Albania Travel Weather

April - May

The spring months herald higher temperatures and fewer rainy days. Thermometers indicate around 12°C - 23°C, however, the weather can be somewhat capricious. On sunny and warm days, there may be fleeting rainfall and thunderstorms. Nature is waking up, everything is turning green, stretches of fruit trees, mainly apple and cherry trees, are blooming, making hiking more pleasant.

This is a good time to visit coastal villages and towns - both on foot and on bicycles. The heat isn't getting too bad yet, and the days are getting longer. The weather is good enough that you can also visit central Albania and the mountainous areas, as well as make round trips around the country.

The water in the Ionian Sea is still quite cold in April, but by the end of May you can start the beach and swimming season.

June - August

The warmest and driest months of the year. Temperatures during this time reach 30°C, and at times even 40°C. Hot days full of sunshine promote relaxation on the coasts. The water in the sea heats up to more than 20°C, the season of beachcombing and sea bathing is underway. The sea breeze provides favorable conditions for lovers of water sports, including windsurfing. Beaches and seaside resorts (Durres, Veliopoje, Saranda, among others) are bustling both during the day and at night.

Due to the heat, exploring the country during these months is quite exhausting, however, this does not deter the crowds of tourists arriving during this time. Hiking and mountain trekking can be arranged, but it is worth remembering that in the highest parts of the North-Albanian Mountains (in the northeastern region) snow often lingers throughout the year.

September - October

September in Albania is usually warm, with air temperatures oscillating between 20°C and 25°C. Although the nights are sometimes a bit cooler already (about 18°C), you can still enjoy warm water in the sea, which is conducive to swimming and water sports.

From October onward, it gets cooler (about 20°C), and the number of rainy days also increases. The weather becomes more capricious, it can be sunny or cloudy with heavy rains and thunderstorms.

The autumn months are a good time to visit Albania, especially for those who want to skip the summer heat waves and prefer an active vacation. It's possible to take road trips around the country and do some sightseeing. Nature takes on autumn colors, fruits ripen, which makes hiking and mountain trekking even more enjoyable.

November - March

Albanian winters are mild, especially in areas along the coasts. Average temperatures fluctuate between 8°C and 12°C. This period is the rainiest of the year, and precipitation is sometimes not only frequent, but also heavy. Frosty days with snowfall may also occur.

In the mountainous regions of the country, the climate is much harsher. Winters can sometimes be very cold to -10°C and snowy. In the highest parts of the mountains, snow cover persists for many months, cutting off local villages from the world. Snow-covered slopes provide opportunities for winter sports, however, winter sports resorts are rare. Skiing in Albania should only be pursued by experienced enthusiasts of the sport, as the infrastructure is poorly developed. Skiers can take advantage of the resorts in Korça, Voskopoji and Dardha, but their standard is far from that of other winter resorts in Western Europe. Extreme adventure lovers are recommended to Theth, Valbona or Korab, where conditions for winter sports are much more difficult.