Weather
August is midsummer in Belgium, and one of the hottest months of the year, after July. While average temperatures are warm, heat waves in August are not uncommon, so visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures.
Belgium's climate varies between the coastal, inland, and highland areas. Coastal Flanders (the Flemish-speaking northern region of Belgium) tends to be the mildest region, with a maritime climate that tempers extremes of cold or heat. That means it's especially popular in summer, as people flock to the cooling sea. Brussels is inland, so it has more of a continental climate than coastal cities like Bruges or Antwerp, which means colder winters but hotter summers. Brussels sees an average high temperature of 71°F (22°C) this month and a low of 55°F (13°C), but much higher temperatures aren't uncommon.
Crowds & Costs
August is the peak season for travel in Belgium. Many locals take summer vacations, and travelers from other parts of Europe and farther afield come to enjoy the historic cities and the North Sea coast. Locals flock to the beach, so book accommodation in advance and expect to pay higher prices. Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent are particularly popular as the rivers, canals, and harbors make these cities' climates more comfortable than inland Brussels. Many residents of Brussels leave for the coast, making the capital a little quieter than usual, despite the summer festivals and hotter temperatures.
Where to Go
Although buzzing with tourists, Antwerp is an excellent destination in August because its location on a river harbor keeps the climate relatively cool. Culture, history, and architecture lovers will enjoy the layers of history on display in Antwerp. A walking or cycling tour allows you to see many of the highlights. Follow narrow medieval streets past countless Renaissance buildings, wandering from one square to the next and ending at the Grote Markt, the city's biggest and most important. See the 14th-century Cathedral of Our Lady, housing paintings by Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, and the early 20th-century train station, with magnificent interiors and a grand facade.
To get out of the cities and enjoy the cooler conditions on the coast, head to Ostend Beach, a long stretch of well-maintained white sand that lifeguards patrol in the summer. There are many hotels here, as well as upmarket spas and watersports activities. It's a perfect destination for families seeking a change of scene after exploring the cultural highlights of Antwerp or other Belgian cities.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
To get active during your time on the North Sea coast, head to Blankenberge for great hiking and biking options. A number of themed cycle routes show visitors the highlights of the town and surrounding area, from World War I-era history to charming coastal villages. Over 111 miles (180 km) of (mostly flat) walking trails connect various parts of the Flemish coast.
If you'd rather stay away from the crowds, head inland to the Ardennes for a kayaking adventure. Kayak down the Ourthe, Semois, or Lesse rivers and into the lush green forests of the Ardennes region. One highlight is kayaking down the cascading, 49-foot (15-m) high Coo Waterfalls, the largest natural waterfalls in Belgium. Zip lining and other outdoor adventure activities are also available in the Coo area.
Events in August
Brussels Summer Festival, Brussels. A 10-day culture and music festival serving up all kinds of music from classical to hip-hop.
Dour Festival, Dour. One of the most established European festivals sees crowds of 250,000 people arrive to see the multigenre, diverse music.
Flower Carpet, Brussels. The Grand Place is transformed in August into a floral extravaganza, an 18,000-square-foot mural made of blooms.
Traveling to Belgium in August? Check out this great itinerary
Discover the Best of Flanders - 5 Days. Discover the charm of Flanders on this colorful five-day journey around northern Belgium. You'll start by visiting Antwerp, a port city known for its opulent Renaissance buildings and quaint historic center. Continue to Ghent, a city with picturesque canals, lively squares dominated by massive cathedrals and churches, and a medieval castle.
More Helpful Information
Belgium in July
Belgium in September
Best Time of Year to Visit Belgium
How Many Days to Spend in Belgium