Belgium in May: Weather, Activities and More

May is the spring season in Belgium with temperatures ranging between 9°C and 18°C—comfortable during the day but potentially chilly by night. You can also expect occasional downpours in May, as is also the case with any other month in Belgium—the country is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and receives rainfall throughout the year. The good news is precipitation doesn’t last long and drizzles are more common than downpours.

Belgium also experiences (slight) climatic changes in its three main geographical regions: coastal, inland, and highland (Adrenees mountains) areas. Brussels is inland so the Brussels weather in May is continental with warmer days and colder nights. Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent are coastal so there is less variation between day and night temperatures. The country is rather homogeneous precipitation-wise with all parts experiencing 7 to 10 days of rain in the month of May!

For a deeper insight into the weather, read our guide on the best time to visit Belgium.

With days getting longer and warmer, Belgium's weather in May is best for exploring the country’s unique history and marvelous architecture. Here are a few other reasons to visit Belgium in May.

• Gorgeous canals: Known as the “Venice of the North”, Belgium’s most popular activity for tourists is a canal cruise! With favorable weather and the onset of tourists, many cruises run lucrative offers with bars and meals on board for a refined experience.
• Lively festivals: Visiting Brussels in May means you get to witness the vibrant Iris Festival, celebrated annually on 8th May. It marks the blooming season of the Iris flower and is celebrated with street entertainment, food truck festivals, concerts, and many free activities throughout the city.
• Charming small towns: Ostend, Durbuy, Dinant, and Bouillon are a few unmissable small towns whose beauty comes alive in the spring season. With tourists flocking to the major cities of Belgium in May, enjoy serenity and on-par natural beauty in these towns with a city sightseeing tour, and experience a more authentic version of the country.
• Hiking: Thanks to the warmer temperatures and occasional downpours, the verdant landscape of the Ardennes region of Belgium and natural parks like the Hoge Kempen National Park and Hig Fens-Eifel Nature Park comes alive, giving travelers ample hiking and outdoor trip opportunities in May. Watch for muddy trails after rain.
• Lip-smacking street food: Frites, waffles, chocolates, croquettes, and meatballs are some of the best street foods to try in Belgium. With pleasant and dry conditions gracing the country alongside increased footfall, street vendors are serving the freshest and best version of street foods to survive in the competitive market. Douse yourself in these delectable flavors anywhere across the country.

Begin your adventure in the capital city with a tour of Brussels. Marvel at historical sites like Grand Place or St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. With lovely weather, a picnic at the Parc du Cinquantenaire with its vast green spaces seems like a perfect outing!

For an authentic taste of medieval architecture, head to the cities of Ghent or take a trip to Bruges. With their well-preserved medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, the timeless beauty will leave you in awe. Hop on an idyllic canal cruise to witness their charm.

For those who want to explore the less-touristy regions, head to the scenic small towns of Durbuy with its cobblestone streets and stone houses, or Dinant, characterized by its majestic river valley and steep cliffs. Wellness-oriented travelers can spend a few days in the town of Spa, where the “spa” mineral water originated and is still exported worldwide. Recharge in the natural thermal waters for ultimate relaxation.

No matter where you plan to vacation a must-do in Belgium is to try the beer, chocolate, and waffles. Local breweries, chocolatiers, and vendors abound in all regions of the country to try these national delicacies.

Visiting Belgium in May is full of delights. Stay in the lively cities of Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp, or escape to the serene countryside in Ostend or Durbuy. Pleasant weather will welcome you in all places, making it a busy season in the country. For more information, head to our Belgium travel guide to learn more on related topics such as things to do in Belgium and top places to visit in Belgium. You can also read our guide on planning a trip to Belgium for overall travel tips and information. Plan in advance to secure amazing deals or take help from our local travel experts to build a customized trip to Belgium with activities tailored to your needs.

More information:
Belgium in April
Belgium in June