Belgium in Fall: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Brussels: 59°F High • 45°F Low

In fall, Belgium’s weather encourages a slower, more intimate lifestyle. The soft autumn sun casts a warm, golden light over the landscape and the air fills with a calm, reflective energy. The atmosphere is effortlessly nostalgic. The average temperature in Brussels in autumn hovers between 59°F and 45°F, giving you perfect conditions on your luxury journey for exploring forests ablaze in autumn color and indulging in the season's harvest in a cozy café.

What to Expect

• The Cities: Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent take on a moody, romantic character. See the golden foliage of canalside trees reflected in the still water, a beautiful sight as mist hangs in the morning air. The streets are alive with the chatter of locals who have moved indoors, enjoying a seasonal beer or a warming jenever.
• The Ardennes: In the southern hills, the autumn air offers a spectacular and invigorating escape. Feel the crisp, clean air on a private morning hike through forests of gold and crimson, breathe in the deep scent of mushrooms and damp earth, and admire the sublime beauty of the rolling landscape cloaked in autumn color.
• The Coast: Along the North Sea, a bracing, contemplative atmosphere takes hold. Feel the sand under your boots as you take a windswept stroll along a near-empty shore in Knokke or De Haan. The days are shorter and the air is brisk, perfect for a long walk before finding a welcoming refuge in a beachfront bistro for a bowl of rich fish soup.

Fall is the perfect time to experience Belgium's legendary destinations at their most atmospheric and authentic. The days provide endless opportunities for discovery, from vibrant forest hikes to serene, mist-covered canals, ensuring an unforgettable and luxurious journey.

Ghent • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

For a taste of moody romance, head for medieval Ghent. Indulge in atmospheric canal cruises under golden trees, wander through storybook lanes with a private guide, and find cozy, candlelit restaurants that are a perfect sanctuary for connection.

What to Expect

• Feel the gentle sway of a private boat as it glides beneath ancient stone bridges, the canals lined with trees in brilliant shades of yellow and orange.
• Wander hand-in-hand through the enchanting, cobbled lanes, discovering the imposing Gravensteen castle as it looms in the autumn mist.
• Taste the rich, complex flavors of a warming Belgian beef stew at a traditional restaurant in the charming Patershol district.

The Ardennes • Best Place for Families with Children

Immerse your family in the spectacular natural beauty of the Belgian countryside at its most colorful. Rolling hills ablaze in autumn foliage, fairy-tale castles, and hands-on adventures will create memories for all ages.

What to Expect

• Feel the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot as you take a family hike through the vast forests, searching for colorful leaves and chestnuts.
• Enjoy the crisp, cool air on a visit to the Caves of Han, a perfect all-weather activity for an underground adventure.
• Spark your children’s imaginations as you explore the formidable medieval fortress of Bouillon, set against a stunning backdrop of autumn color.

Antwerp • Best Place for Vibrant Culture

Discover Belgium’s dynamic heart in a port city where the world-class indoor art and fashion scene thrives in the cooler weather. The creative spirit in Antwerp will immerse you in history and modernity.

What to Expect

• Feel the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Rubenshuis museum, finding a warm refuge in art on a private tour.
• Explore the chic boutiques of the fashion district to discover new fall collections.

Bruges • Best Place to Escape the Crowds

Retreat to this world-famous city during its atmospheric "shoulder season." After the summer rush and before the Christmas markets, fall in Bruges offers a quieter, more authentic experience. It’s a time when misty canals and uncrowded squares reveal the city’s true soul.

What to Expect

• Discover the serene beauty of the Lake of Love as mist rises from the water on a cool morning, with far fewer people around.
• Feel the simple joy of finding a seat with a perfect canal view at a cozy café, warming up with a rich Belgian hot chocolate.
• Wander through the historic center at a leisurely pace, hearing your footsteps on the cobblestones and truly appreciating the medieval architecture.

Fall in Belgium is a season for coziness and savoring the moment. It’s a time to embrace the crisp air of the outdoors and the warmth of indoor life, indulge in spectacular harvest food and drink, and discover ancient culture in a golden light. It's a season for creating memories filled with the atmospheric beauty of Belgium.

Explore Autumn Forests

Immerse yourself in the quintessential Belgian fall experience: taking a walk or hike through a forest ablaze with color. This is the heart of the season in a country that cherishes its natural landscapes.

What to Expect

• Enjoy a private guided hike in the Sonian Forest near Brussels or the hills of the Ardennes, learning about the local flora and fauna.
• Discover the quiet beauty of a castle park, like the one surrounding the Château de la Hulpe, as its ancient trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
• Feel the simple joy of foraging for wild mushrooms or chestnuts with a local expert, connecting directly with the season's bounty.

Savor the Harvest

Delight in the rich, deep flavors of the fall harvest, where every meal is a celebration of the season's bounty, best enjoyed in a rustic countryside restaurant or a bustling urban market.

What to Expect

• Taste the richness of the season in a dish of venison or wild boar, as game meat features prominently on menus across the country.
• Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at a countryside abbey, pairing their cheese and bread with a seasonal, spiced autumn ale.
• Embrace the iconic Belgian experience by visiting an open-air market to find fresh mushrooms, pumpkins, and other autumn vegetables.

Embrace 'Brown Café' Culture

Experience Belgium’s social heart by stepping into a traditional "brown café,” an intimate, wood-lined neighborhood tavern in which you will find a convivial atmosphere and an exceptional selection of ales.

What to Expect

• Feel the genuine, welcoming atmosphere as you find a quiet corner to read a book or play a board game, away from the autumn chill.
• Wander through a historic city and discover a hidden gem for a taste of a malty and robust lager perfect for fall.
• Join locals for a wonderful cultural experience by enjoying the lively conversation and camaraderie that defines these essential Belgian institutions.

Belgium’s fall season delivers golden landscapes and crisp air, perfect for forest explorations and atmospheric city strolls. You will also find a bounty of harvest flavors to be savored in cozy cafés. Fall provides the ideal time to explore the country, from indulging in the romantic, misty canals of Ghent to finding a spectacular, colorful escape in the hills of the Ardennes.

For more inspiration as you begin to plan your fall trip, explore our sample European tours, which can be customized to include Belgium. More information can be found in our Europe travel guide.