Ypres, Belgium: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Ypres, Belgium? If you're planning to go to Ypres, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Ypres, Belgium

Based on the climate and weather in Ypres, Belgium, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Ypres, Belgium

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ypres, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Ypres, Belgium by month

January

January in this region is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time and snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you visit Ypres during February, you may notice that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time and snow once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you vacation in Ypres during March, you will probably find that it is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to find the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

Traveling to Ypres in April, you will notice that it is pretty cool and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

In May, Ypres can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Ypres, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

In June, Ypres can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and occasionally jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Ypres, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

In July, Ypres is balmy and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Ypres, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Ypres during August, you will probably notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Ypres is cool and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to find the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

In October, Ypres can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and regularly jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Ypres, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you vacation in Ypres during November, you are likely to see that it can be very chilly and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 80 and 90% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you visit Ypres during December, you are likely to see that it is cold and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 80 and 90% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Belgium has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ypres. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Ypres, Belgium

Ypres, also known as Ieper, is a charming city located in the West Flanders province of Belgium. It is well known for its rich history and wartime significance. Ypres offers visitors a unique combination of medieval and modern tourist attractions. From cobbled streets and Gothic architecture to museums and war monuments, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Ypres, Belgium.

1. Menin Gate Memorial: The Menin Gate Memorial is the most significant war monument in Ypres. It was built to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Every evening at 8 PM, the Last Post is played under the arch of the Menin Gate Memorial to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought in the war.

2. Ypres Cloth Hall: The Cloth Hall was built in the 13th century and served as the center of the city's thriving textile industry. It was severely damaged during the First World War but has since been restored to its former glory. The Cloth Hall now houses the In Flanders Fields Museum, which tells the story of the First World War and its impact on Ypres.

3. Saint Martin's Cathedral: Saint Martin's Cathedral is a gothic-style church built in the 13th century. It boasts an impressive 102-meter high tower, which offers spectacular views of the city. The cathedral is also home to a number of beautiful stained-glass windows and other works of art.

4. Bellewaerde: Bellewaerde is a theme park located just outside of Ypres. It offers a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and a zoo. Bellewaerde is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.

5. Ypres Salient: The Ypres Salient is a large arc-shaped battlefield that played a significant role in the First World War. Visitors can explore the trenches, tunnels, and bunkers that were used during the war. The Ypres Salient is also home to a number of war cemeteries and memorials.

6. Saint George's Memorial Church: Saint George's Memorial Church is a British Commonwealth War Cemetery located in Ypres. It was built to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. The church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the war.

7. Ramparts Cemetery: Ramparts Cemetery is a war cemetery located in Ypres. It is home to the graves of over 3,000 soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. The cemetery is beautifully landscaped and is a peaceful place to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought in the war.

Ypres is a city rich in history and culture. Its war-torn past has left a lasting impact on the city and its people. With a variety of attractions ranging from museums and war monuments to theme parks and zoos, Ypres has something to offer everyone. Whether you're a history buff or a thrill-seeker, Ypres is a destination you won't want to miss.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Prineville, Oregon, United States of America, Amityville, New York, United States of America, Taichung, Taiwan, Cerbère, France, Vega, Texas, United States of America, Badami, India, Ramsar, Iran, Crewe, Virginia, United States of America, Foley, Alabama, United States of America, Aruanã, Goiás, Brazil, and Agia Roumeli, Greece.