Belgium has a temperate,
maritime climate principally influenced by air masses from the Atlantic.
Rapid, frequent rotation of diverse air masses split by fronts gives Belgium
substantial irregularity in weather. Frontal conditions moving from the west
create repeated and heavy rainfall, averaging at 750 mm to 1000 mm a year.
The Four Seasons
Belgium's
climate is moderate, with hardly any extremes in temperature throughout the
year. It rains frequently so a raincoat is a good idea. Temperatures are lowest
in December and January, when they average 6°C, and highest in July and August,
when the temperature can average at 23°C.
Winters are damp and cool with frequent fogs and summers are rather mild.
The annual average temperature lingers around 10°C. Brussels, which is in the country’s centre,
has a mean minimum temperature of just below freezing point in January and an
average maximum of about 22°C in July.
Coastal and Inland Climates
Belgium
experiences two distinct regional climates: the coastal regions see one climate
and the inland regions see another.
Regional climatic variations are determined by altitude and distance from
the sea. The more inland the more maritime influence becomes weaker, and the
climate becomes more continental; categorised by a greater range of
temperatures.
The Ardennes
region; the highest and farthest inland, is by far the coldest. In winter,
frost occurs for 120 days on average, snow falls for 30 to 35 days, and
January’s average minimum temperature is lower than anywhere else in the
country. In summer, the elevation neutralises the effect of distance inland,
and in July average maximum temperatures are the lowest in the country. Because
of the topography, the region has the highest rainfall throughout all of Belgium.
On the coast the annual rainfall is the lowest in the country. The climate
is mild and humid. Unlike the interior, the temperature variations are a lot
lower. In the south-easterly districts, hot summers alternate with cooler
winters.
Antwerpen (Northern Belgium)
The Antwerpen region has a mild, maritime climate, with temperatures
typically ranging from 0°C to 24°C over the duration of the year. The city has
a fairly wet climate, and rain can be expected at any time of year, although
most rain falls in December, July and August. Summers tend to be pleasant and
warm, yet never exceedingly hot. Throughout the year, it’s not likely to have
repeated days of continual sunshine.
West Vlaanderen (West Belgium)
West Vlaanderen also has a
maritime climate, characterised by moderate temperatures, cloudy skies and
regular, abundant rainfall. Summers are typically not extremely hot but the
region does experience warmth and sunshine. Although winters in West Vlaanderen do not get as cold as the northern
regions, it can enjoy snow every once in a while. If the cold holds for a
few days, plenty of residents travel to the south to enjoy a day of hiking,
downhill or cross-country skiing. Spring and fall are generally fair in
temperature but loads of rain can be expected.
Luxembourg
(South Belgium)
Luxembourg's
climate is temperate and generally quite cool. Summers are usually chilly, with
an average temperature of around 17°C. Winters are rarely severe with average
temperatures ranging between -2°C to 0°C. The high peaks of the mountains shelter
the region from harsh north winds, and the prevailing north-westerly winds have
a cooling effect.
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