River cruising can be an exceptional way to explore Europe, but you should keep timing in mind. Summer months tend to be hot and crowded.
Spring (March to May) offers the ideal opportunity to view the Netherlands as its famous tulips bloom across this iconic destination. Additionally, this time period is popular among cruise lines who offer trips through Germany where gardens boast their springtime beauty.
Spring 
Europe’s beauty shines at its brightest in spring, when flowers blossom and landscapes awaken from winter’s dormancy. Spring marks a season of romance, renewal and love; making river cruises in Europe particularly desirable during this season.
Netherlands Tulips Are A Treat In March, April and May! A Seine River cruise through Paris in spring can be particularly lovely when its streets fill with pretty flower beds. A trip to Strasbourg also makes for an amazing spring experience – its famed gothic architecture becomes even more romantic with flower boxes decorating its rooftops!
Weather should remain comfortable without becoming oppressive, with fewer travelers around to share the sights. But be prepared for rainy days as well as high water levels that might affect your itinerary; such issues were present last summer when river cruise ships had to skip ports in favor of bus tours while their ships were relocated in more navigable waters.
Summer
By springtime, European cities come alive with warm temperatures and beautiful blossoms of spring. Meanwhile, northern Europe is famed for its spectacular display of the Northern Lights.
June to September is an ideal time for families looking for an intergenerational river cruise vacation, as children return to school and the crowds of summer subside.
An autumn river cruise along the Danube is a feast for all your senses, with its lush landscape transformed by bright red-rust leaves into an exquisite display of colors that transform from warm to cool; summer’s oppressive heat has given way to pleasant cool breezes that make exploring historic streets less daunting; those preferring winter’s quiet can take part in festive Christmas market cruises along Moselle and Rhine rivers; either way your experience will remain memorable and will become one of a lifetime!
Fall
Fall is an ideal season to cruise Europe, offering mild temperatures and vibrant autumnal colors. Many popular tourist spots remain enjoyable yet you’ll likely encounter far fewer tourists on your travels – making for an unhurried and restful trip.
As prices decrease during the fall shoulder season, prices tend to drop dramatically from summer prices. Furthermore, weather is perfect for exploring outdoor activities like biking and walking while seasonal cuisine such as pumpkins and apples will also reach their prime.
While every season offers stunning sights, selecting the ideal season for a riverboat cruise can be tricky. With so many beautiful European rivers offering sailings to fit every travel style and destination imaginable, choosing when and how you travel may prove difficult; but with some careful consideration and planning you may just find your ideal cruise – especially if traveling with children.
Winter
River cruises provide an idyllic way to experience holiday traditions around the globe, be they Iceland’s Northern Lights or Europe’s charming Christmas markets. Some river cruise lines even provide dedicated winter itineraries which set themselves apart from summer and fall cruises.
Winter is an ideal time to discover Bruges with its charming streets and cafes, or Innsbruck with its breathtaking mountain vistas framed by snowy mountain peaks – both are UNESCO World Heritage sites! Capital of the Alps Innsbruck lies within Nordkette Mountains; take the mountaintop cable car ride for panoramic views or listen to soulful Fado music while dining at one of many restaurants or bars around town!
