Belgium packs a lot into a small country: medieval cities, world-class beer, sandy North Sea beaches, and forested hills perfect for warm-weather trips. Summer in Belgium runs from June through August, and it brings long daylight hours, open-air festivals, and sidewalk cafes filled with locals and visitors alike.
This article walks you through the weather during summer in Belgium, the best things to do, festival picks, what to pack, and tips to help you plan a smooth trip.
Weather in Belgium in Summer
Belgium has a mild oceanic climate. Summers are warm but rarely extreme. June starts off pleasant, July is the hottest month, and August stays close behind. Rain can show up on any given day, even in peak summer, so it is smart to always carry a light rain layer.
|
Month |
Avg. High (°C) |
Avg. Low (°C) |
Rainfall (mm) |
Humidity (%) |
|
June |
20 – 22 |
11 – 13 |
70 – 90 |
73 – 80 |
|
July |
22 – 24 |
13 – 14 |
70 – 90 |
80 |
|
August |
22 – 24 |
13 – 16 |
70 – 90 |
67 – 72 |
|
September |
18 – 21 |
9 – 12 |
60 – 69 |
74 – 80 |
The coast around Ostend stays a few degrees cooler than Brussels, with highs around 21°C to 22°C. The Ardennes region in the south is also cooler, especially in the evenings. Inland cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp can occasionally hit 30°C or above during heat waves, though this is not the norm.
The weather during summer in Belgium is changeable. A sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon within hours. Layers and a compact umbrella are your best friends here.
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Why Visit Belgium in Summer?
Long Days and Mild Temperatures
The best time to visit Belgium during summer is June or early July. Days stretch past 10 PM, giving you extra hours to wander cobblestone streets, eat outdoors, or catch a sunset over the canals. Temperatures sit comfortably between 20°C and 25°C on most days but are warm enough to enjoy without being overwhelming.
A Country That Runs on Good Food and Beer
Belgium has over 1,500 types of beer and a food culture that goes far beyond waffles. Mussel season kicks off in July, making this the time to try moules-frites, the national dish. Chocolate shops, local bakeries, and friteries (fry stands) are everywhere. Eating well here doesn’t require a big budget.
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Top Things You Can Do in Belgium in Summer
Walk the Canals of Bruges
Bruges is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Its canal-lined center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A boat ride along the canals costs around €12 to €14 per person and lasts about 30 minutes. The Belfry tower, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Church of Our Lady (housing Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child) are all within walking distance of each other.
This is one of the top photography spots in Belgium during summer. Early mornings (before 9 AM) give you the best light and the fewest people.
Kayak the Rivers of the Ardennes
The Ardennes region covers the southern part of Wallonia. Rivers like the Lesse, Ourthe, and Semois are popular for kayaking during summer. Rental companies in Dinant and La Roche-en-Ardenne offer half-day and full-day trips starting from around €15 to €30 per person.
Outdoor adventures in summer in Belgium are at their best in this region. Besides kayaking, you can hike through forests, visit the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse, or cycle along riverside trails.
Spend a Day at the Belgian Coast
Belgium has a 65 km coastline along the North Sea. Ostend is the most well-known beach town, offering wide sandy beaches, a long promenade, fresh seafood restaurants, and the Mu.ZEE modern art museum. De Haan and Knokke-Heist are quieter alternatives with a more laid-back feel.
The Kusttram (coastal tram) connects the entire coastline in one route, it is one of the longest tram lines in the world and a fun way to hop between beach towns.
Tour the UNESCO Cities of Ghent and Brussels
Ghent blends history with a youthful energy. The Gravensteen castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral (home to the Ghent Altarpiece), and the Graslei waterfront are all must-sees. Activities to do in Belgium during summer include joining a free walking tour in Ghent or renting a bike to cover more ground.
Brussels is where the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, the Atomium, and the Royal Palace come together. The Royal Palace opens its doors free of charge every summer from late July through early September, a rare chance to step inside.
Visit a Trappist Brewery in the Countryside
Belgium is home to six of the world’s eleven Trappist breweries. Abbeys like Orval, Chimay, and Rochefort sit in the Wallonia countryside and allow visitors to taste beer and local cheese on-site. This is a unique way to experience tourist attractions in summer in Belgium away from the usual city stops.
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Festivals & Events in Belgium in Summer
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is held over two weekends in July in Boom, near Antwerp. It is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. Headliners in recent years have included Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Charlotte de Witte, and Armin van Buuren. Tickets sell out fast, so plan months in advance.
This is easily one of the biggest festivals in Belgium during summer and a major reason people travel here from around the world.
Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival)
The Gentse Feesten is a 10-day cultural event held every July in Ghent. Over 1.5 million visitors attend each year. The festival features more than 3,300 performances, including music, street theater, circus acts, and food stalls spread across multiple city squares.
Most events are free, making it a great option if you want to know how to enjoy summer in Belgium on a budget.
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What You Can Wear in Belgium in Summer
What to wear in Belgium during summer calls for layers. Mornings start cool, afternoons warm up, and rain can arrive without warning. Dressing in light, removable layers works best.
Packing tips for summer in Belgium:
- Light t-shirts and breathable tops for daytime
- A waterproof jacket or packable rain shell
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are everywhere)
- A light sweater or hoodie for cool evenings
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV index can reach 6–7 in June and July)
- A compact umbrella
- Smart-casual outfits if you plan to dine at nicer restaurants
Things to avoid during summer in Belgium include packing only for hot weather. Even in July, temperatures can dip to 14°C at night, and rain is possible any day of the week.
Buy a train day pass from the Belgian National Railway (SNCB) for affordable travel between cities. A weekend return ticket is much cheaper than the regular fare. Budget tips for traveling to summer in Belgium also include eating at friteries instead of sit-down restaurants and visiting free museums on the first Wednesday of every month in Brussels.
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FAQs
How hot can it get in Belgium in summer?
On typical summer days, temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C in most of Belgium. Heat waves can push the thermometer past 30°C and occasionally above 35°C in inland cities like Brussels and Liège. The coast stays several degrees cooler. These extreme spikes usually last only a few days at a time.
Can you swim in Belgium during the summer?
Yes, but the North Sea stays cold. Water temperatures hover around 17°C to 19°C in July and August. Beaches in Ostend, Knokke-Heist, and De Panne are supervised by lifeguards during summer. Inland, you can swim in lakes and designated river spots in the Ardennes region.
What is the average temperature in Belgium in summer?
Across June, July, and August, expect average highs between 21°C and 23°C. Nighttime lows sit around 12°C to 14°C. July is the warmest month on record. The Ardennes tends to be a couple of degrees cooler than the lowlands and the coast.
Is it sunny in Belgium during summer?
Belgium gets around 6 to 6.5 hours of sunshine per day in June and July. That said, overcast skies are common, and rain can roll in quickly. June has the longest daylight hours (over 16 hours), which means plenty of time for sightseeing even on cloudy days.
Is it windy in Belgium during summer?
The coast is breezy year-round, and summer is no exception. Inland cities experience much lighter winds. If you plan to spend time at the beach or on a boat tour, a windbreaker is helpful. Coastal winds also make Ostend and nearby towns popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Is Belgium cheaper in summer?
Belgium is not the cheapest destination in Europe, and summer is peak season. Hotel rates go up in July and August, particularly in Bruges and around major festival dates. Seasonal foods in Belgium during summer, like fresh moules-frites, waffles from street vendors, and frites with mayo, offer great value though.
What can I see in Belgium in summer?
Tourist attractions in summer in Belgium range from the Grand Place in Brussels and the canals of Bruges to the Gravensteen castle in Ghent and the citadel of Dinant. Nature lovers can head to the Ardennes for forest hikes and river kayaking. The Royal Palace in Brussels opens to visitors for free every summer.
What adventure activities can I do in Belgium in summer?
Outdoor adventures in summer in Belgium include kayaking on the Lesse River near Dinant, hiking the Ninglinspo trail in the Ardennes (considered Belgium’s most scenic waterfall hike), cycling the Flanders countryside, and kitesurfing off the Ostend coast. The Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit in the Ardennes also hosts the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix every summer, a major draw for motorsport fans.
What are the free things to do in Belgium in summer?
There is plenty to do without spending a euro. The Gentse Feesten in Ghent offers thousands of free concerts and performances over 10 days. Walking through the historic centers of Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels costs nothing. The Royal Palace of Brussels is free every summer. If you are looking for long sunny days, rich food, a packed festival calendar, and cities that feel like open-air museums, summer in Belgium has all of that covered.
