The climate of Ostend
Situated along the coast of
Belgium,
Ostend features a Marine West Coast climate. This climate falls under the Köppen classification, marked as Cfb, denoting a temperate oceanic climate with mild, moist summers and cool, damp winters. Temperatures fluctuate moderately across different times of the year. The winter months of
January and
February experience average high temperatures of 6.1°C (43°F) and 6.5°C (43.7°F) respectively, and lows of 1.1°C (34°F) and 0.5°C (32.9°F). The warmest months are
July and
August with average highs rising to 20.3°C (68.5°F) and 20.9°C (69.6°F), and lows of 12.8°C (55°F) and 12.5°C (54.5°F).
The amount of rainfall varies from month to month. The driest months are typically February and
April, witnessing average rainfalls of 45mm (1.77") and 46mm (1.81") respectively. The highest average rainfall usually occurs in
November with a precipitation level of 84mm (3.31"). Daylight hours also change with the course of the year. The winter months are characterized by shorter daylight hours, witnessing an average of 8.5 hours in January. July features the longest daylight hours, averaging 16.1 hours.
The best time to visit Ostend
The best time to visit
Ostend depends primarily on individual weather preferences. However, considering temperature and rainfall, the late spring and early summer months between
May and
July offer a mild and favourable climate to explore the nature and landscapes of this coastal city. May’s average high temperature of 15.3°C (59.5°F) combined with rainfall of 56mm (2.2") and daylight hours stretching to 15.6, provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities. Further, the climate in the peak of summer in
June and July, ranging from an average high of 17.7°C (63.9°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F), and balancing rainfall between 67mm (2.64") to 59mm (2.32"), allows for pleasant beach experiences and sight-seeing.
The worst time to visit Ostend
There might be no absolute "worst" time to visit
Ostend, as this largely depends on the nature of planned activities and individual weather resilience. However, considering the combination of low temperature and limited daylight hours, the winter months between
January and
February might present challenging weather conditions for outdoor pursuits. With the lowest average high temperatures observed from 6.1°C (43°F) to 6.5°C (43.7°F) and average lows dropping to between 1.1°C (34°F) and 0.5°C (32.9°F), these months are the coldest in Ostend. Reduced daylight hours from 8 to 8.5 further limit the day, making outdoor activities less appealing.
Spring weather in Ostend
In
Ostend, the spring season between
March and
May offers gradually increasing temperatures and longer daylight hours. March experiences an average high temperature of 9.2°C (48.6°F) and daylight of 11.9 hours, while May records average high temperatures of 15.3°C (59.5°F) and daylight extending to 15.6 hours. Rainfall during this season showcases an increase from 55mm (2.17") in March to 56mm (2.2") in May, marking the arrival of ample wet days, with around 10 to 11 days of rain experienced each month.
Summer weather in Ostend
The summer period in
Ostend brings warm temperatures from
June to
August, with average high temperatures ranging from 17.7°C (63.9°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F). Average lows in this period fluctuate between 10.7°C (51.3°F) and 12.5°C (54.5°F), indicating mild nights. Rainfall levels moderately increase, with an average rainfall from 59mm (2.32") to 67mm (2.64") and averaged rainy days settling around 10 per month. Days in this season are long and bright, averaging between 14.5 to 16.1 daylight hours.
Autumn weather in Ostend
During autumn, from
September to
November, temperatures in
Ostend start to decrease. Average high temperatures drop from 18.3°C (64.9°F) in September to 9.7°C (49.5°F) in November, while low averages follow the downward trend, registering 10.2°C (50.4°F) in September, reaching 4°C (39.2°F) in November. Rainfall levels in autumn escalate, culminating in November's peak of 84mm (3.31"). The daylight hours during this season decrease, from 12.6 hours in September down to 8.9 hours by November.
Winter weather in Ostend
Winter in
Ostend, spanning
December through
February, experiences the lowest temperatures of the year. The average high temperatures range from 7.1°C (44.8°F) to 6.1°C (43°F), while the low temperatures hover between 2.3°C (36.1°F) and 1.1°C (34°F). Precipitation during the winter months is relatively high, with an average rainfall from 73mm (2.87") to 63mm (2.48"). Days are shortest during this period, with daylight hours varying between 8 to 8.5 hours.
Weather in January
In the heart of winter,
January experiences a wide temperature range in
Ostend,
Belgium, with some of the coldest conditions throughout the year. There is a noticeable temperature shift from daytime highs of approximately 6.1°C (43°F) to nighttime lows, dipping to around 1.1°C (34°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Ostend transitions from winter's grip,
February presents slightly warmer days compared to
January. A decrease in rainfall to 45mm (1.77") hints towards an approaching spring, yet the month retains its wet character with 9 days of rain on average.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees the arrival of spring in
Ostend,
Belgium. This month greets its residents and visitors with an overall milder climate compared to the previous months, yet remains unpredictable with sudden fluctuations in weather conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks robust signs of spring across
Ostend, with a significant increase in daylight that offers approximately 13.9 hours of sunlight per day. As the city continues its transition into the sunnier part of the year, temperatures tend to climb, promising warmer days ahead in comparison with previous months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May welcomes the characteristics of late spring, with favorable weather conditions brightening up
Ostend,
Belgium. The daylight extends, offering an abundance of sunshine, which harmonizes with the blossoming nature. There is an increase in humidity as the rainfall progresses to 56mm (2.2") over the course of the month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces summer to the city of
Ostend, beginning with mild but warm weather conditions. Comparatively, this month experiences the longest days of the year, with exceptional daylight lasting up to 16.5 hours daily on average.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Ostend,
Belgium finds itself in the midst of summer, drawing in warm weather enthusiasts. The city experiences increases in temperature, with the highest extremes reaching up to an average of 20.3°C (68.5°F). This peak in temperatures coincides with a slight decrease in rainfall to 59mm (2.32") spread across eight days, enhancing the overall warm and sunny ambiance.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August represents the pinnacle of summer in
Ostend, with temperatures almost at par with those of
July. Despite the warmth experienced throughout the day, the nights become somewhat cooler, offering a bit of respite. The balance between long sunny stretches and periods of rainfall intensifies, leading to an overall intriguing atmosphere.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the arrival of autumn in
Ostend,
Belgium, with a subtle shift in weather conditions. Daylight decreases, indicating the winding down of the summer season while still providing suitable conditions for outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October experiences a transition towards cooler temperatures as autumn progresses in
Ostend. Noticeably shorter days become a trademark of this month, with daylight reduced by roughly two hours in comparison to
September. The climate continues to cool down, causing a significant switch from the warm summer days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Ostend,
Belgium finds itself on the threshold of winter. Considerable reduction in daylight hours is apparent, thus reducing outdoor activity time. This month presents a noticeable decrease in temperatures, an indication of the approaching cold weather.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the onset of winter in
Ostend, and the holidays bring a festive ambiance to the city, amplified by the cold weather. The daylight decreases to about 8 hours, leaving most parts of the day under the influence of darkness.
Weather in December »