Bruges looks like a postcard, so people pack for photos. What you actually get is wet cobblestones. It rains on 11 or more days in most months, and October and November hit 16, so your shoes and your jacket do all the work here.
Bruges weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 18°C64°F | 22°C72°F | 22°C72°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 16°C61°F | 11°C52°F | 9°C48°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 3°C37°F | 4°C39°F | 6°C43°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 14°C57°F | 13°C55°F | 10°C50°F | 6°C43°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 15 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 15 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 12 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs are 7°C (45°F) to 9°C (48°F) and lows 2°C (36°F) to 4°C (39°F), with 11 to 15 rain days a month. The damp wind makes it feel colder. Bring a warm waterproof coat, a hat and shoes that won't soak through.
Spring
March–MayIt warms from 12°C (54°F) to 18°C (64°F), with 11 to 14 rain days. Mornings can still be 4°C (39°F) in March. Pack layers, a rain shell and a sweater for boat tours on the canals.
Summer
June–AugustHighs reach only 22°C (72°F) to 23°C (73°F), with lows of 13°C (55°F) to 14°C (57°F). June is the driest month with 8 rain days, but July jumps to 15. Bring light layers and keep the rain jacket in your bag.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is mild at 21°C (70°F), then October and November are the wettest months, with 16 rain days each. November highs fall to 11°C (52°F). Pack a warm waterproof jacket and accept that you'll get rained on.
What to bring to Bruges
0 of 19 packedRain on 11 to 16 days in most months, and narrow cobbled lanes where umbrellas get in the way. This shell packs into its own pocket and comes out when the clouds do.
For him, the same idea. It lives in your bag all day and keeps you dry on the canal boat. Get it before you go.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Your day bag gets wet in Bruges. This 20L pack is sealed around the zippers and main compartment, so your camera and sweater stay dry.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Day-tripper crowds pack the Markt and Burg square. This small crossbody keeps your phone, cards and passport in one secure bag with a reinforced strap.
Belgium is type C and E, and this adapter's EU plug covers it, with USB ports for everything else. One plug in the hotel room.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Small enough for the side pocket of your day bag and it keeps coffee hot for 12 hours. Handy on a cold, wet walk along the canals.
Clothing
- Warm sweater · 2Highs only 7–12°C Nov–Mar
- Water-resistant trousers · 2
- Scarf and light gloves · 1 setDamp winters near the canals
- Light layers for summer · 3Summer highs top out at 22–23°C
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pairWet cobblestones most of the year
- Spare pair of shoes · 1 pairRain on 11 or more days most months
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Compact travel umbrella · 1
- Small daypack rain cover · 1
Health and toiletries
- Hand creamCold, damp air dries skin
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign fees
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
What shoes should you pack for Bruges?
Waterproof walking shoes with real grip. The old town is all cobblestones, and wet cobbles are slippery. If you climb the 366 steps of the Belfry, you'll want flat shoes, not heels.
What do people wear in Bruges?
Casual and practical. Jeans, sweaters and a good rain jacket are what you'll see on most people around the Markt. In the evening, smart casual is enough for any restaurant.
What plugs does Bruges use?
Belgium uses type C and E plugs at 230V. A universal adapter with a European plug works, and check that your chargers say 100-240V.
Tours and things to do in Bruges
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Bruges.
What should you leave at home for Bruges?
Leave the heels and the suede shoes at home, the cobbles and rain will ruin both. Skip a big umbrella too, narrow lanes and wind make a packable shell the better call.
Packing for Bruges: questions people ask
What should I wear in Bruges in winter?
A warm waterproof coat, hat and waterproof shoes. January averages a 7°C (45°F) high, 2°C (36°F) low and 15 rain days.
Does it rain a lot in Bruges?
Yes. Most months have 11 or more rain days, and October and November average 16.
What shoes are best for Bruges?
Flat, waterproof shoes with good grip. The streets are cobbled and often wet.
Is Bruges warm in summer?
Mild, not hot. August is the warmest month at 23°C (73°F), so bring a sweater for evenings.
Is Bruges a good day trip?
Lots of people visit as a day trip by train from Brussels or Ghent. Pack light and carry a rain shell in a small day bag.
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