For detailed information, see our best time to visit Brussels guide. Brussels has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. The city averages just 1,546 hours of sunshine annually, which is low even by northern European standards. Snowfall is rare and usually melts within hours. The weather rarely reaches extremes: summer heatwaves above 30°C (86°F) happen just 3 to 5 days per year, and winter temperatures below -5°C (23°F) are equally uncommon.
Brussels Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Data
For detailed information, see our things to do in Brussels guide. Data from the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, based on 30-year averages measured at Uccle station.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rain Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C (43°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 71mm | 19 | 52 |
| February | 7°C (45°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 58mm | 16 | 73 |
| March | 11°C (52°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 73mm | 18 | 124 |
| April | 14°C (57°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 56mm | 16 | 171 |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 9°C (48°F) | 72mm | 17 | 203 |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 78mm | 15 | 196 |
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 74mm | 15 | 206 |
| August | 23°C (73°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 79mm | 15 | 200 |
| September | 19°C (66°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 70mm | 15 | 147 |
| October | 15°C (59°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 75mm | 17 | 113 |
| November | 9°C (48°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 76mm | 19 | 62 |
| December | 6°C (43°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 81mm | 20 | 43 |
Winter (December to February)
For detailed information, see our Brussels events and festivals guide. Winter in Brussels is grey and damp rather than bitterly cold. Daytime highs hover around 6 to 7°C (43-45°F) and overnight lows rarely dip below freezing. December is the wettest month with 81mm of rain over 20 days and the darkest with just 43 hours of sunshine. Snow falls on 3 to 5 days per month, but accumulation is light and transient. The Christmas markets in Place Sainte-Catherine and around the Bourse run from late November through early January. Hotel rates drop to their lowest: 4-star rooms go for 80 to 120 euros per night in January and February. Daylight is scarce, with sunset around 16:30 in December, so plan indoor activities like the Magritte Museum or Belgian Comic Strip Center.
Spring (March to May)
For detailed information, see our best neighbourhoods in Brussels guide. Spring transforms Brussels from grey to green. March still feels chilly at 11°C (52°F) with 18 rain days, but by May the city reaches a pleasant 18°C (64°F) and sunshine triples from 124 hours in March to 203 in May. April is the driest month with just 56mm of rain. The Hallerbos bluebell forest, 15km south of the city, blooms around mid-to-late April; take the De Lijn bus 156 from Halle station. The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken open to the public for three weeks in April and May. This season offers the best balance of decent weather and moderate crowds before the summer peak.
Summer (June to August)
For detailed information, see our where to stay in Brussels guide. Summer is the busiest and most expensive season, but the weather is comfortable rather than hot. July and August average 23°C (73°F). Heatwaves above 30°C (86°F) occur 3 to 5 times per summer and can feel oppressive because most older buildings and mid-range hotels lack air conditioning. Summer rainfall totals 74 to 79mm per month spread across roughly 15 days, typically as short afternoon showers rather than all-day drizzle. The long daylight hours, sunset after 21:45 in June, give you ample time for canal-side dining in Sainte-Catherine and evening walks through the Grand Place. Book hotels 2 to 3 months ahead for July and August.
Autumn (September to November)
For detailed information, see our Brussels travel tips guide. September is one of the best months to visit Brussels. Temperatures hold at 19°C (66°F) with 147 hours of sunshine, and crowds thin after the August holiday period, dropping hotel prices 20 to 30 percent from summer peaks. October cools to 15°C (59°F) and rain increases to 75mm. November is the gloomiest month: temperatures fall to 9°C (48°F), rain hits 76mm over 19 days, and sunshine drops to just 62 hours (about 2 hours per day). The cultural calendar picks up in November with theatre premieres at La Monnaie opera house and the start of the Brussels jazz season at venues like Flagey and the Music Village.
Brussels Weather by Season at a Glance
- Spring (Mar to May): 4 to 18°C, 56 to 73mm rain, 124 to 203 sun hours. Best season for parks, gardens, and moderate crowds. April is the driest month.
- Summer (Jun to Aug): 12 to 23°C, 74 to 79mm rain, 196 to 206 sun hours. Peak tourist season with highest rates. Book 2 to 3 months ahead.
- Autumn (Sep to Nov): 4 to 19°C, 70 to 76mm rain, 62 to 147 sun hours. September is ideal. November is the darkest month.
- Winter (Dec to Feb): 1 to 7°C, 58 to 81mm rain, 43 to 73 sun hours. Lowest prices and Christmas markets. Scarce daylight; plan indoor activities.
