Executive Summary
The Dordogne is starting the week with routine midsummer conditions and adequate depth for Cruise operations. Models point to brief, heat‑driven spikes in flow after mid‑week storms, but no sustained low‑water or flood disruption is expected.
Current Conditions
Bergerac gauge 0.13 m (normal navigation band 0 – 2.00 m), risk level — Normal.¹
Seven‑Day Outlook
| Date | High / Low (°C) | Rain Chance | Level Trend | Risk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 23 Jun | 31 / 18 | 5 % | Steady | Normal | |
| Tue 24 Jun | 36 / 15 | 19 % | Rising | Normal | |
| Wed 25 Jun | 32 / 19 | 40 % | Peak | Normal | |
| Thu 26 Jun | 25 / 15 | 20 % | Falling | Normal | |
| Fri 27 Jun | 27 / 14 | 5 % | Steady | Normal | |
| Sat 28 Jun | 34 / 14 | 0 % | Steady | Normal | |
| Sun 29 Jun | 33 / 16 | 10 % | Steady | Normal | 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 strong subtropical ridge brings very hot, mostly dry weather through late June, then retreating jet‑stream energy allows two Atlantic lows to cross Aquitaine in early July. Each front could drop 25‑40 mm of rain in the upper basin, nudging levels into the caution band for brief periods. Travelers holding July sailings should keep Cancel‑For‑Any‑Reason coverage in force.³
Cruise‑Line Responses
Spokesperson for Uniworld reports that Brilliant Bordeaux departures continue on schedule and no ship swaps are foreseen.⁴ Spokesperson for AmaWaterways states that low‑draft vessels on the Dordogne–Garonne program retain full clearance under all expected water‑level scenarios this month.⁵
Traveler Advice
First, plan shore excursions around the mid‑week heat. Afternoon highs above 90 °F can make hilltop villages uncomfortable, so schedule château visits for the cooler mornings and save air‑conditioned wine cellars for mid‑day.
Second, carry a light rain shell. Thunderstorms on June 25‑26 may form with little warning. A compact jacket keeps you dry during pier transfers and protects sensitive electronics inside daypacks.
Finally, reconfirm your embarkation pier 24 hours out. Libourne and Bourg handle most Dordogne stops, yet a temporary move to Bassens is possible if tidal surge coincides with runoff. Your Cruise manager will post any adjustments by SMS or the line’s app.
Methodology
Analysis combines live SOBOS‑FloodAlert gauge feeds, Météo‑France short‑range precipitation grids, and ECMWF 46‑day ENS ensemble scenarios.⁶
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- FloodAlert gauge table for Dordogne, Bergerac
- SeaTemperature seven‑day weather and water‑temperature forecast for Dordogne River
- Météo‑France national bulletin, 22 Jun 2025
- Uniworld Travel Information – Water‑Level Monitoring Statement
- AmaWaterways FAQ – Water‑Level Contingency Plans
- ECMWF Medium‑Range ENS Documentation
FAQ
- Is low water common on the Dordogne? No, snowmelt and tides usually keep the river deep enough for Cruise traffic, but short droughts can occur in late summer.
- Could high water cancel my July cruise? Only an extreme Atlantic storm coinciding with a spring tide would force cancelation, an event that is historically rare.
- Why does my itinerary mention the Garonne as well as the Dordogne? Bordeaux cruises sail the tidal Gironde estuary, branching into the Dordogne and Garonne to reach different wine districts.