Belgium is a country in Western Europe and one of the smallest and most densely populated European countries.
The capital, Brussels, is home to the European Union (EU) and NATO.
Belgium Weather & Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Belgium is spring and autumn.
April to June – Spring
Expect sunshine throughout the country with temperatures between 10 – 15° C.
Rainfall is around 73 – 142 mm.
Being shoulder season, it will be quieter than summer and accommodation will be cheaper.
Spring will see flowers in bloom throughout the countryside.
July to August – Summer
The weather is at its warmest, around 20-25°C.
Rainfall is about 57 – 72 mm.
As Europeans have their main holidays at this time, Belgium is busy and accommodation rates are high. Book well in advance.
September to October – Autumn
Temperatures start to cool again, down to about 12 – 15° C.
Rainfall is at its lowest of 21 – 42mm.
Accommodation rates also come down after the busy summer season.
November to March – Winter
Winter is wet and chilly with temperatures dropping down to 3 – 7° C. Canals may freeze over too.
Rainfall is 19 – 129 mm.
The Belgium Christmas Markets are a good reason to visit in winter.
Currency
The currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR).
Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs in most towns.
Safety
There’s a threat of terrorism in Belgium and an attack could happen at any time. Be aware and remain vigilent.
Petty crime like theft is common in the cities and on trains. They usually work in small groups to distract you while the other person steals your bag/wallet.
As Belgium hosts several large international meetings, it’s a popular place for demonstrations. Try to avoid these as much as possible.
Health
Speak to your health professional before traveling to Belgium and any travel advice from your country.
The health risks are similar to those in Australia, America and UK.
If you plan to take medication with you, check to see if it is legal in Belgium. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
Make sure you have travel insurance. We use Travel Insurance Direct.
Laws
You must abide by all local laws and carry your passport or a Belgian government-issued ID at all times.
Why Visit Belgium
These are my top reasons for visiting Belgium:
Belgium Waffles – need I say more
Belgium Chocolate (can you see a theme?)
Grand Place, Brussels
Stunning architecture
A huge variety of craft beers
Cruising the canals of Bruges
Discovering the beautiful city of Ghent
Mannekin Pis
Atomium
Mini-Europe, a miniature park located in Bruparck
Visiting a castle from the Middle Ages, Gravensteen Castle in Ghent.
Things To Do in Brussels With Kids
Our travel guide to Brussels will give you ideas on what to do and where to stay.
Arriving into Belgium
Brussels Airport (BRU) is one of the busiest airports in Europe, eight miles from the city center. This is where the top airlines arrive and depart.
Budget carriers use South Charleroi Airport (CRL), which is about 35 miles from the Brussels city center.
You may arrive by one of the two high-speed trains, Eurostar or Thalys.
If you are planning on travelling more by train, consider the Eurail train pass. This offers great value for money.
Begium has an extensive train network which makes it easy to get around the country.
There’s not a need to rent a car unless you plan on exploring the countryside.