Things to Do in Belgium in February

February Weather in Belgium

7°C (45°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

65 mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Carnival season peaks mid-February with authentic local celebrations in Binche, Aalst, and smaller towns - avoid tourist-packed Venice for real cultural immersion
Museum crowds drop 60-70% from summer levels, giving you intimate access to world-class collections at Royal Museums, Groeningemuseum, and Magritte Museum
Peak season for winter beer releases - brewery taprooms feature limited seasonal brews like Geuze Vintage and special Trappist releases not available other months
Hotel rates lowest of the year (40-50% below summer) except during Carnival weekend, making luxury properties in Brussels and Bruges surprisingly affordable

Considerations

Daylight only 9 hours (8:15am-5:30pm), limiting outdoor sightseeing time and making northern cities like Bruges feel particularly gray
Rain falls 16 days on average with persistent drizzle that makes walking tours miserable - many outdoor attractions close or operate reduced hours
Coastal areas like Ostend are essentially shut down - most seaside restaurants, attractions, and beach activities closed until March

Best Activities in February

Brussels Museum District Walking Tours

February's gray weather makes this perfect for indoor cultural immersion. Royal Museums complex stays warm and dry while offering world-class art from Bruegel to Magritte. Fewer crowds mean you can spend quality time with masterpieces. The underground connections between museum buildings keep you dry.

Booking Tip: Book combination tickets online 3-5 days ahead for 15% savings. Tours typically cost €25-45 per person. Look for English-speaking guides who specialize in Belgian art history. See current museum tour options in booking section below.

Bruges Medieval Architecture Tours

Winter fog and low light create atmospheric conditions perfect for photography of Gothic buildings and canals. February crowds are minimal, giving you unobstructed views of Belfry and Basilica of Holy Blood. Indoor portions of tours keep you warm while exploring church interiors and guild halls.

Booking Tip: Walking tours run 2-3 hours and cost €20-35. Book tours that include indoor stops at churches and museums. Avoid early morning slots due to limited daylight. Check current Bruges tours in booking widget below.

Belgian Brewery Tasting Experiences

February is prime season for winter beer releases and barrel-aged specials. Indoor brewery tours provide warm refuge from cold weather while sampling seasonal Trappist ales, lambics, and limited releases. Many breweries offer hearty food pairings perfect for cold weather.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost €15-30 including tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead as winter groups are smaller. Look for tours that include food pairings and visits to multiple breweries. See current brewery experience options in booking section below.

Ghent Historic District Food Tours

Cold weather creates perfect conditions for warming Belgian specialties - carbonnade flamande, waterzooi, and hot waffles taste exceptional in February chill. Indoor food halls and cozy restaurants provide shelter between tastings. Student population keeps food scene active despite tourist season lull.

Booking Tip: Food tours run 3-4 hours and cost €45-65 including tastings. Book tours that focus on indoor locations and traditional winter dishes. Evening tours work well due to early sunset. Check current Ghent food tours in booking widget below.

Antwerp Diamond District Cultural Tours

February's indoor focus makes this perfect for exploring covered markets, diamond workshops, and historic guild buildings. Weather doesn't affect indoor attractions, and winter lighting enhances the sparkle of diamond displays. Fewer tourists mean more personalized attention from craftsmen.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost €30-50 and last 2-3 hours. Book with certified guides who have access to working diamond workshops. Avoid Sundays when most businesses close. See current Antwerp tour options in booking section below.

Ardennes Castle and Cave Exploration

Underground caves maintain constant 10°C (50°F) temperature, making them comfortable refuges from February cold. Medieval castles offer dramatic views enhanced by winter mist. Han-sur-Lesse caves and Bouillon Castle provide full-day indoor/outdoor experiences with minimal weather impact.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Brussels cost €60-85 including transport and entry fees. Book tours that combine multiple indoor attractions. Dress warmly for castle exteriors but caves stay temperate year-round. Check current Ardennes tours in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Binche Carnival

UNESCO-recognized carnival featuring the famous Gilles performers in elaborate costumes throwing oranges to crowds. This is Belgium's most authentic carnival celebration, far less commercialized than other European versions. The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday features the main procession.

Mid February

Aalst Carnival

One of Belgium's oldest carnival celebrations featuring satirical floats, traditional costumes, and street parties. Known for irreverent humor and elaborate masks. Three-day celebration includes Sunday through Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof winter coat rated for 1°C (34°F) - essential for 16 rainy days and high humidity

Insulated waterproof boots with good grip - Belgian cobblestones become slippery when wet

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - sudden drizzle is common and shelter isn't always available

Wool or synthetic base layers - cotton stays damp in 85% humidity and won't keep you warm

Warm hat and waterproof gloves - wind chill near coast can make 1°C feel like -5°C (23°F)

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster during long indoor museum days

Comfortable indoor shoes for museum visits - many require shoe covers or have slippery marble floors

Light scarf that dries quickly - useful for both warmth and covering shoulders in churches

Small daypack with waterproof compartment for camera and electronics

Hand warmers for outdoor sightseeing - especially useful for Bruges canal walks and castle visits

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations avoiding February 22-25, 2025 (Carnival weekend) when prices triple in Binche and surrounding areas, but Brussels stays normal

Most Belgians take winter holidays in February, so local restaurants offer special winter menus with game dishes and seasonal ingredients not available other times

Use covered shopping galleries like Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels and Stadsfeestzaal in Antwerp as warm walking routes between attractions

February train delays increase 30% due to weather - always book flexible tickets and plan buffer time between cities, especially for international connections

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only cotton layers instead of wool or synthetic materials that stay warm when damp in Belgium's high humidity

Booking coastal accommodations in Ostend or Knokke where most restaurants and attractions close for winter maintenance

Planning outdoor walking tours in late afternoon when daylight ends at 5:30pm and temperatures drop significantly