What January feels like in Brussels
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Brussels's year. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. 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 January
January is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. Wet days average about 5.4 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Brussels averages about 5.4 mm per rainy day, so January is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, Brussels gets 8 h 24 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:39 am to sunset near 5:03 pm. Days are getting longer: 25 min more daylight than in mid-December. About 43% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year in Brussels. Compared with December, afternoons are 1.1°C (2°F) cooler, with 4 mm less rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. The next month's average high: 7.6°C (45.7°F).
Who January 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 January
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Brussels in January?
It feels cold: typical highs are 6°C (42.8°F), with lows near 1.4°C (34.5°F).
Does it rain a lot in Brussels in January?
Quite a lot — 70 mm spread over about 13 days.
What should I wear in Brussels in January?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Brussels?
February, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Brussels's months, against #11 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.