plenty of jewellery shops.
• Grote Markt: The Grote Markt is the main square of Antwerp, and it is stunning! Beautiful guild houses surround this square, and you will also find a fountain of Brabo here.
• Cathedral of Our Lady: The 123-m (402.5 ft) high Cathedral of Our Lady is the tallest Gothic building in the low countries. It houses an impressive art collection that includes works of Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens .
• Vlaeykensgang: This picturesque alleyway dates back to the 16th century and this used to be a very poor area. Today, however, antique shops and art galleries dominate this area.
• MAS Museum: The MAS Museum houses many interesting exhibitions, and even if you don’t feel like visiting a museum, this is a must-see location. The modern red building in which the museum is housed has a rooftop terrace that is free to access. You will have some of the best views of Antwerp from here.
• Rubenshuis: This museum is located in the building where the famous painter Rubens’ home and workshop were. You will find a collection of his work inside and you will get to see where he painted many of his paintings.

Read m y one day in Antwerp itinerary to find out how to spend a perfect day in this city.

 ❗The Rubenshuis is currently closed due to renovation works. It will reopen in 2026.

>> Check out my post featuring the best hotels in Antwerp if you would like to stay here for a night.

Day 5: Bouillon

On the last day of the 5-day itinerary for Belgium, it is time to head to Bouillon. This is a beautiful destination in the Walloon Semois Valley of Belgian Luxembourg

If renting a car is not an option, you will have to take the train to Libramont and TEC bus number 8 to get there.

Libramont is a 2-hour train ride from Brussels and a 3-hour ride from Antwerp. The bus ride from Libramont to Bouillon takes another hour.

Castle of Bouillon

The Castle of Bouillon towers high above the city. Its history dates back almost a thousand years, and it was once owned by Godfrey of Bouillon – one of the leaders of the First Crusade.

You can visit the castle’s chambers and dungeons while learning about its history. While you’re there, you will also get to enjoy the wonderful view over Bouillon and its surroundings.

Hiking in the Semois Valley

After visiting the Castle of Bouillon, one of the best activities in the neighbourhood is to go for a hike. The Semois Valley is a stunning region that includes the Tombeau du Geant , which is argued to be the most beautiful view in Belgium.

It is good to know that there are many hikes around Bouillon . Some start from the city itself but to get to the starting point of some others, you will need a car.

Whichever hike you choose, you will be rewarded with some amazing landscapes!

Belgium Itinerary Map and Schedule

• Day 1: Arrive in Brussels and visit Belgium’s capital
• Day 2: Take a day trip to the medieval city of Bruges (and Ghent if you want to make an extra stop)
• Day 3: Visit Dinant, Vêves Castle and Walzin Castle in the Walloon Region of Belgium
• Day 4 (optional): Spend a day in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world
• Day 5 (optional): Go to Bouillon, visit the castle and hike in the Semois Valley

It is good to know that Belgium is a small country and that the distances are short . Therefore, you can easily base yourself in Brussels and take day trips from here during your visit to Belgium.

How to Get to Brussels

Brussels is most likely the place where you will start your Belgian trip. The country’s capital is a well-connected city that can easily be reached by air , train or bus .

Zaventem Airport is 15 km (9.5 mi) from Brussels’ city centre and, from here, you can take a taxi, train or bus to get to the centre.

It’s also possible to head straight from Brussels Airport to Bruges and switch things up a little.

How to Get Around Belgium

Most parts of this itinerary can be done using public transportation , and all the cities that are mentioned are easily accessible by train.

Keep in mind, though, that you will have to walk a bit (or take the tram or bus) to get to the centre of the city from the station of Bruges (and Ghent if you decide to visit this city too).

If you want to visit the Castles of Vêves , the Castle of Walzin and the Semois Valley , however, you will either have to take a taxi or rent a car, which brings me to my next point.

The most flexible way to follow this Belgium itinerary is by renting a car . However, finding a parking spot in cities can be quite challenging and expensive unless you park your car further away from the city centre.

My recommendation: Visit Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp by train. Then, rent a car to visit Bouillon and Dinant. This way, you won’t need to stress about finding a cheap parking spot in the bigger cities, and you will be able to easily visit the castles and go for hikes.

If you want to rent a car in Belgium , I recommend using Discover Cars . This website checks various companies to make sure you get the best rates.

Best Time to Visit Belgium

The best time to visit Belgium is during April , May , June , September and October . At this time of the year, the weather will be pleasant and it is not peak season (this is in July and August).

If you don’t mind the peak season, July and August are good months to visit Belgium too, but hotels might be more expensive at this time of the year. July and August are school holidays in Belgium, and it tends to be more crowded during these months.

This being said, Belgium can be visited all year round. It will be colder and there will be more rain during the winter months ( December to March ), though.

Tips for Visiting Belgium

• If you’re getting around with public transport , use Omnio to check train schedules and book your tickets online.
• Belgium is a small country and the distances between places are short. So, you could easily base yourself in Brussels , which is in the middle of the country, and take day trips from here.
• Make sure to try some delicious Belgian chocolates , fries and beer while you’re in Belgium – they’re the best!
• There are many other beautiful places in Belgium, it all depends on your interests. I have a lot of content about this country so check out some of my other posts about Belgium to make sure that you won’t miss something you might like!

Belgium Itinerary FAQs

How many days are needed in belgium.

Belgium is a small country but there are some nice places to see. I recommend staying here for a minimum of 3 to 4 full days. This way, you will be able to see the country’s highlights and get an idea of what this country is all about.

Are 3 days enough in Belgium?

Three days are enough to see Belgium’s highlights. You can visit Brussels, Ghent, Bruges and Dinant in 3 days. If you have more time, however, you can head to Antwerp and the Semois Valley as well.

What should you not miss in Belgium?

Some of the places that you cannot miss on a visit to Belgium are Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. If you have more time, however, there are many other great things to do in Belgium.

Belgium Itinerary: Final Thoughts

And voila – this was my recommended itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 days in Belgium. I hope that you found exactly what you were looking for and that you will enjoy your trip to my home country! Belgium might indeed be small, but it does have a lot to offer.

If you have more time to spare in this country, I would recommend checking out my post with the best day trips from Brussels too. I spent a lot of time exploring Belgium during the pandemic and discovered some interesting places here!

Read more about Belgium:

• Backpacking Belgium: A Local’s Guide
• Benelux Itinerary: The Highlights in 10 Days (+ Map)
• The Best Hikes in Belgium
• The Most Beautiful Places in Belgium
• Reasons to Visit Belgium: Why it’s Worth Visiting
• Best Theme Parks in Belgium
• Souvenirs From Belgium That Don’t Suck
• Best Day Trips from Brussels: Ultimate Guide
• What is Belgium Famous For? The Most Surprising Facts

Belgium Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to Belgium on  Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Hostelworld . 🚃 Use Omnio to book public transportation in Belgium. 🚗 Rent a car with  Discover Cars   to get the best rates. 💰 Get travel insurance via  Visitors Coverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa  to visit Belgium

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Waffles is also good choice. BTW I’m really happy to say it was an interesting post to read. I learned new information from your article, you are doing a great job. Continue

Waffles are delicious! And so is chocolate :p Thank you for your lovely message, I appreciate it! 🙂

Do you offer private tours? We will have 4-5 days and want to do Brussels, Ghent snd Bruges by private car. We were thinking 2 days Brussels, one day Ghent and two days Bruges.

Hi Shanea, nice to hear you’re planning a trip to Belgium! 🙂 I don’t offer private tours, so I can’t help you with that, unfortunately. Best of luck!

Get back to me as soon as possible we need an itinerary for visitors coming over her soon .

Came across your blog whilst planning my upcoming trip next month. This is going to sound like a silly question but if im staying in brussles and using public transport such as trains if i was to go to bruges and ghent. If i got a return ticket from brussels to bruges can i stop off on the way and walk round ghent or do i have to get tickets from station to station. Thanks in advance.

Hi Melisa, it’s not a silly question, it’s a good one actually! As long as you’re using your ticket on the same day, you can get off the train in Ghent and then continue to Bruges with a ticket from Brussels to Bruges. 🙂

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What Is the Best Time to Visit Belgium? Weather, Events & Travel Tips by a Local

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I might be a little biased, but Belgium is a beautiful country that offers something for everyone , no matter the time of year.

Whether you are looking to see the changing leaves fall from the trees or want to enjoy an ice skating rink in winter, Belgium has it all!

We’re not a typical summer destination nor are we good for winter sports. But, you visit Belgium’s cultural cities and the gorgeous nature at any point of the year which makes it a great destination all year round!

This blog post will cover the best time to visit Belgium in four different seasons and what they offer.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Belgium?

Like other European countries, Belgium has four seasons : spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

The best time to go to Belgium depends on what you want to do and your budget for the trip . Each season offers different things so it’s tough to give one definitive answer about the best time to travel to Belgium. 

Belgium in Spring

Belgium in spring is a time to enjoy the beautiful flowers in bloom , and smell tulips and daffodils. It is also a perfect time for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking or biking – Belgium has plenty of great trails to explore! 

If you’re visiting in early spring, it’s a good idea to wear layers of clothes that you can quickly wear or take off depending on the weather conditions. It could get breezy and cool at times.

There’s also a big chance of a rain shower, so make sure to always bring an umbrella with you . For those looking for places to visit in Belgium in spring, spend some time checking the weather forecast and pack accordingly .

Belgium in March

March is the start of the spring season in Belgium. At this time, the days are getting warmer and longer.

The average temperature in March starts at around 4,5°C to 9°C towards the end of the month, which isn’t too cold but definitely not hot either.

While March is famous for its “rain showers of March” amongst the Belgians, it’s actually a pretty dry month if you look at the numbers. The average is 50 to 130mm.

March is a great time to visit Belgium because not too many tourists are around and the weather is perfect.

Festivals & Events in March

There aren’t any big festivals or events going on in March though, so if you’re looking for something that’ll keep you entertained all day long, this might not be the right season of the year for you.

Belgium in April

The weather in Belgium in April is hard to predict . It might be cool and wet or it can already be quite warm and sunny.

The average Belgium temperature in April is around 7,5 to 12 degrees Celcius , but we often have days of almost 20°C too. On the other hand, extreme cold weather is also possible and it all just switches back and forth this month. 

When it comes to rain, it’s a pretty dry month with an average of 40 to 90mm.  

It’s a great time to visit Belgium as there aren’t many other tourists because people tend to stay away from Brussels and other bigger cities during this cooler month due to the weather conditions. 

Festivals & Events in April

There are quite a few festivals happening in Belgium including the Brussels Short Film Festival.

It’s a good time to visit Belgium because you’ll be able to see great art and experience some of their best food , such as waffles for breakfast or frites with mayonnaise.

It’s also the only month in which you can see the Belgian bluebells !  Plan your visit to Bluebell Forest here .

🏨✿ Where to stay to see the bluebells? In Brussels, our favourite place is the Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre .

Belgium in May

May is an awesome month to visit Belgium. The average Belgium temperature in May is around 12 to 15,5 degrees Celsius and the rainfall during this month is about 60 to 100 mm.

It usually rains one out of every two days. However, the sun already gives plenty of warmth, so, hopefully, you’ll get to enjoy wearing T-shirts rather than sweaters or rain jackets days! 

You might also get great deals with hotels and B&Bs , as most tourists tend to visit Belgium during the summer months.

Festivals & Events in May

There are a number of festivals going on all around the country, for example: 

• The Floralies , an annual flower show in Ghent. It usually takes place from the end of April to the middle of May. 
• The Gay Pride is held every year around the 18th of May in Belgium’s capital.  
• The Brussels Jazz Festival , which is one of Europe’s finest jazz festivals and it’s usually happens in May.
• The Kattenstoet  (Procession of the Cats) in Ypres.
• Les Nuits , also held in Brussels, is seen as the kickstarter of the festival season. 

Belgium in Summer

The Belgium summer generally offers sun-soaked days perfect for refreshing watermelon treats. Likewise, Belgium’s summer temperatures can be unpredictable.

Some years (like the summer of 2019), we have heat waves of 35+ degrees Celcius and other years (like the summer of 2021), there’s lots of rain and temperatures around 20-22 degrees Celcius.

The Belgium summer weather is a time to enjoy the great outdoors . It’s the perfect time for camping, hiking and kayaking, as well as partying at some of Belgium’s best festivals like Rock Werchter or Tomorrowland!

Belgium in June

It’s a great time to visit Belgium in June if you love water sports. The sun shines and the water is warm, so it’s perfect for swimming (the sea will still be pretty chilly though) or sailing. Discover the Belgium beaches that are perfect for the summer season here.

June is also a great time to visit if you’re into cycling. The weather conditions are perfect for this sport and the country’s many bike paths offer plenty of scenic routes. 

June is a great time to visit Belgium because the weather is usually nice and mild. The average temperature in June is around 15 to 18 degrees Celsius and the rainfall is about 60 to 110 mm . This is another month where it usually rains 1 out of every 2 days, however, there is plenty of sunshine too! 

Festivals & Events in June

The most famous festival in June is  Graspop , a metal event. Other festivals during this month include the Brussels International Film Festival and Bear Rock Festival.

Belgium in July

The Belgian school holidays start on the first of July and all the way until the 1st of September. This means that July is the first month of the high season when just about any Belgian will be travelling themselves.

The North Sea coast can get crowded. The bigger cities are nice places to visit because many of the residents are away . Nowadays, those cities often have summer bars or even man-made beaches to pull the summer feeling all the way into the city.

The average Belgium temperature in July is around 17,5 to 20 degrees Celsius and is considered the hottest month of the year. The temperatures are usually a bit higher than average and heatwaves (28-32°C) are common.

The average rainfall is 60 to 120mm but it happens mostly during intense thunderstorms. July is the month with the largest amount of sunshine. 

Festivals & Events in July

Famous festivals during this month are the  Gentse Feesten  (which takes place in Ghent), and the Antwerp Jazz Festival .

Rock Werchter  is held every year at the beginning of the month, while world-renowned Tomorrowland is held at the end of the month.

For those looking for family-friendly festivals, we can recommend Sfinks Mixed! Get to know other festivals and reasons to visit Belgium here .

Belgium in August

August is the second month of the high season . The Belgium weather in August is usually hot, resulting in warm waters by the seaside, vibrant festivals, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see!   

August is one of the hottest months in Belgium , with average temperatures around 15,5 – 19,5°C . The heatwaves can be quite intense and it’s not unusual to have many days with very little rain or clouds.

However, sometimes things will cool down towards the end of this month when a wetter and cooler air mass arrives from the Atlantic Ocean. The average rainfall is 65 to 115mm . There’s still plenty of sun to enjoy during this month . 

Festivals & Events in August

Belgium has many festivals going on throughout the year, but most of them are held during the summer months.

One that is organized in the province of Limburg and features a lot of international music acts is  Pukkelpop  which generally takes place halfway through the month.

Belgium in Autumn

Autumn in Belgium typically brings cool temperatures , which will be more comfortable than the heat during summer days.

The ideal months to visit Belgium are September and October when the leaves turn yellow, orange or red. It’s a very colourful season with some days being cold while others are warm – so you can enjoy both sunny and rain-soaked days!  

In this period of the year, it’s also easy to find accommodation because the high season is over. We don’t have very cold nights but it can get chilly if you’re camping out or doing outdoor activities.

Belgium in September

The weather in September is generally pleasant as it’s not too hot or cold.  

The average Belgium weather in September is around 13,5 to 16°C. Even though you can clearly feel that autumn has arrived – often with lots of rain and windy days – warm and sunny days aren’t out of the picture either.

The average rainfall during this month is 60 to 120mm depending on the location. Thunderstorms occur less frequently, but sunshine hours have reduced drastically too compared to the summer months. 

Festivals & Events in September

There are still plenty of festivals to celebrate the end of summer and the start of the new school year. Laundry Day in Antwerp, Belgian Beer Weekend in Brussels, and  Crammerock  are a few of them. Discover the best beer while in Belgium .

Belgium in October  

October is the month of colours  when you can feel the days getting shorter. The temperatures will also drop quite drastically towards the end of the month. 

The average Belgium temperature in October is around 14°C at the beginning and 9°C at the end of the month.

Nonetheless, Belgium still has a lot to offer for those who enjoy hiking or cycling through nature. You’ll see different shades of the fall colours but hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy some warm days with clear blue skies as well.  

The average rainfall in October is 60 to 130mm depending on the location. Although not frequently, winter storms and (melting) snow might already happen.

Festivals & Events in October

If Germany has Oktoberfest, then Belgium has its beer festivals. One of the many beer festivals is the Modeste Beer Festival .

It’s an annual beer festival held in Antwerp, Belgium and it takes place on the grounds of the De Koninck brewery. Featuring over 300 beers from Belgium and around the world. There are also food stalls, live music, and educational workshops.

Belgium in November

November can either bring lots of rain or cold weather – it’s not easy to predict what will happen during this month! If you’re looking for warmer temperatures, the country is not the best place to be .

The average Belgium temperature in November of around 5 to 9 degrees Celcius . If you’re planning on going to one of the country’s winter festivals, it is the best time to visit.

The average rainfall is again 60 to 130mm depending on your location in Belgium, but a typical occurrence for November is fog . October saw the last of the frequent sunny days, as of November, the weather started to get bleaker winds. 

Festivals & Events in November

Towards the end of the month, many Christmas markets will start opening up, which gives a lively and cosy atmosphere to just about any destination in Belgium.

Belgium in Winter

While this might not be the best season for a visit if you’re looking for sunshine and warm temperatures , Belgium is still worth exploring in the colder months.  

Belgium is a country with many sights to see and in winter, we enjoy Christmas markets, food festivals and Glühwein .  

If you’re not looking for the typical Belgium winter holiday experience – where it’s cold outside and hot drinks are waiting for you at home – then the country might be too chilly for your liking!

In winter, the average temperature in Belgium is around 3 degrees Celsius and rainfall during this season usually ranges between 60 mm to 80 mm .  

It’s hard to predict when snow will fall – if there is some at all! We usually have one or two (brief) periods of snow every two years.

Belgium in December

The average Belgium temperature in December is around 3 to 5°C and rainfall during this month usually ranges between 60 mm to 170 mm.

In general, Belgium’s weather in December is hard to predict , so you could end up with ‘warmer’ days filled with clouds and rain or colder ones with a bright sun and a crisp feeling.

However, the days are short, so there won’t be much sun to enjoy in any case. It’s usually pitch dark by 5 PM.

Festivals & Events in December

December is a wonderful month to enjoy with your family . One of the things to do in Belgium in winter is visit the Christmas Markets and if you stay long enough for New Year’s Eve, you’ll witness fireworks shows in just about any city.  

Belgium in January

After the Holidays, regular life takes over again and there isn’t that much to do in Belgium.

However, if you don’t mind a bit of cold or some rain, January is a good month to explore the big cities such as Brussels , Antwerp , Ghent , Liège or Bruges . 

If you head down into the Eastern part of Belgium – along the German border – you’ll probably find some ski slopes that are open.

However, this greatly depends on the weather! Belgium is not your typical winter sports destination , so if you’re looking for definite ski or snowboarding fun, you can head over to France or Austria!  

The average Belgium January temperature is around 1 to 2°C . It’s the coldest month of the year and days of -5 to -10°C aren’t exceptional. Rainfall during this month usually ranges between 55 mm to 160 mm .

It’s the month with the biggest chance for snow although we can’t guarantee that you’ll see some!

Festivals & Events in January

Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver) held in Brussels, is a month-long winter festival featuring a Christmas market, light displays, and various entertainment options. It usually starts in late November and runs through January .

Belgium in February

February is the month of love and Belgium offers some very romantic destinations for a perfect Valentine’s Day. Some of the most popular destinations during this month are Bruges and Ghent .  

While February is the month that signifies the transition between winter and spring, the average temperature is about the same as in January, with a minimum of -3,5 to 1°C and a maximum of 2 to 7°C .

It’s a relatively dry month. The weather in Belgium in February usually has an average rainfall of 40mm (in the West) to 125mm (in the Ardennes) .

You’ll also have the highest chance of snow – however, with an average of 5 snow days, that chance still isn’t that big.

Festivals & Events in February

At the end of the month, you can join in on the Carnaval celebrations that are held in just about any town and city.

If you’re looking for the biggest and most famous one , head over to Aalst ( the Carnaval was even featured in the UNESCO World Heritage ). 

7 Useful Travel Tips From a Local

🧳 Pack for all weather conditions.  Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, so it can be rainy and overcast at any time of year . Be sure to pack a raincoat, umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes. 🌐 Learn some basic Dutch, French , or German.  The official languages of Belgium are Dutch, French, and German. While English is widely spoken , it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few words of the local language. ⚠️ Be aware of your surroundings . Belgium is generally safe for travellers. However, like in any tourist destination, be cautious of your belongings, avoid displaying valuable items, and stay aware of your surroundings. 🚇 Take advantage of public transportation.  Public transportation in Belgium is efficient and affordable . You can get around by train, bus, tram, or metro. 🍽️ Have Belgian cuisine.  Don’t miss out on trying Belgian waffles, chocolate, and fries (often served with different kinds of sauces). While you’re at it, you can also try the traditional foods from Belgium like Moules-Frites and Speculoos. 🖼️ Get a Museum Pass . If you’re planning to visit several museums, consider getting a museum pass, such as the Brussels Card, which provides free access or discounts to various attractions. 🏙️ Explore other cities by taking day trips . Belgium is compact, making it easy to explore neighbouring cities like Bruges , Ghent , and Antwerp . Consider taking day trips to these picturesque places.

Frequently Asked Questions

January is usually the chilliest month in Belgium, with an average temperature of 2°C (35°F). But depending on where you are, it can get even colder – dropping under 0°C (32°F) and straight into the negatives. On the coast , winters are slightly milder and have an average temperature of 4°C (39°F), however, days are often still grey and rainy. Iif you head to the Ardennes , winters become much harsher lasting longer than in other parts of Belgium due to its higher elevation.

Rainfall is quite common throughout the year, but the rainy months are usually from October to December , with December being the wettest month. But although Belgium is small the climate is different at the coast, in the center, or in the Ardennes.

The average temperature ranges from 12 to 16 degrees Celsius (54 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit), with cooler evening temperatures. The hottest month is July.

Belgium in winter is one of the best experiences you won’t want to miss . The country has a unique charm this season, with its enchanting Christmas markets and beautiful architecture decorated with twinkling lights. You can have delicious Belgian chocolates, warm yourself up with a cup of hot mulled wine, explore the picturesque streets of cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, and try some hearty Belgian cuisine, like moules-frites.

Coastal Flanders , the northern Flemish-speaking region, is the warmest part of Belgium, with a maritime climate that regulates extreme temperatures. This region is famous during summer as people flock to the cooling sea. It’s milder than other regions, making it a perfect destination for tourists seeking comfortable weather.

Conclusion: The Best Time To Visit Belgium

Finding out the best time of year to visit Belgium depends entirely on what you like to see and do . If you’re interested in Christmas markets, early December is obviously a great time.  

The summer months can be hot and are usually pretty busy , so unless you like summer festivals and beach bars, we’d recommend visiting Belgium either at the end of spring (late April and May) or in early September when you can still enjoy some pretty nice weather. 

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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When is the best time to visit Belgium?

• Month-by-month

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.

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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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

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Practical tips for traveling to Belgium, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.

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Best time to visit Belgium

The best time of year to travel to  Belgium is during the shoulder seasons in late spring or early autumn when the weather is mild and it’s not too crowded. While many consider summer to be the best time to visit, summer coincides with the peak season and Belgium sees a huge rush of tourists, which often leads to an increase in flight and hotel prices. You might also find it too busy to really soak up the country's charming atmosphere.

There’s a fresh energy in the air in spring with summer just around the corner. Parks start getting busy with locals relishing the sun after the cold weather, people start wining and dining outside and the countryside looks extra beautiful with blossoming flowers. There’s something equally special about autumn when the hectic summer period winds down and people slow down to savor the last bit of warmth before the winter creeps in. That said, Belgium is a beautiful country and you'll have a fantastic trip no matter when you go.

Best for: mild weather, wildflowers, smaller crowds

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Belgium as nature wakes up from its winter slumber. Leaves turn the trees green once again and colorful wildflowers blanket the countryside, hills and city parks. Restaurants, cafes and bars start setting tables and chairs outside on the terraces and canals, but it's not too busy to soak up the charming atmosphere of Belgium’s most popular spots like Bruges. The weather is pleasant enough to spend time outdoors with crisp mornings, slightly chilly evenings and mild, sunny days.

Best for: pleasant weather, festivals, hiking

Summer is a buzzing time to be in Belgium. The weather is generally warm, dry(ish) and sunny which is great for enjoying the lively atmosphere of Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and other cities. It's a great time to pull up a chair at a canal-side bar and enjoy a cold beer, hit up some of the North Sea beaches or take advantage of the longer daylight hours and warmer weather on a hiking adventure in the lush Ardennes hills. The events calendar is also jam-packed with music and cultural festivals including the Ghent Festival, Brussels Summer Festival, Belgian Independence Day and the world-famous Tomorrowland dance music festival.

However, you'll need to factor in that summer is the peak season in Europe . Once summer is in full swing, tourists flock to Belgium in their thousands and prices for hotels and tourist activities can be more expensive. Popular spots like Bruges are packed, tourist activities may be fully booked and you may have to queue for a while to get a restaurant table. If you plan a summer trip, try to book in advance to avoid missing out.

Best for: thinner crowds and gorgeous autumn foliage

Autumn is a glorious time to visit Belgium. Crisp mornings and cooler evenings start creeping in, but the days are still fairly mild and you'll get to enjoy the country's cities, castles and medieval towns without shuffling through crowds or waiting in long queues. Fewer tourists also means that you might snag better deals and prices.

One of the biggest drawcards of autumn is the stunning red, gold and orange foliage that makes Belgium look even more magical. Just note that rainfall is moderate in autumn, but as long as you bring an umbrella and a rain jacket, there's no reason why it should stop you.

Best for: winter festivities, Christmas markets, thin crowds

Winter in Belgium is wet and cold, but it can be a great time to enjoy the country without hordes of tourists and the higher prices that come with them. Winter is a relaxed time of year and you can explore at a much slower pace. Big cities host events and festivals to help locals get through the winter, including the much-anticipated Christmas Market in Brussels. There are plenty of pubs, breweries and bars with roaring log fires ready to welcome you in from the cold. Plus, the weather is the perfect excuse to enjoy some of the country's heavier, more comforting dishes such as waterzooi and Carbonnade Flamande or Flemish stew.

Learn more about what to eat in Belgium

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with four distinct seasons. As a small country, the weather doesn't vary too much, but the climate is more continental in the southeastern regions at higher elevations like the Ardennes hills. Summer is cool with an average high of 72°F in Brussels and slighter cooler temperatures along the coast, while winter is cold and wet with average highs of 40 to 45°F in January (the coldest month) and moderate to heavy snowfall in the southeastern regions. Rainfall is high throughout the year with less rain in the summer months.

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Best Time To Visit Belgium

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There are few places in the world that can fill you with the kind of tranquility you feel when in Belgium. The country’s historic cities, splendid architecture, wonderful chocolate, and mind–blowing beer makes it one of the best places to travel to in the entire world. It’s a highly intriguing country with an extremely rich culture and heritage. If you want to explore Europe in its most romantic form, make sure you visit Belgium .

If you are traveling to Belgium, you have to think about the weather in Belgium . This guide will help you find out the best time to visit Belgium, depending on your budget and what you’d like to do. Read on to find out all you need to know about traveling to this beautiful country.

• Colin Honeyman
• From Australia

Quick Facts

• Best time to visit: April – June, September – October
• High Tourist Season: July – August
• Low Season: November – March
• All Seasons: April – June (spring), July – August (summer), September – October (fall), November – March (winter)
• The best time to visit Belgium is between April – June or September – October. The spring and fall weather is absolutely stunning and will definitely leave you feeling refreshed.
• High season in Belgium is during the summer months between July – August. The weather is quite warm, but the crowds will be higher, especially in coastal towns.
• The winter months, November – February, form the low season. However, there will be some amazing carnivals, especially during Christmas and Lent season.
• The temperature in Belgium is quite moderate round the year, so you will be able to travel without any interruptions, no matter which season you visit in.

Belgium is a country you visit when you want to enjoy the beauty of Europe in a leisurely and luxurious manner. You have to take in the stunning beauty of Ghent, and stop for a steaming hot mug of Belgian hot chocolate. You can hike up the stunning Ardennes, and stop for a bit to write down your thoughts in a journal. Belgium’s beauty is meant to be savoured slowly. That’s why this is a country you will always come back to – no matter how many times you visit.

Thankfully, Belgium’s climate is rather moderate, even though it follows the standard temperature as the rest of Europe. Most of the bigger cities in Belgium, like Brussels, Ghent, Bruges , and Antwerp are all year – round destinations, but each season has something special to offer. So, when is the best time to go to Belgium? Read on to make your decision.

Seasonal Overview

April to june – spring / good season.

If you want pleasant temperature throughout the country then this is a great time to travel to Belgium. From Wallonia to Flanders, the entire country enjoys warm sunshine, with pleasant afternoons throughout this season. This is a shoulder season, so the crowds would be fairly less– except during the weekends, when many Britons and Europeans make weekend trips to Ghent and Bruges. The price of accommodation and travel would be cheaper during these months than in summer.

• Temperature: 57 – 70° F / 9 - 15° C (in Brussels)
• Rainfall: 73 – 142 mm 
• Season: Spring
• Highlights: Springtime is a great time to visit Belgium, as most of the countryside will be bursting with blossoms– especially Bruges and Ghent. This is definitely the best time to visit Brussels and room rates will be the lowest they get for the entire year. This is also a good time to visit Wallonia, especially Ardennes, which would have just opened up after being closed for winter, so you can experience the area while it is still fresh. There are a number of festivals that take place in during spring – including the Brussels Film Festival (in June), and the Jazz Marathon (in May).

July to August – Summer / Low Season

The weather in Belgium will be warm during this season, but the heat won’t be unbearable. There might be some intermittent rains around the country. This is the high season, due to holidays in rest of Europe, America, and UK, so expect a lot of crowds all around the country, especially in the bigger towns and the coastal areas. If you want cheaper tickets, or good accommodation, make sure you book your tickets well in advance.

• Temperature: 74 – 75° F / 18°C (in Brussels)
• Rainfall: 57 – 72 mm 
• Season: Summer
• Highlights: This is the peak period for Bruges, and also Brussels. The weather in Flanders will be much cooler than north Belgium, so you might want to head there if the heat becomes too much for you to handle. There will countless outdoor festivals during this period– including the Ghent Festival (in July), Brussels Summer Festival (in August), and several other outdoor music and art festivals in Brudges, Hasselt, Ath and Antwerp. July is also when the world – famous Tomorrowland music festival takes place.

September to October – Fall / Good Season

September and October are splendid months to travel in Belgium. The summer heat begins wearing off, and the slight chill of winter begins settling in. The fall weather looks spectacular in the countryside, and towards the north as well. This season can get quite wet, especially since the coastal winds will start to blow the rains in. There will be a dip in the number of tourists in the country, following the busy summer, so you can expect some discounts in hotels and tickets!

• Temperature: 57 – 74° F / 12 - 15° C (in Brussels)
• Rainfall: 21 – 42mm 
• Season: Fall
• Highlights: This is the best time to visit Belgium if you want to explore the hilly regions of the Ardennes. The slopes will be shrouded in fall foliage, and the weather is really pleasant, so this would be a great time for you to go on a long trek (rewarding yourself with a beer at the end of it, of course). There won’t be a lot of outdoor festivals, but you should definitely visit the Ghent Film Festival if you get a chance!

November to March – Winter/ Low Season

Winters in Belgium can get rather wet and chilly. There are times when the canals freeze over as well – making it easy for ice skating rinks to be formed. There will be showers towards the coastal areas. It will get quite chilly, but it is not the country with the lowest winter temperatures in Europe – so you can still enjoy a number of outdoor activities.

• Temperature: 43 – 45° F / 3 - 7° C (in Brussels)
• Rainfall: 19 – 129 mm 
• Season: Winter
• Highlights: If you are in Belgium during winter, you can explore the bigger cities, as the smaller ones will become rather dreary and dull during these cold months. During some years, there is enough snow in the Ardennes for cross–country and downhill skiing– but this depends on the weather. Belgian Christmas markets and celebrations are also worth spending days over. You should definitely not miss the Brussels Christmas Market. There are many more festivals for you to attend– including the exciting and bizarre carnivals at Stavelot and Binche.

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If your only objectives are only cities, I should rather recommend train travel.

You can stay in whichever towns you fancy and visit the other towns as daytrips.

In Belgium , staying close to the Gare Centrale in Bruxelles, where most of the local sights (except the Atomium ) and a wide choice of restaurants and bars are close by, is probably the most efficient. Belgian trains are frequent and reasonably fast and inexpensive, only Ieper is a fair journey, but it is from anywhere.

When you use the excellent, extensive and easy to use public transport system, you also don’t have to worry about staying out in the suburbs of Brussels in order to save on parking fees.

But I assume you are talking about Ieper, famous especially for the battles during WWI. If you are not particularly interested in the actions of the 27th (New York Division) en 30th (Old Hickory Division) Infantry Division in during WWI, or have no ties with the commonwealth troops active in this region during WWI, I would skip Ieper.

If really interested in this history of Ieper, then I would skip Ghent as it's very similar to Bruges (of course if missing the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb doesn't ruin your holiday)...

The musea and battlefields are one of the most interesting places in Belgium .

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Belgium Hotels and Places to Stay

8 of the best places to visit in Belgium

Dec 4, 2023 • 8 min read

Explore Brussels with this guide to the country's best places to visit © RossHelen / Getty Images

Travelers often overlook Belgium in favor of neighbors like France and the Netherlands, but it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Because of its history, Belgium is linguistically and culturally diverse; it’s also small and compact, so visitors can travel to multiple destinations with ease. 

From perfect fries and chocolate to accessible nature breaks, picturesque medieval towns and vibrant art and fashion scenes, there is truly something for everyone to experience in Belgium. Here are the best places to visit.

1. Brussels

Best for shopping, museums and street food

Brussels , the capital of Belgium and seat of the EU and NATO, is one of Europe’s most multicultural cities. 

Art lovers can spend a whole day visiting the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium – its six different museums include the must-visit Magritte Museum – along with the Boghossian Foundation at Villa Empain, and the modern-chic Center for Fine Arts, a multipurpose cultural venue commonly referred to as BOZAR .

The city is filled with architectural masterpieces such as the Grand Place , a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and the illustrious Maison Cauchie , which can be toured on certain weekends with advance reservations.

You can find some of the world’s best and most affordable vintage shopping at the Brussels flea markets, most notably the daily open-air antique market in Place du Jeu-de-Balle, and the shops in the Sablon district.

Planning tip: For food and drink lovers, Brussels is the place to taste all of Belgium’s highlights. Délirium Café is a beloved, always-crowded bar with more than 2,000 types of beer, including the country’s famed Trappist beers. Nearby, there are a handful of outdoor kiosks, known as frietkot (snack stands), where you can get your fix of frieten – fries served in a paper cone with your sauce of choice. To satisfy a sweet tooth, try Belgian chocolate at Pierre Marcolini and, of course, the fluffy Brussels-style waffles at Maison Dandoy .

2. Namur Province

Best for forts, nature and river views

Known as the “Land of Valleys”, the land-locked province of Namur in the Wallonia region is rich in nature – rivers, cliffs, rolling farm hills and lush Ardennes greenery.

With postcard-perfect aesthetics and a mighty citadel perched atop limestone cliffs, Dinant is the ideal day-trip destination. Stroll around the town, cruise along the river, ride the cable car up to the fortress to take in the sweeping views and enjoy the scenery from a cafe while tasting regional specialties like the Couque de Dinant, a hard biscuit that comes in various shapes. Made of equal parts wheat flour and honey, it can be kept indefinitely, making a great souvenir to take back home.

For a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, head to Liernu, an even smaller town that’s the epitome of tranquility. Here you’ll find L’air du Temps , a fine-dining restaurant in a beautifully renovated farmhouse set on 12 acres of private gardens. Most of the dishes served are sourced from the garden and often feature highlights of the local terroir, like Wallonia’s most sustainable food source, the Petits-Gris de Namur snails.

From there, you’re a stone’s throw from the city of Namur , capital of both the province and the region. This relaxed city is home to one of Europe’s largest citadels and also the adults-only Musée Félicien Rops , which exhibits the life and work of the scandalous 19th-century Belgian artist.

Best for wandering and romantic escapes 

A visit to Bruges feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Often called the Venice of the North, the city is incredibly charming with an intricate network of tree-lined canals, cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. To add to the allure, many of the distinctively medieval buildings look like gingerbread houses, thanks to the red Gothic brick. All that and the fact that it’s the birthplace of Flemish Primitive painting led to the entire historic center of Bruges being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bruges is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Wander around the Old Town on foot, soaking up the atmosphere of the city squares, the Markt and the Burg ; hop on a canal boat tour and count all 54 bridges, then bike along the canals to the less crowded places. For the best bird’s-eye views, head to the Belfort , one of Bruges’ most recognizable landmarks, and climb the 366 steps to the top.

Catch your breath with a crisp Belgian beer, which can be found on every corner of the city. Noteworthy destinations are De Halve Maan , a brewery that also offers tours with tastings, and ’t Brugs Beertje , a legendary beerhouse with more than 300 Belgian brews on the menu.

Last but not least, no visit to Bruges is complete without a visit to the Groeningemuseum , a fine art museum with an impressive Flemish Primitive collection.

Best for fashion and design 

Home to the world-renowned Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Belgium’s second city is also its coolest . Some of fashion’s top creatives, including Martin Margiela and Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia, have connections to Antwerp . A few have gone on to open unique shops here that are worth a visit, such as Dries Van Noten’s Het Modepaleis and Ann Demeulemeester’s sleek, black-and-bone-white flagship store .

There are more trendy shops in the Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat areas that make up the Fashion District, where you can also find the impressive fashion museum MoMu .

Beyond its stylish inhabitants, Antwerp has a visual edge driven by the contrasting architectural styles of contemporary projects and medieval buildings. Make your way down to the port to marvel at late architect Zaha Hadid’s Antwerp Port House and the MAS , home to exhibitions and collections revolving around the city.

5. The Belgian coast

Best for beaches 

The white, sandy Belgian coast stretches for 65km (40 miles), meaning you can pack multiple towns into a visit without feeling overwhelmed. Making things even easier is de Kusttram , a coastal tram that’s one of the longest in the world. It starts near the French border at De Panne and travels all the way to Knokke-Heist near the Dutch border, making 67 stops. The complete journey takes 2.5 hours and allows you to admire the coastline in its entirety, jumping off whenever you like without having to worry about parking.  

The two must-visit stops are De Haan and Oostduinkerke. De Haan is unlike other towns in that all buildings must be under five floors, which helps preserve its small-village charm. The low beachfront made up of Belle Epoque architecture and unspoiled grassy dunes is love at first sight for many. Still not convinced? The sweet treats at the retro Wafelhuis Annie or high tea at the vintage 't Stil Genot tearoom are sure to win you over. 

Oostduinkerke, or East Dunkirk, is a protected dune area and the only place in the world where shrimpers still use horse-dragged nets to collect tiny gray shrimp from the sand. This centuries-old tradition is practiced by just over a dozen highly trained locals and takes place at low tide during the warmer months, usually between April and October. In 2013, shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke received UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status. To learn more about this and the other local sea traditions, visit Navigo , a national museum housed in a 19th-century fisher’s cottage.

Best for a quirky weekend break

Located between Brussels and Bruges, Ghent encapsulates the best of Belgian cities: winding canals, medieval architecture, enviable museums and cobblestone alleyways filled with shops and restaurants. The difference is that it’s also home to the largest student population in Belgium – a young, beating heart in one of the country’s oldest urban areas. 

Take a closer look and you’ll find an unconventional creative community, flourishing music scene and so many plant-based menus that it’s often referred to as the vegetarian capital of Europe. 

Since 2009, Ghent has proudly held the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music. There’s a wide range of options for everyone’s tastes, from Belgium’s first silent disco at Abacho to performances at the never boring Vooruit Art Center and De Bijloke Muziekcentrum , and live music on the street and in bars and cafes like Kinky Star , a record-label-owned cafe famous for its Irish coffees and alternative concerts.

Best for thermal hot springs and well-being

Spas around the world take their name from this peaceful and breathtaking Ardennes town. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, Spa is known for its healing thermal springs and lightly sparkling mineral water. The most famous spa in Spa is Thermes de Spa , a modern and surprisingly affordable complex in the hills that’s backed by more than 150 years of knowledge and tradition. With a stunning natural landscape as your backdrop, resting and relaxing feels easy here.

Spa is also home to the world’s first casino , a permanent exhibition of Joan Miró lithographs , and the annual Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the world-class Spa-Francorchamps track.

8. Hoge Kempen National Park

Best for nature

Hoge Kempen National Park is the only national park in Belgium. A former coal-mining site, it opened in 2006 following the cooperative conservation efforts of businesses, government agencies and environmental organizations.

The 5,700-hectare (14,085-acre) nature reserve is mostly heathland and pine forest, a lush landscape of evergreen trees – and vibrant purple-flowering shrubs in August and September – next to expansive artificial waterways. Today, it’s inhabited by more than 6,000 species of flora and fauna, which is especially impressive considering the area’s industrial history. 

Planning tip:  There are five main gateways that serve as entrances to the park. For those without a car, the park can be accessed through the Kattevennen Gateway, first by taking a train to Genk station, followed by a De Lijn bus ride or a short walk. Once inside, there are different routes depending on whether you’re exploring by bicycle, mountain bike, horseback or on foot. Admission is always free, and the park is open all year long. Rangers offer guided experiences for all ages with advance registration.

This article was first published May 2022 and updated December 2023

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