Belgium is a country in northwestern Europe and borders the North Sea between Netherlands and France. The country has a temperate maritime climate, meaning that it has very nice weather nearly all year round since it’s located close to a cold region, which leads to heavy snow in Belgium.
The winter season brings out a different side of Belgium, especially in Ardennes and Brussels. For the happiness of all, the region offers many adventurous activities, including skiing in the beautiful snow carpet that covers Belgium grounds.
Here is a breakdown of the snowy periods and places to keep in mind to fully enjoy touring Belgium.
When Does it Snow in Belgium?
Belgium has a mild and wet climate that is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The country experiences an annual average rainfall of approximately 32 inches (820mm) and is fairly distributed throughout the year.
On average, it gets about 200 days of rainfall every year, with a slight increase during the summer months. Rainfall comes in showers rather than downpours; thus, carrying a waterproof jacket or umbrella is essential when touring Belgium.
Dampness can make the place feel colder than expected, so just like Belgians do, throw some extra layers of clothes just in case.
Unlike other European regions that go from freezing cold to scorching hot, Belgium’s climate tends to be mild in winters and slightly warmer in summers. The temperatures across the country rest somewhere between 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) in January and 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) in July.
January through April and November are months with small amounts of snowfall. The temperature starts to drop rapidly from October. The following months (winter months from December to February) are chilly and wet, with massive snowfalls covering most parts of Belgium and Europe.
Belgium snow can go as high as 5 inches (127 mm), but it melts quickly, becoming slush on the ground, mainly in Brussels streets and other snowy places. You want to wear sturdy shoes with thick soles during winter and walk carefully on the quaint cobblestone city streets.
Snow in December
December, the first winter month, is chilly, with decreasing temperatures to lows of 39.4 degrees Fahrenheit (4.1 degrees Celsius). The month experiences snowfall of up to 3.1 inches (80 mm) and drastically increases in the following months.
Snow in January
January is one of the coldest and snowiest months in Belgium, with temperatures staying below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (-0 degree Celsius). Precipitation in this month falls between 3.1 inches (80 mm) and 3.3 inches (83 mm).
Snow in February
As the winter moves towards the end, temperatures begin to stabilize with lows of 33.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 degree Celsius) and highs of 42.3 degrees Fahrenheit (5.7 degree Celsius). Also, snowfall drops to maximums of 3.2 inches (81 mm) and continues to decrease as the month goes by.
Where is there snow in Belgium?
Belgium has a temperate climate with 4 seasons spanning the entire year. Brussels and Ardennes is the snowiest place in Belgium, especially in the winter period.
Snow in Brussels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, has relatively mild temperatures in the entire year, with an average lowest at 33 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) in winter.
Winds are stronger during winter, and snow covers the grounds – though not daily. Unlike other months, Brussels people experienced snowfall in the morning this April – people referred to it as April snow. This unusual weather event of the year had snow covering most parts of Europe, including Brussels.
Snow in Ardennes
Even though you can’t compare Belgian snow with the Austrian Alps or Swiz Alps, the Ardennes in Belgium experience huge amounts of snow each year. However, some years are snowier and more beautiful compared to others.
Ardennes is located at higher altitudes – about 350 to 400m or 1,148ft to 1,312 ft in height, with Botrange Signal being the highest point (697m or 2,277 ft). And greater distances from the sea. During winter, the temperatures drop below freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius.
Ski Resorts in Germany
High Fens
The High Fens reserve is certainly a must snow place in any season. Even so, skiing among its fir trees navigating in the breathtaking landscapes with bumps and jumps all blanketed in white will be a wonderful experience. This place offers cross-country skiing which starts from the Botrange signal.
High Fens has 43 days of snow each year and is the second-highest Belgium hills with a lot of snow dusting all over. It offers a magnificent winter wonderland with snow-blanketed pines and deciduous trees, fantastic landscapes, and wooden deck paths.
Saint-Hubert
Saint-Hubert is among the snowiest places in Ardennes with all types of snow sports activities, including ski joering, snowshoeing, or tobogganing. Besides, the area is well-recognized for observing deer and other animals.
Wanne (Trois-Ponts)
The Val de Wanne heights is a fun center that can delight everyone – young and old. Apart from providing a spectacular panoramic view of the place, it features an alpine ski slope and toboggan run to brighten your day. You can also enjoy descending in classic sledges or riding snow scooter in the region.
Mont-Le-Soie
Snowfall around Mont-Le-Soie heights is considered a naturally occurring event in the winter. This locality is the European Horse Centre – there are 6 marked horseback trails to be enjoyed any time of the year.
In a nutshell, the best way to enjoy snow in Belgium is to hike and ski. Don’t be surprised to find these snow-covered places like High Fens crowded during weekends and holidays.
Remember to stay warm and dry in order to keep your snow in Belgium experience enjoyable and fun.
Interested in snow hiking in Belgium, start from Brussels city, and by the time you reach the Ardennes, you will want to tour the places daily.
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