Bruges in July

April through October offers the best weather, but timing matters more than temperature here. May and September hit the sweet spot - mild weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable hotel prices. Summer brings warm days perfect for canal tours, but also brings cruise ship crowds that pack the narrow streets. July sees the Cactus Festival if you're into music. Winter has its own magic - Christmas markets from late November through January transform the squares into fairy tale scenes, and you'll have the canals mostly to yourself. But many attractions run limited hours, and weather can be brutal. Spring arrives early here, with flowers blooming in Minnewater Park by March. October offers autumn colors and harvest festivals, though rain becomes more frequent. Avoid Easter weekend and the first week of August unless you enjoy shoulder-to-shoulder sightseeing.