Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Brussels in January
This is the coldest month in Brussels: highs average 42°F (5°C) and lows 32°F (0°C), with about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 43/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 42°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 32°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 2.7 in (69 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Afternoons only reach about 42°F (5°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 32°F (0°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.7 in (69 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 77%.
Only about 8 h 12 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and September.
- Comfort holds steady from December (44 → 43/100).
- Our Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 42°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.7 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Brussels in January
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Maison Antoine
Frites kiosk; bars nearby let you eat inside with a drink.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 42°F.
Maison Dandoy
Biscuit maker since 1829 serving Brussels waffles and speculoos.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Moeder Lambic Fontainas
Beer bar with a long list of Belgian craft and lambic on tap.
Why now A cozy break on a 42°F day.
À la Mort Subite
Mirrored 1920s café serving gueuze and kriek.
Horta Museum
Victor Horta's Art Nouveau home and studio.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 42°F.
Nearby in January
- Ghent in January~31 mi · highs 42°F, 2.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bruges in January~55 mi · highs 43°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Amsterdam in January~107 mi · highs 42°F, 3.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Reims in January~111 mi · highs 41°F, 2.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Brussels in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Brussels?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and September. Expect highs of 42°F (5°C) and 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain. Our Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Brussels in January?
Average highs are 42°F (5°C) and average lows 32°F (0°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Brussels in January?
Some: about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 30.0 in (763 mm).
What should I pack for Brussels in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 42°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.7 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Brussels
Planning Brussels in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.