At a glance: The best time to cruise through central Europe on the Moselle River is during the summer season, from June through August, when temperatures are warm, there is little rain, and river levels are low enough to allow ideal navigability for ships. If you’re looking for discounted rates, consider the shoulder seasons in late spring (April-May) or early autumn (October-November). Unless you are planning a cruise of the legendary Christmas Markets in November or December, you should generally avoid Moselle River cruises in the winter months (December-March) as the temperatures can get quite low.
The Moselle River (also, Mosel) is one of the lesser-known gems among the river cruising destinations in Europe. Flowing through Germany, Luxembourg, and France, this river acquaints explorers with modern cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and world-class wine throughout the continent, including popular ports like Trier, Koblenz, and Cochem. Many Moselle River cruises are also coupled with the legendary Rhine River cruise.
River through Koblenz Germany
Moselle Valley Climate
Weather in the Moselle valley is often warm and pleasant, making it ideal for growing grapes. During the months of April and May, the average temperature in Cochem is 17°C, but this rises to 22°C in June and 24°C or more in July and August. September and October are quite comfortable at 20°C in the city.
Autumn Cruises on the Moselle River Valley
If we had to pick a month, September is the best month to cruise the Moselle River. Why? The brisk autumn temperatures combined with the breathtaking display of leaves changing color and the fact that considerably fewer people are traveling during this season make September an ideal month to cruise the Moselle River. Plus, if you travel in September, you can avoid the summer heat, which can occasionally reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vineyards across the Mosel Valley will be celebrating their harvests starting in the early fall. There will be amazing fireworks displays, a grand parade, live music, and, of course, wine tastings.
Visit charming towns on the Moselle River
Spring Cruises on the Mosel Valley
The cruising season on the Moselle River typically begins in late spring as the temperatures begin to warm up again. This can be a great time to tour central Europe in full bloom, and you might even find some good discounted rates since it is before the main cruising season. Travelers planning a Moselle France river cruise for spring should pack warmer clothes for the chilly temperatures.
It’s also good to keep in mind that water levels can impact cruises, especially during the spring rainy season when snow is melting, as rising river levels can make it impossible for riverboats to navigate under low bridges until the water goes down. If this happens, your cruise operator will have a plan B, which is usually docking the boat in port and using luxury motor coaches to continue your itinerary, using your boat as the hotel.
Visit charming villages in France (Lya Cattel)
Summer Cruises on the Mosel River
The best time to visit Mosel Valley is during the summer months in June, July, and August. Summer temperatures in central Europe can range from warm to hot, making this a great time to plan your Moselle River cruise if you’re looking forward to basking in the sun on the panoramic sun decks. If you don’t like crowds, then you should probably avoid the summer months, as this is the peak of the tourism season and certain cities and attractions can feel a bit full. Traben-Trarbach and Bernkastel are two examples of riverside towns hosting yearly wine festivals during this time.
Winter Market Moselle River Cruises
A tradition that dates back millennia, the Winter Markets of European port towns might make it worth it to visit during the chillier November and December months. In almost every town along the rivers of central Europe in the weeks leading up to Christmas, travelers are delighted by the vibrant and festive markets set up in the old town squares and plazas, where artisans and bakers are happy to share their traditions with you.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
