Wondering if Belgium’s national holiday is usually marked by heavy rain? The idea of a “drache nationale” might surprise many, as historical weather data shows that downpours on July 21 are quite rare. Former weatherman Frank Deboosere recently explored rainfall records in Ukkel, dating back to 1880, to uncover the truth behind this common belief.
- Frank Deboosere researched national holiday rainfall
- Data spans from 1880 to 2025
- Most national holidays remain dry
- Only 10 holidays exceed 10 mm rain
- 30 holidays receive 1 to 10 mm rain
- 29 holidays have minimal rain (0.1-1 mm)
His findings reveal that on the vast majority of national holidays, the weather stays dry or only experiences light rain. Even as of 2025-07-21 19:55:00, the data confirms that heavy rainfalls are exceptional rather than the norm. So, what does this mean for Belgians planning outdoor celebrations?
Let’s take a closer look at the rainfall patterns on Belgium’s national day and what locals can expect going forward.
Why do many Belgians expect rain on the national holiday despite the data? It might be due to memorable wet years standing out more in collective memory. Understanding this helps in planning events and managing expectations:
- From 1880 to 2025, only 10 national holidays had over 10 mm of rain.
- 30 days recorded light rain between 1 and 10 mm, and 29 had very light rain (0.1–1 mm).
- A total of 77 national holidays remained completely dry, showing a clear majority.
- Weather variability means occasional wet days, but heavy rain is not typical.
As the national holiday approaches each year, will you rely on tradition or data for your plans? Keeping an eye on updated forecasts alongside historical Trends can help ensure a successful and enjoyable celebration, rain or shine.
