The Rhine is running near its seasonal normal at the Kaub reference gauge and no navigation limits are in force. Forecasts show mainly dry, warm weather, so full sailings should continue this week, although a prolonged dry spell could edge depths toward caution levels late in July.¹²
Current Conditions
Kaub gauge at 1.17 m (normal summer range about 0.80 m - 2.00 m), no restrictions reported.¹
Seven-Day Outlook
Regional weather service bulletins call for a dominant high-pressure ridge, bringing scattered afternoon thunderstorms but light overall rainfall; model guidance keeps the Kaub gauge between 1.10 m and 1.25 m through July 20.²
Three-Week Risk Forecast
| Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Normal | High |
| Days 8-14 | Caution | Medium |
| Days 15-21 | Caution | Low |
A probabilistic fourteen-day forecast shows the river staying above the low-water benchmark (77 cm) this week, with a modest chance of slipping below 97 cm after July 24 if the dry pattern persists.³ Travelers should keep Cancel-For-Any-Reason insurance in place to hedge against late itinerary tweaks.
Cruise-Line Responses
Spokesperson for AmaWaterways notes that captains may introduce brief motor-coach segments if low water affects certain middle-Rhine locks, but no alterations are currently planned.⁴
Spokesperson for Uniworld states that staff post a special water-level statement on the Port Locations page whenever unusually low levels threaten a voyage, assuring guests at least forty-eight hours' notice.⁵
Traveler Advice
First, prepare for hot afternoons in the upper 80s °F, pack light layers for cooler evening deck time, and carry water on castle hikes along the Middle Rhine.
Second, allow extra transfer time at embarkation ports this week because Bastille Day holiday traffic can slow roads near French border crossings.
Third, if you sail in late July or early August, check your cruise-line app each night for depth advisories before booking independent shore Tours, and confirm your Travel Insurance covers both delay and cancellation.
Methodology
This outlook blends real-time Pegelonline gauge data, Deutscher Wetterdienst seven-day regional forecasts, and the Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde fourteen-day water-level ensemble.¹²³
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- Pegelonline gauge information - Rhein / Kaub, reading 117 cm at 21:45 CEST July 13 2025
- Deutscher Wetterdienst seven-day forecast bulletin, Rheinland-Pfalz & Saarland, issued July 13 2025
- BfG probabilistic 14-day water-level forecast, Pegel Kaub, issued July 13 2025
- AmaWaterways "Welcome Aboard Europe" page - water-level policy
- Uniworld "Already Booked / Travel Information" - water-level updates
FAQ
- How often is this page updated? Every Monday by 10 a.m. Central Time.
- What does "Caution" mean in the table? Minor depth limits or clearance checks may slow passages but rarely cancel sailings.
- Where can I see day-of-sailing notices? Use your cruise-line app or the WSV "Avis à la batellerie" feed for real-time alerts.