The best times to visit Belgium: a seasonal guide

24.05.2024 - 08:27 / lonelyplanet.com

Thanks to a rich history of art and architecture, a delightful dining scene and picturesque towns, you can enjoy the best of Belgium in any season — as long as you bring a raincoat or an umbrella. 

Summer months are the time for music festivals, culture and togetherness. Belgian nature is at its best during shoulder season. For museums and Christmas markets, come during the winter, and if you’re traveling on a budget, late winter’s your best bet. Choose the right time for your visit with this seasonal breakdown. 

Ready to plan your trip? Here are the best places to visit in Belgium

During the summer months of July to August, temperatures in Belgium can reach a pleasant 20°C (about 70°F). This is also a popular time for domestic and international travelers to the Belgian North Sea coast.

In summer, the beaches of Knokke and Ostend come to life with sunbathers, kite surfers and families looking for a fun day trip.

At the same time, Belgium’s hottest months mark the peak of its renowned music festival season, with multiday festivals like Rock Werchter and Tomorrowland and more intimate events like Cactusfestival and Gent Jazz.

Antwerp in particular is a lively city to visit in August. Highlights include open-air summer bars across the city, Antwerp Pride, and food and drinks festival Bollekesfeest, whose name is a reference to Bolleke, an iconic local amber beer.

Prices during the summer months can get more expensive. Expect to pay upwards of $600 for a round-trip ticket from New York and around $150 from London. A night in a decent hotel room starts at around $120.

In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, Belgium’s climate is defined by mild days and cool nights. Crowds in the city centers are thinner in comparison to the busy summer months and prices for accommodations are no longer at their peak.

During spring, Brussels makes a strong claim as not only the legislative, but also the cultural capital of Belgium. With more exhibitions, festivals and shows than you can count, there’s something for everyone at venues like La Madeleine (shows from local and international music artists), Bozar (expositions on classical and modern visual art) and Plein Publiek (DJ sets and live music).

Spring also marks the end of the country’s winter slumber. In Hallerbos, a grand carpet of vibrant bluebells bloom in April, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Restaurant and cafe terraces (like Bar Chapel, a converted monastery garden in Antwerp) open up again, giving you the perfect chance to soak up the city’s atmosphere without being overwhelmed by large crowds.

In autumn, the stunning reds, oranges and browns of local foliage turn Belgium — the southern Ardennes region specifically — into an even more magical place to