Belgium Travel Guide: About the Climate of Belgium.

The climate in Belgium is very pleasant and temperate. It is typical of its European neighbors. Given the small size of the country, there aren’t that many climatic variations, except for the Ardennes area. The Ardennes enjoys a more continental climate, which means that the summers are warm, although the winters can be quite cold. The climate in Belgium is influenced by the North Sea, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.

Although the temperature in Belgium tends to be quite constant throughout the country, there are three climatic regions in the country. Over on the northern side is the Flemish region of Belgium where the major cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges are located and the climate in these parts is considered maritime. This translates to a summer season that is cool and a winter that is quite mild in the low-lying flat lands.

The southern side known as the Ardennes tends to be cooler and wetter. This area is rich with wooded forests and lush yet gently rolling hills. It tends to snow more heavily in the Ardennes region than anywhere else in Belgium.

In the central and elevated area of Belgium where Brussels is located, the weather tends to be a bit warmer in the summer. This area also experiences thunderstorms, so while it is warmer, the climate also tends to be wetter.

The most popular times of the year to visit Belgium is during spring up to the autumn season, which fall between the months of May and September. This is because this is the warmest time of the year to visit. This is also the time of year when there is the least amount of precipitation. In May, there’s an average of about seven hours of sunshine during the day, which makes it perfect for being outdoors.

July is typically the warmest month in Belgium, wherein the temperatures are a pleasant 23 degrees C or 72 degrees F, perfect for window shopping and strolling around to see the sights, viewing the castles or enjoying some frites from an outdoor cafe. However, July is also considered the wettest month of the year, so travelers should wear lightweight clothing and pack an umbrella as well. On the other hand, March is the driest month of the year.

In the winter season, snow is to be expected. January and February are the coldest months, oftentimes hitting 0 degrees C or only 32 degrees F. Also, in the month of December, there is little sunshine during the day, sometimes as little as an hour. Fog is common during the winter season. Travelers going to Belgium during the winter season should pack warm clothes suitable for the cold climate. Boots, thick socks and sturdy rubber soled footwear are a must.

On average, the temperature in Belgium is a cool 10 degrees C or only 50 degrees F. During most of the year, Belgium only receives about four hours of sunshine throughout the day. There is no one rainy season in Belgium, as the rainfall is evenly distributed all year round. Each month, there is about 2.6 inches of rainfall. Travelers headed to Belgium this time of year are advised to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket to protect against the elements, regardless of the time of year they are going. Also, avoid dressing too casually when in Belgium, so that you aren’t denied entry to some restaurants and pubs which may have a dress code. Men have to wear a jacket in some places.

In the winter, the average temperature in Belgium drops down to a cold 4 degrees C. In the summer, it can go up to a mild 22 degrees C. This means that travelers should pack warm clothes and dress in layers. A sweater is a good article of clothing to wear all year round.

It is also relatively humid in Belgium. However, because Belgium is generally flat, the country enjoys a nice breeze, especially around the coastal areas. Up on the eastern side, where the topography tends to be hilly, the temperatures are cooler, although there is also more snow during the wintertime.

Because Belgium has a coastline over on the northwest, many travelers opt to head down to enjoy the water and the refreshing breeze. However, the North Sea isn’t very conducive to swimming as the water can be cold and the wind can be quite strong.

When traveling, be sure to check out the weather conditions during the duration of your stay so you can be aware of the climate in Belgium, as well as the temperature in Belgium. This way, you can pack what you need and plan your activities accordingly.

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