Bruges

West-Flanders Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in West-Flanders, Belgium in January.

Considering a trip to West-Flanders, Belgium this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in West-Flanders in January

West-Flanders, Belgium is a region in Belgium. January in West-Flanders generally has cold temperatures, with moderate precipitation. It's the height of winter.

Temperatures

You can expect cold maximum daytime temperatures of around 8°C (46°F) and nighttime temperatures around 3°C (37°F) in Bruges. On average, January is the coldest month of the year in West-Flanders, Belgium. So be prepared and make sure to pack winter cloths.

For specific regional insights in West-Flanders, Belgium, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Beveren with an average of 62 mm (2.4 in) to moderate rainfall in Bredene with 81 mm (3.2 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine hours are generally lower in most areas during January. Bruges experiences about 64 hours of sunlight. If you're looking for brighter destinations, our weather planner can suggest better options.

Explore West-Flanders by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in West-Flanders — and find the best time to visit. (based on Bruges)

Best Places to Visit in West-Flanders in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across West-Flanders.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in West-Flanders

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in West-Flanders, Belgium?

Temperature range in West-Flanders (January)

Precipitation variation in West-Flanders (January)

Bruges

In January Bruges generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 3°C (37°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
8°C (46°F)
8°C (46°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly sun hours
51 hours
64 hours
85 hours
Monthly rainfall
81 mm (3.2 in)
68 mm (2.7 in)
64 mm (2.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
20 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Ostend

In January Ostend generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
8°C (46°F)
8°C (46°F)
Min temperature
5°C (41°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly sun hours
48 hours
60 hours
82 hours
Monthly rainfall
99 mm (3.9 in)
79 mm (3.1 in)
73 mm (2.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
20 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Knokke-Heist

In January Knokke-Heist generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 3°C (37°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
8°C (46°F)
8°C (46°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly sun hours
51 hours
64 hours
85 hours
Monthly rainfall
87 mm (3.4 in)
71 mm (2.8 in)
66 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
20 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Blankenberge

In January Blankenberge generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
8°C (46°F)
8°C (46°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly sun hours
51 hours
64 hours
85 hours
Monthly rainfall
92 mm (3.6 in)
75 mm (3 in)
69 mm (2.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
20 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Ypres

In January Ypres generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 2°C (36°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
8°C (46°F)
9°C (48°F)
Min temperature
3°C (37°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Monthly sun hours
51 hours
66 hours
71 hours
Monthly rainfall
75 mm (3 in)
64 mm (2.5 in)
61 mm (2.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
21 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in West-Flanders, in Belgium.

In our records: Belgium January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Belgium in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • In our records, the coldest January daytime high in Belgium was -15°C (5°F) in Francorchamps on January 12, 1987.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in West-Flanders in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Bruges 8°C (46°F) 3°C (37°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Ostend 8°C (46°F) 4°C (39°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Ypres 8°C (46°F) 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Knokke-Heist 8°C (46°F) 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Blankenberge 8°C (46°F) 4°C (39°F) 75 mm (3 in)
De Haan 8°C (46°F) 4°C (39°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)

West-Flanders weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in West-Flanders, Belgium in January?

In January, West-Flanders, Belgium generally has poor weather conditions. Bruges sees daytime temperatures near 8°C (46°F), with nights cooling to roughly 3°C (37°F).

What is the average temperature in West-Flanders, Belgium in January?

Daytime temperatures in Bruges peak at roughly 8°C (46°F) in January, dropping to about 3°C (37°F) overnight.

Does West-Flanders, Belgium get a lot of rain in January?

Rain is generally moderate to light in West-Flanders, Belgium during January, with Bruges averaging close to 68 mm (2.7 in).

Is January a Good Time to Visit West-Flanders, Belgium?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to West-Flanders, Belgium with often poor weather in Bruges.

Generally speaking, June, July, August and September provide perfect weather in Bruges. On the other hand, the months of January, February and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in West-Flanders.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Belgium? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Belgium.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.