Belgium in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Brussels: 73°F High • 56°F Low

In summer, Belgium is defined by pleasant, comfortable sunshine that encourages a celebratory, outdoor lifestyle. The high summer sun casts a warm glow over the landscape and the air is filled with energy. The atmosphere is effortlessly charming. The average temperature in Brussels hovers between 73°F and 56°F, creating perfect conditions for exploring cities by foot and indulging in canal-side dining late into the long, bright evenings.

What to Expect

• The Cities: Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent fill with lively energy. Feel the gentle breeze as you cruise down a historic canal, a welcome refreshment as the sun illuminates the ornate facades of ancient guildhalls. The streets are alive with the chatter of locals enjoying an after-work drink, the taste of a perfectly chilled Belgian white beer offering a delicious respite.
• The Ardennes: In the southern hills, the summer air offers a refreshing and invigorating escape. Feel the cool, clean air on a private morning hike through lush forests, breathe in the deep scent of pine and damp earth, and admire the sublime contrast between the bright sun and the deep green of the rolling landscape.
• The Coast: Along the North Sea, a lively holiday atmosphere takes hold. Feel the fine sand between your toes as you stroll along the shore in Knokke or De Haan, the air filled with the cries of gulls and the scent of the salty sea. The days are long and windswept, perfect for a refreshing swim or finding a chic refuge in a beachfront pavilion for a glass of champagne.

With a cheerful atmosphere blanketing the country, summer is the perfect time to experience Belgium's legendary destinations at their most lively and welcoming. The long days provide endless opportunities for discovery, from fairy-tale canals to serene and luxurious forest retreats, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Bruges • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

For a taste of romance in a medieval masterpiece, head for Bruges. Indulge in luxury canal cruises, wander through storybook lanes with a private guide, and explore charming squares that are a perfect sanctuary for connection.

What to Expect

• Feel the gentle sway of a private boat as it glides beneath ancient stone bridges, surrounded by graceful swans and weeping willows.
• Wander hand-in-hand through the enchanting, cobbled lanes of the city, discovering hidden gardens and picturesque almshouses.
• Taste the rich, complex flavors of artisanal pralines from a world-renowned chocolatier during a private tour before enjoying the treats as the sun sets over the Lake of Love.

The Ardennes • Best Place for Families with Children

Immerse your family in the natural beauty of the Belgian countryside. Rolling hills, fairy-tale castles, and hands-on adventures will create memories for all ages.

What to Expect

• Feel the satisfaction of working together as you paddle a kayak down the winding Lesse river, navigating gentle currents past dramatic cliffs and ancient castles.
• Enjoy the refreshing cool air inside the vast Caves of Han, a perfect way to escape the midday warmth for an underground adventure.
• Spark your children’s imaginations as you explore the formidable medieval fortress of Bouillo. Follow this up with a well-deserved ice cream in the charming town below.

Ghent • Best Place for Vibrant Culture

Discover Belgium’s dynamic and stylish heart in a city of stunning architecture and a lively university scene. The creative spirit in Ghent immerses you in history and modernity.

What to Expect

• Feel the unique energy as you wander along the Graslei and Korenlei, where locals gather at riverside cafés. This stunning waterfront will make you feel as if you are in the center of Flemish life.
• Discover a hidden courtyard bar for a taste of local craft beer and enjoy the uncrowded, authentic atmosphere away from the main tourist paths.
• Taste the inventive flavors of Ghent’s famous vegetarian cuisine that thrives in the city’s creative environment. Our specialists are able to recommend restaurants where you can savor dishes like vegetarian waterzooi, a traditional Ghent stew that omits meat and features local vegetables in a creamy egg yolk broth.

Antwerp • Best Place to Escape the Crowds

Retreat to the effortlessly cool port city, where world-class art, fashion, and history offer a sophisticated and authentic alternative to the more crowded tourist towns.

What to Expect

• Explore the chic boutiques of the fashion district, home to the famous Antwerp Six designers Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs, and Marina Yee. They became renowned for their avant-garde approaches.
• Feel the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Cathedral of Our Lady as you stand before magnificent masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens on a private tour.
• Hear the gentle clinking of glasses at a traditional "brown café" in a quiet neighborhood, embracing the peace and local character of the city. These often historic bars are distinguished by their cozy, homey atmospheres and interiors featuring dark wood paneling and walls stained brown from decades of use.

Summer in Belgium is a season for connection and enjoyment. It’s a time to embrace the vibrant energy of outdoor life as the glorious weather and festive spirit invite you to linger at canal-side cafés, indulge in spectacular local food and drink, and discover ancient culture under clear blue skies. It's a season for creating memories filled with the light and warmth of Belgium.

Embrace "Terrasjes" Culture

Immerse yourself in the quintessential Belgian summer experience: relaxing at an outdoor café, or terrasje. These are the social heart of every city and town.

What to Expect

• Enjoy a private tour of a historic brewery before settling in its courtyard to sample a flight of crisp, complex Belgian beers.
• Discover the super atmosphere of a city square at dusk, as the historic buildings are illuminated and conversation fills the warm air.
• Feel the simple joy of people-watching from a prime spot on the Grand-Place, savoring a classic bowl of mussels and fries.

Indulge in Al Fresco Feasts

Delight in the simple, perfect flavors of the summer harvest, where every meal is a celebration, best enjoyed outdoors at a bustling market or a scenic picnic spot.

What to Expect

• Taste the sweetness of summer in every bite of a punnet of fresh Belgian strawberries, purchased from a stall at an open-air market.
• Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at a countryside abbey, where cheese and bread are made on-site and paired perfectly with the venue’s beer.
• Embrace the iconic Belgian experience by taking a cycling tour through the Flemish countryside, stopping for a gourmet picnic among rolling fields and charming villages.

Discover Culture Under the Stars

Experience Belgium’s history and art in the open air, as ancient courtyards and city parks transform into spectacular stages for summer festivals.

What to Expect

• Feel the energy of a world-class performance at one of the many summer music festivals, from the huge stages of Tomorrowland to smaller, local jazz concerts.
• Wander through an open-air sculpture garden on a summer evening, seeing the art bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.
• Join locals for wonderful cultural experiences by enjoying an outdoor concert or film screening under the warm.

Belgium’s summer season delivers pleasant sunshine, perfect for urban exploration and countryside adventures, alongside a bounty of fresh flavors to be savored at lively outdoor cafés. Summer provides you with an ideal time to explore the country, from indulging in the romance of Bruges’s canals to finding a refreshing escape in the green hills of the Ardennes.

For more inspiration as you begin to plan your summer trip, explore our sample European tours, which can be customized to include Belgium. More information can be found in our Europe travel guide.