What December feels like in Brussels
For Brussels, December is early winter on the calendar. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Brussels in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. Wet days average about 5.7 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Brussels averages about 5.4 mm per rainy day, so December is typical. December is Brussels's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:38 am and sets around 4:37 pm local time, giving 7 h 59 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 1 min less daylight than mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 41% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Brussels's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 3.2°C (5.8°F) lower, with 7 mm more rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 6°C (42.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Brussels in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Brussels in December?
Afternoons average 7.1°C (44.8°F) and nights about 2.8°C (37°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Brussels in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 2 and totals about 74 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Brussels in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Brussels?
January, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Brussels's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler.