Fall in Brussels changes the city’s mood in a way you’ll really feel. You can expect mild to cool temperatures, frequent clouds, and regular rainfall from September through November. Early autumn feels comfortable, but late autumn? It turns chilly and pretty damp. If you know what to expect, you’ll plan smarter and enjoy the city without too many surprises.
September usually treats you to pleasant days with highs in the upper 60s °F (around 20°C). By November, though, daytime temperatures often drop closer to the upper 40s °F (about 9°C). Rain showers pop up often, and the skies get gloomier as the weeks go by.
Sunshine hours shrink fast. The bright, long days of early fall fade into much shorter, darker ones by late November.
Overview of Fall Weather in Brussels
Fall in Brussels means cooler temperatures, shorter days, and lots of clouds. Rain sticks around all season, and winds pick up as winter gets closer.
You’ll feel the shift from mild September weather to the chillier days of late November.
Key Climate Characteristics
During fall, daily high temperatures drop from about 69°F (21°C) in early September to around 45°F (7°C) by late November. Nighttime lows fall from the mid-50s°F (about 12°C) to the upper 30s°F (around 3°C).
Cloud cover thickens fast. In early September, skies stay partly clear about half the time. By late November, overcast days take over more than 70% of the time.
Rain falls steadily, averaging 1.9 inches (48 mm) per month. There’s about a 30% chance of a wet day on any given date. Brussels doesn’t really get dramatic swings in precipitation during fall.
Winds get stronger as the season goes on, moving from an average of 9 mph (14 km/h) in September to 11 mph (18 km/h) in November. Early in the season, winds blow mostly from the west, but by late fall, they shift more toward the south.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Early September feels mild and comfy, with highs near the upper 60s°F (20°C) and more daylight hours. By November, the city gets much colder, with highs in the 40s°F (7–9°C) and sunsets before 5:00 PM.
Daylight drops off fast. You lose over five hours of daylight between September and November, and late fall only gives you about eight hours of sun.
Humidity stays low, so muggy days are rare. Dew points remain cool, so you won’t run into sticky, heavy air. Still, the combo of frequent rain and gray skies can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
Nearby sea temperatures cool sharply too, dropping from around 65°F (18°C) in early fall to 49°F (9°C) by late November. That chill seeps into the city air.
Comparing Fall to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Brussels feels cooler, more overcast, and less sunny. Summer highs average in the low 70s°F (22–23°C) with long days, but fall quickly shifts to shorter, darker ones.
Winter gets even colder and wetter, with highs often in the low 40s°F (5–7°C) and sometimes a touch of snow. Fall acts as a bridge, with temps dropping steadily but rarely freezing until late in the season.
Spring brings more sunshine and a slow warm-up. By April, highs climb back to the 50s°F (10–15°C), and days stretch out again. Fall, though, is all about losing daylight and warmth, making the change feel more sudden than spring’s gentle rise.
Average Fall Temperatures
Fall in Brussels means temperatures dip steadily, days get shorter, and clouds roll in. Mornings start cool, afternoons stay mild in early autumn, and evenings get colder as the weeks go by.
Monthly Highs and Lows
In September, daily highs often reach 20–21 °C (68–70 °F), with lows around 12 °C (54 °F). Early fall feels mild—great for walking or grabbing dinner outside.
October cools down, with highs near 15 °C (59 °F) and lows close to 8 °C (46 °F). You’ll want a jacket handy all day.
By November, highs usually sit near 9–10 °C (48–50 °F), and lows hover around 4 °C (39 °F). Frost can show up late in the month, especially early in the morning.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 21 °C / 70 °F | 12 °C / 54 °F |
| October | 15 °C / 59 °F | 8 °C / 46 °F |
| November | 9 °C / 48 °F | 4 °C / 39 °F |
Temperature Trends from September to November
The season starts off on the mild side and ends up feeling cold. There’s a steady drop of about 13 °C (23 °F) in average highs from early September to late November.
September sometimes feels like late summer, with comfy afternoons and cool evenings. When October hits, the warmth fades quickly, and mornings get crisp.
By November, the chill takes over. Daytime highs rarely break 10 °C (50 °F), and evenings often flirt with freezing. Late fall really starts feeling like early winter in Brussels.
The cooling matches the shortening daylight hours, which drop from over 13 hours in early September to just 8 hours by late November.
Daily and Hourly Temperature Variation
Temperatures in Brussels swing quite a bit between day and night. In September, afternoons might feel warm at 20 °C (68 °F), but nights slip down to 12 °C (54 °F).
By October, you’ll notice sharper contrasts, with mornings near 8 °C (46 °F) and afternoons closer to 15 °C (59 °F). Layering up becomes a must.
November brings less variation, since both highs and lows stay chilly. Highs hit about 9 °C (48 °F), while lows rest around 4 °C (39 °F).
Mornings are coldest just after sunrise. Afternoons warm up a bit, but evenings cool off fast, especially under Brussels’ typical fall clouds.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Brussels gets steady rainfall in autumn, but not really any wild dry or wet spells. Light to moderate showers happen often, but you won’t usually see heavy downpours. Rain’s common, but it usually won’t ruin your plans.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Brussels during fall stays pretty even, though each month nudges up a bit. September averages about 65–70 mm of precipitation. October bumps up to around 70–75 mm, and November rises to about 80 mm.
This gradual increase lines up with the cooling temps and shorter days.
For context, Brussels gets about 785–814 mm of rain each year. Fall alone brings in nearly a third of that total.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~65–70 |
| October | ~70–75 |
| November | ~80 |
The steady pattern means you should always expect showers. A light raincoat or umbrella really comes in handy.
Chance of Wet Days
Wet days get more frequent as fall moves along. September usually sees 11–12 days with measurable rain. By October, it jumps to about 13–15 days, and November often lands at 15–17 days.
So, about half the days in late autumn bring some rain. Still, it’s often just brief showers instead of all-day storms.
You might get drizzle or light rain in the morning, then a dry spell later. The North Sea influences Brussels’ climate, so cloud cover and rain can change quickly.
Waterproof shoes or a compact umbrella are smart, especially if you’re walking around the city or checking out outdoor markets.
Rainfall Distribution Throughout Fall
Rainfall spreads out pretty evenly over the season, but November tends to be the wettest month. Instead of heavy bursts, Brussels gets steady, lighter rain.
You’ll notice rain often falls at night or early in the morning. That leaves many afternoons drier, which is great if you’re hoping to sightsee or do something outside.
Compared to winter, fall showers aren’t as intense, but they come more often than in summer. The mild, damp climate defines autumn here, with cool air, gray skies, and regular drizzle shaping your days.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
In fall, Brussels’ weather quickly shifts toward shorter, dimmer days. You’ll see more clouds, less sunshine, and a steady drop in daylight from September to November.
Typical Cloudiness in Fall
Cloud cover ramps up fast through the fall months. In early September, skies are clear or partly cloudy about half the time. By late November, overcast days take up more than two-thirds of the month.
You’ll spot a steady rise in gray skies as fall goes on. September still brings some bright days, but October and November rarely offer clear breaks.
For comparison:
- Early September: ~46% of days mostly cloudy or overcast
- Late November: ~71% of days mostly cloudy or overcast
So, don’t expect many crisp blue skies in Brussels during autumn, especially after mid-October.
Average Daily Hours of Sunshine
Brussels doesn’t see much direct sunshine in fall. On average, you get between 3 to 5 hours of sunlight per day in September, but by late November, it drops to around 2 hours or less.
October lands in the middle, with about 3 hours of daily sunshine. These numbers reflect shorter days and heavier cloud cover.
Here’s a quick look:
- September: 4–5 hours of sun
- October: 2–3 hours of sun
- November: 1–2 hours of sun
If you want outdoor time, September’s your best bet for brighter days. By November, you’ll probably lean on indoor plans because of the limited light.
Changes in Daylight Duration
Day length drops quickly in Brussels during fall. In early September, you get over 13 hours of daylight. By late November, that’s down to just over 8 hours.
Sunrise creeps later, moving from about 7:00 am in early September to past 8:15 am by late October. Sunsets come much earlier, too, dropping from after 8:00 pm in September to around 4:40 pm at the end of November.
Losing more than 5 hours of daylight in one season really changes your routine and travel plans. Evenings come fast, and mornings stay dark for longer.
Humidity, Wind, and Atmospheric Conditions
In autumn, Brussels brings steady humidity, moderate winds, and stable atmospheric pressure. These factors shape how the city feels outside and can make a difference when you’re walking around, sightseeing, or planning your day.
Humidity Levels in Autumn
Humidity in Brussels stays pretty high all fall, usually between 77% and 86%. September feels less damp, but October and November bring more moisture into the air, which makes cool temps feel even colder.
Expect damp mornings and evenings, especially in late autumn. The mix of lower temps and higher humidity creates a chill that lingers in shaded spots or near water.
Fog sometimes shows up in November, mostly early in the day. It usually clears by midday, but it can cut visibility and make things feel colder. Carrying a light waterproof jacket helps when humidity makes the air feel heavy.
Average Wind Speeds
Brussels usually gets steady, but not wild, winds during autumn. Average speeds sit between 13 and 16 mph, and November tends to bring the strongest gusts.
These winds definitely add to the chill, especially if you’re hanging out in open spots like Grand Place or wandering near the parks.
In September and October, the wind feels lighter and often brings in that fresh, crisp air everyone talks about. Late autumn, though, brings sharper gusts, especially if it’s raining.
If you’re walking or cycling, you’ll probably notice a headwind along the wider streets. It’s not overwhelming, but the breeze can make outdoor activities a bit more tiring. Tossing a wind-resistant layer into your bag makes a lot of sense, especially later in the season.
Pressure and Visibility
Brussels usually sees atmospheric pressure around 30.00 inHg in autumn. The weather stays fairly stable, so you probably won’t run into sudden dramatic changes like in some other places.
Visibility usually ranges from 7 to 9 miles, depending on the month. September and October tend to give you clear views, while November brings more fog and mist.
You’ll rarely face travel disruptions from these conditions, but sometimes the haze limits how far you can see across the city. If you’re planning a day trip out of Brussels, you’ll find clearer skies earlier in autumn and hazier days as winter creeps in.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Brussels Fall Weather
Brussels in fall means cooler weather, shorter days, and plenty of cloudy skies. Rain happens fairly often, though it’s usually light, and the wind picks up as the season goes on. Preparing for these changes keeps you comfortable and helps you avoid surprises.
What to Pack for Fall in Brussels
You can expect daily highs to start in the upper 60s °F in early September and drop to the mid-40s °F by late November. Nights often fall into the 30s and 40s °F. This steady drop makes packing layers the smartest move.
Bring a water-resistant jacket since light rain is pretty common. A compact umbrella helps, too, since showers usually aren’t paired with heavy winds. A cozy sweater or fleece will keep you warm during those cool evenings, especially in October and November.
Footwear really matters—cobblestone streets get slick when it’s wet. Go for comfortable, waterproof shoes with decent grip. As autumn winds down, you might want to pack a scarf, hat, and gloves for those chilly mornings.
Weather Impact on Travel and Activities
Rain falls steadily through Brussels’ autumn, averaging about 1.9 inches a month. It doesn’t usually cancel plans, but it can make outdoor sightseeing less fun. When things get damp, museums, galleries, and historic spots offer a cozy escape indoors.
Shorter daylight hours mean you’ll have less time to explore. Sunset moves from around 8:30 PM in early September to about 4:40 PM by late November. If you want to see a lot, start your sightseeing earlier in the day to catch the most light.
As fall rolls on, wind speeds pick up, averaging 9–11 mph. The wind can make it feel colder than the thermometer says. If you’re heading to outdoor markets or planning to cycle around, dress for the breeze so you stay comfortable.
Airport Weather Considerations
Brussels Airport serves as the main international hub. Brussels South Charleroi Airport takes care of many low-cost carriers.
Both airports see similar fall weather patterns. Overcast skies and light rain show up often, so you might want to pack a raincoat.
Fog sometimes rolls in during the mornings, especially in October and November. That can cause delays now and then, which is always a bit frustrating.
Winds usually stay mild, but they sometimes add a bit of turbulence on takeoff or landing. It’s not dramatic, but you’ll probably notice it if you’re paying attention.
If you’re traveling, build in some extra time for airport transfers. Wet roads and low visibility can slow down traffic more than you’d expect.
Checking the weather forecast before your flight lets you prepare for any last-minute schedule changes. It’s not a bad habit.