Things to Do in Belgium in March

March Weather in Belgium

12°C (54°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

71mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Easter holiday atmosphere transforms cities with special markets, chocolate displays, and festive decorations from mid-March through April - many shops create elaborate Easter window displays worth seeing
Perfect weather for Belgium's famous brewery tours and beer tastings - cool temperatures make warm pub interiors especially cozy, and many breweries release spring seasonal beers
Museum and gallery season at its peak - Belgians spend more time indoors during damp March weather, making this ideal for exploring world-class art collections without summer crowds
Restaurant high season begins - March marks when Belgian chefs start featuring spring ingredients like white asparagus, and many establishments reopen outdoor terraces on warmer days

Considerations

Frequent light rain and drizzle on 15+ days makes outdoor sightseeing challenging - you'll need waterproof gear and indoor backup plans daily
Daylight hours still limited at 11-12 hours with overcast skies common - expect to do most sightseeing in artificial light or grey conditions
Accommodation prices rise 20-25% from February as Easter holiday bookings increase, especially in Brussels and Bruges during the final week of March

Best Activities in March

Brussels Museum Quarter Walking Tours

March weather makes indoor cultural experiences essential, and Brussels offers exceptional museums within walking distance. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Magritte Museum, and Musical Instruments Museum provide perfect rainy-day exploration. Cool temperatures make museum-hopping comfortable, and you'll avoid summer tour groups. Many Brussels museums offer combined tickets saving 30-40%.

Booking Tip: Book museum passes online 3-5 days ahead for skip-the-line access. Combined passes typically cost €25-35 and cover 3-4 major museums. Look for guided tours that include indoor transportation between venues due to March rain. Reference booking widget below for current cultural tour options.

Antwerp Diamond Quarter and Cathedral Tours

March is ideal for exploring Antwerp's covered shopping galleries and indoor attractions. The Diamond Quarter offers fascinating factory tours, while the Cathedral of Our Lady provides stunning indoor architecture. Cool March weather makes walking between covered areas comfortable, and many diamond workshops offer special spring viewing sessions.

Booking Tip: Diamond district tours typically cost €20-30 and should be booked 7-10 days ahead. Look for combination packages including cathedral access and covered market visits. Many operators offer indoor-focused routes perfect for March weather conditions.

Bruges Canal Boat Tours

March canal tours offer unique perspectives with fewer crowds and atmospheric misty conditions. Most tour boats are covered or heated, making cool weather comfortable. The lack of summer tourists means better photo opportunities and more personal interaction with guides. Spring light creates beautiful reflections on canal waters.

Booking Tip: Canal tours run year-round, typically €15-20 per person. Book same-day during March as crowds are manageable. Choose covered boats or those with heating systems. Tours run every 30 minutes from multiple departure points along major canals.

Belgian Chocolate Workshop Experiences

Cool March temperatures create perfect conditions for chocolate making workshops - chocolates don't melt during transport, and workshop kitchens provide cozy warmth from wet weather. Many Brussels and Antwerp chocolatiers offer hands-on classes teaching traditional Belgian techniques. March is prime season before Easter chocolate production peaks.

Booking Tip: Chocolate workshops typically cost €45-75 per person and should be booked 10-14 days ahead, especially near Easter. Look for 2-3 hour sessions including tasting components. Many workshops provide take-home packages perfect for cool March weather transport.

Ghent Historical Walking Tours

March showcases Ghent's medieval architecture beautifully with dramatic skies and excellent visibility. The city's compact historic center offers numerous covered walkways and indoor attractions. Cooler temperatures make extended walking comfortable, and many historical sites feature heated interiors perfect for March weather breaks.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost €15-25 and run rain or shine with covered route options. Book 5-7 days ahead during March. Look for tours including indoor stops at Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral for weather protection and historical depth.

Belgian Beer Tasting Experiences

March weather creates perfect conditions for Belgium's legendary beer culture - cool, damp days make warm brewery taprooms and beer cafes especially appealing. Many breweries begin releasing spring seasonal beers in March. Cooler temperatures also make brewery tours more comfortable as fermentation rooms tend to be warm year-round.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours with tastings typically cost €25-40 and should be booked 7-10 days ahead. Look for experiences including multiple beer styles and food pairings. Many operators offer transportation between multiple breweries to avoid walking in March rain.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Easter Markets and Chocolate Displays

Beginning mid-March, Belgian cities transform with elaborate Easter markets featuring handcrafted chocolates, traditional pastries, and artisan goods. Brussels' Grand Place and Bruges' Market Square host major displays. Shop windows throughout Belgium feature intricate chocolate sculptures and seasonal decorations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - March brings light rain 15+ days, typically lasting 1-2 hours per shower

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, common throughout March

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden downpours while walking between attractions in Belgian cities

Layering pieces (sweater, light fleece) - temperatures fluctuate between 4°C-12°C (39°F-54°F) throughout the day

Waterproof day bag - protect electronics, documents, and purchases during frequent March showers

Warm socks and comfortable indoor shoes - you'll spend considerable time in museums, restaurants, and heated indoor spaces

Light scarf and gloves - early morning and evening temperatures can feel quite cold, especially with 78% humidity

Quick-dry clothing materials - high humidity and frequent dampness make cotton uncomfortable, choose synthetic or merino wool

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and increased phone usage for navigation and photos

Small towel - useful for drying off after unexpected rain showers while sightseeing

Insider Knowledge

Belgian shops and restaurants often close unexpectedly during heavy March downpours - always have 2-3 indoor backup plans when exploring, especially smaller cities

March is white asparagus season beginning - look for 'asperges blanches' on menus at upscale restaurants, a beloved Belgian spring delicacy typically served until June

Train delays increase 15-20% during March due to weather conditions - book flexible tickets and allow extra travel time between cities, especially for international connections

Many Belgians take advantage of rainy March weather for extended cafe visits - join locals for 'koffie tijd' (coffee time) lasting 1-2 hours with newspapers and conversation

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how much rain affects outdoor plans - March weather changes quickly, and light drizzle can persist for hours making walking tours miserable without proper gear

Booking too many outdoor activities - successful March visits focus 70% on indoor experiences like museums, breweries, chocolate shops, and covered markets

Not checking restaurant hours during rainy days - some Belgian restaurants close early or entirely during heavy March rain, especially in smaller tourist towns