Alsace
France · Europe
The best time to visit Alsace is June, July, and August. In summer, daytime highs average 27°C (81°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 0°C (32°F), dropping to around -8°C (18°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Alsace – What you should know
Alsace lies in the rain shadow of the Vosges and is one of the driest and sunniest regions in France. Monthly totals stay low at 35 to 75 mm (1.4 to 3.0 in), and the summer is warm: daytime highs average 26°C (79°F) in July, around 35°C (95°F) on the hottest days. In winter highs are 5 to 6°C (41 to 43°F) with an average of two hours of sunshine, and the coldest nights drop to around -7°C (19°F).
The classic destinations — Strasbourg with its cathedral and Petite France, Colmar with its old town, and the villages along the Wine Route such as Riquewihr and Eguisheim — are very popular in summer. For somewhere quieter and cooler, travel in September and October: in September daytime highs average 22°C (72°F), with 50 mm (2.0 in) of rain on six rainy days, and the grape harvest begins. Alsace is wine country, with Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.
May is the wettest spring month at 70 mm (2.8 in) on nine rainy days, but the countryside is in bloom and temperatures are around 20°C (68°F). In December the Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar are the main reason to visit — daytime highs then average 6°C (43°F) and the sun shines 1.7 hours a day. In high summer thunderstorms can occur and the afternoon heat can be draining; hikes in the Vosges are then an alternative.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 6° (43°)-3– (27–)14 (57) | 8° (46°)0– (32–)15 (59) | 12° (54°)5– (41–)21 (70) | 17° (63°)7– (45–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)11– (52–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)16– (61–)33 (91) | 27° (81°)18– (64–)35 (95) | 26° (79°)16– (61–)34 (93) | 22° (72°)14– (57–)29 (84) | 17° (63°)8– (46–)24 (75) | 10° (50°)1– (34–)18 (64) | 7° (45°)-1– (30–)14 (57) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 0° (32°)-8– (18–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-7– (19–)7 (45) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)9 (48) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)12 (54) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)3– (37–)17 (63) | 8° (46°)0– (32–)13 (55) | 4° (39°)-5– (23–)10 (50) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)8 (46) |
☀️Sunshine | 2h UV 2 | 4h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 4 | 3h UV 3 | 2h UV 2 |
🌧Rain Days | 6d40mm (1.6") | 5d34mm (1.3") | 6d35mm (1.4") | 6d46mm (1.8") | 9d72mm (2.8") | 8d74mm (2.9") | 8d67mm (2.6") | 8d73mm (2.9") | 6d49mm (1.9") | 7d53mm (2.1") | 6d48mm (1.9") | 8d48mm (1.9") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
September offers great weather in Alsace with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Alsace
December – February
December is the big moment: the Christmas markets of Strasbourg and Colmar draw visitors from all over Europe, and the half-timbered houses are dressed in lights. After that it goes quiet. Daytime highs sit at 5 to 7°C (41 to 45°F), nights are frosty and the sun shines only one to four hours.
March – May
Spring arrives earlier here than elsewhere: April already reaches 17°C (63°F), the orchards blossom and the storks return to the villages. The Wine Route is still quiet, and in May showers on nine days a month bring the rain the vines need.
June – August
Warm, bright and dry in the rain shadow of the Vosges: daytime highs of 25 to 26°C (77 to 79°F) and around eight hours of sun a day. Riquewihr and Colmar are crowded, and meals on the winstub terraces run late. Afternoons can turn hot and thunderstorms are possible; the Vosges offer relief.
September – November
The grape harvest begins, the vines turn yellow and red and the light softens. In September the daytime high is 22°C (72°F) and the roads along the Wine Route are pleasantly empty. New wine and tarte flambée are everywhere; November turns foggy and grey.
Events & Festivals
August
- Foire aux Vins d'Alsace· late July to early August (10 days)
Held in Colmar since 1948: around 350 exhibitors pour more than 1,500 Alsace wines, and well-known bands play the open-air theatre in the evenings.
September
- Pfifferdaj (Minstrels' Festival)· first weekend of September
Alsace's oldest festival, in Ribeauvillé, honouring the medieval minstrels: a medieval market, music on the Grand'Rue and a historic procession on Sunday afternoon.
December
- Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik· late November to 24 December
One of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, dating from 1570, now on Place Broglie and other squares in the old town; the big Christmas tree stands on Place Kléber.
- Colmar Christmas markets· late November to late December
Six Christmas markets spread across Colmar's decorated old town, one of the most popular Advent settings in Alsace.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Alsace?
- The best time to visit Alsace is June, July, and August. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Alsace?
- In summer, daytime highs in Alsace average 27°C (81°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 0°C (32°F), dropping to around -8°C (18°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Alsace get?
- Alsace has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 7 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, and March.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
