Weather and climate in Belgium: Maritime temperate climate. Mild winters. Cool summers. Frequent rainfall. Cloudy skies. Rare extreme temperatures. Occasional storms. Snow is infrequent. High humidity levels. Foggy conditions common.
Maritime temperate climate
Belgium's maritime temperate climate is characterized by mild winters and cool summers, influenced by the North Sea, with high levels of precipitation throughout the year and moderate temperatures. This makes cities like Brussels and Antwerp experience frequent rainfall and mild temperature variations. For more detailed information, you can explore the Exploring Belgium's Climate Zones website.
Mild winters
Belgium's winters are gentle, with temperatures rarely dropping below zero, and it is uncommon for the country to experience a white Christmas, especially in the coastal areas which are less rainy and slightly warmer than the south-eastern regions. For a deeper understanding of the climatic conditions in this region, you can visit the blog on climate in Belgium at Link2Europe, which offers comprehensive insights into the variations and trends affecting the weather patterns across the country.
Cool summers
Belgium's summers are rather mild, with mean maximum temperatures in July around 71°F (22°C) in Brussels, and the country experiences frequent rainfall and cool temperatures, characteristic of its temperate maritime climate. For more detailed information about Belgium's climate, you can visit the Britannica website.
Frequent rainfall
Belgium, particularly Brussels, experiences frequent rainfall due to its oceanic climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The region receives approximately 825 millimeters of rain per year, with the rainiest months being July and December, and rainfall well distributed across all seasons. For more details on the climate of this vibrant city, you can explore Climates to Travel, which provides comprehensive insights into weather patterns and climate data.
Cloudy skies
Belgium is characterized by famously unpredictable weather, with cloudy skies being a prevalent feature due to the influence of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, which bring frequent rainfall and ever-changing winds. The country's temperate maritime climate is marked by abundant cloud cover, making cloudy skies a staple of the Belgian weather throughout the year. For more insights into Belgium's unique weather patterns, visit Clear Sky Insights, a resource that delves deeper into the meteorological phenomena of the region.
Rare extreme temperatures
Belgium is experiencing rare but increasingly frequent extreme temperatures, including heatwaves that have become more common and intense since the 1980s, with the number of days above 25°C expanding and annual record-high temperatures rising by 0.85°C per decade. Additionally, extreme precipitation events, such as heavy winter rainfalls and summer thunderstorms, are projected to become more frequent, contributing to flooding risks. For more in-depth insights on how Belgium is addressing these challenges, refer to the Belgium Climate Resilience Policy Indicator report.
Occasional storms
Belgium experiences occasional storms, particularly afternoon thunderstorms that are more frequent in the summer months, especially in inland areas. These storms are driven by the heating of moist air masses and the movement of Atlantic fronts, with the highest electrical activity occurring from May to August, peaking in July. To delve deeper into these weather patterns and find more information, consider visiting the Climate To Travel website.
Snow is infrequent
Snow in Belgium is infrequent, with snowfall occurring on about 30 to 35 days per year, mostly in the Ardennes region, which is the coldest and wettest part of the country. In general, winters in Belgium are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below zero, making snow a rare occurrence in most areas. To learn more about Belgium's climate, you can visit the Britannica website for detailed information.
High humidity levels
In Brussels, Belgium, the climate is characterized by high humidity, with December being the most humid month at 86% and an average annual humidity of 77%. The city experiences a sub-oceanic, humid, and rainy climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with humidity levels remaining relatively high throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit the Weather And Climate website.
Foggy conditions common
Foggy conditions are common in Belgium, particularly during the winter months, with frequent fogs occurring due to the country's temperate, maritime climate influenced by Atlantic air masses. The Ardennes region, being the highest and farthest inland, experiences more pronounced fog and colder conditions compared to other parts of the country. For more information about the unique climatic characteristics of Belgium, you can visit the detailed resource on Britannica.