Brussels
Brussels
Belgium
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Brussels, the heart of Europe and the capital of Belgium, is a city of layers—from its opulent Grand-Place and Art Nouveau architecture to its world-famous waffles, frites, and Trappist beers. The cit...
About Brussels
Brussels, the heart of Europe and the capital of Belgium, is a city of layers—from its opulent Grand-Place and Art Nouveau architecture to its world-famous waffles, frites, and Trappist beers. The city experiences a temperate maritime climate, meaning weather can be unpredictable, with frequent drizzle throughout the year. While summer brings the warmest temperatures and the iconic biennial Flower Carpet, winter transforms the center into a fairy-tale scene with the 'Winter Wonders' market. For those planning a broader Belgian adventure, Brussels serves as the perfect rail hub for visiting nearby gems like Antwerp, making it easy to experience both the political heart and the fashion capital of the country in one trip. Generally, the city follows a standard European tourist cycle with a busy summer, festive December, and quiet, budget-friendly early months.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Brussels at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October
Autumn (September–October)
November, December, January, February
Winter (November–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Brussels, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Euro (€) daily budgets: €70–€90/day to €350+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Brussels
Best Overall
May, June, and September
Cheapest
January and February
Busiest
July, August, and December
Best Weather
June to August
For Events
August (biennial Flower Carpet) and December
For Families
April to June
For Couples
September and December
Budget Travel
November to February
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Brussels.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Brussels — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Brussels
January
Cold and often grey. Temperatures range from 1°C to 6°C (34°F–43°F). Sunshine is rare, averaging 2 hours daily.
“Best for budget travelers and art lovers who want the museums to themselves.”
February
Similar to January but slightly drier. Temperatures average 2°C to 7°C (36°F–45°F).
“Ideal for romantic winter breaks and those seeking unique cultural festivals.”
March
Spring begins but remains chilly. Temps range from 4°C to 11°C (39°F–52°F).
“Best for travelers who enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor sightseeing without peak crowds.”
April
Unpredictable 'April showers.' Temperatures range from 6°C to 15°C (43°F–59°F).
“A must for botanical enthusiasts and nature photographers.”
May
One of the best months. Pleasant highs of 18°C (64°F) and lush greenery.
“Best overall month for outdoor festivals and pleasant city wandering.”
June
Warm and vibrant. Temperatures reach 21°C (70°F). Days are at their longest.
“Perfect for music lovers and those who enjoy long summer evenings.”
July
Warmest month with average highs of 23°C (73°F). Occasional summer storms.
“Ideal for travelers who want to experience Belgian patriotism and peak summer vibes.”
August
Consistently warm, averaging 22°C (72°F). Peak tourism season.
“The best time to see the Grand-Place at its most spectacular during the Flower Carpet.”
September
Mild and often sunny 'Indian summer.' Temperatures range from 11°C to 19°C (52°F–66°F).
“Best for foodies, architecture buffs, and beer enthusiasts.”
October
Crisp autumn air and beautiful foliage. Temps drop to 8°C–15°C (46°F–59°F).
“Great for a culturally rich city break with stunning fall colors.”
November
Damp, cloudy, and chilly. Temperatures range from 4°C to 9°C (39°F–48°F).
“Best for travelers seeking high-value hotel deals and quiet streets.”
December
Festive but cold and dark. Temperatures average 2°C to 6°C (36°F–43°F).
“A magical experience for anyone who loves European Christmas markets.”
Festivals & Events in Brussels
Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d'Hiver)
A massive Christmas market spanning the city center with a giant tree, light show, and 200+ chalets.
Hotels in the center sell out months in advance; premium prices apply.Brussels Flower Carpet
A giant 1,800 square meter carpet made of begonias covers the Grand-Place.
Extremely high crowds in the Grand-Place; book hotels with square views early.Belgian Beer Weekend
A celebration of Belgium's brewing heritage held right in the Grand-Place.
Very busy on weekends; ideal for day trips from Antwerp via train.Ommegang Festival
A medieval pageant re-enacting the arrival of Emperor Charles V in 1549.
Grand-Place is ticketed for the evening show; daytime atmosphere is festive.Iris Festival
The official celebration of the Brussels-Capital Region with free concerts and street parties.
Public transport may be rerouted; vibrant, festive local atmosphere.Brussels Jazz Weekend
Free jazz concerts across the city’s squares and clubs.
Vibrant atmosphere but easy to navigate; no major price spikes.Royal Greenhouses of Laeken Opening
A rare opportunity to visit the stunning Art Nouveau greenhouses of the King.
Tickets must be booked online well in advance as they sell out instantly.Bright Brussels
A festival of lights featuring artistic installations in different neighborhoods.
Boosts tourism in a typically quiet month; great for evening walks.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Brussels?
Euro (€)
Daily Budget
Peak
€160–€250/night
Off-Peak
€100–€150/night
Brussels is a business capital. Prices are often higher during the week when EU officials are in town and lower on weekends. Tourist peaks in August and December also drive up prices significantly.
Where to Stay in Brussels by Season
The Pentagon (Center)
Premium (Winter/Summer)Winter
The historic heart. Best for winter as you are steps away from the Christmas market and major light shows.
Ixelles (Elsene)
Moderate to HighSpring
Artsy and trendy neighborhood. Best in spring for its beautiful parks, ponds, and sidewalk cafes.
Sablon
PremiumAutumn
Upscale area known for antiques and chocolate. Perfect in autumn for shopping and gallery hopping.
Saint-Gilles
Budget to ModerateSummer
Multi-cultural and bohemian. Summer is best for its vibrant Parvis (square) and Art Nouveau heritage.
What to Pack for Brussels
Spring
Pro tip: Think 'layers'—it can be sunny at noon and raining by 2 PM.
Summer
Pro tip: Most historic hotels lack AC, so bring breathable sleepwear.
Autumn
Pro tip: The wind can pick up in the open squares; windproof layers are helpful.
Winter
Pro tip: Prioritize warmth over fashion for the outdoor Christmas market.
FAQs: Visiting Brussels
What is the best month to visit Brussels?
May and September are generally the best months. You get a perfect balance of mild weather, vibrant outdoor culture, and thinner crowds than the peak summer months.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Brussels?
January and February are the cheapest months for flights and accommodation, provided you avoid the specific dates of major EU summits.
Is Brussels worth visiting in winter?
Yes, specifically in December for the 'Winter Wonders' Christmas market, which is world-renowned. January and February are better for those on a budget who enjoy museums and cozy pub culture.
What is the weather like in Brussels in August?
August is usually warm and pleasant with highs of 22°C (72°F). It is the peak of tourist season, so expect crowds, especially during the Flower Carpet event.
How many days do I need in Brussels?
2 to 3 days is enough to see the major highlights, but stay 4 to 5 days if you want to take day trips to nearby cities like Antwerp or Ghent.
Does it rain a lot in Brussels?
Yes, rain is common year-round. It is rarely a torrential downpour all day, but light drizzle and overcast skies are frequent, so always carry an umbrella.
When is the Flower Carpet held?
The Flower Carpet in the Grand-Place is a biennial event held in August of even-numbered years (e.g., 2024, 2026).
Is Antwerp better to visit than Brussels?
They offer different vibes. Brussels is grand and political, while Antwerp is cooler, more fashion-focused, and edgy. They are only 45 minutes apart by train, so visiting both is highly recommended.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Belgium
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