The climate of Leuven
Leuven,
Belgium, finds its climate categorised as Cfb, according to the Köppen Climate Classification. This nomenclature translates to a marine west coast climate, characterised by a warm summer. The city's geographical position, located not far from the North Sea, contributes to this specific classification where Atlantic influences bring moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall, distributed across the year.
Overall, Leuven experiences relatively mild weather. Daylight hours range from 8 hours in the shortest days of
December to 16.4 hours in the height of
June. Similarly, sunshine hours vary across months, peaking in
July with an average of 9.2 hours per day, while diminishing to a lower of 3.8 hours per day in December. Daily UV index shows fluctuations, indicating a moderate level in summer months, falling to the low-end scale in winter with readings between 2 in the cooler months and scaling up to 5 in the warmer ones.
In terms of precipitation, Leuven has a fairly even distribution, with rainfall amounts varying from 42mm (1.65") in
January to a slight peak of 57mm (2.24") in December. Correspondingly, the city has its fair share of rainy days, spanning from 8.5 days in
September to a high of 18.5 days in December. Across the winter months, snowfall can also occur, peaking in
February with an average depth of 41mm (1.61") and number of snowfall days reaching up to 5.
On the temperature spectrum in Leuven, months see variations in the range marking lowest average daily minimums at 1°C (33.8°F) in January to highest average daily maximums at 23.2°C (73.8°F) in July. Humidity values sit rather high, with lowest relative humidity recorded in
April and July at 75%, whereas the level elevates up to 86% to 88% in the winter period.
The best time to visit Leuven
For those who prefer to enjoy pleasant, warm weather along with ample sunshine, the summer months in
Leuven, particularly from
June to
August, serve as the ideal time to visit. Average daily maximum temperature can reach up to 23.2°C (73.8°F) in
July. These months also present longer daylight duration, peaking at 16.4 hours in June. The number of sunshine days reach up to 17.4 on average during July, accompanied with a moderate UV index of 5.
The worst time to visit Leuven
Considering the weather conditions, the least inviting time for visitors would presumably be
December with its marked intensity of both temperature variance to 6.3°C (43.3°F) and rainfall. December sees the highest rainfall amounts averaging 57mm (2.24"), along with the greatest amount of rainy days estimated at 18.5 per month. The daylight hours are also shortest during December at roughly 8 hours.
Spring weather in Leuven
Springtime in
Leuven, extending from
March to
May, is characterised by relatively moderate conditions in terms of temperature, rainfall, and sunlight. The average daily temperature increases gradually during these months, from 10.7°C (51.3°F) in March to 17.5°C (63.5°F) in May. Consistently, rainfall quantity varies slightly, ranging from 43mm (1.69") in March to 27mm (1.06") in May. The period also witnesses a gradual increase in daylight hours from 11.9 hours in March to 15.5 hours in May.
Summer weather in Leuven
Summers in
Leuven, extending from
June to
August, present the warmest period of the year. The temperatures in this quarter rise well above 20°C (68°F), with
July observing the hottest month of the year with the highest average daily high temperature of 23.2°C (73.8°F). Rainfall amounts steadily decrease over the summer, falling from 27mm (1.06") in June to 20mm (0.79") in August. Comparatively, daylight durations are longer, up to 16.4 hours long in June, reducing to 14.5 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Leuven
Autumn, from
September to
November, in
Leuven observes a general downturn in temperature. Starting with a high of 19.4°C (66.9°F) in September, the temperature incrementally decreases to a lower of 9.6°C (49.3°F) by November. Correspondingly, rainfall during autumn varies between 16mm (0.63") in September to 45mm (1.77") by November, while the daylight hours gradually descend from 12.6 hours in September to 9 hours by November.
Winter weather in Leuven
Winters in
Leuven, spanning
December to
February, are marked by chilling temperatures with highs averaging from 6.3°C (43.3°F) in December and February to 4.9°C (40.8°F) in
January. Snowfall is also observed during winter, especially in February, with an average depth of 41mm (1.61"). Correspondingly, the day length decreases to 8 hours in December, gradually increasing to 10.1 hours by February.
Weather in January
The first month of the year in
Leuven,
Belgium, typically sees the mercury dipping, with temperatures fluctuating between 1°C (33.8°F) at night and 4.9°C (40.8°F) in daytime. Compared to
December, the air cools off slightly.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar turns to
February, the Belgian city of
Leuven sees a subtle rise in temperatures. With highs of 6.3°C (43.3°F), temperatures begin to move away from the chilliness of
January, although the nights still hover around the freezing point.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Leuven denotes the dawn of spring, where the weather gradually begins to warm up. The most significant warmth is felt in the daytime, as temperatures reach up to 10.7°C (51.3°F) - a noticeable shift from
February's highs.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a full-fledged spring in
Leuven, as temperatures climb progressively from
March, stylestic heat dynamics oscillate between 5.8°C (42.4°F) at dusk and 15.3°C (59.5°F) at zenith. Rainfall decreases considerably, making way for the dry season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May ushers in the warmth in
Leuven city, with average temperatures scaling from 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 17.5°C (63.5°F). It's a significant leap from
April's weather, making it noticeably warmer. Precipitation remains around the same level as April.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June heralds the beginning of summer in
Leuven, and temperatures rise still higher, with daytime temperatures typically hitting a maximum of 20.8°C (69.4°F). Compared to
May, June offers slightly more consistent warm weather. Also, daylight hours reach their utmost extent during the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The peak of summer arrives with
July in
Leuven, where the temperature escalates further and tops out at 23.2°C (73.8°F). This month stands out as the warmest month of the year. Despite the soaring temperatures, rainy days are few and far between, resulting in a notably droughty period.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August presents nearly equivalent weather to
July in
Leuven. With the temperature band lying between 14°C (57.2°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F), the heat stays steady. This month also carries the longest sunshine durations, matching those of July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Moving into
September,
Leuven starts to experience a gradual cooldown from the height of summer. With daytime highs no more than 19.4°C (66.9°F), it marks a distinct transition from
August. Cloud cover continues to increase, hinting at the upcoming autumn season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a remarkable downshift in temperatures in
Leuven. Temperatures prevail from 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 15.1°C (59.2°F), indicating a sharp departure from
September's trend. Additionally, the frequency of rainy days sees quite a significant jump.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Leuven’s weather continues to moderate, gradually sliding into the cold winter months. With temperatures ranging between 5°C (41°F) and 9.6°C (49.3°F), the air carries a persistent chill. Rainfall emerges as a key feature, reaching 45mm (1.77") spread over 16.5 days.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December ushers in the full vigor of winter in
Leuven. Being the coldest month, the temperature variation begins from a chilly 2.4°C (36.3°F) rising to only 6.3°C (43.3°F). Conferring the most rain, December records rainfall of 57mm (2.24") over approximately 18.5 days.
Weather in December »