The best time to visit Albania

January is the heart of winter in Albania, bringing cool weather to the coast and lowland areas. Meanwhile, the northern and eastern mountains experience subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall.

With fewer visitors, January is perfect for crowd-free exploration of urban centres like Tirana. The capital, best discovered on foot or by bicycle, can be enjoyed at a more relaxed pace during the winter months. However, travellers should be prepared for reduced daylight hours, occasional closures and limited access to remote regions.

The winter chill in Albania continues into February, with mountain regions experiencing their coldest, snowiest conditions of the year. While rainfall is common along the coast, mild sunny days begin to hint at spring, especially in the south.

Visitors to Tirana this month can enjoy its many cultural attractions, including the National Historical Museum at Skanderbeg Square. February is the best time to go to Albania to experience The Streets of Shkodra in Carnival, a vibrant three-day celebration filled with music, dancing, singing and delicious food.

By month’s end, March sees temperatures start to rise. Expect a mix of sunny days interspersed with rainy periods, as blossoming almond and cherry trees signal spring’s arrival.

With the return of warmer weather, hiking in lower-altitude hills and countryside cycling are back on the itinerary, while Karavasta Lagoon becomes a hub for birdwatching as migratory birds like flamingos return. Consider heading along the coast to visit the small towns and ancient ruins peppering the landscape; the likes of Apollonia date back approximately 2,500 years.

The sunny days interspersed with brief showers continue into April, with nights remaining comfortably cool. For those wondering when to visit Albania to enjoy its Mediterranean climate, April is a great option.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint’s ancient preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the layered history of the settlement, from its prehistoric origins to its abandonment in the late Middle Ages. A more modern cultural point of interest is the thousands of stone bunkers scattered throughout the country, many of which have been given new life as cafes, museums and even a tattoo parlour.

May in Albania marks the beginning of early summer, with comfortably warm days, plenty of sunshine and cool evenings. Coastal regions from Durrës to Sarandë enjoy ideal beach conditions, with the sea warming enough for pleasant swims.

As summer draws near, hiking trails become more accessible again in places like Valbona Valley, whilst Skadar Lake makes a scenic backdrop for cycling or horse riding excursions. This is also the month to experience the best of the Albanian Riviera, before summer crowds fill the popular coastal towns such as Sarande.

June is widely considered one of the best times of year to visit Albania. Coastal areas bask under strong sunshine, whilst the mountains remain pleasantly cooler. Rainfall is minimal, seas are warm and the days stretch long into balmy evenings.

Avoiding the crowds at the Albanian Riviera, head north to the Adriatic Sea coast to enjoy a calmer atmosphere ideal for families travelling together. If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, note that the north is also home to the Albanian Alps and Thethi National Park, whilst the south offers the Ceraunian Mountains and Llogara National Park.

July is the height of summer in Albania, the busiest time of year for both domestic and international tourism. Daytime temperatures typically exceed 30°C, moderated by refreshing sea breezes along the coast.

For sun seekers, an alternative to the busy coastal beaches is Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid, which is shared with North Macedonia. If the heat is too much, a cooler escape awaits in the mountains thanks to the annual Za Fest. This festival is dedicated to telling the stories of the Albanian Alps through traditional music and dance.

August is characterised by scorching temperatures and warm nights often not dipping below 20°C. Rain is minimal, skies remain cloudless and the sea is at its warmest, perfect for swimming.

With the last of the snow well and truly gone from the Alpine passes, August is the best time to go to Albania for a road trip through the mountains. Make time to visit Valbona Valley National Park en-route, reached via a picturesque boat ride along Komani Lake. The latter is a popular spot with locals for a refreshing dip as respite from the summer heat.

The summer heat lingers into early September, with temperatures settling in the pleasant mid-20s by month’s end. For those wondering when to visit Albania to enjoy warmer weather without peak season crowds, September is ideal.

Consider taking a guided tour, whether on foot or on two wheels, to explore quaint mountain villages, bustling city streets or one of the country’s many vineyards gearing up for the grape harvest. Wildlife enthusiasts can also enjoy a spot of birdwatching during the autumn migration, including vast flocks of waders, raptors and passerines.

Rainfall increases in October, especially in the north, but these autumn showers are typically interspersed with periods of sunshine. Nights become noticeably cooler, particularly in the mountains where temperatures dip below 10°C.

A Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance, a visit to Butrint promises insight into the history of the ancient settlement, from Greek colony to early Christian bishopric and beyond. For a relaxing break, Permet – nicknamed the ‘City of Roses’ – is renowned for its thermal springs, ideal for soothing aching legs after a brisk hike in the nearby Fir of Hotovë-Dangëlli National Park.

November marks the arrival of Albania’s rainiest month. Expect frequent and sometimes heavy showers, particularly along the northwestern coast, with mountain peaks also receiving their first snowfall at this time.

To avoid the downpour, head indoors to one of the many cultural highlights in capital city Tirana, such as the National History Museum or the Bunk’Art gallery housed in an underground bunker. Go back in time with a southerly road trip through Berat and Gjirokastra, two historic centres boasting centuries-old Ottoman fortresses and castles to explore.

Winters in Albania are often milder than in many other European countries, though rain is common. Higher altitudes like the Albanian Alps experience consistent snowfall and subzero temperatures during December.

Experience Tirana’s festive spirit as the city comes alive with Christmas markets, ice-skating rinks and traditional holiday decorations. Take the opportunity of fewer crowds to explore the offbeat Piramida, the iconic monuments of Skanderbeg Square and the Christmas Tree in Mother Teresa Square.