When to Visit Bruges
Climate guide & best times to travel
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the coldest month, though 'cold' is relative here - you're looking at highs around 7°C (44°F). The city feels quiet and atmospheric with low tourist numbers, but the dampness and grey skies can feel relentless. It's actually not the wettest month, but the chill makes the rain feel more penetrating.
February
February is marginally warmer than January but still firmly in winter mode. The slightly reduced rainfall is a small mercy, and you might catch the tail end of winter markets or early Carnival celebrations. Daylight hours are starting to extend, which helps with the mood.
March
Spring starts making tentative appearances in March, with temperatures climbing to 11°C (51°F) and the city beginning to shake off winter. Rainfall drops a bit, and you'll see the first flowers emerging in parks and gardens. It's still jacket weather, but the atmosphere feels noticeably lighter.
April
April is actually one of the driest months Bruges gets, which combined with warming temperatures around 14°C (58°F) makes it quite pleasant for exploring. The canals reflect springtime greenery, and outdoor café terraces start opening. You'll see more tourists arriving, but it's not overwhelming yet.
May
May hits a sweet spot with comfortable 17°C (63°F) highs and the city in full bloom. Rainfall ticks up slightly from April, but it's still manageable. This is when locals start really enjoying outdoor life, and the longer days mean more time for sightseeing without feeling rushed.
June
Summer arrives properly in June with 20°C (68°F) temperatures that feel genuinely warm, especially on sunny days. Tourist numbers increase noticeably, and rainfall starts climbing again. The city has a lively energy with festivals and events picking up, though you'll want to book accommodations ahead.
July
July brings the warmest temperatures at 22°C (72°F), though interestingly it's also when rainfall increases to 3 inches. The crowds are at their peak, and you'll find the canals packed with tour boats. That said, the long daylight hours and warm evenings make for magical strolls through the medieval streets.
August
August matches July's warmth but actually sees even more rain at 3.4 inches - those summer thunderstorms can be impressive. It's still peak tourist season, though some locals escape on holiday. The humidity combined with occasional downpours can feel muggy, but temperatures remain pleasant at 22°C (72°F).
September
September is genuinely lovely - temperatures cool to a comfortable 19°C (67°F), the summer crowds thin out, and while rainfall stays high at 3.2 inches, it feels more manageable than August's storms. The light takes on that golden autumn quality that photographers love.
October
October brings proper autumn with temperatures dropping to 15°C (59°F) and rainfall remaining substantial at 3.3 inches. The fall colors around the canals are beautiful, and the city takes on a moody, romantic atmosphere. Crowds continue to diminish, making museum visits more pleasant.
November
November is when Bruges gets properly grey and wet - the wettest month at 3.6 inches of rain. Temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F), and daylight hours shrink noticeably. That said, the Christmas market preparations begin late in the month, and hotel prices drop significantly.
December
December is the wettest month at 3.7 inches, but the Christmas markets and festive decorations transform the city into something magical. Temperatures drop to around 7°C (45°F), and while it rarely snows, the possibility adds to the atmosphere. Crowds pick up around the holidays but remain manageable.