Best time to visit Belgium

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Belgium

Best time of year to visit Belgium

Mild weather and several famous festivals, like Tomorrowland, make April through October the best time to visit Belgium. Even though the skies are usually clear, rain can happen anytime.

June through August is peak season in Belgium with invasive chords of tourists and higher rates on accommodation. However, this is also a great time to go horseback fishing in West Flanders, to hike in Ardennes, or to chill on the coast.

Autumn brings in lively festivities to the country, such as the Ghent Festival of Flanders. Going to Ardennes is a good idea if you are an adherent of hunting.

In the winter, try cross-country skiing. Bruges and Ghent are considered to be the best ski resorts in Belgium, so there is an excellent reason to adore the cold season.

19 THINGS TO DO IN BELGIUM (AUGUST 15 - AUGUST 24)

Flower Carpet & Flowertime

Flower Carpet & Flowertime

unconfirmedAugust 15-18, 2024 • event

Every year, the centre of Brussels gets covered with flowers

Pageant of the Golden Tree

Pageant of the Golden Tree

unconfirmedAugust 2024 • event

Every five years, a colourful festival takes over the streets of Bruges

Dinant International Bathtub Regatta

Dinant International Bathtub Regatta

August 15 • event

The unusual Belgian water race attracts participants from all over the world

Horseback Shrimp Fishing

Horseback Shrimp Fishing

late June–early September • activity

A unique fishing tradition is still preserved in Oostduinkerke

Pukkelpop

Pukkelpop

August 15-18, 2024 • event

The second biggest music festival in Belgium offers four days of trendy beats

Caving

Caving

April–October (all year round) • activity

Belgium boasts several cave systems and underground waterways

The Labyrinth of Durbuy

The Labyrinth of Durbuy

July 1–October 1 • nature

Find your way out of a giant maze

Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud)

Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud)

all year round • nature

“Brussels’ Lungs” is a habitat for hundreds of species

Moules Frites (Mosselen met Friet)

Moules Frites (Mosselen met Friet)

late July–early April • food

Mussels and fries is one of the most popular dishes in Belgian cuisine

Atomium

Atomium

all year round • activity

A landmark of Brussels, once called Europe's most bizzare building

Belgian Waffles

Belgian Waffles

all year round • food

One of the most famous Belgian products in the world

Heather Blooming

Heather Blooming

late August • nature

Observe the vast Belgian moorlands covered with a violet carpet of Calluna vulgaris

Shrimp Season

Shrimp Season

late June–early September • food

One of the key specialties of Belgium and a favourite among locals

Speculoos (Speculaas)

Speculoos (Speculaas)

December 6 (all year round) • food

Thin and crispy Belgian cookies for St. Nickolas’ Day

Hiking

Hiking

April–October • activity

Deep forests, picturesque valleys, mountain rivers and heaths in blossom await hikers in Belgium

Cuberdon

Cuberdon

all year round • food

A cone-shaped candy is a specialty of Belgium

Jenever

Jenever

December (all year round) • food

A typical liquor for Christmas celebrations

Kayaking & Canoeing

Kayaking & Canoeing

April–October • activity

Discover Wallonia from the water. The whole region is crisscrossed by smaller rivers

Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse

Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse

early May–late October • event

A series of traditional marches take place in the small towns of Wallonia

71 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

unconfirmedmid-April–early May 2023 • nature

The private garden of the King welcomes visitors for three weeks only

Ghent Light Festival

Ghent Light Festival

out of rangeJanuary 31–February 4, 2024 • event

When the sun goes down, thousands of lights illuminate Ghent

Kattenstoet

Kattenstoet

out of rangeMay 11–12, 2024 • event

The Cat Parade takes place in Ypres every three years

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland

out of rangeJuly 19-28, 2024 • event

On the eve of the first-time Tomorrowland, its organisers handed out tickets for free to ensure that people would come. A few years later the tickets were sold out in a second!

Hallerbos

Hallerbos

out of rangemid-April • nature

Every spring, millions of bluebells bloom in the Blue Forest

Ducasse de Mons (Doudou)

Ducasse de Mons (Doudou)

out of rangeMay 26, 2024 • event

The traditional village fair celebrates the victory of Saint George over the dragon

Brussels New Year's Eve

Brussels New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Watch the fireworks near the Atomium or explore Brussels' best nightclubs

Floralia Brussels

Floralia Brussels

out of rangeApril 5-May 2, 2024 • event

Over one million flowers bloom in the park and greenhouses of the 12th-century castle

Baloise Antwerp 10 Miles

Baloise Antwerp 10 Miles

out of rangeApril 21, 2024 • event

Every year, athletes and enthusiasts from all over Europe gather to run 6 or 16 kilometers

Brussels Jazz Weekend

Brussels Jazz Weekend

out of rangeMay 24-26, 2024 • event

For one weekend, the heart of Brussels beats to the rhythm of jazz, which is played in every nook of the city

Ommegang

Ommegang

out of rangeJuly 3-6, 2024 • event

The city gets occupied by thousands of medieval characters

Beer Festivals

Beer Festivals

out of rangeearly September–late October • event

Autumn is the best time to discover the beer culture of Belgium

Bruges Christmas Market

Bruges Christmas Market

out of rangeNovember 24, 2023–January 7, 2024 • event

A special occasion full of the festive hustle and bustle, Belgian delicacies, and authentic holiday gifts

Medieval Festival of Bouillon

Medieval Festival of Bouillon

out of rangeAugust 10-11, 2024 • event

Visitors plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages

Brussels Christmas Market

Brussels Christmas Market

out of rangeNovember 24–December 31 • event

One of the best and largest holiday markets in Europe

Belgium's Christmas Markets

Belgium's Christmas Markets

out of rangelate November–early January • event

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of winter holidays and savor mouth-watering Belgian delicacies

Belgian Air Force Days

Belgian Air Force Days

out of rangeSeptember 9–10, 2023 • event

The impressive aerial acrobatics of fighter jets, vintage cars, and helicopters

Gent Jazz Festival

Gent Jazz Festival

out of rangeJuly 5-20, 2024 • event

Every year, Ghent brings together jazz artists and fans

Ghent Christmas Market

Ghent Christmas Market

out of rangeDecember 7–31, 2023 • event

Enjoy the amazing atmosphere during the holiday season

Cherry Blossoms in Hasselt

Cherry Blossoms in Hasselt

out of rangeearly April • nature

Over two hundred cherry trees bloom in Europe's largest Japanese garden

Aalst Carnaval

Aalst Carnaval

out of rangeFebruary 11–13, 2024 • event

Satirical and colourful celebrations for Mardi Gras

Ostend Beach Festival

Ostend Beach Festival

out of rangeJuly 12-14, 2024 • event

The biggest beach party in Belgium

European Circus Festival

European Circus Festival

out of rangeDecember 26, 2022–January 8, 2023 • event

World-class artists show us what the real circus is

Procession of the Holy Blood (Bruges)

Procession of the Holy Blood (Bruges)

out of rangeMay 9, 2024 • event

The colourful pageant unites the city through its history and beliefs

Antwerp Christmas Market

Antwerp Christmas Market

out of rangeDecember 8–January 7 • event

The brightly decorated historic city center of Antwerp looks stunning during the holidays

Rock Werchter

Rock Werchter

out of rangeJuly 4-7, 2024 • event

One of the oldest rock festivals in the world is listed in European top five and boasts incredible crowds

Beer Lovers' Marathon

Beer Lovers' Marathon

out of rangeMay 12, 2024 • event

Run and sip Belgium's finest brews

Carnaval de Binche

Carnaval de Binche

out of rangeFebruary 11-13, 2024 • event

One of the oldest and merriest shrove traditions of Wallonie

Bruges Beer Festival

Bruges Beer Festival

out of rangeSeptember 14-15, 2024 • event

For the first weekend of February, Bruges becomes a pilgrimage site for beer-lovers

Village de Noël de Liège

Village de Noël de Liège

out of rangeNovember 24–December 30, 2023 • event

Liege's Christmas Village is the biggest and oldest Christmas market in Belgium

Winterland Hasselt Christmas Market

Winterland Hasselt Christmas Market

out of rangeNovember 17, 2023–January 7, 2024 • event

Kolonel Dusartplein transforms into a true winter wonderland for over seven weeks

Vredefeesten Sint-Niklaas

Vredefeesten Sint-Niklaas

unconfirmedSeptember 2023 • event

The weekend full of fun and hot air balloons at Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas

Jazzuary

Jazzuary

out of rangemid- to late January • event

In January, jazz music sets the rhythm of life in Brussels

BD Strip Festival

BD Strip Festival

out of rangeSeptember-October, 2023 • event

Cartoons come to life on the streets of the city

Belgian National Day

Belgian National Day

out of rangeJuly 21 • event

Free museums entry, a parade and fireworks are part of the celebration

Brussels Chocolate Fair (Salon du Chocolat)

Brussels Chocolate Fair (Salon du Chocolat)

on holdFebruary 14–16, 2020 • event

A three-day event for chocolate lovers

Houtem Jaarmarkt

Houtem Jaarmarkt

out of rangeNovember 11–November 12 • event

One of the biggest and oldest open-air livestock fairs in Europe

Rampage

Rampage

out of rangeFebruary 23-24, 2024 • event

The biggest drum&bass and dubstep party in the world

Couleur Café Festival

Couleur Café Festival

out of rangeJune 28-30, 2024 • event

The most exotic and colourful festival of Belgium is a mixture of urban music and contemporary art

Belgian Beer Weekend

Belgian Beer Weekend

out of rangeSeptember 1–3, 2023 • event

Over 450 beers during one weekend in the center of Brussels

Barrio Cantina

Barrio Cantina

out of rangeJune 16, 2023 • event

A Belgian Food Truck Festival travels across the Flanders region

Brussels Summer Festival

Brussels Summer Festival

out of rangeAugust 17–20, 2023 • event

Discover Belgian music with dozens of artists playing rock, pop, hip-hop and jazz

Jazz Middelheim

Jazz Middelheim

out of rangeAugust 12–15, 2023 • event

An annual summer jazz fest at the charming Middelheim Park in Antwerp

Ghent Festival of Flanders

Ghent Festival of Flanders

out of rangeSeptember 16–30, 2023 • event

From organ music to jazz, this festival is all about diversity and creativity

Ducasse d'Ath

Ducasse d'Ath

out of rangeAugust 26–27, 2023 • event

For more than 500 years, seven giants have walked through the town of Ath on the fourth Sunday of August

Lambic Beer

Lambic Beer

out of rangeOctober–April • food

A unique type of beer is being brewed in a small region southwest of Brussels

Horst Arts & Music Festival

Horst Arts & Music Festival

out of rangeMay 9-11, 2024 • event

A three-day art and music festival in a former military site

Magnolias in Botanic Garden Meise

Magnolias in Botanic Garden Meise

out of rangelate March–April • nature

Dozens of magnolia trees burst into blossoms and mark the beginning of spring

Zythos Beer Festival

Zythos Beer Festival

out of rangeApril 22–23, 2023 • event

Over one hundred beer producers come to the city of Leuven every April

Endive & Ham Gratin

Endive & Ham Gratin

out of rangeSeptember–May • food

A traditional dish from the rural regions of Belgium

Deep in the Woods

Deep in the Woods

canceledSeptember • event

A one-weekend party to escape from city life and daily routines

Giant Omelette in Malmedy

Giant Omelette in Malmedy

out of rangeAugust 15, 2023 • event

Every year, the citizens of Malmedy gather to cook a huge omelette

Winter / Christmas Beers

Winter / Christmas Beers

out of rangeDecember–February • food

Seasonal beers are brewed for the cold winters of Belgium

Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand

Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand

out of rangeFebruary 26, 2023 • event

This fire and bread feast marks the end of winter

Owl Breeding Season

Owl Breeding Season

out of rangeMarch–May • nature

Birdwatchers flock to Belgium every spring to observe Tengmalm’s Owl and the Eagle Owl

Sea Lavender (Lamsoor) in the Zwin

Sea Lavender (Lamsoor) in the Zwin

out of rangeearly July–early August • nature

This plant makes the North Sea coastline and salt marshes of Belgium look alive

Meyboom

Meyboom

out of rangeAugust 9 • event

Every year, a tree is erected in the city to commemorate the victory of Brussels over the city of Leuven

BRAFA Art Fair

BRAFA Art Fair

out of rangeJanuary 28 - February 04 • event

One of the oldest and most prestigious fairs in Europe

Gentse Waterzooi

Gentse Waterzooi

out of rangeNovember–March • food

A soup-like stew will warm you during the coldest of days

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

out of rangeOctober–April • nature

In winter, parts of Belgium serve as a shelter for flocks of migratory birds

Stoemp

Stoemp

out of rangeDecember–February • food

A typical Belgian dish made of mashed vegetables

Blossom Season in Haspengouw

Blossom Season in Haspengouw

unconfirmedApril • nature

Pear, apple, and cherry orchards burst into blossoms for one month

Esperanzah! World Music Festival

Esperanzah! World Music Festival

out of rangeJuly 27–30, 2023 • event

Three days of dancing at the abbey on the picturesque banks of the Sambre River

Dour Festival

Dour Festival

out of rangeJuly 17-21, 2024 • event

The biggest and most popular music event in the French-speaking part of Belgium

Les Ardentes

Les Ardentes

out of rangeJuly 6–9, 2023 • event

Rap, rock and hip-hop flows above the Meuse River

White Asparagus

White Asparagus

out of rangelate April–late June • food

The “white gold” of Belgium is a favorite spring vegetable

Hanswijk Procession

Hanswijk Procession

out of rangeMay 22, 2023 • event

One of the oldest religious processions in Belgium

Fire is Gold

Fire is Gold

out of rangeSeptember 3, 2022 • event

One of the biggest electronic music events in Belgium

Game Season

Game Season

out of rangeOctober–January • food

Belgian cuisine offers plenty of dishes featuring game

Meakusma Festival

Meakusma Festival

out of rangeAugust 29–September 1, 2024 • event

A festival of electronic music and video installations

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangeDecember–February • activity

Belgium satisfies both experienced riders and beginners

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