Belgium’s Seasonal Weather Patterns
As you travel south through Belgium, you’ll notice the temperature gradually rises. Wallonia typically stays a few degrees warmer than Flanders throughout the year. However, the eastern regions near the Ardennes experience slightly colder conditions due to the higher altitudes and continental influences from neighboring countries. Rainfall is a frequent visitor across Belgium, with upland areas like the Ardennes receiving more precipitation than the northern plains.
When to Visit Belgium for the Perfect Trip
Belgium’s charming cities welcome visitors year-round, but Bruges—the country’s most picturesque destination—can become overwhelmingly crowded in August. For exploring Flanders, the sweet spot falls between early spring and late autumn when the weather is most pleasant. Winter brings its own magic with frozen canals and frost-covered landscapes—ideal for travelers who don’t mind shorter daylight hours.
If you’re heading to Wallonia or the Ardennes, aim for April through October. Many attractions in these regions close during the colder months, making summer and early autumn the optimal times to visit.
Belgium’s Vibrant Festival Scene
Belgium thrives on celebrations—whether religious processions, film festivals, or lively music events. These happen throughout the year, with summer being the peak season for tourist-focused festivities. For the latest updates on upcoming events, local tourist offices and official websites are your best resources.
Must-See Belgian Festivals
Belgium’s carnival season, held between February and early March, is nothing short of spectacular. In Binche, Hainaut, the festival takes center stage with over 1,500 costumed dancers known as Gilles parading through the streets. Ostend, Aalst, and Eupen also host exhilarating carnivals, with Eupen celebrating Rosenmontag—a dazzling finale of floats and masked performers. Meanwhile, Stavelot’s Blancs Moussis, with their iconic white hoods and red noses, add a unique and whimsical touch to the celebrations.
The Brussels Ommegang, rooted in medieval history, is another must-see. Today, it’s more of a grand spectacle than a religious event, taking over the Grand-Place in July. If you hope to secure a seat among the action, book well in advance. For a deeply spiritual experience, the Heilig-Bloedprocessie in Bruges on Ascension Day offers a moving glimpse into Belgium’s religious traditions as the Holy Blood relic is paraded through the city’s cobbled streets.
For pure revelry, nothing beats Ghent’s Gentse Feesten in late July—a nine-day extravaganza packed with live music, theatrical performances, and dazzling fireworks.
A Month-by-Month Guide to Belgian Festivals
February
Eupen Carnival: A vibrant pre-Lenten celebration featuring the Rosenmontag parade. Details: www.opt.be
Malmédy’s Cwarmê: Locally known as Cwarmê, this carnival is famous for the Haguètes—masked figures who playfully “capture” spectators with pincers. Details: www.opt.be
Aalst Carnival: Giants on stilts and satirical floats steal the show. Details: www.opt.be
Binche Carnival: The highlight? Hundreds of Gilles in ostrich-feather hats dancing through the streets. Details: www.opt.be
March
Ars Musica (Brussels): A world-class festival celebrating contemporary classical music. Details: www.arsmusica.be
Anima Festival (Brussels): A must for animation lovers, featuring an international lineup of films. Details: www.animatv.be
Ostend’s Bal Rat Mort: A wildly glamorous costume ball held in the Kursaal. Details: www.ratmort.be
Stavelot Carnival: The quirky Blancs Moussis parade returns. Details: www.opt.be
April
Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival: A dream for B-movie and sci-fi enthusiasts. Details: brff.be
Sint-Truiden’s Bloesemfeesten: Celebrate spring in Belgium’s fruit-growing heartland. Details: www.bloesemfeesten-haspengouw.be
May
Queen Elisabeth Competition (Brussels): A prestigious classical music contest founded by a violin-loving queen. Details: www.cmireb.be
Hanswijkprocessie (Mechelen): A historic religious procession blending tradition with pageantry. Details: www.hanswijkprocessie.org
Heilig-Bloedprocessie (Bruges): A deeply spiritual event marking Ascension Day. Details: See local tourism sites.