Weather
April is spring in Belgium, and most of the country will experience moderate temperatures. Although Belgium is quite a small country, its climate varies between coastal, inland, and highland areas. Coastal Flanders (the Flemish-speaking northern region of Belgium) tends to be the warmest/mildest region, with a maritime climate that tempers extremes of cold or heat.
On the other hand, the southern, inland Ardennes hill and forest region are the coldest, with more snow and fog in winter and a later start to spring. Capital city Brussels is inland, so it has more of a continental climate than coastal cities like Bruges or Antwerp. Brussels sees an average high temperature of 57°F (14°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C).
Crowds & Costs
April is the shoulder season for travel to Belgium. While costs are still generally low, the cities of Brussels and Ghent, in particular, are pretty popular weekend destinations among locals and other European travelers. If you're wanting a lower-cost city break in a Belgian city, aim for midweek to keep costs lower.
Note that if Easter falls in early April, many businesses and attractions, including galleries and museums, will be closed for the long weekend.
Where to Go
April is a good time for art enthusiasts to visit Brussels (avoid the weekends if you'd prefer to keep costs low) because the capital city hosts the annual Art Brussels event. This contemporary art fair attracts tens of thousands of visitors. While you're in the city, explore its centuries of art and culture at the six museums gathered under the umbrella of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: the Oldmasters Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum, the Modern Museum, the Antoine Wiertz Museum, and the Constantin Meunier Museum. There's something for everyone.
Beer lovers won't want to miss a visit to Bruges in April for the Bruges Beer Festival. This is a great time to try all kinds of Belgian beer. While in the historic coastal city, take a canal tour, check out the beautiful architecture on a walking tour (the 13th-century Church of Our Lady is a highlight), and learn about Flemish art at the Groeningemuseum.
What to Do
Spring comes into full bloom, with flowers covering parks, woodlands, and gardens across Belgium in April. The wildflowers of the Ardennes and the bluebells in the Hallerbos forest, just outside Brussels, are especially magnificent and a must-see sight for nature enthusiasts. In addition, the Belgian royal family opens their private greenhouses in Laeken to the public for a few weeks in April; and the National Botanic Garden of Belgium is especially colorful at this time of year.
The relatively cooler temperatures of April make this month a great time for cycling—you can enjoy pleasant, sunny weather without getting too hot. The "Flanders Cobbles" in the north of Belgium are a great challenge for keen riders. Start in Antwerp and head out into the countryside before reaching several stretches of uphill cobbled streets, which can be pretty challenging, but the views along the way are worth it. The cobbles are part of the Tour of Flanders race, but you can enjoy your version at a more leisurely pace.
Events in April
Art Brussels, Brussels. In April, this international contemporary art fair welcomes over 25,000 visitors annually.
Bruges Beer Festival, Bruges. Every April, 80 breweries offer samples of over 350 brews, while local restaurants serve up beer-inspired menus.
More Helpful Information
Belgium in March
Belgium in May
Best Time of Year to Visit Belgium
How Many Days to Spend in Belgium