If you spend Christmas in Brussels, you’ll get a real taste of a northern European winter. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 5–7°C (41–45°F), and nights often drop close to freezing. Rain falls pretty often, and sometimes it snows, but it’s usually just flurries, not blizzards. The air stays damp, and the short daylight hours make everything feel extra cozy.
December brings the highest chance of rain all year, so you’ll notice plenty of showers and drizzle. Sunshine is rare—sometimes a little over an hour a day—and daylight only lasts about eight hours. The city’s festive lights and decorations really pop against the gray backdrop.
The chilly, wet weather shapes every Christmas activity in Belgium’s capital. Markets, hot drinks, and seasonal foods feel even more inviting when the air bites and the streets shine from rain or frost.
If you dress in layers and come prepared, you’ll enjoy the seasonal charm and the real winter weather that make Brussels in December so memorable.
Typical December Weather Conditions in Brussels
December in Brussels means short, gray days and lots of dampness. Temperatures stick to the colder side, rain falls often, and humidity stays high, creating a chilly, sometimes dreary winter vibe.
Average Temperatures and Daily Highs
Daytime highs usually reach around 6–8°C (43–46°F). At night, lows often fall near 1–3°C (34–37°F), though sometimes it gets colder.
You won’t see big temperature swings between day and night—just a narrow range. Occasionally, milder Atlantic air bumps highs up to 12–14°C (54–57°F), but that’s pretty rare.
Freezing temperatures do happen, but snow or ice sticking around for days isn’t common. More often, you’ll deal with damp cold, which can feel sharper than you’d expect. Bring layers, a warm coat, gloves, and a scarf if you plan to walk the city.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
December ranks as one of the wettest months in Brussels. Rainfall totals usually hit 60–80 mm for the month, spread across about 18–20 days. So, you’ll probably run into rain on most days.
Most of the time, rain falls as light or moderate showers. Snow sometimes mixes in, but it’s rare and melts quickly because the ground stays above freezing.
Clouds cover the sky about 70% of the time, so don’t expect much sunshine. If you’re heading outside, expect damp streets and wear waterproof shoes. An umbrella or a hooded jacket is more useful than heavy snow boots.
Humidity Levels and Air Quality
Humidity in Brussels during December stays high, usually around 85–95%. This makes the air feel colder, especially if the wind picks up.
Even with all the dampness, air quality generally stays fine. Occasionally, pollution creeps up during still, cold spells, but it rarely bothers short-term visitors.
Indoor places often feel warmer and cozier than the chilly outdoors. If you’re walking between sights, you’ll notice the difference between the cold, moist air outside and the heated cafés and shops.
Sunlight and Daylight Hours in December
December in Brussels means very little sunshine and the shortest days of the year. You’ll see more clouds, fewer bright hours, and long nights, so you’ll want to plan your outdoor time carefully.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Don’t expect much direct sunlight in December. Brussels averages about 2 hours of sunshine per day, and many days stay under thick clouds. December is actually one of the cloudiest months of the year.
All month, you’ll only get about 40–50 hours of sunshine in total. Compare that to over 200 hours in summer, and the difference is huge.
Outdoor activities often feel dim and overcast. Even after the rain stops, gray skies linger. If you want brighter conditions, midday is your best shot, when the sun’s highest and clouds sometimes thin out.
A lot of travelers pick indoor activities like museums, cafés, or holiday markets during these darker weeks. Carrying a light raincoat or umbrella is smart, since dampness and clouds usually go together.
Day Length and Sunrise/Sunset Times
Daylight hits its shortest stretch in December. Around the winter solstice, Brussels gets only about 8 hours of daylight.
- Sunrise: around 8:30 AM
- Sunset: around 4:30 PM
Mornings stay dark well past breakfast, and evenings turn dim before most shops close.
Compared to spring or summer, with daylight stretching 15–16 hours, it’s quite a change. You might find yourself shifting your schedule to squeeze in outdoor activities during the limited daylight.
Holiday lights and decorations help brighten up the early darkness, but natural light is scarce. If you’re sightseeing, try to get outside between late morning and mid-afternoon to avoid getting caught out after dark.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Brussels around Christmas feels damp and chilly, with steady winds and lots of cloud cover. The air stays moist, skies look mostly gray, and breezes can make the cold feel even sharper.
Average Wind Speeds
In December, moderate winds sweep through Brussels. Average speeds sit between 14 and 18 km/h (9–11 mph), but gusts sometimes pick up during stormy weather. Winds usually blow in from the west or southwest, bringing moist Atlantic air.
The wind won’t usually cause damage, but it can feel brisk, especially when temperatures hover between 0–6°C (32–43°F). You’ll notice this most in open spots like Parc du Cinquantenaire or the Grand Place, where buildings funnel the wind.
The wind chill matters. Even on calm days, walking the city can feel colder than the numbers say. If you want to stay comfortable at Christmas markets or outdoor events, go for a scarf, hat, and wind-resistant coat.
Common Weather Phenomena
Clouds dominate the Brussels sky in late December. Most days are overcast or mostly cloudy, with only 1–2 hours of sunshine. This dim winter light shapes the city’s holiday atmosphere.
Rain falls often, with monthly totals around 76–81 mm (3 in) spread across many days. Showers usually stay light to moderate, not heavy downpours, but the wet ground and damp air stick around.
Snow sometimes falls, but don’t count on it. On average, 4–5 days in December might see snow, usually just a dusting that doesn’t last long. Fog sometimes develops in the mornings, especially in low spots, which can slow down travel and cut visibility.
All together, you’ll find a cool, damp environment where an umbrella, waterproof shoes, and layered clothing will help you handle Brussels’ unpredictable Christmas weather.
Snowfall and Frost During Christmas
Late December in Brussels feels damp and chilly, with short days and not much sun. Snow does show up now and then, but you’ll see more frost and icy mornings, which affects how you plan your holiday outings.
Likelihood of Snow Around Christmas
Snow in Brussels at Christmas is possible, but don’t count on it. On average, the city sees about 4 to 5 days of snowfall in December, and most of those are just light flurries.
Daytime temperatures hover between 1°C (34°F) at night and 6°C (43°F) during the day, so snow usually melts quickly when it hits the ground. Lasting snow cover is rare, especially downtown, where buildings and traffic keep surfaces warmer.
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, you might want to lower your expectations. Snow definitely adds charm to the old squares and markets, but you’ll probably get rain or a mix of rain and snow instead. Waterproof shoes and a warm coat will help you stay comfortable outdoors, no matter what the weather does.
Frost and Icy Conditions
Frost happens more often than snow in Brussels at Christmas. Nighttime lows near freezing often leave icy pavements and frosted windshields in the mornings. Cobblestone streets can get slippery, so shoes with good grip are a must.
Humidity stays high in December, usually above 85%, which makes it more likely for damp air to freeze overnight. Even if daytime temperatures rise above freezing, shady spots might stay icy.
If you’re driving, set aside extra time in the morning to clear frost from your car. For walking, stick to well-lit and salted paths when you can. Frost might not look as magical as snow, but you’ll deal with it more often in Brussels.
Seasonal Clothing and Packing Tips
December in Brussels is damp, chilly, and sometimes unpredictable. You’ll need clothes that keep you warm in low temperatures and protect you from rain and the occasional snow.
Recommended Winter Attire
Brussels’ daytime temperatures in December usually range from about 1°C to 7°C (33°F to 45°F). The dampness makes it feel colder, so layering up is your best bet. Start with a thermal base, add a warm sweater, and top it with a heavy, insulated coat.
Waterproof outerwear is a must since rain is common and streets get slushy. A mid-length coat with a hood keeps you both comfortable and dry. Bring sturdy waterproof boots with good tread, since cobblestones can get slick.
For evenings, you can still look sharp without freezing. Dark jeans, wool trousers, and knit tops work well with a warm coat. Neutral colors like black, navy, or grey fit right in, but a bright scarf or hat adds some cheer (and visibility) in the dim winter light.
Essential Accessories for December Weather
Accessories can make all the difference outdoors. Scarves, gloves, and hats are essential in Brussels in December. Pick insulated gloves that let you use your phone or camera without taking them off.
Thick wool socks help keep your feet warm during long walks. If you’re planning to spend hours outside at Christmas markets, pack thermal underwear.
An umbrella or lightweight rain jacket comes in handy, since showers can pop up fast. Wind sometimes makes umbrellas tricky, so a hooded coat might be more reliable.
A small day bag with space for extra layers lets you adjust on the go. You might need to peel off a sweater indoors, since cafés and museums crank up the heat compared to the cold streets.
How December Weather Impacts Christmas Activities
Cool temperatures, frequent rainfall, and short days shape how you’ll spend Christmas in Brussels. These conditions affect both festive outdoor events and how you move through the city.
Outdoor Events and Christmas Markets
In December, Brussels usually sees highs around 6°C (43°F) and lows near 1–2°C (34–36°F). The air feels damp, and it rains almost half the days of the month. Expect wet cobblestones and chilly evenings if you’re checking out the Christmas markets.
Markets like Plaisirs d’Hiver offer light shows, skating rinks, and Ferris wheels. They stay open despite the weather, but you’ll want warm, waterproof clothes and sturdy shoes. Gloves and hats are a must, especially at night when it gets close to freezing.
Crowds get bigger after mid-December, so you might end up standing outside for a while. Hot drinks like mulled wine or cocoa help take the edge off the cold. Indoor stalls and covered areas give you a break from the damp, making it easier to enjoy the festive mood.
Travel and Transportation Considerations
December in Brussels usually brings rain and those gray, overcast skies. You’ll want to give yourself a little extra time to get between markets and events, honestly. Public transport works well, though buses and trams tend to get packed when the weather pushes everyone inside. If you’re planning to walk, just toss an umbrella or a small raincoat in your bag.
City center traffic slows down a lot thanks to holiday crowds and seasonal festivities. If you decide to drive, expect some delays and good luck finding parking near the main squares. Trains that link Brussels with other Belgian cities usually stay on schedule, but sometimes fog in the Ardennes or heavier rain can throw things off a bit.
The days feel pretty short, with sunrise after 8:00 am and sunset creeping in before 5:00 pm. You’ll probably find yourself doing a lot in the dark. Still, the city lights up with decorations, and the streets stay well-lit, so evening travel feels cozy enough. Just map out your routes ahead of time so you don’t end up wandering too long in the chilly, damp air.