Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Belgium means discovering a warm country… under often gray skies. Frequent rain, sometimes scarce light, humid winters, increasingly hot summers: the climate surprises many expats, especially those from drier or sunnier regions. Yet, with a few pointers and good habits, it’s possible to turn these weather constraints into a simple backdrop for your new life.
This article provides advice specifically tailored to Belgium, covering clothing, home setup, preserving physical and mental health, cycling, using relevant weather tools, and optimizing energy comfort.
Understanding the Belgian climate to live better with it
Belgium is classified as having a temperate oceanic climate. In concrete terms, this means moderate temperatures year-round, high humidity, fairly regular rainfall, and a relatively discreet sun.
There are constants: winters that are cool rather than freezing, generally mild summers, but with more frequent heatwaves, and weather that can change very quickly within the same day.
Contrasting but rarely extreme seasons
Throughout the year, the average temperature hovers around 10°C. In Brussels, it typically ranges from 3–4°C in January to 18–19°C in July. In practice, it’s less the extremes and more the combination of coolness + humidity + lack of light in winter that can weigh on morale.
This is the average annual temperature in degrees Celsius in Brussels.
| Month | Average Min. T° | Average Max. T° | Average Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0–1 °C | 5–6 °C | 66–75 mm |
| February | 0–1 °C | 6–7 °C | 52–65 mm |
| March | 2–3 °C | 10–11 °C | 60–70 mm |
| April | 4–5 °C | 14–15 °C | 45–51 mm (driest month) |
| May | 8–9 °C | 18–18.5 °C | 65–69 mm |
| June | 11–11.5 °C | 21–21.5 °C | 65–77 mm |
| July | 13–14 °C | 23–23.5 °C | 75–80 mm |
| August | 13–13.5 °C | 23–23.5 °C | up to 90 mm |
| September | 10.5–11 °C | 19.5–20 °C | ~60 mm |
| October | 7–8 °C | 15 °C | 65–72 mm |
| November | 4–4.5 °C | 9–10 °C | 75–79 mm |
| December | 0.5–2 °C | 6–7 °C | 75–85 mm |
The coast enjoys a particularly mild climate, never very cold nor very hot, while the Ardennes, being higher, are colder, wetter, and snowier in winter. In large cities, urbanization causes a “heat island” effect: nights are warmer than in the countryside, which limits the body’s ability to cool down during heatwaves.
A rainy country… but not one of constant downpours
Belgium receives between 750 and 1,000 mm of rain per year, well distributed over twelve months. The feeling of “it rains all the time” comes more from the frequency of showers, drizzle, and overcast skies than from extreme quantities. In Brussels, there are about 825 mm of annual precipitation, with an average humidity of 79%.
Rain often comes in the form of light showers or drizzle. It can be anticipated using very accurate rain radar apps. This rain culture influences commuting habits, how people dress, and even home design.
More frequent heatwaves and milder winters
Climate change is already being felt. Over the past thirty years, Brussels has warmed by about 1.9°C, and projections indicate another +0.5°C by mid-century. Heatwaves exceeding 30°C are becoming more frequent, with recent records hitting 40°C. At the same time, truly harsh winters are rarer, although cold spells with sub-zero temperatures and occasional snow remain possible.
For an expat, this translates into a dual challenge: enduring damp coolness for a good part of the year, and protecting oneself from extreme heat episodes in housing that was not originally designed for such temperatures.
Dressing like the Belgians: the layering strategy
The first adaptation to the local climate involves your wardrobe. The key in Belgium is layering. Temperature swings within the same day, intermittent rain, and wind make adaptable clothing essential.
The golden rule: always plan for one more layer… and one less
In spring and autumn, temperatures can vary by nearly 8°C from one day to the next. It’s therefore useful to layer a t-shirt, a light sweater or cardigan, a mid-layer jacket, and a windbreaker or raincoat, which you can take off or put back on depending on the weather and your movements.
In summer, despite temperatures often above 20°C, showers are common. Opt for summer outfits in breathable fabrics, paired with a thin vest and a light waterproof jacket. This combination allows you to adapt easily, moving from a sunny terrace to a cool shower without discomfort.
Winter demands a warm coat – ideally insulating and water-repellent – as well as thermal base layers (merino wool is often recommended as it retains its insulating properties even when wet), thicker sweaters, and pants in dense materials (jeans, corduroy, wool). A hat, insulating gloves, and scarf are essential to face the damp cold and wind.
Adapting to the local style without mistake
The clothing style in Belgium is very functional. Black and muted colors dominate, jeans are ubiquitous, and “smart casual” is widely accepted, including in professional or cultural settings. An expat can fit in very easily by investing in good quality basics: jeans, wool sweaters, a well-cut coat, sturdy shoes.
In Belgium, clothing style varies by city. Brussels has a classic, international look with understated suits and structured coats. Antwerp stands out for its creative, fashion-forward approach, influenced by its dynamic fashion scene. Student cities like Leuven and Ghent, on the other hand, adopt a mostly casual style.
For visits to museums, churches, or institutions, a sober and relatively covering outfit is still preferable, but no extreme rigidity is expected.
Shoes: the obsession with comfort and grip
The Belgian ground means lots of cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, and very often, moisture. Shoes with thin heels are a nightmare in the city center. It’s much more sensible to prioritize sneakers with good soles, waterproof city boots, or, for winter, boots with slip-resistant soles.
For weekend nature trips in the Ardennes, hiking shoes become useful, but they are not necessary for daily city life. And if you plan to go to the pool regularly, keep in mind that it’s common for some public pools to require swim briefs for men.
Setting up your home for the Belgian climate
Adapting to the local climate also means adapting your home. Comfort in Belgium depends greatly on insulation, heating, and managing humidity. The housing stock is old, and energy efficiency is rather average, which can surprise newcomers.
Why insulation is your best ally
In a poorly insulated house, heat escapes through the roof, walls, windows, and floor. Belgian data shows that on average:
| Building Element | Approximate Share of Heat Loss |
|---|---|
| Roof | 25–30 % |
| Walls | 20–25 % |
| Windows | 10–15 % |
| Floor | 7–10 % |
| Leaks (gaps) | Remainder |
Improving the insulation of the roof, walls, and windows can reduce the heating bill by 40 to 65%. In a single-family home, aiming for a roof thermal resistance of at least 7–7.5 m²K/W and walls above 4 m²K/W provides noticeable comfort and a significant cost reduction.
For an expat renter, it’s rare to be able to fully transform the building, but some levers remain possible: window seals, thick curtains, rugs on cold floors, exterior blinds if the owner agrees, light sheers to limit overheating while preserving light.
Understanding local heating systems
In Belgium, heating accounts for about 60% of household energy expenses. Natural gas dominates, followed by heating oil (still used by 1.7 million people, even though new oil boilers will be banned from sale starting in 2035), electricity, and, to a lesser extent, wood or pellets.
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– Condensing gas boilers, which can achieve up to 104–108% efficiency based on LCV
– Heating oil boilers, being phased out gradually
– Pellet stoves and boilers
– Air-to-water or air-to-air heat pumps, increasingly installed (typical coefficient of performance around 3, meaning three units of heat for one of electricity)
– Modern underfloor heating, compatible with lower water temperatures and thus high-performance systems
Replacing a boiler older than 15–20 years with a recent model can generate up to 30% energy savings. For an expat homeowner, this investment should be assessed upon installation. For a renter, knowing the age and fuel type of the boiler helps estimate future bill costs.
Humidity, mold, and health: finding the right balance
Belgium is humid, and new or renovated homes are increasingly airtight. Result: without adequate ventilation, indoor humidity increases, with risks of condensation, mold, and respiratory problems.
A relative humidity level between 40% and 60% is considered optimal for health. Above 60–70%, mold develops easily, some bacteria proliferate, and dust mites become a major problem for allergy sufferers. Below 40%, mucous membranes dry out, promoting irritation, conjunctivitis, and respiratory infections.
Studies show that buildings with signs of high humidity or mold are associated with more nasal, skin, and respiratory symptoms, including in children. Conversely, proper humidity control and sufficient ventilation reduce allergies and infections.
In a Belgian home, a few simple actions are necessary:
Ventilate daily, even in winter, by opening windows wide for 10 to 15 minutes to renew the air without cooling the walls too much. Always use extractor fans and the mechanical ventilation system, and make sure not to block them. Regularly check corners, exterior walls, and bathrooms to quickly detect any mold appearance and act promptly. Avoid drying large amounts of laundry indoors without opening windows or using a dehumidifier. Finally, periodically check the seals in the bathroom and kitchen.
Protecting your interior from the heat
The challenge of the coming years will not only be the cold, but also summer overheating. In cities, about 14% of households – and up to 40% among the most vulnerable – cannot keep their home cool in summer, especially in poorly insulated buildings exposed to the sun.
For an expat, investing in solar protection is often more cost-effective than installing energy-consuming air conditioning: exterior blinds and shutters, solar films on south-facing windows, balcony greening, and strategic night-time ventilation. The Brussels region even offers a grant that can cover about 20% of the cost of exterior solar protection, a non-negligible boost worth exploring.
Physical health: heat, air, infections, how to protect yourself
The Belgian climate, modified by global warming, has increasingly tangible effects on health. For an expat, the main concerns involve heat, air pollution, humidity, and certain infectious diseases.
Managing heat and heatwaves
Heatwaves have become a priority issue. Studies show that mortality starts to increase from 26°C daily maximum temperature in Antwerp, with a particularly noticeable effect the next day. Without adaptation, the number of heat-related deaths in this city could be multiplied by 4.5 by the end of the century.
The most vulnerable people are the elderly, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses (cardiac, respiratory, psychiatric), and those living in poorly insulated homes or in precarious situations.
To protect oneself during intense heat, there are simple but effective measures:
To protect yourself effectively during heatwaves, it is recommended to drink water regularly, even without feeling thirsty, while avoiding alcohol and very sugary drinks. Close windows and shutters during the hottest hours and ventilate well at night. Limit physical exertion to the coolest hours and wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Monitor your home’s temperature: sustained heat above 27–28°C requires increased vigilance, especially for vulnerable people. Finally, identify air-conditioned places (like libraries or shopping centers) in advance so you can cool down if necessary.
The authorities have implemented a “heat and ozone plan” that provides for pre-alert and alert phases, with information to hospitals, nursing homes, and emergency services. Informing yourself via local media and weather apps is a good habit to develop.
Air pollution and allergies: anticipate and limit exposure
Belgium suffers from often poor air quality, due to population density, road traffic, industry, and agriculture near cities. Fine particles (PM10, PM2.5) and ground-level ozone are regularly implicated in increased hospital admissions and cardio-respiratory deaths.
An increase of 10 µg/m³ of PM10 in Antwerp is associated with an approximate 4.3% increase in mortality.
For an expat, especially if asthmatic or with a heart condition, it is useful to:
– Follow air quality indices via official services or weather apps
– Avoid intense physical activities outdoors during peaks (often late morning and afternoon in summer)
– Prefer cycling and walking routes away from main roads
– Ventilate your home when outdoor pollution is lower (early morning, late evening)
– Discuss with your doctor a possible adjustment of treatment during high-risk periods
At the same time, pollen seasons tend to lengthen, and intense heat combined with ozone worsens respiratory allergy symptoms. Information on pollen concentrations is available in the official weather app of the Belgian meteorological institute, allowing you to anticipate medication and activities.
Humidity, viruses, and vectors: stay vigilant
High humidity and changes in precipitation alter the dynamics of some infectious diseases. Episodes of heavy rain, followed by warmer periods, sometimes favor the proliferation of mosquito vectors for diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, or chikungunya. Species like the tiger mosquito are gradually establishing themselves in Western Europe, Belgium included, opening the door to localized epidemic episodes in the short term.
Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks, is sharply increasing in Belgium, rising from less than 100 to nearly 1,000 reported cases per year in ten years. When hiking, especially in the Ardennes, it is essential to protect yourself with covering clothing, use appropriate repellents, systematically inspect your skin after the walk, and quickly remove any tick found.
On the respiratory front, humidity and temperature also influence the survival and transmissibility of viruses (flu, coronavirus, etc.). Very low humidity (20–40%) favors the stability of some viruses in aerosol, while very high humidity (>70%) increases other risks like mold proliferation. Keeping an indoor environment in the 40–60% comfort zone helps reduce these risks.
Mental health, light, and morale: taming the grayness
The lack of light, short days, and succession of gray weeks in winter are a frequent shock for expats from sunnier regions. This “culture of gray” can weigh on morale, even fostering the onset of a seasonal disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: a reality at northern latitudes
Seasonal Affective Disorder, often called “seasonal depression“, affects about 2 to 8% of the European population, more so in regions far from the equator. It manifests as an almost constantly depressed mood for several months a year, typically from autumn to spring: fatigue, loss of interest, increased need for sleep, weight gain, tendency to withdraw at home.
It’s not just the simple “winter blues”: for a diagnosis, these episodes must recur several years in a row, last 4 to 5 months, and clearly impair daily life.
For expats, the risk can be heightened by social isolation, language barriers, lack of landmarks, and homesickness for their country of origin. However, many strategies exist to mitigate this phenomenon.
The recommendations from specialists are clear:
To alleviate seasonal depression symptoms, several actions are recommended. Maximize your exposure to daylight by going outside daily, even on overcast days, by walking or cycling, and by sitting near windows at work. On medical advice, you can use a light therapy lamp (about 10,000 lux) for 30 to 45 minutes in the morning. Maintain a regular sleep routine, avoiding shifting your schedule too much between weekdays and weekends. Engage in regular physical activity (brisk walking, swimming, yoga, dance), recognized as a natural antidepressant. Adopt a balanced diet by limiting excess sugar and alcohol, and incorporating foods rich in omega-3 (fatty fish, nuts, seeds). Finally, cultivate an active social life by joining expat groups, associations, clubs (sports, music, volunteering) and participating in local events.
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches adapted for seasonal disorder, has shown lasting effectiveness. In more severe cases, medication treatment can be considered by a professional.
Taking the climate as a component of the expatriation project
Some people report a difficult adjustment period to Belgian weather, sometimes with the onset of allergies or mood disorders. Others, on the contrary, highlight the comfort created by heated and well-equipped buildings, the pleasure of “cocooning” moments indoors, and the rich cultural offerings that compensate for the lack of sunny beaches.
A common tip among residents: plan, when means allow, a winter getaway to a sunnier destination for a “boost” of light and vitamin D.
Cycling in the rain and wind
Belgium, and particularly the Flemish region, is a country of cyclists. The network of bike paths is dense and of good quality, the terrain quite flat in the north, making cycling very attractive. But a maritime climate also means rain, wind, and sometimes slippery roads. Again, a few adjustments are enough to make it a comfortable daily mode of transport.
Equipment to stay dry, visible, and safe
To turn rainy commutes into a simple formality, basic equipment includes:
– A good quality, breathable, and visible rain jacket (reflective strips are a plus)
– Rain pants easy to slip over clothes
– Waterproof overshoes to keep feet dry
– Windproof and water-repellent gloves
– A thin cap or a waterproof under-helmet hood to limit heat loss through the head
To be visible and protected, equip your bike with fenders against splashes and lighting (white front, red rear), mandatory at night and useful in bad weather. Wear bright-colored clothing, add reflectors on the wheels, and for children, a fluorescent vest.
For electric bikes, care must be taken to protect the battery and connections from water and cold: covers, sheltered parking, and storing the battery indoors during prolonged low temperatures are recommended.
Adapting your riding to rain and wind
Riding in the rain requires more anticipation: braking distances increase, tire grip decreases, and some surfaces become treacherous.
The main points of attention are:
To ride safely on a motorcycle in the rain, it’s crucial to adopt smooth, anticipatory riding. Reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking. Test your brakes gently at the start of your trip to assess grip. Take turns wider and with less lean. Avoid riding on particularly slippery surfaces like white lines, metal plates, tram tracks, drain covers, or wet leaves. Approach rails and grooves perpendicularly to limit the risk of a fall. Finally, be wary of puddles, which can hide potholes or oil residue.
In case of strong winds, especially on plains or near the coast, keep your hands firmly on the handlebars, anticipate side gusts, and adjust your trajectory. During thunderstorms with intense lightning, abandoning the bike is the best option.
Bike maintenance after rain
Rain and humidity accelerate the corrosion of mechanical parts. To keep your bike reliable, a minimum of care is necessary:
– Rinse quickly the frame, rims, and drivetrain after a very wet ride
– Wipe and regularly lubricate the chain with lubricant suited for wet conditions
– Clean brake pads (or discs) and check their wear
– In winter, check tire condition, possibly opt for wider tires or, if you often ride on icy surfaces, studded tires
Storing the bike under cover, or even indoors, significantly extends its lifespan, especially for electric models.
Making good use of local weather tools
To adapt to a changing climate, Belgians rely heavily on weather services, particularly mobile apps that allow tracking weather, rain, and wind hour by hour.
The official app of the Belgian meteorological institute
The Royal Meteorological Institute (Koninklijk Meteorologisch Instituut) offers its own app, “KMI – IRM: .be Weather”, widely used across the country. It offers:
– Hour-by-hour forecasts up to 48 hours, and day-by-day up to 7 days
– A 14-day trend
– A precipitation radar updated every 10 minutes, with a 3-hour projection
– Weather warnings by province (storms, heavy rain, snow, thunderstorms, etc.)
– Information on pollen, UV index, sunrise and sunset times
Descriptions are available in French and Dutch. Temperatures are indicated in degrees Celsius, in line with local usage.
Rain radars and hyper-local forecasts
Other apps, very popular in Belgium and neighboring countries, offer real-time tracking of showers. They are particularly appreciated by cyclists and pedestrians who want to know if they have ten minutes to get home before the shower.
The combined use of several tools (for example, the official app for the overall view and a specialized radar for the short term) allows you to optimize your trips, anticipate the clothes to bring, and adjust your outdoor activities.
For an expat, getting into the habit of checking the weather in the morning and mid-day quickly becomes part of the routine, just like checking transport schedules.
Mastering your energy consumption in an energy-intensive country
Belgium has an energy consumption per household above the European average, largely due to an old and poorly insulated housing stock. But it also has considerable energy-saving potential, estimated at nearly 29% of the “business as usual” scenario by 2030 for the entire economy.
Understanding where energy goes in a home
In 2005, buildings represented about 35% of the country’s primary energy demand, with homes accounting for nearly three-quarters of that share. In 2022, space heating still represents about 74% of household energy consumption.
Where an average home consumes about 348 kWh/m²/year for residential heating in Belgium, the average for the 25 EU countries is around 203 kWh/m²/year. The gap is therefore significant, but it also opens up a major field for improvement.
Small actions, big effects on bills
Without even starting major renovations, an expat can quickly reduce consumption through simple habits:
To reduce consumption, it is advised to set the thermostat to 20–21°C in living areas and lower in bedrooms, to close doors to heat only occupied rooms, and to use thermostatic valves. Programming the heating for when you’re away, installing LED bulbs and reflectors behind radiators on exterior walls are also effective. Opt for well-rated appliances (A+++ to A), maintain them regularly, and prefer showers with a water-saving showerhead over baths to achieve substantial savings.
For those settling long-term and considering renovations, targeted renovations (roof insulation, wall insulation, window replacement, boiler modernization) offer interesting returns on investment and increase the property’s value.
Grants and local support
The country’s three regions have established long-term renovation plans, aiming to bring the building stock toward high energy performance by 2050. Grants, often conditional on income and the nature of the work, exist to encourage renovations.
Since 2022, the “Renolution” program brings together most of the aid for energy renovation and home improvement in the Brussels-Capital Region. It covers about 40 types of work, including insulation, window replacement, and heating system installation. For free guidance, individuals can turn to structures like Homegrade.
For an expat homeowner, getting support from these services is a way to navigate the complexity of regulations and aid without being in the dark. For a renter, understanding these schemes can help discuss with the landlord about potential mutually beneficial work.
Making the weather an asset, not a hindrance
Adapting to the Belgian climate doesn’t mean enduring it, but taming it. Understanding the seasons, accepting the frequency of showers, getting used to winter grayness, protecting yourself from summer heat, and optimizing your home are all steps to turn a potential constraint into a simple element of the backdrop.
In practice, three main levers emerge from all the studies:
– Information: following forecasts, knowing the heatwave/ozone plans, informing yourself about air quality, understanding risks related to humidity or heatwaves
– Material adaptation: appropriate clothing, a good bike and accessories, a properly ventilated and reasonably insulated home, modern and efficient heating equipment
– Behavioral and social adaptation: developing seasonal routines, staying physically active, nurturing your social life, seeking professional help if morale flags, not hesitating to escape to the sun from time to time
Belgium is neither a frozen hell nor a tropical greenhouse: it’s a country of nuances, slow transitions, overlapping seasons, and changeable weather. By integrating these parameters into your daily life, you’ll discover that it’s entirely possible to build a pleasant, comfortable, and healthy life here, even if the sky doesn’t always look like a postcard.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
