Things to Do in Belgium in July

July Weather in Belgium

23°C (73°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

75 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer festival season - Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival) runs for 10 days with 600+ free concerts and performances across the city
Longest daylight hours of the year - sun sets after 21:30 (9:30pm), giving you 16+ hours to explore outdoor attractions and terraces
Beer garden season in full swing - every brewery and café opens outdoor seating, perfect for sampling Belgium's 1,500+ beer varieties in ideal weather
School holidays mean extended hours at major attractions and museums, plus special summer exhibitions at venues like Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs 40-60% more than shoulder months, with Brussels hotels averaging €150-250 vs €90-150 in May
Crowds at major attractions - Atomium and Manneken Pis see 3x normal visitor numbers, with wait times of 45+ minutes vs 10 minutes in spring
Unpredictable summer storms - intense 30-45 minute downpours can disrupt outdoor plans, happening roughly every third day without much warning

Best Activities in July

Historic City Center Walking Tours

July's extended daylight hours make this perfect for exploring Brussels' Grand Place and surrounding medieval streets. The 23°C (73°F) temperatures are ideal for walking 5-8 km (3-5 miles) through cobblestone districts. Summer means outdoor café culture is at its peak - you'll see locals enjoying afternoon beer breaks on every terrace. The occasional light rain actually enhances the atmospheric Gothic architecture.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (9-11am) to avoid afternoon crowds and potential storms. Tours typically cost €25-45 per person. Look for licensed guides with City of Brussels certification. See current options in booking section below.

Brewery and Beer Garden Experiences

July is peak season for Belgium's outdoor beer culture. Temperatures of 23°C (73°F) are perfect for spending hours in monastery brewery gardens and urban beer terraces. This is when locals traditionally enjoy their summer beer releases and seasonal brews. The 16+ hours of daylight mean beer gardens stay busy until 22:00 (10pm). The high humidity (78%) actually enhances beer tasting - your palate is more sensitive to subtle flavors.

Booking Tip: Book brewery tours 7-10 days ahead, especially in Brussels and Bruges. Experiences typically cost €35-65 including tastings. Choose tours that include outdoor terrace time. See current brewery tours in booking section below.

Flemish Coastal Cycling Routes

July's mild temperatures and long daylight make this ideal for the 67 km (42 mile) coastal tram route or cycling the Flanders Coast Trail. The 13-23°C (55-73°F) range is perfect for physical activity without overheating. Sea breezes keep humidity manageable along the coast. This is when Belgian families traditionally take seaside holidays, so you'll experience authentic local beach culture at Ostend and Knokke-Heist.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes for €15-25 per day. Book accommodations along the coast 3-4 weeks ahead in July. The coastal tram day pass costs €7. Look for guided cycling tours that include local seafood stops. See current coastal tours in booking section below.

Ardennes Hiking and Nature Tours

July brings perfect hiking weather to Belgium's Ardennes region - temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) in the hills, with lush green forests at peak beauty. The region's 150+ km (93+ miles) of marked trails are ideal for day hikes. July's rainfall keeps waterfalls like Coo Falls at their most impressive. This is peak season for wild berry picking and spotting deer in early morning hikes.

Booking Tip: Book forest lodges 4-6 weeks ahead for July. Guided hiking tours typically cost €45-75 per day including transport from Brussels. Look for tours that include local Ardennes cheese and ham tastings. See current Ardennes tours in booking section below.

Art Nouveau Architecture Tours

Brussels' famous Art Nouveau district is perfect to explore in July's mild weather and extended daylight. The 23°C (73°F) temperatures are ideal for walking the 4 km (2.5 mile) route through Victor Horta's masterpieces. July's longer days mean you can capture both morning and evening light on the famous curved facades. Many private Art Nouveau houses open for special summer tours only available in July-August.

Booking Tip: Book specialized architecture tours 5-7 days ahead, typically €30-50 per person. Some private house visits require 2-3 weeks advance booking in summer. Look for tours that include both Horta Museum and street architecture. See current architecture tours in booking section below.

Medieval Town Festival Experiences

July is festival season across Belgium's medieval towns. Bruges hosts summer concerts in Belfry courtyards, while Ghent's massive 10-day Gentse Feesten transforms the entire city center. The warm evenings (staying light until 21:30) are perfect for outdoor concerts and street performances. This is when you'll see authentic Belgian festival culture - locals bring folding chairs and picnic supplies for all-night celebrations.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations for festival periods 6-8 weeks ahead - prices double during Gentse Feesten (mid-July). Many festival events are free, but special concerts cost €15-45. Look for festival packages that include accommodation and event tickets. See current festival tours in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July

Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival)

Belgium's largest cultural festival transforms Ghent into a 10-day outdoor party with 600+ free concerts, street theater, and traditional food stalls. The entire medieval city center becomes pedestrian-only, with stages on every corner and locals camping out with picnics until 3am.

Late July

Brussels Summer Festival

International music festival in Bois de la Cambre park featuring major European and international acts. Multiple stages host everything from indie rock to electronic music, with Belgian beer gardens and food trucks throughout the park.

Early July

Ommegang Historical Pageant

Medieval pageant in Brussels' Grand Place recreating Emperor Charles V's 1549 procession. Over 1,400 participants in authentic costumes perform this UNESCO-recognized historical reenactment, with the Gothic City Hall as backdrop.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - July storms are intense but brief, lasting 30-45 minutes with little warning

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8+ km (5+ miles) daily exploring cities

Layers for temperature swings - mornings start at 13°C (55°F), afternoons reach 23°C (73°F), evenings cool to 16°C (61°F)

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - essential for sudden downpours during outdoor sightseeing

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid synthetic fabrics in 78% humidity, which trap moisture and become uncomfortable

Light cardigan or sweater - evenings can feel cool after warm days, especially in outdoor beer gardens

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 requires protection, especially with 16+ hours of daylight exposure

Daypack with waterproof cover - protects cameras and electronics during unexpected rain showers

Moisture-wicking socks - essential for full days of walking on cobblestones in variable weather conditions

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat lunch between 12:00-13:30 and dinner after 19:00 - restaurants may be closed or serving tourist menus outside these windows

Belgian banks close early in July for summer schedules - use ATMs at train stations or major shopping areas, which operate 24/7

Supermarkets like Delhaize and Carrefour close by 20:00 (8pm) in July, earlier than other European countries - stock up on water and snacks before evening activities

Free public WiFi is available at all train stations and most city squares, but avoid using it for banking - Belgian mobile data plans offer better security for travelers

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating festival crowds - Gentse Feesten brings 2 million visitors to Ghent alone, book accommodation 6+ weeks ahead or stay in nearby cities

Wearing inappropriate footwear - Belgium's historic cobblestone streets require sturdy shoes, especially when wet from July's frequent light rain

Not carrying cash - many traditional pubs and small restaurants still prefer cash payments, and some don't accept American credit cards