Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Brussels, Belgium, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cfb, indicating a temperate oceanic climate marked by mild variability. During the winter months, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -9°C (17°F) in February, presenting a stark contrast to the warm summer peak, where average highs can soar to 39°C (102°F) in July. With a typical annual average temperature of 11°C (53°F), Brussels experiences a balanced climate characterized by pleasant summers and typically damp, cool winters, making it a unique European capital with diverse seasonal changes.
Brussels experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns that shape its climate throughout the year. In the winter months of January and February, temperatures typically hover around freezing, with January recorded at a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and February dipping even lower to -9°C (17°F), before gradually warming as spring approaches. March marks a transitional phase, where temperatures can reach a mild 23°C (74°F) on warmer days, followed by April and May, which see significant increases, with maximums reaching up to 31°C (88°F). The peak warmth occurs in July, where the city can experience extreme highs of 39°C (102°F). As summer shifts into fall, temperatures gradually decline, with September still enjoying pleasant weather before transitioning to cooler October and November, where average temperatures once again fall below 10°C (50°F). Throughout December, the chill of winter returns, with lows reaching -5°C (24°F). This progression reflects a vibrant contrast between the seasons, offering both warmth in summer and a brisk retreat in winter.
Saint-Gilles, Ixelles, and Brussels all experience similar temperature ranges, with minimums dipping to -8°C (17°F) in February and soaring to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July. For more detailed information on the monthly temperatures, you can explore the links: monthly temperatures in Saint-Gilles, monthly temperatures in Ixelles, and monthly temperatures in Brussels.
Brussels experiences a fairly consistent distribution of precipitation throughout the year, peaking during the late summer and winter months. January and February receive about 65 mm (2.6 in) and 69 mm (2.7 in) of rainfall, respectively, with precipitation occurring over roughly 12 days each month. As spring unfolds, March sees an uptick to 71 mm (2.8 in), while April experiences a notable drop to 37 mm (1.5 in), indicating a shift toward drier conditions. May maintains this trend with 59 mm (2.3 in), as the weather begins to warm up.
Summer brings a slight resurgence of rainfall, with July and August recording 72 mm (2.8 in) and 82 mm (3.2 in), respectively, often characterized by longer rainfall events across 11 to 14 days. As the year progresses into fall and winter, precipitation picks up again, particularly noticeable in December with 93 mm (3.6 in) over 17 days. This pattern shows that while Brussels is subject to a moderate amount of moisture year-round, late summer and winter witness higher precipitation levels, contributing to the city's lush greenery and varied seasonal climate.
In Brussels, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a gradual increase from the cold, overcast days of winter to the bright, sunny months of summer. The year commences in January with a modest 121 hours of sunshine, which progressively rises to 200 hours in February. March marks a noticeable jump, offering 266 hours, as daylight extends and nature begins to awaken. April further amplifies this trend, boasting 346 hours, while May heralds the onset of full bloom with 394 hours of sunlight, setting the stage for the peak summer months.
Summer in Brussels truly shines, with June, July, and August averaging around 398 to 406 hours of sunshine, making these the sunniest periods of the year. Interestingly, even as the summer heat lingers, there is a slight decline in hours, with August tapering to 379 hours. However, the trend shifts again as autumn arrives; September experiences a respectable 319 hours, but by October, sunlight declines to 240 hours and further diminishes in November to 190 hours. This seasonal pattern highlights not only the sunny summers that Brussels enjoys but also serves as a reminder of the city's shorter, cloudier days in winter.
The UV Index in Brussels showcases a distinct variation throughout the year, reflecting changes in sunlight intensity as seasonal cycles progress. During the winter months, both January and February experience a low UV Index of 1 and 2, respectively, allowing for a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, March marks the start of increased UV exposure, with an index of 4 classified as moderate, reducing the burn time to 30 minutes. April follows suit with a higher index of 5, while May sees a significant rise to 7, indicating high UV levels that necessitate quicker sun protection measures, with a burn time of just 25 minutes.
Summer in Brussels presents heightened UV exposure, particularly in June and July, where the UV Index peaks at 8, classified as very high, further reducing burn time to a mere 15 minutes. As August rolls in, the index slightly decreases to 7, but precautions are still crucial. As autumn approaches, the UV Index stabilizes around moderate levels of 5 in September and 4 in October, with burn times returning to 30 minutes. By November and December, the index drops back to low levels of 2 and 1, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times before any potential burning occurs. These variations highlight the importance of sun safety measures, especially from late spring through summer, when the risk of UV exposure is greatest.
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In Brussels, daylight duration exhibits a striking seasonal fluctuation, beginning the year with shorter days in January, where daylight lasts only 8 hours. As February approaches, sunlight increases to 10 hours, hinting at the promise of longer spring days. The transition into March witnesses further extension, with daylight reaching 11 hours, and by April, it surges to 13 hours. May heralds the arrival of even longer days, with daylight peaking at 15 hours, seamlessly progressing into the summer months.
The longest days occur in June, boasting 16 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and a vibrant social life. As summer wanes, July sees a slight reduction to 15 hours, followed by August with 14 hours. Gradually, daylight duration begins to decrease, with September offering 12 hours, and this decline continues into October, where daylight returns to 10 hours. Finally, the year closes with November and December, where daylight drops back to 8 hours, reinforcing the cyclical nature of seasons in Brussels and the impact of these changes on daily life.
The climate in Anderlecht, Belgium, features cold winters and mild summers, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) in February to a peak of 39°C (102°F) in July. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the highest levels in August (80 mm) and December (93 mm), while the driest months are April (37 mm) and May (58 mm). Sunshine hours are abundant from April to July, peaking at 406 hours in July, compared to the darker winter months. For more detailed information, visit Anderlecht climate.
Brussels experiences a temperate maritime climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January average temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and noticeable precipitation, peaking at 93 mm in December. Summers are warm, reaching highs of 39°C (102°F) in July, though temperatures are generally milder in August. Annual sunshine hours average around 3,000, with the sunniest months being May through July. For more detailed information, visit Brussels climate.
Ixelles, Belgium experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. January temperatures range from -7°C to 14°C, while July can see highs reaching up to 39°C. Precipitation is relatively consistent throughout the year, with August being the wettest month at 80 mm. Sunshine peaks in July with about 406 hours, ensuring plenty of daylight during the summer months. For more detailed information, visit Ixelles climate.
Koekelberg, Belgium experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with January temperatures ranging from -7°C to 14°C and peaks in July, where temperatures can soar up to 39°C. Precipitation is highest in August (80 mm) and December (93 mm), while spring and summer months generally enjoy more sunshine, with July receiving around 406 hours of sunlight. The average annual temperature fluctuates significantly, showcasing cold winters and warm summers. For more detailed information, visit Koekelberg climate.
The climate in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Belgium, features a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year, with January lows reaching -7°C (20°F) and July highs soaring up to 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is most abundant in August, with an average of 80 mm (3.2 in), while the driest month is April with 37 mm (1.5 in). Sunshine hours peak in July, at 406 hours, contributing to warm summers, contrasted with the colder and cloudier winter months, such as December which sees only 143 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Molenbeek-Saint-Jean climate.
Saint-Gilles, Belgium experiences a temperate climate characterized by chilly winters and warm summers. January and February see average temperatures around 4-5°C (39-42°F), while July often reaches up to 19°C (66°F) with peaks nearing 39°C (102°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with August being the wettest month at 80 mm (3.2 in). Sunshine hours peak during the summer months, especially July, which boasts 406 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Saint-Gilles climate.
Schaerbeek, Belgium experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while July sees higher averages of 19°C (66°F) and peaks at 39°C (102°F). Annual precipitation is relatively consistent, with October being the wettest month at 78 mm (3.1 in). Sunshine hours vary, peaking in summer with about 406 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Schaerbeek climate.
The climate in Uccle, Belgium, features a range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging around 4°C (39°F) and July peaking at 19°C (66°F) on average. The region experiences notable precipitation, particularly in August with 80 mm (3.2 in) and December with 93 mm (3.7 in). Sunshine hours vary significantly, with the highest in July at 406 hours and the lowest in January at 121 hours. Uccle's climate is characterized by mild winters and warm summers, making it a unique weather pattern to observe. For more details, visit Uccle climate.
In summary, Brussels Capital experiences a wonderfully dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. From the cold, short days of winter to the long, sunny summers, the city's climate encapsulates a diverse range of weather patterns that influence both its natural environment and residents' lifestyles. Understanding these fluctuations helps locals and visitors alike to better prepare for the changes throughout the year, ensuring that they can fully enjoy all that Brussels has to offer, whether in the warmth of summer or the cozy embrace of winter. This multifaceted climate not only defines Brussels' character but also enhances its appeal as a vibrant European capital rich in cultural and natural diversity.