Are you wondering about what would be the best time to visit Alsace, France? Then I’ve got you covered!
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 spring!
Keep on reading to find out when the best time to visit Alsace is in this post.
Let’s get to it!
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.
At this point, I need to say that Alsace is worth visiting year-round. There are only a few months that are a little dull weather-wise.
Alsace 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 the fall, during the 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.
Keep on reading: Alsace in Spring: Itinerary, Beautiful Villages & Travel Tips
Visiting the Alsace Region in Spring
Pros: beautiful flowers, fewer crowds, affordable, Easter festivities
Cons: unpredictable weather
Visiting Alsace in spring is simply stunning. We visited at the end of May, and LOVED it! The vibe is colorful, airy, and fun.
Alsace really comes to life with a burst of colors as flowers bloom and vineyards begin to flourish into a lush green.
The climate is mild, which is also great for hiking in the Vosges Mountains. But there can be some rain and colder days, which is a downside.
I found that the towns of Alsace 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. You’ll get to eat lots of yummy asparagus with the wine, since it is in season in the spring.
And it is the stork 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! Think outdoor seating, warm weather, lush vineyards, and fun festivals.
The summer months in Alsace are typically warm and pleasant. However, it’s not uncommon for heat waves to occur from time to time. That can make 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, boating, and cycling are super popular in the area, so summer is probably the best time for sporty people to visit.
Summer is also the season for festivals in Alsace. The Colmar Wine Fair in July is a major event. The Strasbourg Music Festival is also awesome.
Sadly, summer is busy and expensive. If this is a major drawback for you, I suggest visiting in the spring instead. Also, compared to the flowers in spring and the foliage in fall, summer can seem a little dull photography-wise.
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: occasional bad weather
Alsace in the fall is absolutely stunning! The region has some stunning fall foliage, and my fellow fall girlies will definitely appreciate this vibe.
The weather can be a bit meh. 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 the fall.
One of the best parts of visiting Alsace in the fall is witnessing the vineyards change color into golden yellow, orange, and red. It’s a breathtaking sight (especially for photographers).
It is also grape harvest season, which usually takes place in late September and October. Many wineries offer tours and tastings during this time.
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 so much fun and capture the traditional fall vibes we love.
Speaking of cuisine, don’t miss out on trying some seasonal, hearty fall dishes. Alsace is famous for its hearty comfort food, like tarte flambée, choucroute garnie, and baeckeoffe – and of course, Sauerkraut.
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
Last but not least, here comes my favorite time to visit Alsace: right before Christmas. Visiting Alsace in winter is a magical experience!
Alsace is famous for its Christmas markets. Strasbourg has one of the oldest and most famous ones in Europe.
I will not lie, Alsace in winter can be cold. But it is 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.
The Alsatian cuisine is especially heartwarming in the colder months. It usually consists of lots of pork, potatoes, sausage, and, of course, Munster cheese. It goes pretty well with the locally famous wines, pinot gris and pinot blanc.
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?
The cheapest time to visit Alsace is from November to March, excluding December, during the Christmas market season.
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.
You’ll get a good balance between reasonable prices and pleasant weather.
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
My favorite time to visit the Alsace region is in December for the Christmas markets. But Spring and fall in Alsace are equally amazing – if you ask me.
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. Not my favorite vibe, to be honest. Check out shoulder season for the best of both worlds.
I would not suggest going from January to March, as the weather can be a bit dreary. However, this is a great time for budget travelers.
Whether you choose to go during spring or harvest time, Alsace never disappoints. Great wine, cute villages, and nice people await.
About the Author
Hi friend, I am Sabrina, a passionate travel blogger and photographer from Austria.
I love capturing the world through the lens of the seasons, chasing soft spring blooms, golden autumn light, and cozy winter moments along the way. My goal is to help you discover destinations at their most magical moments.
