When planning your vacation to Brussels, you should consider three factors: weather, events and prices. Here is a rundown on the weather in Brussels, as well as what events you can expect and when the high and low seasons occur. Then you can decide on the best time to visit Brussels for your wants and needs.

Weather

Winter is cold in Brussels, but rarely freezing. Temperatures range between 0 and 6 degrees C, sometimes dropping to -1 degree C at night. Expect frost, slush, snow, sleet and occasional rain. It does get windy, so bundle up nice and warm. Come March, the weather gradually begins to warm up, with temperatures increasing to about 17 degrees C in May. The nights are cold, but the season has the added perk of being the driest time of year. From June through August the weather is warm, with temperatures hovering between 20 and 30 degrees C. Be prepared for short but heavy rains throughout the summer. Finally, autumn sees a rapid drop in temperatures throughout the months before descending into December and winter. Autumn is usually wet, cold and gray.

Festivals

March is a great time to partake in the many festivals. The Book Fair, Clown Festival, and Contemporary Music Festival are great times to soak in the atmosphere. The Jazz Festival also starts in March and continues through the spring. In April you'll find that the Royal Greenhouses are open to the public, a rare occurrence indeed. May is filled with a variety of music festivals, and throughout the summer you can participate in the Friday night Brussels Rollers event, where locals and tourists don roller blades and hit the various drinks and music stalls. July and August showcase the Ommegang, a traditional festival dating from the 15th century. During Heritage Day weekend in September you can tour buildings that are usually closed to the public. Finally, take part in the Christmas Market and Brussels on Ice Festival that lasts from December through January.

Tourism

Peak season in Brussels begins in May and lasts through September. The city is crawling with tourists, though a good deal of the locals head out of town. It's definitely the best time to enjoy the weather, though. The low season is in winter, and if you can brave the cold then you'll definitely appreciate the lower prices and the lack of crowds at all of the tourist attractions.