Wafer trays with different gaps (the distance between the top of the pocket and the bottom of the wafer) were used to grow InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) in a horizontal metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) reactor. The numerical reactor simulation revealed that at the similar surface temperature the gas phase temperature around the wafer increases due to an increased wafer tray temperature. This increased gas phase temperature is expected to increase the effective V/III ratio by enhanced NH3 decomposition. Photoluminescence (PL) intensities of long-wavelength MQWs increased at the same indium content by the enhanced gas phase temperature, while the emission became narrow. This is related to a smoother topography at higher gas phase temperatures.