Are you planning a trip to Albania and wondering when the best time to visit is?
While the country has much to offer year-round, the most pleasant weather can typically be found from spring (April) to autumn (October).
In this guide, we’ll provide an in-depth look at the best times to visit Albania based on your specific travel preferences.
About Albania
Albania is a small country located in the Balkans (Southeast Europe), nestled between Kosovo to the northeast, Montenegro to the northwest, and Greece to the south.
It has a total population of 3.5 million people and the capital city is Tirana. The country’s official language is Albanian and its currency is Lek.
Albania has a rich and varied history and culture, with influences from both the East and the West.
Albania is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including stunning beaches along the Adriatic Sea and the Albanian Alps in the north.
Climate in Albania
Albania has a Mediterranean Climate. It’s characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Because Albania is located in Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic Sea, it’s influenced by both the Mediterranean Sea and the continental climate of Europe.
The weather in Albania is generally good, with lots of sunshine and warm temperatures all year long.
Average temperature
Albania experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with the hottest temperatures occurring during the summer months and the coldest temperatures occurring during the winter months.
During the summer months of June, July, and August, Albania has average high temperatures ranging from 27-30 degrees Celsius (80-86 degrees Fahrenheit). The minimum temperatures during these months are relatively mild, ranging from 15-17 degrees Celsius (59-63 degrees Fahrenheit).
In the spring and fall months of March, April, May, September, October, and November, Albania has average high temperatures ranging from 15-23 degrees Celsius (59-73 degrees Fahrenheit). The minimum temperatures during these months range from 4-14 degrees Celsius (39-57 degrees Fahrenheit).
During the winter months of December, January, and February, Albania has average high temperatures ranging from 11-13 degrees Celsius (52-55 degrees Fahrenheit). The minimum temperatures during these months can drop below freezing, with an average low of 1-3 degrees Celsius (34-37 degrees Fahrenheit).
Number of monthly rainy days
The graph below shows the average number of rainy days in Albania throughout the year.
Albania has more rainy days during the fall and winter months, with an average of 11-13 rainy days per month from October to December.
The spring months of March, April, and May also have a relatively high number of rainy days, with an average of 11 rainy days per month.
In contrast, the summer months of June, July, and August have the least number of rainy days, with an average of only 4 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
Albania has the most sun hours per month during the summer months, with an average of 298 sun hours in June, 354 sun hours in July, and 335 sun hours in August. In Albania, these months tend to be the warmest and driest of the year, with long hours of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.
The spring months of April and May also have relatively high amounts of sun hours, with an average of 202 and 250 sun hours per month, respectively. The fall months of September and October have slightly lower amounts of sun hours, with an average of 269 and 208 sun hours per month, respectively.
During the late autumn and winter months of November, December, January, and February, Albania has fewer sun hours. With an average of 103-131 sun hours per month, these months are typically cooler and wetter, with shorter days and longer nights.
Seasons in Albania
Like most countries in the temperate zone, Albania has four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a good time to visit Albania, with relatively mild temperatures and increasing amounts of sunlight.
March, April, and May are the spring months in Albania, and the weather during these months is generally pleasant. The average high temperatures range from 15-23 degrees Celsius (59-73 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average low temperatures range from 4-12 degrees Celsius (39-54 degrees Fahrenheit). These temperatures are generally comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Spring is also a good time to visit Albania for the longer hours of sunlight. The monthly sun hours in March, April, and May are 161, 202, and 250 hours, respectively. This is a significant increase from the shorter days of winter and provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Rain is relatively common during the spring months in Albania, with an average of 11 rainy days per month in March, April, and May. It’s always a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella just in case, but the rain typically does not last for long periods of time.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 15°C / 59°F | 19°C / 66°F | 23°C / 73°F |
| Min temperature | 4°C / 39°F | 7°C / 45°F | 12°C / 54°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 161 hours | 202 hours | 250 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 11 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Tolerable | Good | Great |
Summer (June to August)
Summer is a great time to visit Albania, with very warm temperatures, long hours of sunlight, and a low number of rainy days.
June, July, and August are the summer months in Albania, and the weather during these months is generally hot and dry. The average high temperatures range from 27-30 degrees Celsius (81-86 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average low temperatures range from 15-16 degrees Celsius (59-61 degrees Fahrenheit). These temperatures are generally very warm and are ideal for beach-going and other outdoor activities.
Summer is also a great time to visit Albania for the long hours of sunlight. The monthly sun hours in June, July, and August are 298, 354, and 335 hours, respectively. This is a significant increase from the spring and fall months and provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Rain is relatively rare during the summer months in Albania, with an average of only 4 rainy days per month in June, July, and August.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 27°C / 81°F | 30°C / 86°F | 30°C / 86°F |
| Min temperature | 15°C / 59°F | 17°C / 63°F | 16°C / 61°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 298 hours | 354 hours | 335 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 6 days | 4 days | 4 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn in Albania is characterized by mild temperatures, increasing amounts of rainfall, and a decreasing number of sun hours.
September, October, and November are the autumn months in Albania, and the weather during these months is generally pleasant. The average high temperatures range from 21-27 degrees Celsius (55-65 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average low temperatures range from 6-14 degrees Celsius (43-57 degrees Fahrenheit). These temperatures are generally comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
There is a noticeable decrease in the number of sun hours in Albania in autumn. The monthly sun hours in September, October, and November are 269, 208, and 103 hours, respectively. This is a significant decrease from the long days of summer and provides less time for enjoying outdoor activities or sightseeing.
Rain is more common during the autumn months in Albania, with an average of 6-13 rainy days per month in September, October, and November.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 27°C / 65°F | 21°C / 55°F | 17°C / 43°F |
| Min temperature | 14°C / 57°F | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 43°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 269 hours | 208 hours | 103 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 6 days | 11 days | 13 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Good | Tolerable |
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the least favorable time to visit Albania, with colder temperatures, short days, and more frequent rainfall.
December, January, and February are the winter months in Albania, and the weather during these months is generally cold and wet. The average high temperatures range from 11-13 degrees Celsius (52-55 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average low temperatures range from 1-3 degrees Celsius (34-37 degrees Fahrenheit). These temperatures can be quite chilly and are not ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Winter is also a less favorable time to visit Albania due to the shorter hours of sunlight. The monthly sun hours in December, January, and February are 93, 131, and 122 hours, respectively. These are significantly shorter than the long days of summer and can make the colder temperatures feel even colder.
Rain is more common during the winter months in Albania, with an average of 10-12 rainy days per month in December, January, and February.
Winter is the least favorable time to visit Albania due to the colder temperatures, shortened days, and more frequent rainfall. However, if you are willing to brave the cold, there are still some activities to enjoy, such as skiing in the Albanian Alps or visiting indoor cultural attractions.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 13°C / 55°F | 11°C / 52°F | 12°C / 54°F |
| Min temperature | 3°C / 37°F | 1°C / 34°F | 2°C / 36°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 93 hours | 131 hours | 122 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 12 days | 12 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit Albania weather-wise
The best time to visit Albania weather-wise is from April to October. This is when the weather is the most pleasant, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
The weather is already comfortably warm in April, and plants, trees, and flowers are beginning to bloom. It’s a good time to get outside and discover the nation’s natural splendor.
During the summer months of June, July, and August, the weather is at its warmest and sunniest. This is also the busiest time of year for tourists, especially at the beach resorts.
From the end of October, the weather starts to become cooler and wetter, with increasing amounts of rainfall.
Best time to visit Albania for sightseeing
Albania is a diverse and culturally rich country, offering a wide range of sightseeing opportunities.
If you’re planning to visit Albania with sightseeing in mind, the best time to go is from April to June and from September to October. These two periods, in spring/summer and autumn, are characterized by pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the country’s cultural and historic attractions.
The peak tourist season in Albania is from July to August, when the weather is at its warmest and sunniest. During this time, the beaches and other popular tourist destinations can become crowded, and it can be difficult to find accommodations. Additionally, the hot temperatures during these months can make sightseeing tiring and uncomfortable.
October is the last month of autumn in Albania, when the weather is generally still pleasant. After October, the weather becomes cooler and wetter, making it less ideal for sightseeing.
Best time for skiing in Albania
The best time for skiing in Albania is in winter (December-February). During these months there is often snowfall in the Albanian Alps and other mountainous regions of the country.
The ski season in Albania generally starts in December, when the first snowfall occurs in the higher elevations. Ski resorts typically open in mid-December and remain open until the end of April.
Best time for beach holidays in Albania
The best time for beach holidays in Albania is from June to September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, with average high temperatures ranging from 27-30 degrees Celsius (80-86 degrees Fahrenheit). This is a great time to visit the Adriatic coast and enjoy the beach, as well as other outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The beach season in Albania generally starts in June, when the weather starts to warm up and the water temperature becomes more comfortable for swimming. Beach resorts and hotels along the coast typically open in May and remain open until the end of September.
The beaches in Albania are known for their crystal clear water and fine, sandy shores. The Adriatic coast is home to a number of popular beach resorts, including Saranda, Dhermi, and Vlora, as well as a number of smaller, more secluded beaches.
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