Main River Water Levels Outlook, Week of August 18, 2025

The Main's cruise corridor is operating normally this week, with the Würzburg gauge around 5.0 ft (1.51 m). This supports routine navigation on a largely regulated river. 1 Forecast pages for Würzburg and Frankfurt show a mostly dry pattern, with little to no measurable rain through the next seven days. 34
Because the Main is canalized with a series of weirs and locks along the navigable reach, it typically maintains stable levels for commercial and cruise traffic in summer. Operational slowdowns are more likely during brief high-water pulses, not low water. 5
Travelers should expect normal sailing, still monitor pre-departure emails from their line, and keep flexible insurance options in mind in case of minor timing adjustments at locks or piers.
Current Conditions
Primary gauge: Würzburg (Pegel Würzburg). 2 5.0 ft (1.51 m), normal range data unavailable. Risk level Normal given today's reading and the managed nature of this reach. 15
Seven-Day Outlook
Chart unavailable. Data summary: Daily forecasts for Würzburg and Frankfurt favor several dry days and only small shower chances, with seven-day totals generally under about 0.25 in (6 mm). With minimal runoff expected, the call is Normal for the next 7 days. 34
Three-Week Risk Forecast
Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
---|---|---|
Days 1 to 7 | Normal | High |
Days 8 to 14 | Normal | Medium |
Days 15 to 21 | Normal | Low |
Late-summer stability plus the Main's lock-regulated pools reduces the chance of extended low-water disruption. Brief storm lines could cause short high-water pauses, but no multi-day signal is indicated today. 5
Cruise-Line Responses
Data unavailable.
Traveler Advice
If you are booked to sail between Mainz, Würzburg, and Bamberg in the next two weeks, plan on normal operations. Still, check your line's app or emails 48 to 72 hours before embarkation for any schedule tweaks at locks or city piers.
If you are shopping near-term dates, this is a favorable window. Choose fares, or insurance, that allow minor timing changes without heavy penalties, and confirm your line's contingency plan for brief lock delays.
For trips more than three weeks out, keep monitoring but avoid changes based on today's outlook. The Main's engineered profile and series of impoundments usually provide ample margin during late summer. 5
Methodology
We use Germany's PEGELONLINE for gauge observations, Bavaria's HND station fiches for site details, public city-level forecasts for precipitation guidance, and convert meters to feet using the international foot, 1 ft = 0.3048 m. 1236
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- WSV PEGELONLINE, Main gauges table with Würzburg latest level
- HND Bayern, Würzburg gauge master page and recent measurements
- Timeanddate, Würzburg 14-day forecast with daily precipitation
- Timeanddate, Frankfurt 14-day forecast with daily precipitation
- Wikipedia, "Main (river)," canalization and locks along the navigable reach
- NIST Handbook 44 Appendix C, exact foot-to-meter conversion, 1 ft = 0.3048 m