Brussels in January
In January, Brussels averages 6°C (43°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (75 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Brussels. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Brussels
January is one of the coolest months in Brussels (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (14°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (7°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (7°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Brussels
Times shown for Brussels local time (Europe/Brussels), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Brussels — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Brussels's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Brussels in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Shoulder) and Brussels's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Brussels
Brussels is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Brussels
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Brussels in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 75 mm | 15 | 0 |
| February | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 65 mm | 12 | 0 |
| March | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 65 mm | 13 | 0 |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 55 mm | 12 | 0 |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 70 mm | 12 | 0 |
| June | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | 75 mm | 12 | 0 |
| July | 23°C / 73°F | 14°C / 57°F | 75 mm | 12 | 0 |
| August | 23°C / 73°F | 14°C / 57°F | 80 mm | 12 | 0 |
| September | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 70 mm | 12 | 0 |
| October | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 46°F | 75 mm | 13 | 0 |
| November | 9°C / 48°F | 4°C / 39°F | 80 mm | 13 | 0 |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 80 mm | 14 | 0 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Brussels in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Brussels in January?
In January, Brussels averages a high of 6°C (43°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Brussels in January?
January is quite rainy in Brussels, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Brussels?
January is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Brussels in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Brussels for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.