Danube water levels in August

August 2027 currently gives a Danube cruise a 73% chance of going exactly as planned: elevated. Until the live forecast reaches August, about seven months ahead, this is the thirty-year record.

Affected rarely means canceled. On the Danube it means ship swaps or bus days on the shallow reach between Straubing and Vilshofen and through the Wachau valley.

By August the Alpine snowmelt has done its work for the year, and the rivers run on summer rain. Generous summers sail without a hitch; dry ones ask for a little flexibility.

Across thirty years of records, August ran as planned on the Danube in about 73% of years, 5th calmest of the twelve months. The calmest months here are May and April; September and October lean hardest on the rain.

The last five Augusts, from the official record: 2026 25 low water days · 2025 clear · 2024 clear · 2023 2 low water days · 2022 11 low water days. Of the last five, 2026, 2023 and 2022 hit low water; 2025 and 2024 sailed clear.

Sailing on specific dates? The cruise checker scores your exact window, day by day. For the whole season, see when to go or the full Danube page.