Albania Climate

Climate of Albania

Due to the great diversity of its terrain, Albania is influenced by several climatic zones. Most of the area is dominated by a subtropical Mediterranean climate. The eastern periphery is influenced by slightly more continental air masses, while the inland, upland areas of the country have a mountainous climate characterized by climatic stackedness.

Summers in Albania are usually hot, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C, although under the influence of warm tropical air from the African continent they often reach 40°C. The eastern regions of the country are generally a few degrees cooler, while in mountainous areas the temperature is determined by altitude. In summer in lower-lying areas, thermometers reach 20°C, but already in the higher parts of the mountains they do not exceed 15°C.

Winters are mild, with positive temperatures in most areas. On the coast (Albanian Riviera) they reach about 10°C, while in the Coastal Plain they reach 2°C - 5°C. The coldest areas are inland and in the higher parts of the mountains, where frosts of up to -10°C occur, and snowfall can persist for several months.

Due to the presence of mountains and proximity to the sea, precipitation in Albania is relatively high. Their maximum occurs in winter, while summers are generally dry. Annual precipitation over the coastal plain ranges from 900 mm to 1,300 mm, while the eastern part of the country is drier due to continental air masses, with 700 mm to 900 mm of rain falling. The least rainfall is recorded in the sheltered basins in the east of the country - less than 600 mm - and in the southern part of the country, where there are prolonged droughts. The rainiest region is the western and southwestern mountain slopes, where about 2,000 mm of rain falls annually, and heavy snowfall is recorded in winter.