Does It Snow In Belgium
Yes, it snows in Belgium. In fact, parts of the country get quite a lot of snow each year. The Ardennes region in the southeast is especially prone to heavy snowfall. Generally, it starts snowing anytime between October and December, with peak snowfall usually occurring between January and February.
Belgium Overview
Belgium is a small country in northwestern Europe. It is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and France to the southwest. The capital of Belgium is Brussels, which is also the capital of the European Union. The official languages of Belgium are Dutch, French, and German.
Belgium is known for its high quality of life and is considered one of the most developed countries in the world. It boasts a vibrant culture, which is reflected in its many museums and art galleries, as well as its delicious cuisine. Belgium’s beer and chocolate are renowned worldwide, while its charming cities such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp attract visitors from all over the world.
Belgium For Travel
If you’re looking for a European vacation destination that offers stunning natural beauty, a fascinating cultural heritage, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, look no further than Belgium.
Situated at the heart of the continent, this small country is home to some of the most picturesque villages and towns in all of Europe, as well as a variety of landscapes that range from rolling hills and fertile farmland to imposing mountains and rugged coastlines.
Add in a thriving arts scene, centuries-old architecture, and famously hearty cuisine, and it’s easy to see why Belgium has become one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent.
Belgium Climate
Belgium is known for its temperate climate that features a mild and coastal climate in the west, a continental climate in the east, and a maritime climate along the coast.
The country experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year with a generally mild winter, warm and humid summer, and two rainy periods in autumn and spring. Summer temperatures average between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius.
The coastal areas receive more precipitation than most other parts of Belgium. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year but tends to be heavier during spring and autumn.
Winter In Belgium
Winter in Belgium is a time for celebration. The Christmas season is a time of joy when people come together to celebrate with family and friends.
But it’s also a time for reflection, as the cold, dark days of winter remind us of the shortness of life. In winter, the temperature typically drops between 0 and 10 degrees. Snowfall is common during the winter months, particularly in the east.
Despite the weather, Belgians love their winters, and they take full advantage of everything the season has to offer. From skiing and skating to Christmas markets and New Year’s celebrations, there’s still plenty to love in Belgium during wintertime.
When Does It Snow In Belgium
Belgium is known for its temperate maritime climate with mild winters and moderate temperatures throughout the year. It is also one of the few parts in Europe that receives its share of snowfall during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports lovers.
Snow usually begins to fall in Belgium between November and December. This can vary depending on the location and altitude, but most of the country experiences a significant amount of snow before the end of January.
Snowfall in Belgium is heaviest in mountainous regions like Ardennes and Hautes Fagnes, where temperatures often dip below 0 degrees Celsius during winter. Snow typically accumulates around these areas from December to March, with peaks occurring in January and February.
December Climate And Snow In Belgium
Belgium is a country located in western Europe and experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters. The average temperatures in December usually range from 45°F (7°C) during the day, to a low of 34°F (1°C).
Snowfall is not common in Belgium, but it does happen occasionally. When it does, it usually falls between late December and early January. The total amount of snow that typically accumulates over the season is usually less than six inches (15 cm).
January Climate And Snow In Belgium
January in Belgium is quite unpredictable – one day it may be sunny and warm, while the next can be cold and rainy. Average temperatures range between 2-9°C (35-48°F) and can vary drastically within a single day. The days are usually short with around 8-10 hours of daylight.
Rainfall is fairly common in January, and snowfall may occur as well. Although the temperatures rarely dip below freezing and usually stay mild, a few warm days of sunshine can cause some light snow to fall on the higher elevations in Belgium such as the Ardennes region. The mountainous areas tend to get quite chilly and receive much more snow compared to other regions.
February Climate And Snow In Belgium
In February, Belgium experiences cold and wet weather. The average monthly temperature is around 6°C (43°F), with highs of 8-9°C (46-48°F) and lows of -1 to 2°C (30-36°F). This is usually the coldest month of the year in Belgium, and snowfall is not uncommon. Rainfall also tends to be heavier this time of year, with an average of 60mm across the month.
The northern half of Belgium sees more snowfall than the south due to its higher elevation and more northerly location. The region around Brussels usually has a dusting of snow at least once in February, and some years it can get quite a bit of snowfall.
Where Does It Snow In Belgium
Belgium is a small country in Western Europe that may not be synonymous with a winter wonderland, but there are many places throughout the nation where snow does fall.
In the northern region of Belgium, Flanders, the coastal cities along the North Sea often experience a milder climate due to their coastal proximity. However, places of higher elevations can see snowfall during the winter months.
The same holds true for Wallonia, the French-speaking region in southern Belgium. The highest point in Belgium is Botrange at 694 meters above sea level and it can get quite a bit of snow.
The farther east you go in Belgium the more likely you are to find snow. The Ardennes region, located in the far southeastern corner of the country, is a popular destination for snow-seekers with its rugged terrain and higher elevation.
In addition to natural snowfall, there are many ski resorts throughout Belgium where visitors can enjoy a winter vacation on the slopes.
Winter And Snow In Major Belgium Cities
Snow In Brussels
Traveling in Brussels during the winter season can be a chilly yet pleasant experience for many.
Brussels gets an average of 23.7 snow days throughout the year. However, heavy snowfall rarely occurs. With temperatures typically ranging between 33-44°F (1-7°C), one can expect some cold weather but there are still many indoor attractions to make exploring the city enjoyable.
Some days might have a few inches of snow that add to the atmosphere of the city’s historic architecture and vibrant culture.
Snow In Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, can get colder than Brussels in wintertime. The average temperature falls between 33-42°F (1-6°C), but there can be cold nights going below freezing.
Snowfall is quite common as well with several days throughout winter. The city gets an average of 12.5 days of snow in the year. Snow accumulation is also possible with the city recording around 3.86 inches (98mm) of snow each year.
That said, Antwerp in winter can be a stunning sight – the city’s cobbled streets and grand architecture blanketed in beautiful white snow. If you’re looking to explore the city in wintertime, be sure to dress warmly with plenty of layers.
Snow In Ghent
Ghent, Belgium’s third-largest city, is located in a different part of the country than Brussels and Antwerp. Ghent is usually quite chilly with temperatures ranging from an average of 31-43°F (-0.5° C to 6°C).
The city gets significant snow during the winter months, making it an ideal destination for snow lovers. From November to March, you can expect a good amount of snow in Ghent.
Ghent has its own way of dealing with the white stuff, however – they’ve created “snouwwegen”, or “snow roads”. These are special roads that are lined with sand and pine needles to help prevent ice buildup, which helps keep the city accessible in winter.
The snow also turns Ghent into a winter wonderland come December. The city’s cobbled streets become blanketed in white, its canals freeze over, and the many parks and gardens become a winter playground. You can also go ice-skating on any of the city’s public rinks or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets.