What Is The Best Time To Visit Alsace, France? (Insider’s Guide)
Are you wondering about what would be the best time to visit Alsace, France? Then I got you covered!
The beautiful region of Alsace is stunning year-round. So it can be extremely hard to choose when to go. Every season has some upsides and downsides, of course.
Luckily for you, I have been to Alsace many times throughout the year, and know all about it. Psst: my favorite time to go to Alsace is winter!
Keep on reading to find out when is the best time to visit Alsace in this post.
Let’s get to it!
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Best Time To Visit Alsace, France – My Take On It
First things first – if you just came here for a quick answer. My two favorite months to visit Alsace are December and May/June.
Alsace is an amazing destination year-round. It is beautiful and lush in spring and summer, and absolutely charming in winter. Alsace is not called the “Christmas capital” for no reason.
Also in fall, during wine harvest season, Alsace is absolutely charming. The fall colors are stunning, and the harvest festivals are super fun.
Honestly, I would probably not visit between January and April, since the weather can be a bit cold and dreary. But this is a great time for cheap, off-season travel.
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Visiting Alsace Region in Spring
Pros: beautiful flowers, fewer crowds, affordable, Easter festivities
Cons: unpredictable weather
Visiting Alsace in spring is like stepping into a fairytale( ok, much like the rest of the year). We visited at the end of May, and LOVED it!
This northeastern region of France really comes to life with a burst of colors as flowers bloom and vineyards begin to flourish.
The climate is mild, perfect for wandering through charming villages with half-timbered houses, like Colmar and Riquewihr. There can be some rain and colder days, which is a downside.
These towns are even more enchanting without the masses of tourists around that you’ll have in summer for sure. Of course, it is also a tad more affordable.
Alsace is famous for its wine route, and spring is an excellent time to explore it. The region’s cuisine, a blend of German and French influences, will offer fresh spring ingredients (asparagus, yum) that pair wonderfully with the local wines.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the many hiking trails, like those in the Vosges Mountains. And it is storch season, the famous local animal. You can see them nesting on the rooftops.
And of course, you don’t want to miss all the Easter festivities in Alsace. I can recommend going in late spring 10/10.
Weather in Alsace in Spring
| Month | Average Temperature (°C/°F) | Daily High (°C/°F) | Daily Low (°C/°F) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 7.5 / 45.5 | 12.5 / 54.5 | 2.5 / 36.5 | 10 |
| April | 11.5 / 52.7 | 17 / 62.6 | 6 / 42.8 | 10 |
| May | 15.5 / 59.9 | 21 / 69.8 | 10 / 50 | 12 |
Visiting Alsace in Summer
Pros: beautiful, warm weather, great for outdoor activities, lots of fun festivities
Cons: more expensive, more crowds, can get hot
Alsace in summer is amazing! The region comes alive with warm weather, blooming vineyards, and fun festivals. It is an awesome time to visit.
The summer months in Alsace are typically warm and pleasant. However, it’s not uncommon for heatwaves to occur from time to time which makes exploring a bit challenging.
One of the highlights of visiting Alsace in summer is the opportunity to explore the famous wine route. It is a cute journey through the most charming villages along the vineyards.
Hiking and cycling along the wine route are super popular in summer in Alsace. Advanced hikers will love climbing up to the castles of Ribeauville. Boating on the canals is another popular activity, offering a different perspective of the region’s beauty.
Summer is also the season for festivals in Alsace. The Colmar Wine Fair in July is a major event. Strasbourg Music Festival is also super beloved among visitors.
No trip to Alsace would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor dining, something I adore.
Sadly, summer is busy and expensive. If this is a major drawback for you, I suggest visiting in spring instead.
Weather in Alsace in Summer
| Month | Average Temperature (°C/°F) | Daily High (°C/°F) | Daily Low (°C/°F) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 18 / 64.4 | 23 / 73.4 | 13 / 55.4 | 11 |
| July | 20 / 68 | 25 / 77 | 15 / 59 | 10 |
| August | 20 / 68 | 25 / 77 | 14 / 57.2 | 10 |
Visiting Alsace in the Fall
Pros: harvest festivals, beautiful fall foliage, lots of activities, cheaper
Cons: sometimes bad weather
Alsace in fall is absolutely stunning! The region has some stunning fall foliage, making it a perfect time to visit.
The fall months in Alsace bring cooler temperatures, and the weather can be unpredictable. That is a bit of a downside, especially when visiting Alsace at the end of fall.
One of the best parts of visiting Alsace in the fall is witnessing the vineyards change color. The rolling hills turn shades of golden yellow, orange, and red. It’s a breathtaking sight, especially when paired with the charming villages.
Wine lovers will enjoy the grape harvest season, which usually takes place in late September and October. Many wineries offer tours and tastings during this time.
Fall is also a great time for hiking and cycling in the region. The cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more comfortable. It might get too cold at the end of the fall season tho.
The region is known for its traditional fall festivals, like the Wine and Gastronomy Festival in Riquewihr and the Pumpkin Festival in Logelheim. These events are a fun way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Speaking of cuisine, don’t miss out on trying some seasonal dishes. Alsace is famous for its hearty comfort food, like tarte flambée, choucroute garnie, and baeckeoffe.
Of course, fall is a more affordable time to visit Alsace than summer, which is the main season.
Weather in Alsace in the Fall
| Month | Average Temperature (°C/°F) | Daily High (°C/°F) | Daily Low (°C/°F) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 16 / 60.8 | 21 / 69.8 | 11 / 51.8 | 8 |
| October | 11 / 51.8 | 15 / 59 | 7 / 44.6 | 9 |
| November | 6 / 42.8 | 9 / 48.2 | 3 / 37.4 | 9 |
Visiting Alsace in Winter
Pros: Christmas decorations everywhere!!
Cons: cold weather, more expensive in December, can be crowded
Here comes my favorite time to visit Alsace: right before Christmas. Visiting Alsace in winter is a magical experience! The region turns into a winter wonderland, especially around the Christmas season.
Alsace is famous for its Christmas markets, with Strasbourg hosting one of the oldest and most famous ones in Europe. The markets are filled with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread
I will not lie, Alsace in winter can be cold. But it is totally worth it to get you into the Christmas mood. I would probably not visit in January or February though.
If you enjoy winter sports, the Vosges Mountains offer opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The snowy landscapes are also beautiful for winter walks.
Winter in general is less crowded in Alsace, but the Christmas markets can be super busy. You might have to pay more for accommodation during that time. But if you are a Christmas freak like me, you won’t mind.
Weather in Alsace in Winter
| Month | Average Temperature (°C/°F) | Daily High (°C/°F) | Daily Low (°C/°F) | Snowy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 3 / 37.4 | 6 / 42.8 | 0 / 32 | 8 |
| January | 2 / 35.6 | 4 / 39.2 | -1 / 30.2 | 10 |
| February | 3 / 37.4 | 6 / 42.8 | -1 / 30.2 | 8 |
What Is The Cheapest Time to Visit Alsace France?
The cheapest time to visit Alsace is from November to March, excluding the Christmas market season in December.
During this period, the demand for accommodation is lower, so you can get good deals. You can find average hotel costs ranging from €60 to €100 per night for a mid-range hotel. Budget options like guesthouses or B&Bs might offer rooms for around €40 to €60 per night.
Since the weather can be a bit unpleasant at those times, I suggest traveling during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October. This can provide a good balance between reasonable prices and pleasant weather.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Alsace Region?
I suggest visiting Alsace for at least 4 full days. It is perfect for a long weekend or even an entire week of vacation.
The region has so much to offer, with cute villages, impressive cities, and stunning nature. You can combine hiking with sightseeing – and most hotels have amazing spas for some relaxation.
Some people only visit for a day, but I think that is way too short. Seeing the most beautiful villages without a rush will take you a couple of days at least, with two additional days to see Strasbourg.
My advice is to take your time and don’t rush. The area is very relaxed, so make sure to match the vibe.
Alsace Event Calendar
- New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1
- Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) – Date varies (April)
- Labor Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1
- Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire) – May 8
- Ascension Day (Ascension) – Date varies (May)
- Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) – Date varies (May/June)
- Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) – July 14
- Assumption of Mary (Assomption) – August 15
- All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) – November 1
- Armistice Day (Armistice de 1918) – November 11
- Christmas Day (Noël) – December 25
- Strasbourg Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Strasbourg) – Late November to December 24
- Colmar Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Colmar) – Late November to December 24
- Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market – First two weekends of December
- Eguisheim Christmas Market – Late November to December 24
- Strasbourg Music Festival (Festival de Musique de Strasbourg) – June
- Colmar Wine Fair (Foire aux Vins de Colmar) – Late July to early August
- Ribeauvillé Fiddlers’ Festival (Pfifferdaj) – First Sunday of September
- Haguenau Hop Festival (Fête du Houblon) – Late August
- Strasbourg Jazz Festival (Jazzdor) – November
* This is not a comprehensive list of all holidays and festivities in Alsace. Check the local tourism website for more accurate info.
Conclusion: Best Time To Visit Alsace France
My favorite time to visit Alsace, France is in December for the Christmas markets. Overall, I would also rate May as one of the best times to visit Alsace.
Summer is the main tourist season, so while the weather is good, the prices are high and the crowds are thick. Check out shoulder season for the best of both worlds.
I would not suggest going from January until March, as the weather can be a bit dreary. However, this is a great time for budget travelers.
If you can’t get enough of beautiful France, check out Paris or the Champagne region.
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- Alsace Itinerary
- Is Alsace Worth Visiting?
- Best Time to Visit Alsace?
- Best Time to Visit Champagne?
- Champagne Tours from Paris
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About the Author
Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.
She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.
