Since moving to Strasbourg in 2019, I’ve experienced all the seasons and learned that each one has something to offer.
From its blossoming cherry trees in spring to its bustling Christmas market in winter, Strasbourg really is a year-round destination.
But, if you’re planning a trip here, timing your visit right is key to nailing down the perfect holiday.
In this guide, I’ll cover the best time to visit Strasbourg and give you an overview of what to expect in each season.
Overall Best Time to Visit Strasbourg
In general, the best time to visit Strasbourg is from May to June and September to October.
During these months, the weather is pleasant and mild, and the city is not too overcrowded.
It’s also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like going for a stroll around La Petite France, picnicking in Parc de l’Orangerie, or cruising down the River Ill.
Additionally, you can find great deals on accommodations during these months, making it a budget-friendly option.
But if you can’t make that work, there are plenty of other seasons and months with spectacular weather, too.
Here’s what you need to know about the best time to visit the capital of Alsace:
When to Visit Strasbourg by Season
Strasbourg has four distinct seasons, and there are advantages to visiting during each one. Below I’ll cover what you need to know about each season to help you pick the perfect time for your trip.
Spring in Strasbourg (March – May)
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Strasbourg. It’s characterized by mild temperatures ranging from 2 to 20 degrees Celsius (36 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) and blooming flowers all around the city.
The days are longer, and storks start migrating back to the region. So, if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll see nests on the rooftops throughout the city.
In general, it’s a great time to explore the city on foot, go for a bike ride, or take a day trip to a nearby town.
I love taking pictures of Strasbourg this time of year. Places like Maison des Ponts Couverts are covered in beautiful lilacs. And, if you walk along Quai des Bateliers, you’ll find tons of other buildings covered in these bright purple flowers.
One of the biggest holidays, second only to Christmas, also falls in this season – Easter.
Buildings are covered with festive decorations and bakeries sell some of the tastiest treats. My favorite is the Paschal lamb or Lämmele. It’s a spongy cake made with a hint of lemon and drizzled with sugar.
Helpful Tips:
- Easter is peak tourist season, so prices will be higher, and crowds will be larger.
- Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Strasbourg.
- The best place to spot cherry blossoms in Strasbourg is in Place de la République.
Summer in Strasbourg (June – August)
Summer in Strasbourg can be summed up in one word – hot.
Temperatures range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius (55 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit).
With warm weather and long days, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. This season is perfect for exploring the city’s parks and gardens, hiking in the nearby Vosges mountains, or visiting a castle.
I love picnicking in Parc de l’Orangerie this time of year.
The gardens are in full bloom, the sun is shining, and there’s plenty of space to hang out and relax. I usually go on Sundays, even if it’s the busiest day. Parc de l’Orangerie is so big I can always find a quiet spot.
My favorite event in summer is Strasbourg’s annual music festival, Fête de la Musique. It’s a free open-air festival that takes place throughout the city with live music performances of all genres.
Helpful Tip: Fête de la Musique is only for one day, so, if you want to attend, be sure to check the dates in advance.
The only month I don’t like in summer is August.
It’s one of the busiest times of year and the tourist crowds are unbearable. And worst of all it’s hot and humid. Many places don’t have air conditioning so you can expect to sweat A LOT!
The only place where you can cool off is in Place Kléber. There is a ground-level fountain and a few cool misters, but that’s about it.
If you have to travel in August, I suggest planning well in advance and booking accommodations early.
Fall in Strasbourg (September – November)
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year in Strasbourg. The air is cool and crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and the city is buzzing with energy.
Temperatures range from 2 to 21 degrees Celsius (37 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) so be sure to pack layers. I always carry an extra jacket just in case the temperature dips.
One of my top recommendations for fall in Strasbourg is visiting a local winery.
By mid-September, the vineyards are full of ripe grapes and pickers are out filling their baskets. It’s the start of the annual grape harvest. So, you won’t find a better time to explore the Alsace Wine Route.
Join a tour, sample some delicious wine, and enjoy the stunning fall scenery.
Some of my favorite villages to visit on day trips from Strasbourg are Mittelbergheim and Dambach-la-Ville. The vineyards here are the most colorful and the least crowded.
Also, don’t miss out on one of Strasbourg’s most popular events – the Christmas market. It usually starts the last weekend in November and runs until Christmas Eve.
Winter in Strasbourg (December – February)
Winter in Strasbourg can be a cold yet magical experience. Temperatures drop to an average of -1 to 6 degrees Celsius (30 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit) and the city transforms into a winter wonderland.
The Christmas market continues through December. The city is full of lights, decorations, and wooden chalets selling hot mulled wine.
My favorite spot to appreciate all the festivities is Rue Mercière, especially at night. With the Strasbourg Cathedral in the background, it’s absolutely beautiful.
In February, the city hosts its annual Strasbourg Mon Amour festival.
It’s ten days of music, food, art, and fun activities. The streets are decorated with lights and the atmosphere is romantic. There’s no better time to visit for couples.
While winter is my least favorite time of year, there are a few activities that I really enjoy.
Strasbourg has tons of museums and I find it’s one of the best ways to escape the chilly weather. My top picks are the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Alsatian Museum, and the Tomi Ungerer Museum.
And, after a day of walking around, there’s no better way to warm up than with a hot plate of choucroute garnie.
It’s tasty, hearty, and perfect for a cold winter day. I’ve tried it at several restaurants in Strasbourg, but my favorite spot is Restaurant Gurtlerhoft.
Helpful Tip: It occasionally snows in Strasbourg in winter. I recommend packing comfortable, waterproof boots just in case.
Month by Month Guide to Strasbourg Weather
Now I’ll break down Strasbourg by month.
I’ll share with you the best month for weather, festivals, and budget, so you can plan your perfect getaway.
January
January is the coldest month in Strasbourg. But it’s the least crowded and prices for accommodation are at their lowest.
If you’re a fan of winter sports, January is the perfect time to visit. The nearby Vosges mountains offer great opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
February
As mentioned, February is the time for Strasbourg Mon Amour. But if you’re not a fan of romance, there’s still plenty to do. You can visit a museum, tour the Strasbourg Cathedral, or go shopping in Strasbourg’s Galeries Lafayette.
It’s also very cold, so pack warm and waterproof clothes if you’re visiting during this time.
March
March in Strasbourg can be unpredictable. It’s still cold, but the weather starts to warm up towards the end of the month.
And just when everyone, including myself, has had enough of winter, the Carnaval de Strasbourg kicks off. It’s a colorful and lively event that brings the city to life with parades and performances.
April
April is a great time to visit Strasbourg. The weather is mild and the city starts to bloom with beautiful flowers and trees.
You can expect quite a few days of rain in April, so plan for some indoor activities. But that’s the only real negative.
It’s still the low season so you can enjoy cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
May
May is one of my favorite months to visit Strasbourg. The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Helpful Tip: Some years it rains a lot. I recommend bringing an umbrella just in case.
There are also a lot of public holidays in May (depending on the year), which means higher prices and crowds.
If it’s a year where these public holidays fall on a weekday, most French people ‘faire le pont’ or ‘make the bridge.’ That means they’ll take their paid vacations to have an extra-long weekend.
So, I recommend checking if these public holidays fall on a weekday before booking your tickets.
June
June is the start of the summer season in Strasbourg. The days are long, the weather is hot but not too hot. It’s also the wettest month, so make sure to bring an umbrella.
The Fête de la Musique takes place in June. The city comes alive with free concerts on every corner. It’s just something you have to see.
By the end of the month, prices and crowds start creeping upwards, but they are not as high as in July or August.
July
July is the peak season in Strasbourg. The weather is hot and sunny, and the city is bustling with tourists.
I, usually, escape to the Vosges mountains where the higher altitudes bring cooler temperatures. But if you do stay in Strasbourg, make sure to pack sunscreen and a hat.
I recommend booking your tickets and accommodations well in advance. Prices tend to be higher, and availability is limited.
Helpful Tip: Bastille Day, or the National Day of France, is the 14th of July.
August
August is very much like July. It’s hot and humid and there are lots of people. The only difference is that the locals are more likely to be on vacation. As a result, some activities and restaurants are closed for the summer holidays.
If you want to experience the city in the summer with fewer crowds, then August is better than July.
September
September is a great time to visit Strasbourg. The weather is still warm, but crowds start to thin out as tourists head back home.
There are plenty of outdoor activities and the European Fantastic Film Festival (SEFFF) takes place during this month. It’s a unique experience for any cinephile.
Prices are generally lower compared to the peak season, so it’s also a good time to score some deals on accommodations and activities.
October
October marks the start of fall in Strasbourg. The weather starts to cool down, but it’s still pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities. It’s the perfect time to explore the city’s parks and gardens.
And, if you’re visiting near the end of October, Parc de l’Orangerie is known for its beautiful autumn colors.
November
November is when the temperatures start to drop significantly, and there are quite a few rainy days.
But this doesn’t mean you should avoid visiting.
In fact, the beginning of November is a great time to experience Strasbourg without the heavy crowds.
As the end of the month approaches, the city transforms into a winter wonderland. The Strasbourg Christmas tree appears in Place Kléber and festive decorations start popping up.
Strasbourg’s Christmas market begins on the last weekend in November. And, while this is usually one of its busiest weekends, the following week is very calm.
December
December is all about the holiday spirit in Strasbourg. The Christmas market is in full swing, and countless activities and events are happening throughout the city.
But with the festive atmosphere also comes colder temperatures, more people, and higher prices.
By mid-December the most popular places to stay are sold out, so plan accordingly.
Helpful Tip: Christmas Day (25th of December) and Boxing Day (26th of December) are public holidays in Strasbourg.
Conclusion
The best time to visit depends on personal preferences and what you want to experience.
If you’re looking for the best time to visit Strasbourg, May to June and September to October are ideal.
You’ll be able to enjoy the best the city has to offer without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. Plus, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities.
Now that you know when to travel to Strasbourg, it’s time to start planning your trip. And why not start with a 48-hour itinerary?
Read More Articles About France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- Colmar or Strasbourg: Which One is Better? (from a Local)
- 4 Days in Alsace: The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)
- Is Strasbourg in Germany or France? A Surprising Answer!
