Bruges in December
Christmas markets
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
December is one of the weakest months in Bruges.
December is all about the Christmas markets on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 2–7°C
- Cold, damp and dark early.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy, especially on weekends.
- Prices
- €€€
- Rates rise for Christmas.
+Christmas markets and lights.
–Cold and crowded on weekends.
My tip for December
Go on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
- Christmas
- Food
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
12th of 12 overall in Bruges, 10th for weather, 6th for space, 6th for value. The emptiest month is February; the best value is February.
See all twelve months for BrugesPlan around
What’s on in Bruges in December
- Gray winters
- Cold, damp and dark early. Plan museums and cafés.
November–February
Not set on December?
Months I'd choose over December
Also good in December
Weather
Weather in Bruges in December
In December Bruges averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 2°C (36°F). The warmest month is July (around 23°C) and the coolest is January (around 6°C).
- Average high
- 7°C
- 45°F
- Average low
- 2°C
- 36°F
Climate data: Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (Uccle, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Bruges in December: the questions people ask
- Is December a good time to visit Bruges?
- December is one of the weakest months in Bruges. It ranks 12 of 12 months in Bruges overall (10 for weather, 6 for space, 6 for value). The main upside: Christmas markets and lights. The main downside: Cold and crowded on weekends.
- What is the weather like in Bruges in December?
- Average highs are around 7°C and lows around 2°C. Cold, damp and dark early. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 23°C) and the coolest is January (around 6°C).
- Is Bruges crowded in December?
- Crowds are moderate–high. Busy, especially on weekends. The quietest month is February.
- How expensive is Bruges in December?
- Prices are at level 3 of 5 (€€€). Rates rise for Christmas. The best-value month is February.
- When is the best time to visit Bruges?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, May is the best month overall (December ranks 12 of 12). The quietest month is February and the best value is February.
Still going to Bruges in December?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — cold and crowded on weekends.
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