Brussels doesn't do a dry season, and summer is no exception. July gets 16 rain days, as many as November, and highs never average above 23°C (73°F). Pack a rain layer whatever month you're going and forget the idea of a dry summer.
Brussels 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 | 6°C43°F | 9°C48°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 19°C66°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 16°C61°F | 10°C50°F | 8°C46°F |
| Low | 1°C34°F | 3°C37°F | 4°C39°F | 6°C43°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 15°C59°F | 13°C55°F | 10°C50°F | 5°C41°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 13 | 10 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 16 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 12 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and grey, with highs of 6°C (43°F) to 9°C (48°F) and lows from 1°C (34°F) to 4°C (39°F). Expect 10 to 13 rain days a month. A warm waterproof coat beats a wool one here, and you'll want gloves for the Christmas market around the Grand-Place and Sainte-Catherine.
Spring
March–MayMarch is wet, with 15 rain days and 12°C (54°F) highs. By May it's 19°C (66°F) with 12 rain days, still showery. Bring a light jacket, a sweater and a shell you can stuff in a bag.
Summer
June–AugustPleasant but never hot, with 23°C (73°F) highs and lows of 13°C (55°F) to 15°C (59°F). June is the driest month at 8 rain days, then July jumps to 16. Pack long sleeves for evenings and a shell for the afternoon showers.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is mild at 21°C (70°F) with 11 rain days. It cools to 16°C (61°F) in October and 10°C (50°F) in November, when rain days hit 16. A waterproof jacket and shoes that handle wet cobbles are the right call by late October.
What to bring to Brussels
0 of 20 packed- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Its EU plug fits Belgium's type C and E sockets, and the five USB ports keep a work laptop and phone charged off one hotel outlet.
Brussels has no dry month, so a shell that packs into its own pocket is the one jacket that earns a permanent spot in your bag.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Brussels's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zippers means your laptop survives the walk from the hotel to the EU Quarter in a November downpour.
If you're flying in on a European carrier, this 19-inch bag is built for the smaller cabin bins, so it's less likely to get tagged and sent below at the gate.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
It plugs straight into your phone with no cable, enough for a day of maps and train tickets on a Bruges or Ghent day trip.
Clothing
- Warm sweaters · 2Winter highs of 6–9°C
- Long-sleeve layers · 3
- Light fleece · 1Summer highs only reach 23°C
- Scarf, hat and gloves · 1 setDec–Feb
- Smart-casual outfit · 1For dinners out
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1Rain any month, cobbled old center
- Spare comfortable shoes · 1Let wet pairs dry
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1July gets 16 rain days
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm
- Hand creamCold, damp winters
Documents and money
- Passport
- Card with no foreign fees
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for Brussels?
The Grand-Place, the Sablon and the streets around Mont des Arts are cobbled and often wet, so pick shoes with grip that can take rain. Waterproof sneakers or leather boots work well. Save knit sneakers for a dry week, which Brussels rarely hands you.
What do people wear in Brussels?
Brussels dresses smart casual. Dark jeans, a good coat and clean shoes fit in, and the EU Quarter skews toward suits on weekdays. Locals wear muted colors and layers, and a proper raincoat is standard kit.
What plugs does Brussels use?
Belgium uses type C and E plugs at 230V. The E socket has a grounding pin that sticks out, and standard two-pin European plugs fit it. US and UK visitors need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Brussels
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Brussels.
What should you leave at home for Brussels?
Leave the shorts-and-sandals summer wardrobe at home, since even July averages 23°C (73°F) highs. Skip the big golf umbrella too. Wind and crowded pavements make a packable shell easier. You also don't need a car, because the center is compact and the trains to Bruges and Ghent are quick.
Packing for Brussels: questions people ask
What should I wear in Brussels in winter?
Highs are 6°C (43°F) to 9°C (48°F) and lows drop to 1°C (34°F) in January, with rain on 10 to 13 days a month. Pack a warm waterproof coat, gloves and boots with grip.
Does it rain a lot in Brussels?
Yes. Every month has at least 8 rain days, and July and November tie for the most at 16.
What should I wear in Brussels in summer?
Highs are 23°C (73°F), nights drop to 13°C (55°F) to 15°C (59°F), and July has 16 rain days. Pack T-shirts, a sweater or light jacket and a packable rain shell.
What is the dress code in Brussels?
Smart casual. Dark jeans, a decent coat and clean shoes fit in almost everywhere, and suits are common in the EU Quarter on weekdays.
What adapter do I need for Belgium?
Belgium uses type C and E sockets at 230V. A universal adapter with a European plug fits both.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.